The Teakettle Corner

All BetteRRRR!

2012-01-30T09:25:00.000-05:00

First, I want to thank you, dear friend, for your support with the frogs, it means so much to hear that it is not just me, and for your kind words as this gal fought with her cranky pants.

Thank You!
Kiss, kiss, kiss!

After frogging the life out of the "R" on "Vermont" I am very pleased with how the re-stitch turned out....

I even managed to make a start on the "V" and the "E"...

I adore the fall leaf...

and the funny little cross-country skier.

And I stitched the trout pond where it should be...

Isn't that little trout too funny?

Now, if every cloud has it's silver lining, then I suppose the silver lining to the "R" cloud is that I now have a nice ball of very pretty fuzz to add to this months TUSAL jar!

Giggles

We stitchers are always looking on the bright and creative side of life, wink wink.

Thanks for stopping by on this bright and sunny Monday, and hoping that wherever you find yourself today it is with your eyes to that sunny side of the creative life, and your needle threaded.

Frog Hugs and Trout Kisses
Ma Teakettle

RRRRgh!

2012-01-26T09:59:00.012-05:00

It's always fun and games until someone lets in the "frog."

I was rolling along on "Vermont," with my needle smoking and a confident smile on my face when all of a sudden I noticed that the "R" was quite a bit shorter than the "T!" I was confused as to how this had happened and even went back and re-counted every stitch within the "R" but it was all correct. And then....I realised just where I had run amok, that I had started the "R" from the bottom and had forgotten the lake was below it!


See that itty bitty lake?

Ah well, today I started with a bit of froggin'

and then "Vermont" will be set aside until the weekend while I start on my "Prairie Schooler "ABC" for the Stitching Bee.

I am so excited to finally be starting this gorgeous set of charts! It seems to have taken "forevah" to get the entire set of charts, as I had to order from a few different shops, but I now have the entire set as well as an extra "DEF," go figure! I went to Michael's and got all of my floss for the entire set of charts and I am off to start!

I am going to stitch this sampler on 25 ct "Potato" Lugana using the charted DMC floss in a 1x1, and as I have never done a 1x1 on anything other than Aida, this will be interesting. Luckily I found what floss I did have in my stash, and what floss I needed I found at Michaels for 35 cents each and a 40% discount off the total...I know right?!

Wish me luck! If you would like to see what it is that I am stitching and who I am stitching along with, visit the Prairie Schooler ABC Stitching Bee, or click on the picture, on the lower right side of my blog, to check it out.

In other news, as excited as I am to start my first HAED design, "Deck The Halls," I have decided to move it to the bottom of my "2012 Challenge List," simply because it just required so much floss that I just didn't have in my stash, and since I decided to go ahead and purchase all of the the floss for the "ABC" it seemed like the prudent thing to do. So, I will wait and start that beauty in the fall, when I can devote both the time and the money with a clear conscience and a happy heart.

And, before I forget, I also went ahead and eyeballed the floss colors for the CCN "March Cottage" while I was in the floss aisle of Michaels, and this is what I chose...DMC 744, 904, 3348 and 3833, plus the WDW "Pecan," which I know I have in my stash.

Though I don't know what the exact charted colors will be, I figured that I will just start buying my floss when I have the time and the coupon and eyeball it from the picture each month and chose colors that are as close to the real deal as possible, in fact it will be a new game for me, to see how close I come to the actual DMC colors charted! ....brilliant!

As I read through this post, prior to publishing it, I realised that I sound like a bit of a Cranky Pants, however I decided to just leave it as it because it's just one of those days, like we all have where I don't really have anything specific on my mind, but rather just an overall crankiness about me. So, I hope that I have neither scared you off, dear friend, or offended you. And, as you all know me, I know that I have done neither. ;)

On a pleasant note, I have been reading and catching up with blogs this week, and everyone seems to have such beautiful projects going, as well as some amazing progress! Big round of applause, hugs and high fives as I am in the company of such very talented artisans.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit on this dreary and drizzly Thursday, and hoping that wherever you find yourself, it is without "the frogs" or your Cranky Pants....wait, red faced giggle!

Froggin' Hugs and Cranky Pants Kisses
Ma Teakettle

TUSAL Time

2012-01-24T10:50:00.001-05:00

Here is mu TUSAL for January....

It seems a bit empty compared to most months, but this is more a reflection on my lack of stitching over the past month, then it is a frog-less existence.

Thanks for stopping by on a very sunny Tuesday, and here's hoping that wherever you find yourself it is with the sun shining on a threaded needle.

TUSAL Hugs
Ma Teakettle

My First IHSW, In Review

2012-01-23T08:54:00.001-05:00

First of all let me say that this was the most awesome stitching weekend, evah!

I just enjoyed every stitch, and even the frogs didn't seem to bother me as much, probably because I had the opportunity to give myself permission to stitch, stitch, stitch!

I must take a moment to say "Thank you" to our wonderful Joysze, whose is the fearless leader of our IHSW, and if you still haven't discovered her blog, please head on over and make Joysze's acquaintance, as she is a very dear SDFS (sweet dear friend stitcher)for sure!

On Saturday, I started my day with breakfast and coffee with Pa, and a bit if chit chat, but as soon as he left for the mountain and I finished the daily chores, it was straight to my stitching spot, by the fire, where I put needle to fabric and had a glorious day.

I made some good progress on "Vermont"

MM Waldock "Vermont"

And as afternoon set in, and Pa returned from his day we took the dogs for a bit of snow shoeing and play in the freshly fallen pow.

I returned to find the light waning, but was able to add a few more stitches before it was time to fix supper.

We enjoyed the evening, and spent the night watching Season 1 of "Boardwalk Empire," as the snow continued to fall outside.

On Sunday I set aside "Vermont" in order to put the finishing stitches into "February Cottage."

I do so love this one!

This week I have both January and February on my stitching table, along with some perfectly chosen fabric, ready to be finished. Look for a picture to come soon.

Once I finished "February" I turned my attention back to "Vermont" and stitched the rest of the day away.

MM Waldock "Vermont"

I think it's coming along swell!

I took a break, long enough to head Down Yonder, and back to the real world.

Of course the weekend would not have been complete without "The Football."

and a win!

And you know how much we adore our football at The Corner, and what a totally awesome match it's going to be between Manning and Brady, or as we say here "Supe's On!"

But I digress, dear friend, and thank you for stopping by for a post IHSW visit on this very gloomy New England morning, and hoping that wherever you are finds you having spent a quiet and relaxing weekend with a stitch or two thrown in for good measure.

Hermit Hugs
Ma Teakettle

Some Progress, The Hermits, And A Full Tilt Boogie

2012-01-20T08:39:00.002-05:00

Good Friday Morning, dear friend, from another cold and snowy New England day.

Let's start with a bit of show and tell, as I have made some real progress on my CCN "February Cottage," which has been a real joy to stitch. I especially adore the "pinkiness" of it all!

CCN "February Cottage"

Love it!

And then, there's poor lonely "Vermont" which has been sitting for weeks all forlorn and forgotten....

MM Waldock "Vermont"

The start of an "M"

Poor fellow!

But rest assured, dear friend, that this WIP will have much to tell come Monday, as I will be spending the entire weekend dedicated just to his progress, since it is our IHSW!
I am so excited that I can't even tell you, and even Pa has gotten into the spirit as he's watched me happy dancing around the house for days, with anticipation. Gotta love that Pa, who in honor of such a quiet stitchy weekend for Ma, has kindly offered to spend as many hours each day, as possible up on the mountain shredding some wicked turns! Of course, that is how he spends every weekend, but that'll just be our secret.

What's that, you ask? "What is the "IHSW?" Well, let me show you....

Click on the pic to find out more!

And then there was more snow! I know, can you believe it, dear friend? If this isn't a "Be careful what you wish for" winter then I don't know what is....

But Teagan and Leo don't seem to mind!

Check out the full tilt boogie through the fresh 4 inches of snow, and Miss Teagan's cozy jacket., very pretty.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit, and as always hoping that today finds you getting ready for your own peaceful weekend, with a threaded needle in your hand.

Hermit Hugs and Boogie Kisses
Ma Teakettle

Truth Or Dare...

