Nativity Cross Stitch Freebie!

I took one of the designs that I made, and converted it into a cross stitch. I changed a few things and added a bird to this one. It actually took me awhile since Bean has a tendency to want to get in my lap when I am on the computer and then he hits the keys and messes up the design, so I have to redo things.

I hope you like it and I enjoy working with my cross stitch program so I can get better at designing things for the cross stitch lovers. If you make a piece, from any of my designs, I would love to see it. I used colors so you could see the design better, so no set colors, just ones I grabbed from the color picker.

Yesterday was a beautiful day, so we went for a walk at a local trail that leads to the bay. I left my good camera at home since the seals are too far away to get nice shots. What I didn't know was that I would find seals basking on a rock, close to the shoreline. I will not leave my camera at home, in the future. I had to use my pocket camera on zoom so not the best shot.

Bean Loved the walk, he met lots of people and dogs and jumped on lots of people and dogs, lol. He gets so excited on walks, and he loved running on the beach and digging holes in the sand.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and are blessed with friends and family at your tables. We will have our daughter but my DIL is still mad at me, so they are not coming. I want to thank everyone again for the well wishes and blessings, it warms my heart to know I have so many friends around the world.

Weekend Wanderings!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and got to enjoy some nice weather and time with friends and family. Memorial day is a time that we remember our parents, who have all passed and except for my mom, were in the armed forces.

We also got out and enjoyed some nice weather between the rain storms. Saturday was a day for a drive to the ocean and walks at the lighthouse and then along the rocky cliffs.

The tide was low so the seagulls were coasting on the wind, looking for tidbits along the rocks.

Black Rock was the perfect place for a hike and walking around the rocks.

We weren't the only ones enjoying the beautiful day.

This week is Nicholas' first birthday, so Sunday was time with my sweet grandson and sharing his special day with him and the family.

Dad and son, who I think have that same sweet smile.

The fun was birthday cake, this was his smash cake, just for him to make a mess with. At first he started crying, then he finally realized that it was fun and tasted good too.

He got lots of presents, and Grandma and Grandpa could not resist getting him this special present just so we could see that wonderful happy smile, on his face;)

Today we went for another walk. It was raining in the morning and then I thought it had stopped but it kept showering on us. The good thing was, the woods were so thick and lush, we didn't feel it in the woods.

It started raining again when we hit the beach, but I decided to keep walking and was rewarded with being able to watch this guy, catching a crab in the shallow waters. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.

Whacky Wednesday!

I hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful weather we are getting on the east coast. We got out for a walk today and the seals were back. They were all huddled on two rocks that were quickly being covered with the rising tide, so we watched as one by one, they pushed each other off and then a line of seals swam and played as they headed down the bay. Of course all my shots were on high zoom so they came out blurry.

I did get some fun shots from our walk this weekend. I am working on some christmas pieces and the gifts for the giveaway I had.

I think this is a literal version of being, " Flipped the bird".

Seagulls can be fun to watch, and they seemed to be putting on a show for me.

Still Paddling!

Today I relaxed in the morning and decided it was a good day to take a short, easy paddle. Well, so much for that idea, we ended up paddling 8 miles today. No idea how that happened, didn't seem that far, lol.

We stuck close to home and went to our town launch. It was low tide, so not too many places to paddle in the coves, so we went around the island and then headed out to the bay. We were going to go to a spot on an inner cove that has a strong current coming through a channel, so you can swim in one spot and never move, but it was too shallow.

We ended up paddling to the other side and paddling, till we found a nice sandy spot. Rhode Island has a lot of rocky coast and this area is mostly rocks, but we were able to find the perfect spot all to ourselves.

Lots of beach, just for us;)

Since the tide was out, there were a lot of exposed shells on the beach. I threw this guy back in the water after I got his photo, way too hot to be stuck on the beach.

It was a humid day out, but the cool ocean breezes made it perfect for paddling.

Coming into the harbor was fun too, lots of boaters coming and going and all with a friendly greeting as you pass by, I love my town:)

Must be Monday!

First, I would like to thank all of you who voted in the contest at This-n-That Fabrics, it isn't official but I came in second, so I can get myself some needed supplies. They are also having another giveaway this week, so be sure to leave a comment, to win a queen sized, wool batting.