2012-01-19T08:29:00.002-05:00

Not really, but I am curious or perhaps just nosy.

Let me begin...

Like many of my dear stitchy pals I adore such a diversity of cross stitch designers, and even though I have found myself with a rather extensive collection of charts designed by our beloved "Prairie Schooler," it was when I decided to use some of my Christmas gift money to purchase a particular chart which I had had my eye on for some time, that it came to my attention that many of her charts are retired or OOP, and fetch prices that seem quite a bit higher than the original retail price of said chart.

So, here in lies my question, dear friend, would you pay the inflated asking price for a beloved designer's retired chart, and how much over the original price would you be willing to pay? And, while on the subject, how would you decide that a retired or OOP chart was worth the price?

Of course, I guess this leads to the real question which is, why do some designers retire their charts in the first place, and do they know that once they are retired or OOP that they become so much more valuable to the stitcher....and of course in the end, how can you tell ahead of time which chart is a must have as it is one that is likely to retire and once it is retired is it morally "alright" to pay a seller that price?

So, to start the discussion, I will be honest and tell you, dear friend, that I spent a bit of my Christmas gift money ($12.99) on a retired chart that originally sold for ($6) and I hang my head in shame while at the same time, I adooooore my chart and just haaaaad to have it! You will see that it is included in my 2012 Challenge List, titled "12 Days of Christmas."

As I write this post, I am looking over my shoulder and expecting that the retired chart police may be knocking at my door.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit on another very cold and frosty New England morning, and here's hoping that wherever you find yourself today it is with a beloved chart and a threaded needle.

Frosty Hugs and Nosy Kisses
Ma Teakettle

Monkey Bread

2012-01-18T08:31:00.008-05:00

These are a real favorite in the Teakettle House, especially on a cold winter morning.

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 cans refrigerated buttermilk biscuits

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

3/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

Heat oven to 350°F.

Lightly grease your tube pan with cooking spray.

In a large Ziploc bag, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon.

Separate dough into 16 biscuits; cut each into quarters. Shake in bag to coat, and arrange in pan.

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and butter and pour over biscuit pieces.

Bake 28 to 32 minutes or until golden brown and no longer doughy in center.

Cool in the pan 10 minutes. Turn upside down onto a serving plate.

Pull apart to enjoy them warm with a cold glass of milk.

Thanks for stopping by on another cold winter morning, and hoping that today finds you warm and cozy with a sweet treat to start your day.

Monkey Hugs and Winter Kisses
Ma Teakettle

Everything But....

2012-01-16T09:19:00.008-05:00

My sewing room.

Somehow, this gal found all sorts of time to :

✧ Really discover, fall in love with, and then order Prairie Schooler charts...

✧ Read about, drool over, and then covet my fellow stitching sisters 2012 stitching WIPs and lists...

✧ Organize and kit up my 2012 Challenge WIPs...

✧ Change my mind multiple times about aforementioned Challenge WIPs which included unpacking and re-kitting up sooo many different charts.....

But, I digress....

My sewing room remains half finished...

My WIP list remains tossed aside, looking at me oh so sad.

My stitching chair looks cold and lonely, with not a divot or indentation upon it.

My "Up For A Challenge" list looks like the last girdle at a closeout sale, all tattered and torn from too much handling, and all dirty from too many eraser smudges.

My pledge to use floss from my stash has gone awry, as I have chosen charts that I now realise require purchasing floss....that figures.

My email is crowded with order confirmations for charts that I don't need, but that were just too good a deal to deny.

And I sit here with my chin in my hands trying to figure out what it is that is making me fuss and fret about my stash, and fritter about the perfect stitch list so as not to ignore a chart that might be begging to be stitched, like some tortured character out of a Gothic novel, and all the while I am avoiding the stack of recently started and half stitched WIPs that sit and stare at me, accusingly.

Deep breath....and breath...

So, I ask you, dear friend why is it that some days it is so much more exciting to plan a WIP list, to plot and order the needfuls for said WIPs, than it is to actually sit down, buckle down and get down to the business of stitching that WIP itself.

Now, don't get me wrong or run shrieking from my blog with the notion that I have lost my stitching mojo or that perhaps I have been posing as a passionate stitcher this entire time, as I am neither, but I just do find some days it's so much more fun to think about stitching than it is to actually get down to the business of it. This leads me to ponder that perhaps stitching is more a relationship than it is a hobby, one in which you are as dependent on your chart, fabric and floss as you are on your own ability to stitch, and that just like any good relationship there are times when you just need a little time apart, spent thinking about the one you love and looking forward to the time, in the very near future when you will return, to once again take up your needle and quietly rekindle that flame that resides within, just waiting for the embers to reignite.

Is this what it means to be passionate about your stitching?

I wonder, do others ever feel this way, or do you find that stitching is but a simple hobby and I am just a loon, as I wonder myself as I write this post.

Some days are just that way, and perhaps it has something to do with the fact that the morning temperature read -17 degrees, Fahrenheit.

Time for another cuppa, and maybe some toast and jam to go along with it.

Why Is It?
By The Cross Eyed Cricket

Why is it when
I'm halfway through
Creative joys diminish
It's more fun to start a piece
Than it ever is to finish

Loony Hugs and Frost Bitten Kisses
Ma Teakettle

There's No Business

2012-01-15T11:44:00.004-05:00

Like "Snow" Business!

And boy did it snow!

We got 17 inches of snow Up Yonder, and everything is transformed!

This morning, we awoke to a frozen world, with the temperature reading -7 degrees (Farenheit)!

But, oh look at it covered in white!

So, as Pa heads up to the mountain for some runs in fresh "pow," Ma will be enjoying life by the fire and a whole bunch of stitching!

Thanks for stopping by for a visit, and here's hoping that this blue bird Sunday finds you warm and cozy wherever you may be, and that you find time for some stitching!

Snowy Hugs and Frozen Kisses
Ma Teakettle

A New Kid On The Block

2012-01-14T21:04:00.002-05:00

Hey, dear friend, I have made a new bloggy pal, her name is Autumn and her blog is over yonder, titled The Whispers Of Autumn.
She has a wonderful post to welcome new friends to her blog, and it seems that she is a cross stitcher, perhaps she might just enjoy meeting some new friends from the neighborhood.

Please take a moment to head over and welcome Autumn and make a new friend.

Howdy Neighbor Hugs
Ma Teakettle

Happy Birthday, Pa

2012-01-10T08:21:00.001-05:00

Baby, you're the greatest!

Party Cake Hugs
Ma Teakettle

First Finish

2012-01-09T16:07:00.001-05:00

I have my first finish of 2012!


CCN "January Cottage"

My January Cottage and I adore it.

I stitched this cutie on Tea Dyed Monaco using the charted floss. Next will be to finish it into a pillow....pictures to follow!

I am off to start on February.

Little Cottage Hugs
Ma Teakettle

Well, It's About Time!

2012-01-08T09:38:00.001-05:00

Nope, it's not what you think, dear friend, I have not finished the sewing room....but soon!

I have, however, finally figured out how to make "Ma's Homemade Floss Inventory Sheets" work properly for printing and using!

I apologize for all the bugs and glitches that may have occurred while I figured out how to publish them for public use and enjoyment. So, please feel free to click, print and use the Floss Inventory Sheets which can be found in the top tab of my blog ↑

I will keep them updated as the companies update their listings.

Thanks for stopping by on this gloomy Sunday, and for your patience with me as I continue to learn the art of bloggie town.

Flossie Hugs
Ma Teakettle

I'm OK....

2012-01-07T09:53:00.002-05:00

For those of you who were really beginning to get worried about the lack of a word or search flare from me...I'm OK!

No need to send out the search party just yet.

However, all things considered, I am making headway....but as one thing always leads to another, I began cleaning and was side tracked by organizing each little thing!

So, sadly there are no pictures yet as I am still working, but when I am done I will have not only a clean sewing room, but all of my 2012 "Up For A Challenge" WIPs kitted up and everything will be labeled!!!

I know, right?

Have a wonderful Saturday, dear friend, and perhaps your sewing area might need some tidying or even organizing? Just sayin'.

Organizing Hugs and Dust Bunny Kisses
Ma Teakettle

I'm Goin' In....

2012-01-05T10:49:00.001-05:00

Dearest friend....I am headed into the depths of Stitching Stash Disorder and mayhem, as I attempt to wrangle the beast known as my stitching room.

As I look around and prepare to begin, I just cannot understand who made this big mess, and like Luna I suspect it was "Nargles."

Oh My WORD!

Oh MY WORD!

OH MY WORD!

If I don't return with an update of completion of this reconnaissance, please send a search team to find me, equipped with a cup of Starbucks Pike Place Roast and a nice warm bear claw.

I shall return tomorrow at this same time with pictures and an update.

Wish Ma luck!

Mayhem Hugs and Nargle Kisses
Ma Teakettle

Playing The Game

2012-01-03T10:40:00.005-05:00

This is Ma's own version of the game known as "Telephone."

It goes like this, "I read on Bonnie's Blog, that she read on Daffycat's Blog about some wonderful SALs that were going on, and that Daffycat had read on Joysze's Blog about the group that Joysze was hosting, called The International Hermit And Stitch Weekend."

Did you get all that, dear friend?

Well, being the party gal that I am, I just had to rush over and check this out, and once I did I just couldn't resist!

So run on over to Joyze's Blog and check it out, 'cuz the more the merrier!

And while you are here...check out the other SALs that Ma is involved in for 2012 and maybe you can join through your own game of "Telephone."

✸ The Cottage Stitch-A-Long
✸ The Prairie Schooler ABC Stitching Bee
✸ Up For A Challenge 2012
✸ TUSAL 2012
✸ LHN Monthly Ornament Stitch-A-Long
✸ Fallen In Love With LHN & CCN

Happy Stitching!

Telephone Hugs and Join In Kisses
Ma Teakettle

Ma's Weekend In Review

2012-01-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful weekend it was at The Corner!

I must admit that I was a bit sad, as this was the first New Year's Eve that I can remember without one or both of The Brothers hanging around the house for all or part of the night, not to mention our annual New Year's day meal of cabbage and black eyed peas, but we knew ahead of time that they would not be around this year and so Pa and I planned ahead to stay Up Yonder and spend a quiet weekend ringing in the New Year.

We watched a marathon of Harry Potter DVDs, which were a very special Christmas gift from Big Brother and Daughter In Love.

We went snow shoeing, and as you can see Teagan was much faster than Ma!

I adore snow shoeing!

I spent time stitching up a storm and made some real progress on "January Cottage."

I also worked on my stitching list for 2012, and organized my "needfuls" list to accommodate the awesome sales that were going on throughout the weekend on a few online stitchy stores. I was able to get everything on my list, and even a few items that weren't, including this beauty that I have had my eye on for quite some time but just didn't have the courage to "go for!"


Heaven And Earth Designs "Deck The Halls"

I know!....OMW!....What was I thinking!

I plan to stitch this chart throughout the year, and just take my time as this is my first HAED. I was so excited that I even sent Michele a note letting her know that I was jumping in with both feet!
Did I mention that it has a three page DMC color list?! I will keep you posted, dear friend, on my progress from the first stitch to the last.

On New Year's Day, I made the aforementioned annual dinner of cabbage and black eyed peas.

As a little girl my grandma would saute cabbage with butter and a bit of salt, with cooked egg noodles, the cabbage being a symbol for wealth throughout the New Year, and the noodles just being yummy. This is a popular Hungarian meal that my family still enjoys throughout the year, but especially at New Years. We add a side of black eyed peas for good luck, from our two years living in Texas, where it was a must to eat at least a fork full of these little beans on New Years. I learned to make dirty rice to go along with them but it isn't easy to find the ingredients when you live among the yanks in New England, so plain peas it is.

Does your family have a traditional New Year food or meal, and what is the symbolism?

But I digress...

We finished the day with, what else? Football! But I just happened to have a needle that was just asking to draw a few stitches, and that is what I did.

Thanks for stopping by, dear friend, on this very cold Monday, and here's hoping that your New Years was wonderful and that your year is filled with good luck and happiness.

Teagan wishes this as well!

Chilly Hugs
Ma Teakettle

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T00:00:00.001-05:00

2012!

A Year In Finishes

2011-12-31T08:00:00.000-05:00

May A Happy New Year be yours, with good health and happiness throughout 2012.

Champagne Hugs and Midnight Kisses
The Teakettle Clan

A Snowy Up Yonder And My Heart's Delight

2011-12-30T12:07:00.002-05:00

There are so many things that I just adore about Vermont that I could never count them all, in fact I often tell Pa that though I adore life in Connecticut, my heart and soul always feel most at home Up Yonder.

And as you can see, I am not the only one who adores it up here!

It's a glorious snowy morning, the kind that fills my heart with delight!

Thank you for stopping by for a visit, and I am hoping that wherever you find yourself today, it fills your heart with delight!

Delightful Hugs
Ma Teakettle

A Very Sweet Surprise!

2011-12-26T14:23:00.001-05:00

I wanted to take a moment to share with you, dear friend, the sweetest treat to arrive upon my doorstep in time for Christmas....

This truly wonderful gift was sent by our own very dear friend, Stitchin' Sweet Sue .

I unwrapped the gorgeous tissue to find the most awesome gift.

First, I discovered that Sue had stitched a beautiful ornament for me, which is now hanging on Ma's tree in it's own special place....

Look at the gorgeous stitched tree and the adorable ribbon and button...I just love it!

Next I discovered that she had made me this fabulous tissue holder....

It is the perfect size to hold my tissues and is now the beauty of my pocket book, and I adore the fabric!

Just when I thought this gift couldn't get any sweeter, I spotted the beauty of chocolate...

And not just any chocolate but Ma's most favorite chocolate evah! How did know that I adore Ghirardelli as it is the candy of my West Coast childhood, and this beauty was above and beyond the best I have ever tasted....what could be better than dark chocolate and sea salt! This amazing creation could have only been created by a woman, as it is divine and just hits the spot!

I am so blessed to be among such very sweet and thoughtful dear friends, and I treasure you all.

Thank you so very much Sweet Sue!
Kiss, kiss, kiss!

Blushing Hugs and Blessed Kisses
Ma Teakettle

A Last Call TUSAL And A First Round Cottage

2011-12-25T20:27:00.000-05:00

I am late with my December TUSAL post, but as they say better late than never, and as this is the final call for a 2011 TUSAL post, I didn't want to miss out all together....

December 2011 TUSAL

I figured why not take a picture of my ORTs jar upon the Christmas table.

And, later that same day...

I even found some time out from the Christmas festivities to put needle to fabric, and begin the first round of the CCN Monthly Cottage SAL....

CCN "January Cottage" on Tea Dyed Monaco (28ct) using the charted floss.

I am so excited to see this WIP progress, as the "January Cottage" colors are gorgeous, and it was a welcome companion to the Lakers vs Bulls basketball game that Pa and I watched while our Christmas dinner digested.
Sadly the Lakers lost but my stitching came out fabulous, if I do say so myself!
Oh dear Lamar, why must you be living in Dallas!

But I digress.

Here's hoping that your Christmas was one spent enjoying all that the day had to offer surrounded by those who you treasure most, and that you too were able to find a few moments from the merry making to pull a stitch or two of your own.

As always, thank you for stopping by.

Last Call Hugs And First Round Kisses
Ma Teakettle

We Wish You A Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T08:38:00.001-05:00

May your day be filled with sweet memories.

From our Corner to yours.

Gingerbread Hugs and Cocoa Kisses
The Teakettle Clan

Our Anniversary

2011-12-23T10:16:00.000-05:00

It was 27 years ago today that Ma and Pa tied the knot....and these have been the happiest 27 years ever, married to my best friend!

I even stitched a pillow, in honor of our anniversary.

Happy Anniversary from Ma to Pa ❤

Anniversary Hugs
Ma Teakettle

This, That, And The Other

2011-12-22T09:28:00.003-05:00

First of all, I must share with you, dear friend, the wonderful time that I spent with my "kit n kin" in California this past week. I always adore my time with those who I treasure most, but this trip was especially awesome and I am still thinking about all of the fun that I had. As most of you know, I head west about every three months to visit my Ma and Pa and the very large and loving family that I am so very blessed to have, and each time that I go I just love them that much more, if that's possible at Ma's old age of 48. So to Thomas Wolfe, or whoever it was that said "You can't go home again," you must not have had my people to go home to.