It seems we are getting our share of rain this week, a few more days and then the good weather gets here, just in time for the weekend. With the heavy rains, we are staying away from the rivers, some are at flood stage and I do not want to be on one if the dam lets loose, lol.

We did get a walk in and enjoyed the cooler temps at the park by the bay. Most people take the main path, straight to the beach. We have to explore and take side trails through the woods, you never know what you will find.

This makes me think of Hansel and Gretel, lol. Someone started a Geocache at an old home site in the woods. They always decorate it with something for the season.

And of course I visited my sweet grandchild. He is such a good baby and loves being held, which I am happy to do.

Bad Paddle Day!

Sometimes things just go wrong. Bill was finally able to go in the water again, so I really wanted to paddle, even though I am going through a weak muscle week. I was tired when I started and paddle didn't help, but I kept going, I love being out on the water, too much. It was a beautiful day, the clouds kept the heat down and there was a nice breeze and nice rolling waters. So, it was a tough paddle with my mood going from bad to worse;)

Then we got back to the car and our window was smashed and my purse was gone. I could care less about the money or things, but it was my purse, that is personal and it makes me sad to have something like that happen, I am not used to things like this in my area. They took my GPS too, but it was my personal things that mattered, one being the boat eye glass case that I made. I had my cameras and phone with me, so those were safe and for some reason they missed Bill's wallet and phone, maybe someone came and they took off.

They did get my cards and used it to buy gas, but I am covered so I didn't lose anything and everything else got cancelled too, before they used them. Then I remembered my house keys were in it, so now we need to change those tomorrow. Along with replacing my license and what else I had, I cannot remember, the problem with my short term memory.

So, it was a bad day and I am sad. I could never hurt another person and I don't understand people who do. Even though it was a hard paddle, it did help, over doing it, tires me out, so it lessons the nerve pain that the lyme causes, so I had a slight break from that, at least. Also, since he used the card at a station, we were able to get the time and hopefully they had cameras and can catch him. We found out, that it is happening a lot lately, wish we knew that before hand;)

I took a few photos today, so I will leave you with some photos of our paddle and blessings to all of my wonderful friends who visit my blog and restore my faith, that there are good people in this world.

People are not the only ones who enjoy a boat ride.

The ferry was taking a load of passengers on a ride to view the scenic points of the bay. Glad it was on the opposite side from us.

A blimp was flying around the bay area, not sure what makes them think it would make me buy their product.

What was supposed to be a paddle in the harbor, ended up with 3 miles down the coast, I will never learn;) A perfect place to stop for lunch, to relax and enjoy the views.

Monday Musings!

I love getting packages in the mail and today I got two, what a great way to start the day.
My friend Kelley has been making quilts for years and she sent me two full quilt tops and two smaller ones that I can use as table toppers. These are older tops, so lots of fabrics you don't see anymore and beautiful pieced designs that she must have spent hours and hours on. I feel blessed to be able to have something that she made and I can practice my quilting on them. I think I will do hand stitching on the geese and machine quilting on the stars. And, they have blue in them, so they look nice on the new couch.

The colors are not as bright as they appear on the screen. The red and white piece will become a runner and the red and greens, will be a christmas topper. They are sitting on my new couch, the color is called pewter, I call it slate blue, not really sure;)

I belong to a yahoo group hosted by This-n-That fabrics. Linda and Sandy have a wonderful group and they host challenges and giveaways for their members. This week I won a fat quarter and told Linda to surprise me. Well, she couldn't have picked a better fabric, it will go beautiful with my new american quilt as an add on, can't wait to use it. She also sent me a charm pack of little apples for a charity quilt, it will make an adorable quilt for a little girl.

Today was a beautiful day with a cool breeze, perfect day for a walk. We walked along the woodland paths and then onto the beach. It was later in the afternoon, so the fishermen were just finishing up for the day.

The seals are gone, and the rocks have been taken over by the cormorants. Just a beautiful day and just what I needed to relax and get some exercise.

Giveaway Winners!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. And for all of you who might not have noticed or were too polite to mention it, but Mother's day is next weekend, lol. It shows you how dense I am lately. I was looking at my new calendar and the events are listed at the top of the space, so I saw it as the date above it, duh. So, yesterday I finally realized that my kids were not ignoring me;)

I used the random number generator and the winner of two free patterns is.... Karmen of A Quilter Awakens. And for the winner or should I say winners of one free pattern, the winner is anyone who left a comment. Just send me an email with your choice of pattern or booklet and I will send you one! I really do appreciate your comments and a chance to laugh at your fun comments.