While I was there, Mama finished the many pillows that had been stitched by me, but lacked the fine hand and attention to detail that makes Ma's Ma so very talented a seamstress. I have even told her that she should start a small finishing business and that I would keep her busy with my finishes alone, so perhaps we can all persuade her to "go for it!"

So, without further adieu, "This" is the pillow, wrought for my Mama, which says it all.

Blackbird Designs "Mother's Honor Due"

I stitched this on Sassy's Fabby's "Butternut" Monaco, using GAST Avocado, Brandy, Grecian Gold, Raspberry Parfait, and Rhubarb. We finished it in Blackbird Designs Moda fabric.

It now sits upon my Mama's living room couch for all to see, and displays her honor due indeed!

Now onto "That...."

I have been creating Christmas place pillows following The Sampler Girl's chart that I used for Thanksgiving. I was even able to use up stash, stitching them on Charle's Craft 14ct Aida in "Silver Dusted" and using Carrie's Creations "Holly Days" variegated floss.

Somehow the Silver sparkle accent in my fabric didn't pick up well in the first photo, so I took one of the fabric itself....

It's just fabulous! I don't know why I let it sit in my stash for so long!

And finally on to "The Other...."

I received my December COTM from our very dear Lauren, known to us all as the artisan known as Sassy's Fabby's, and I just had to share it with you because it is just to "dye" for!

Dried Rose Petal

If you haven't discovered Sassy's Fabby's please do so, as it is the finest and widest variety of hand dyed fabrics around.

The poor babies were so tired of watching Ma flitter around the house, after being away for over a week, that they followed me around the house while I did my catching up, and one little girl said it all with a look.

"Hey, sit down and love us!"

Thanks for stopping by for a visit, on this very dreary Thursday. Here's hoping that you take time to sit and love your sweeties, whether they be the human or the furry kind.

Busy Hugs
Ma Teakettle

Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

2011-12-09T10:54:00.004-05:00

Ingredients:

* 48 HERSHEY'S KISSES
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temp.
* 3/4 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
* 1/3 cup granulated sugar
* 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1 egg
* 2 tablespoons milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* Granulated sugar

Directions:
Heat oven to 375°F.

Remove wrappers from chocolates.

Beat butter and peanut butter in large bowl until well blended. Add 1/3 cup granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat until fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla; beat well. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into peanut butter mixture.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in granulated sugar and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

Immediately press a chocolate into center of each cookie, gently.

Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.

Makes about 4 dozen cookies.

Enjoy warm with a big glass of cold milk!

PB Hugs
Ma Teakettle

The Tea Room

2011-12-08T10:39:00.000-05:00

I am making good progress on CCN "The Tea Room."

I just love those little potted plants and the bench!

I am thinking that perhaps I will change the stitched lettering to read "Teakettle Corner," rather than "The Tea Room," but I haven't decided. It's funny but somehow I feel disrespectful to the designer when I change something on a chart to suit myself, even though I know that they enjoy and often encourage us to "have fun" with a chart.

I will share my progress with you, dear friend, as I stitch and once I have decided and stitched the lettering, I will share it with you first.

After days of rain it is finally sunny, brisk and beautiful here!

Hoping that your Thursday finds you enjoying the sunshine of a cool clear day, and "Thanks" for the visit.

Tea Room Hugs
Ma Teakettle

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-07T10:12:00.003-05:00

Wordless Hugs
Ma Teakettle

Over The River....

2011-12-06T10:34:00.001-05:00

And through the woods....

Pa and I headed Up Yonder this past weekend, even though there is still no snow, which means no snowboarding. We did, however take some awesome hikes up into the forest that surrounds the Little House.

We walked past the old hunter's cabin, and deep into the woods, and I am still amazed at how wonderful it feels to be able to enjoy such adventures minus the weight of those 12 sacks of sugar that I am no longer carrying on my body, not to mention the feel of victory when Pa told me that we had hiked some pretty rugged terrain and how well I did. I am less than 20 lbs away from my goal, and continue to work towards a more healthier Ma.


I adore this picture! Pa calls this one "Buddies on the bridge."

Teagan and Lou enjoyed the time out in the fresh air, running through the woods with both their Ma and Pa.

And of course, when we returned there was only one thing on Miss Teagan's mind!

A treat....

And a nap!

Before we drove home....

No worries, dear friend, this was actually taken while parked at Trader Joe's on our ride Up Yonder.

As always, thanks for the visit and may your Tuesday find you bright eyed and bushy tailed, and enjoying the beauty of your surroundings.

Free And Easy Hugs
Ma Teakettle

The Uninvited Guest, The Tree, And A New Start

2011-12-02T08:47:00.006-05:00

Look what showed up, uninvited and with a rather gross demeanor....

Yep, that's right dear friend, a turkey vulture! I noticed it while outside with Leo and Teagan and at first, thought it was a Wild Turkey or Peahen, both of which are in abundance in our area, but as I called Pa over we realized that it was indeed a Turkey Vulture. I herded the dogs into the house while Pa snapped a couple of pictures of the creepy looking dude. Luckily he stayed at the far edge of our property where he finished "whatever" was his meal and then went on his merry way.

Yuck!

On a happier note, I put up the Christmas Tree.

When The Brothers were little this tradition was met with great excitement and fanfare, and would take place on an afternoon, while we listened to Christmas music and drank hot cocoa with marshmallows and munched on fresh made popcorn. However, these days and an empty nest later it is Ma who decorates the tree, without either the cocoa or popcorn and while watching "Judge Judy" on TV.

Notice the gorgeous quilted tree skirt, made many years ago, by Ma's Ma.

But I do adore having the tree set up, all a glow with colored lights and the same ornaments that we have been collecting and hanging over the many years since Pa and I were first married.

And, not to be forgotten, I began a new WIP....

Rosewood Manor "Quaker Diamonds"

Rosewood Manor "Quaker Diamonds."
I have wanted to start this big fellow for quite some time, but just didn't have the confidence, however I decided to throw caution to the wind and "Go for it!" I am going to work on this WIP slowly as a side project and when I finish, I finish.

I am stitching on Sassy's Fabby "Raffia Cream" using the charted Valdani 3 strand cotton floss, and I am finding it wonderful to work with, and I also adore the colors!

As always, dear friend, thanks for the visit and may your Friday be filled with beautiful colored lights and maybe a stitch or two.

Frosty Friday Hugs
Ma Teakettle

Oh, You You You!

2011-12-01T08:33:00.001-05:00

Once again, Ma was minding her own business yesterday afternoon, when there was a knock upon her door, and what to my surprise was laying on my doorstep? A wonderful birthday surprise from our very dear Jayne.

I was so excited to carry this surprise into the house, and imagine my amazement when I began to unwrap her pretty little bundle.

First, I gazed upon the pretty pink, bow wrapped package, and my excitement began to grow, and as I opened up her gift my jaw dropped, at both it's beauty and intricacy!


Look at those colors! Gorgeous! How did Jayne create this amazing delicate pattern?

Look at my amazing new scarf!

So warm and cozy.

And of course check out the pink!

I am, once again awe struck and overjoyed by the generosity of my bloggie world sisters, and especially Jayne, who always knows just how to create a token of friendship that makes each one of us feel loved beyond measure. I will treasure my gift always and the friendship that goes along with it.

Thank you, Jayne!
Kiss, kiss, kiss!

Cherished Hugs
Ma Teakettle

Ma's Scratch Rolls

2011-11-30T08:54:00.001-05:00

Ingredients:

2 eggs
1/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
6 tablespoons butter
1 cup plain mashed potatoes
2 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
3/4 cup water (I use the potato water)
4 1/4 cups Unbleached All-Purpose Flour

Directions:

I use my Bread Machine for this part....Place all the ingredients into the pan of your bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer (in mine I add liquids first, then the dry ingredients and my yeast last).

Program the machine for dough, and press Start.

When the machine completes its cycle, I leave the dough in the machine until it's doubled in size, about 30 minutes or so.

I turn the dough out onto my floured counter and divide it into 10 balls (the original recipe called for 16 but my family likes them large). Gently roll the dough balls under your cupped fingers till they're nice and round.

Place the 10 dough balls into a lightly greased 9 inch cake pan, starting on the outside and the last 2 in the center. I Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let it sit in a warm place to rise for about 2 hours, till they're pretty puffy and touching (or almost touching) one another.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, until they're golden brown. Remove them from the oven, carefully turn them out of the pan...they will come out all in one piece...just break them apart before serving.

Enjoy!

Let me know how you like the recipe, and as always "Thanks" for stopping by for a visit.

Warm Roll Hugs
Ma Teakettle

This recipe was adapted by Ma from an original recipe courtesy of King Arthur Flour Co.

2011-11-28T12:32:00.002-05:00

I present to you, dear friend, The Teakettle Clan's Thanksgiving in a pictorial review....

Ma baked "scratch rolls"...

A Pumpkin Pie and a Pecan Pie, The day before Thanksgiving...

The Turkey turned out beautiful, as always, you cannot go wrong with a Butterball...and look at that tasty stuffing!

Pa's plate ready for some serious eatin'.....notice the Thanksgiving Place Pillow...but honestly who drinks coffee with Thanksgiving dinner!

The week was wonderful, having the Brothers and Daughter-in-Love home and hanging out with their old Ma and Pa.

But, as all good things must come to an end, so it is with a full nest, and Sunday saw Little Brother head back up to College, but first a rare photo of the elusive young male of the species and his Mama.


Teagan was tuckered out by the hubbabaloo!

I even managed to do a bit of stitching, and made some great progress on CCN "Merry Christmas Ornaments."

And there you have it, our week in review, and as always, "Thanks for the visit," dear friend.

Foodie Hugs and Family Kisses
Ma Teakettle

My November TUSAL

2011-11-26T14:38:00.007-05:00

I am a day late...

I found less frogs this month, but still, in here they lay!

TUSAL Hugs
Ma Teakettle

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T09:32:00.007-05:00

While Ma is busy putting out the "fatted calf," I leave you with a small treat.....

Man's Best Friend - Watch MoreFunny Videos

Though this is not Teagan in this video....this is a more advanced version of her "runs" with Pa and his mountain bike in our local gorge.

Wishing you and yours, a very Happy Thanksgiving, dear friend.

Gobble Gobble Hugs
Ma Teakettle

My Weekend In Stitches

2011-11-21T09:23:00.013-05:00

Ma was in her element this weekend, with all three of her babies home, and spent her time cooking and fussing over The Brothers and Daughter-in-Love.

I did, however, find time to stitch a bit on a new WIP....

Country Cottage Needleworks "Merry Christmas Ornaments"

I adore the colors!

I am stitching this sweet chart on 28ct Lambswool Jobelan using the charted DMC floss, and I plan on finishing it into a pillow for my rocking chair. I am also planning to stitch it's companion ornament "Merry Christmas," which can be found in this years JCS ornament issue.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit.

Stitchy Hugs
Ma Teakettle

My Name Is Ma...

2011-11-19T10:06:00.000-05:00

And I am a color floozie!

I am not ashamed and I do not hide this fact. I adore color, any hue any shade and in any medium as long as it is not "organic in nature." =)

I recently noticed just how often I leave a comment on a blog that includes the words "I adore the color of the floss against your fabric." I just adore color, and most especially the many colors of floss!

When I was a little girl, I can remember spending hours in the notions department of Woolworth's just going through the many colors of yarn, binding and ribbon that were displayed. Today I am brought right back to those times when I visit a cross stitch store, the thrill of standing in front of all those colors, just waiting for me to chose which one I cannot live without.

Perhaps it is the joy of knowing that as I put needle to fabric, each and every color will work together to bring about a story, or maybe it's the thrill of each addition of color and the ebb and flow of the combination of colors that speak of life to me, the bold reds, cool blues, soft pinks and woodsy browns. I just love floss, and to add to the colors are the names, amazing names that represent everything from food to nature.

I can't get enough of color, and in fact I have to admit to you, dear friend, that I most often chose a chart based on the floss color before the subject matter! I am like a restaurant patron who makes their dessert choice before they have decided on a main entree.

I adore color, and don't even get me started on the hand dyed and variegated colors!
I have got it bad!
I am unashamed, unapologetic and unconcerned about my love of color.
My name is Ma....and I am a color floozie.

Thanks for the Saturday visit!
Rainbow Hugs
Ma Teakettle

Pillow Talk

2011-11-17T09:04:00.001-05:00

I have come to the conclusion that I must be afflicted with SSAS, or rather it's common name, Short Stitchy Attention Span because I constantly find myself straying from the WIP upon my stand!

It seems that no sooner do I get my rhythm going on a WIP, then "BAM" I either stumble across a long forgotten, but beloved chart in my stash or a "I just gotta have that!" finish on a blog. Either way, I suppose it is the side track on my path to a finish, or perhaps the spice in my casserole of stitching.

I present to you, dear friend, a bit of pillow talk....

Aren't these just the cutest little pillows!

I stitched these from The Sampler Girl's "Thanksgiving Place Pillows" chart, on 14 ct Aida Jobelan "Queen Anne's Lace," using Carrie's Creations floss in "Cajun Coffee, Tiger Eye, and Wildfire," all from my stash. I stuffed them with leftover fiberfill and finished each one with a Blanket Stitch edge.

I even stitched a few extra as a surprise for a dear friend!

I decided to start a new Thanksgiving tradition, in which I plan to use these same Place Pillows each year and as our family grows so will the number of pillows stitched by me. I just adore both the idea and the creation of a new tradition at The Corner.

If you haven't met The Sampler Girl, please head over to her website and check her out....I just adore her creations!

Thanks for the visit!

Pillow Talk Hugs
Ma Teakettle

Feeling Totally Useless

2011-11-16T08:22:00.000-05:00

Well, not really, but it is time to head over to Daffycats' blog, and sign up for the 2012 Totally Useless SAL!

Our very dear Daffycat is once again hosting this totally awesome Totally Useless SAL, and anyone can sign up to join in on the fun.

So, grab a glass jar and that hunk of junk floss, and head on over and join, and you too can be Totally Useless along with us!

As always, thanks for the visit.

Totally Useless Hugs
Ma Teakettle

Oh, You Kid!

2011-11-15T14:21:00.000-05:00

I was minding my own business, yesterday afternoon when I heard a soft knock upon my door and what, to my surprise, was laying on my doorstep? A wonderful early birthday surprise from our very dear Parsley!

I was so excited to carry this surprise in to the house, and imagine my amazement when I began to unpack her box of beautiful treats.

First, I unwrapped the most wonderful cross stitch, that was stitched just for me! I am not ashamed to say that I shed a tear as I saw just how much love dear Parsley put into this sweet creation.

I adore the colors! Notice the cherry beads?

The cheesecake looks so real!
And my camera doesn't do justice to the sparkling gold floss!


It is now hanging on my kitchen wall for all to see and enjoy! Look at how perfect it is!

And, just when I thought that it couldn't get any sweeter, I found even more sweet gifts inside the box.


A beautiful tea towel holder and some tea!

Parsley knows just how much Ma adores tea!
And notice that the box is a purse with a beaded handle!

And Parsley even included my favorite candies in the whole world!

I adore these little lovies!

I am, once again awe struck and overjoyed by the generosity of my bloggie world sisters, and especially Parley, who always knows just how to make each one of us feel loved beyond measure. I will treasure my gift always and the friendship that goes along with it.

Thank you Parsley!
Kiss, kiss, kiss!

Beaming Hugs
Ma Teakettle

It's That Time, Once Again...

2011-11-14T09:06:00.004-05:00

When we hitch up the old buggy and head Up Yonder for the winter season.

The little house survived Irene, with only a few trees lost.

And our sweet brook suffered only some scrubbing of his edges, and a few trees across his shores, but nature seems to be taking care of it all.

Teagan was so happy to be back up in her Vermont, as you can see by the big grin on her face!

The apple trees were in full bloom, and maybe a bit beyond.