And for those of you who love the ocean, here are some scenes from our walk yesterday. It was a perfect day for a walk and I did double the distance, tired but a good tired.

We walked down a path, through the wooded  trails and came  down the beach and walked as far as we could towards the lighthouse.

This is the beach we walked down. The point at the end is where we have to go back to, then another long cove to get to the other point.

To get to this spot, we had to jump a small river that was coming out with the tide. The estuary is the perfect place for the birds to nest.

And for those of you who wonder where conchs come from, they grow on trees, of course;)

At the other point, the cormorants were enjoying the beautiful weather, as well. There were a couple of seals, but my photos were too blurry.

This guy had a place of his own. 

A few people were out in their boats. I love how the zoom made the background look so ethereal.

On the way home, we stopped at the town beach and checked out the kayak demo day. 

 The perfect way to end the day, everyone was enjoying themselves.

Seal Watching!

Today was the perfect day for a walk, a warm sun and a cool breeze off the bay.
We lucked out and came at low tide, so we were treated by the seals who love to sit on the rocks in the middle of the bay.

There is a rocky area that pops up during low tide. This is just a part of it, the tide was still going out. From the shore, you can see a few blobs, that might be seals.

On closer inspection,  I found one little guy, sunning himself.

Then after we sat for awhile and the tide lowered, the rest of the gang showed up. How many seals can fit on one rock? LOL Before we left there were seals on all of the rocks. This is when I wish I had a higher zoom.

Sunday Stroll and Giveaway!

Today was a beautiful day for a walk. We went to Rome Point to see the seals, but it seems they were hiding today. It was a good walk though and we criss crossed on different trails, so hiked over 3 miles today.

We did spy some wildlife on our walk and they were enjoying the day as well.
Someone was busy fishing.

I know there are fish down there.

The trails follow the coves and coast and also into the woods, which used to be over 700 acres of farmland.  This guy decided it was time to come out and enjoy some sun. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.

I wanted to let you know about a wonderful giveaway. Chris at We Love Quilting is having a giveaway for April and you don't want to miss out on this one. She is giving away a Gee's Bend quilt kit to a lucky winner. I was the lucky winner of one of her kits and I really need to make mine, it comes with all of the fabrics and instructions and Chris even threw in some little surprises, so visit her blog and make sure you sign up.

Walking and Dying in the Sun!

Yes, I had to enjoy one more day out in this beautiful weather. It was warm again, but at least the breezes kept me cooler this time.

I hope you enjoy my walk at Rome Point. It is a wonderful area to walk, trails in the woods and walks on the beaches and coves, so a lot of scenic variety.

Low tide is a great time to go clamming.

The coves are beautiful this time of year and the seagulls were all enjoying a swim in the inlets.

This guy was enjoying a walk on the rocky shores, looking for clams to open. I think he was hoping we would toss him a snack.

Enjoy a short sail on the bay with me.
If you click on the utube icon, you can get a larger version.

I had some extra java solution, so I left it in a pan on the porch. The sun is evaporating the liquids which draws the colors into the cloth. Hopefully it will also set, well enough to stay on when I wash it.

Rain Rain, Go Away!

I guess I can't expect every day to be perfect, we had three in a row, lol.
Yesterday we stayed home and walmart was the big fun for the day;)
Today it was overcast and rain predicted, and my back feels like someone ran over me with a truck, guess all that paddling finally set in. But, I had to take a walk at least, so we went to the point to get out before the rain came. The rain never did come but my back is so bad, a walk was enough for today.

I love to walk when it is cooler, the sea breezes feel so good and the air so clean.
How would you like to live on this island, talk about an ocean view.



The seals are gone and the cormorants have taken over the rocks. They seals leave, once it gets too warm.



I got a nice surprise in the mail from my friend Kelley. A box full of fabrics and a new book. Lots of homespuns, prim and some art pieces to have fun with and the book has some wonderful patterns I can make. Check out her blog, she has a free pattern that would be fun to punch or hook.