And the newest addition was there to greet us...

A corral!

We headed up the hill to check on the mountain, where Pa is still the Foursquare Mayor.

and to see how the new Bubble lift was coming along....

It's going to be awesome, but I doubt that it will be ready for opening day, which was a huge disappointment to Pa.

Teagan, on the other hand enjoyed her run up the half-pipe

It was so wonderful to be back, and to see for ourselves the remains of Irene's effects. It was unsettling to hear such harrowing tales from friends who were there, and each one that we spoke to had the same stories to tell about how the water came fast and furious and took anything and everything in it's path, and how it found it's way to the heart of town, where it settled for only about an hour, but once it receded the damage was done.

We were told that as things settled down and the storm moved passed, the damage was assessed. For days there was no access to town, or the many historic homes that were built around it, but one by one the roads were cleared/rebuilt and opened, and the members of the town of Wilmington began to take a hard look at what nature had done, and in typical New England fashion, everyone came together and began the ardent task of rebuilding, and to see it now you would never know just how bad it was. But, that is one of the things that I most adore about life Up Yonder, the true grit to survive nature's harsh reality and to come out stronger.

If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.
Henry David Thoreau

As always, thanks for stopping by for a visit!

Up Yonder Hugs
Ma Teakettle

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-09T08:36:00.000-05:00

Wordless Hugs
Ma Teakettle

A New Friend On The Block

2011-11-06T13:28:00.000-05:00

Good Fall Sunday to ya, dear friend!

I wanted to introduce you to a new friend on the block. Her name is Kris and you can find her at her brand new blog My Life, As It Is.

Please take a moment to head over and extend a very warm welcome to the blogoshpere, and while you are there take a moment to check out her beautiful blog and make a new friend.

As always, thanks for stopping by.

Welcoming Hugs
Ma Teakettle

Andy Rooney, I Hope You Would Be Proud

2011-11-05T11:50:00.004-04:00

In Honor of Andy Rooney, and his weekly topics dedicated to his own style of "What's on my mind that I find frustrating" journalism, I want to dedicate this blog post to something that has been on Ma's mind for quite some time, and that I find very frustrating.

The Reality TV phenomenon.

Let me begin by mentioning that I have never made any secret of the fact that I watch and even enjoy reality television. I watch along with the rest of the world as we take a peek into the lives of not your average housewives, brides behaving badly, chefs competing for top titles and cash, and moms attempting to wrangle too many kids. This format of entertainment has killed such all American past times as Soap Operas, Game Shows and much loved family variety venues. The reality show phenomenon nets an unbelievable multi-million dollar income for all involved. It seems to the average viewer that these reality stars make more in one season than a hard working, off to the job American makes in a year, and that is without the many perks that go along with the reality star persona.

What's my point? Well, my point is this, I am tired of the reality star whining that goes on after a show is canceled or a housewife leaves reality, that somehow they assume and expect that once they are back to being a "normal person" that they are entitled to their privacy. This is not the case, you can't have it both ways. Nobody pushed you into this life, you came to it freely and knowing full well what was in store for you, and unless you live under a rock, the recent past has shown that with the good comes the bad. That is reality, the good is fleeting but the bad is what remains, that's why it's called "reality." What these stars experience while at the top of the heap is not reality, and cannot last forever, no matter how hard they may try.

In my opinion, you can't have it all. You can't put yourself out there and reap the benefits that come along with the reality star glitz and glamor and then turn around and say "enough." It seems to be an all or none experience, and that as to be given this experience may not be for the faint of heart or thin skinned, it does mean putting on your big girl Spanx and "dealing."

You see, it is to the whining reality star that I would love to say, "You chose this, asked for it, and on many occasions looked for the opportunity to be a star. Sadly, the days of Lana Turner and Bette Davis are gone and so are the studios shielding you, protecting you, and hiding you from the audience that supports you. You have invited the human race into your home and your life, and that of your entire family. You are a commodity and like any such commodity your supply only meets your demand and your shelf life is measured. When the lights go down and your time is up, though the cameras and the paychecks are no longer rolling, you are still you and your life continues to roll with everyone watching. You gave up anonymity, your face and your name are still out there, and just like Coke classic, you will always be remembered just for being "you" all of the good, the bad and the ugly. You are a reality star and your reality will always be a platform for others viewing pleasure, whether invited or not.

This came to mind, once again, after reading an article this morning about one has been reality star mother of eight who blasted a tabloid for failing to research the reasons behind a picture that was snapped of one of her little nippers laying underneath her van, while she sat behind the wheel. It seems that the mom blasted the article because according to her they just snapped a picture of the "what" but didn't research the "why." It turns out that the child under the van was retrieving a dropped water bottle for his sister, and according to the mom, she was fully in control of the situation.

Well now, let's look at how much that bothers Ma.

With that being said and Ma having raised her own share of little nippers, I can honestly say that "I would have never allowed my child to go underneath an automobile whether running or idle "no matter what," and for that matter my children would never have attempted it, because from an early age I had made them aware of the dangers of foolish acts, especially around autos. I understand that boys will be boys and if one of mine had put himself in that situation, I would have held a sit down, immediately upon arriving home alerting him to the dangers of such a reckless act. I would not have sat inside my van, while he crawled underneath and then defended myself to the media, and then blasted them for interfering in my private life. That almost makes it even worse, to me.

Here are two rules that my Grandma taught me from an early age, "Do not air your dirty laundry in public." and "Fame is fleeting, have a backup strategy." So I suppose my advice would be, "Do not become famous for airing your dirty laundry in public, because reality fame is fleeting and when the fame is gone along with the camera crews and groupies, you may find yourself left with nothing but trampled daisy's and your dirty laundry left hanging on the line, or rather in the minds of everyone, and with today's social media it will be out there for generations to come, and without those paychecks rolling in you may not have the money to implement your own backup strategy.

Again, that's why they call it "reality," and we all know reality bites.
Just sayin'

Thanks for stopping by for a visit and once again for listening.

Rest in Peace, Andy Rooney.

Reality Hugs
Ma Teakettle

The Art Of The French Knot

2011-10-31T10:59:00.011-04:00

Yes, I know just the words "French Knot" can send many running to a dark room to rest a spell.

I used to feel the same way, and would do anything to avoid a French knot when charted. I have Mill Hill beads of every color, purchased as a decoy, to avoid a French knot.

However, that is the old "Ma" as I now have a tried and true, easy and fool proof method to creating the perfect French knot, every single time.

I must warn you, dear friend, that it took some practice and did not come to me over night, but it didn't take long to get the hang of and once I did, I can now French knot my way through any chart!

So, without further adieu, "Ma's French Knot"

✸1 I use a single strand of floss, no more than 6 inches in length, and insert it and draw it up, from the back of my fabric.

✸2 I wrap the floss around the tip of the needle 3 times for an average knot, and more for a larger knot.

✸3 I insert the tip of my needle into the front of my fabric, but not into the same hole that I came up from the back through. I slide my wrapped floss down to the fabric as I insert the needle, and gently pull the rest of the floss strand through, all the while guiding it by holding onto the extra floss "slack" with tension from my left thumb, until it has been drawn a bit through the hole and then I gently hold the knot until the thread is fully through and the knot is set.

See the tension on the "slack" floss

✸4 Repeat these steps, keeping in mind that it is important to use gentle tension when pulling the floss through the knot, using your left thumb on the "slack" as you draw the remaining floss to the knot that is forming, and gently hold the knot until the floss is all pulled through. (This will make sense when you see the video below)

And "viola!" you have the perfect french knot, every single time!

I feel like the trick is in using a shorter strand of floss, sliding the knot down to the fabric and then holding the "slack" floss tight (but not too tight) which allows the knot to stay intact while you are pulling the remaining floss through.

I hope this little tutorial helped, and I would love to hear your feedback and see some pictures of your own french knots, using Ma's method.

I also made a video for you!

Please ignore the dry skin, age spots and goofy voice....just keeping it real!

As always, thanks for stopping by for a visit.

Knotty Hugs
Ma Teakettle

The "Aye's" Have It!

2011-10-29T12:21:00.001-04:00

First of all, a huge "Thank you" to each dear friend for your input about the route of finishing for Mom's pillow. You just have no idea how much I treasure your opinion, as well as the time it took out of your day to give me such wonderful advice.

So, with that thought in mind I have come to a decision, and since it was unanimous that I should bring Mom into the collaboration on her gift, I have decided to do just that and I am going to allow her to finish her own present!

I must mention that since she first offered her sewing services some weeks ago I have not discussed it again with her, and knowing that she is my most loyal blog reader I have an idea that she may now know just what her future holds, and knowing her, I am rather certain that she is ready and willing to take it on.

I wanted to share with you, dear friend, the embellishments that will draw this gift together into a pillow that I think Mom will treasure.

I haven't decided which of the fabric would go best as the backing, and since they are all Blackbird Designs Moda fabric, which ever one Mom chooses will be wonderful.

Thank you, again, dear friend for your continued friendship and support.

Blackbird Hugs
Ma Teakettle

Framed And Hung Up

2011-10-27T11:08:00.006-04:00

I know, the title makes this post sound like an HBO series, but rest assured it is not.

It is, in fact a post to share with you, dear friend, that the sheep came home from the framers, yesterday, and are now hanging in our family room.

LHN "The Gathering Room"

The pictures just do not do it justice, but hopefully you get the idea.

I am so glad that I went with a less expensive frame and added the textured matting and museum glass!

The one thing that I learned, however, was that I need to start drawing my end thread through the stitches, when I come to the end of a thread, especially when I am using dark floss on light fabric, as you can see a few areas where I left too much thread hanging. Rich, the frame master, tried his best to trim as much as he could, but didn't want to go too close and damage the stitch and I appreciate that....so "note to self, shove the ends through the stitch."

On a relieved note, the free range lizard was sleeping when I went in, of course I had to ask "Is your lizard in the cage?" before I entered across the threshold. This resulted in a chuckle for Rich and a red face for Ma (if you have sons you'll know what I mean), but after we both recovered from my "faux pas," I was relieved to see that his royal hideousness was sleeping soundly inside his terrarium. So, I dodged that large and scaly bullet!

In other news, I am quickly approaching the finish on BRD "Tiny Trees and Gifts For Thee" and I just love it!

It looks so yummy on Sassy's "Snickerdoodle"

I decided to stitch the border, and once that is done I just have to decide whether to frame it (gulp) or make it into a pillow. Either way I need to shake my tail feathers because Christmas season will be here before you know it!
Any input, dear friend?

As long as I am asking for advice from you, dear friend, I have another finish question about BBD "My Mother's Honor Due"....

I love it so much!

I made this for my Mom as a gift, and she was with me when I purchased the chart, so it is no surprise to her. I have decided to make this into a pillow for her den, however I am not a competent enough finisher to do justice to such a task, especially as a gift for my Mama. That being said, it just so happens that my Mom is just about the best seamstress this world has ever seen and can sew circles around the moon. She has offered to sew her own gift, how sweet is that!

With this in mind and knowing that I already have the BBD Moda fabric that matches it perfect for the back, as well as lace for the trim, should I go ahead and let Mom sew her own gift? I am torn between finding fun in the thought of this being a collaboration between Mom and I, and feeling guilty because, let's be honest, it's not that fair to make her sew her own gift.

So, the question is, should I let her finish it the way she wants or should I send it off for finishing and surprise her?

What would you do, dear friend?

That's all the news for today, from a very wet and dreary Connecticut. They are calling for some snow mixed in by tomorrow night. This is when Ma begins the nail biting and stomach churning until Spring shows it's face, once again.

I hope that you are enjoying sun wherever you find yourself, and thank you for stopping by for a visit.

Framed Hugs and Hung Up Kisses
Ma Teakettle

My October TUSAL

2011-10-26T08:41:00.001-04:00

I fought the floss.....

My October "frogs" are in the heart jar

And the floss won!

TUSAL Hugs
Ma Teakettle

Every Story Has Two Sides

2011-10-25T12:51:00.005-04:00

Ma's Side....
This is the story of Teagan, who rolled in something foul while outside for lunchtime play. She snuck away while I merely glanced down at my cell phone for but a second, and when I looked up she was no longer playing in her favorite spot in the yard.

Yet again, she had wandered into the neighbor's yard and was very very quiet, which means she is up to some form of mischief. Sure enough as I called her name, she crept up to me with a guilty look on her face and large gross soil marks on her shoulders and back from something that she seems drawn to lately, which is either dead and putrid or not of this earth, because it smells real baaaaaad!

Well, what is a Mama to do, so I took her in the house and gave her a very soothing bath, using her favorite all natural puppy soap and scrubbed the stinky off of her. When the stinkyness was gone, I rinsed and dried her while giving her gentle kisses and soft lovie words, and then when she was all finished, it was time for a treat and a rest in her blanky.
Another typical day.

I am such a good Mama!

And....

Teagan's side...
I was playing outside in my favorite part of the yard, and minding my own business when I heard a faraway voice calling to me in the yard next door, where my "coca poo" friend Cupcake lives. Fearing that she might be in real danger, I had to go over and check on her yard. I crawled under the hole in the old barn fence and crept into her yard, but no one was there. I searched around and the next thing I know I heard the whisper again, and without warning a large pile of something spooky overtook me and covered me in stinkyness! I tried to bark but nothing came out, and I tried to run but my paws wouldn't move, I was stuck in Cupcake's yard and helpless to defend myself!

Luckily, my Mama finally put down her pink noisy chew toy and noticed I was gone and began calling my name, which broke the spell and allowed me to escape the spooky pile. I ran as fast as I could and returned to my side of the fence and safety.

Mama punished me by sticking me in that big, cold hole in the kitchen and covered me with water and soap! Luckily when she was done I was able to shake free and get away, but not before she forced an apple thingy on me which she refers to as a "treat," which I took because I always do, and spent the rest of the day hiding on my favorite chair inside my favorite blanket.

I am such a good dog!

Here is the evidence, thanks to the local paparazzi, so you can decide whose side you are on.

The End.

Mama Hugs and Teagan Kisses
Ma Teakettle & Teagan

Rollin' Along

2011-10-22T11:37:00.009-04:00

It seems like life has been on a fast roll these past few months, but I can see that we seem to be slowing our roll a bit and things have quieted down. The next big event will be opening the "up yonder" house for the winter and settling into that routine. Sadly the town of Wilmington itself suffered some real damage from Irene, but our little house survived with nothing more than the loss of a few trees around it.

Last weekend Pa and I packed up the wagon and headed up to visit Little Brother, for the annual parents weekend at UVM.

Are you sure that you should leave me?

I often tease said Little Bro that he chose a college that was as far as he could go without leaving the US, but truly every time I visit his campus and the surrounding town of Burlington, VT, I can see why he loves it there. I find that even though it is in the same state as up yonder, it is a whole other gorgeous world a mere 2 1/2 hours farther north.

We had an awesome weekend with Little Brother and I think he enjoyed being with us as well. It turns out that we might not be quite as much of an embarrassment as we once were for him.

We drove up Friday morning and arrived in time to meet him after class and see his new dorm and living space, which is quite nice for a college building.

We took him out to dinner, that night, for his most favorite meal of sushi and he showed us the coolest restaurant that had a view of the sushi chefs as they worked.

I cannot even begin to tell you how beautiful the dishes that arrived were, and how yummy they tasted.

We visited a few of our favorite places, while we were up there, like the gorgeous town of Stowe where the Von Trapp family descendants still reside and even perform in the lodge that was their former home and is now a quaint hotel.

We were going to take a ride on the gondola that speeds riders up the mountain for a breathtaking view of the valley below as well as the neighboring states, but it was just too socked in with fog.

But you get the idea!

I also got to visit Kathy, who owns The Wooden Needle, which is the most gorgeous stitching store, right in the heart of the village of Stowe.

I could just spend hours browsing and visiting with Kathy, who is the biggest gem in town.

I must also mention that not only is her store gorgeous and fully stocked with all kinds of wonderful stitcher's delights, but she has the biggest stock of fabric that this stitcher has ever seen under one roof!

So if you ever find yourself at the corner of Park Street...

and Pond Street....

Stop in and say "hey."

And grab some stash....

However, if you live to far away, she will gladly take an order and ship it to all states and Canada! =+)

Before we knew it the weekend slid by and it was almost time to say "adieu" to Little Brother, but only after a yummy breakfast.....

and a snap or two of Little Brother and his proud Ma...

We headed home with a farewell wave!

And visited the mother ship for any New England baker....

You guessed it right!

The King Arthur Flour flagship store in Norwich, VT should be on every baker's bucket list to visit at least once. It is baker heaven!

And I picked up a few goodies just in time for the holidays.

And while we were in town we stopped by a local farm stand and picked up some apples. They have more varieties than I can mention and each and every one is unique, not to mention tasty indeed!

Look at these beauties.

We arrived home late Sunday evening to the once again empty nest, well not quite empty because Big Brother came home for the weekend and baby sat the youngest members of the clan, and according to one little lass, it was a long weekend without her Mama and Dada.

But she quickly recovered with the help of her new UVM dolly, that was chosen just for her.

Thanks for the visit and for your patience through this very long and picture heavy post.

Traveling Hugs
Ma Teakettle

Oh, Pooh!

2011-10-12T10:26:00.023-04:00

SweetMerrySunshineFrakkin'JimminyCricketsSunonabiscuit!

Sweet and dear Ramoner, so sad atop her 600 count Egyptian cotton sheets...A housewife's life IS tough, poodle.

Deep Breath...

"Namaste"

I find it rather humorous that on today, which is Wordless Wednesday, I feel the need to have some words, so thank you for indulging me in that above bit of salty language.

Ma is feeling rather frustrated this day, but it is her own fault and no one else's.

Today, my words are this...

"No good deed goes unpunished" and "When it rains it pours."

And as I walked through the upstairs hallway I noticed that big brother's bedroom door was left ajar, and is now wide open...this would not be a cause for alarm except that Big Brother leaves each and every Sunday having closed his door tight against the cats who enjoy a snooze atop his computer in his absence, and the words "Make sure the cats don't go in my room this week....please." A simple request from a hard working and loving kid.

Finding his door open, would usually be met with no hint of frustration by this gal, except that I know for a fact that it was not I who opened it, since I have not been in his room since he left this past Sunday, and I have a hunch I know who was....and it was not the Easter Bunny looking for his eggs where he himself left them.

So, what's a housewife to do? Well, the same thing she does one hundred times a day....she picks up what's dropped, fixes what's broken and rights what's wrong and goes upon her day with a small shrug and nary a harsh word. All the yucky finds throughout the day never leave her lips. She is honest, loyal and thrifty and would make any Boyscout proud!

Let's face it girls, some days a housewife's life is just a kick in the chops and just when you take a moment to pat yourself on the back for a big job well done, well you get the picture.

Again, I ask you, what's a housewife to do. Well, she throws herself upon the bed and must cry it out until she can cry no more, all the while making sure that not a hair is out of place nor a sheet ruffled, and just like poor poor Ramoner, all she wants is a chance to be heard and appreciated for the wonderful and caring housewife that she is. But, realizing that knowing these values exist within herself is the most important tool of her trade, she faces the world with a resolve that would make Marion Cunningham proud. She reminds herself, yet again that she is blessed to be home, caring for those that she loves and who appreciate her, no matter how old they are or when they forget to show it.

"What's that you say, dear friend?"
"You detect sarcasm?"
"Never, never, not Ma!"

Hope that your Wednesday finds you wordless with peace, and sarcasm free.

This too shall pass.

Wordless Hugs and Peaceful Kisses
Ma Teakettle
Miss Understood

Hollah!

2011-10-09T19:12:00.008-04:00

Pardon me, dear friend, if I frightened you with my yelling, but I want to give a big shout out to a very dear friend!

It happens that our beloved Edgar over at Blacksheep's Bit Of The Web shared his advice to grab Trader Joe's canned pumpkin early, as it is truly delicious and thus goes fast and furious!

I happened to be in my local TJ's with Pa yesterday, and sure enough the display with the cans was already gone, but thankfully when I asked a sweet lady if it was indeed all gone, she winked and very kindly headed to the back and to Ma's amazement and delight reappeared with both a big smile and a can (or two) of pumpkin just for me.
I was beyond happy!

I offer a huge "Thank you" to Edgar for saving Thanksgiving.....Kiss, kiss kiss!

And....

As I happened to be in a baking mood this weekend, I also whipped up a batch of the most amazing Banana bread.

I started out with these.....


Rather ugly little darlings....

Grabbed some other goodies....

And mashed those over ripe bananas with milk and cinnamon....

And creamed together butter, sugar and a couple of farm fresh eggs....

And whisked together some flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.....

Mixed it all together and poured it into a pan....

Baked it at 325 degrees for an hour.....

And viola, I pulled this happy little loaf out of the oven....

And handed Pa a little bit of love topped with cream cheese. ❤

I hope that this post finds you enjoying a quiet end to a fab weekend.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit.

Pumpkin Kisses and Banana Hugs

Ma Teakettle

The Sheep Were Framed...

2011-10-01T11:35:00.005-04:00

Yesterday was a wonderful day, as it began with the drawing of a winner in Ma's Halloween Giveaway and the joy of Elaine's excitement to have won. I rushed off to the postal center to mail her package, and felt like a big deal as I proclaimed to the lady behind the counter that the aforementioned package was heading all the way to Scotland. I was most impressed, however she was not so much as it was close to lunch time, however the package is on it's way and I cannot wait to see what wonderful treats shall be wrought by our dear friend, Elaine.

Next, my little Volkswagen headed towards the framing shop, where I spent a delightful hour choosing just the right look for "The Gathering Room." I am so excited to get it to back so that I can share it with you, dear friend.

This is the first of my finishes to be framed professionally, besides of course "The Quilting" which was stitched and finished for my Mom. I have many finishes set aside waiting for frames, simply because I just haven't wanted to spend the money on myself. But, this time I decided to go ahead and frame Gathering Room for two reasons, the first being that I had chosen and stitched the chart for a specific spot on the wall of our family room, where we all gather, and second because I wanted to place it under museum glass to preserve the fuzziness of the sheep. Anyway, despite my babbling run on sentence, you get the idea. I have decided, however, that in the future I will be teaching myself to properly frame the rest of my finishes as it is not something that I wish to fund on a regular basis. I should also mention that this decision comes on the heels of the hour spent inside the framing shop which is lorded over by a resident free range bearded dragon, not Ma's cup of tea.

I have started my next WIP in the Flipin' Challenge, Blue Ribbon Designs "Tiny Trees And Gifts For Thee," and as always I am just loving it's progress and the colors that Belinda has charted.

I am stitching this holiday pretty using Sassy's Fabby "Snickerdoodle" hand dyed Monaco, using the charted GAST....Blue Spruce, Cinnamon, Cranberry, Holly Berry, Pine, and Tarnished Gold, as well as DMC white and black.

I have decided to make this one into a pillow which I hope to have finished and ready to set out by the end of November, and I will keep you posted on my progress.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit, on what is a very damp and dark New England Saturday.

Framed Hugs and Sheepish Kisses
Ma Teakettle

We Have A Giveaway Winner!

2011-09-30T09:47:00.003-04:00

Hugs and kisses go out to all who entered Ma's Halloween Giveaway!

I would love to be able to give each and every dear friend a prize, but I can only give one and thanks to the fine folks at random.org the winner is.......Elaine!

Her beautiful blog is Lainey's Stitching Hoose which I encourage you to visit if you have not already enjoyed it.

Congratulations!

I have sent you an email, and will await your reply so that I can mail it to you.

Giveaway Hugs and Winning Kisses
Ma Teakettle

The clock begins ticking...."now"

Counting Sheep

2011-09-18T12:02:00.001-04:00

I spent yesterday with my needle flying...

And my fabric smokin'...

And made a lot of progress on "The Gathering Room."

I am very pleased with the results, so far, and can't wait to be finished so that I can frame and hang it!

A few words about the sheep floss, as you may recall I stitched the sheep using the charted Rainbow Gallery Whisper floss in W63 and it looks fabulous, but it was not easy to work with! However, I found a few tried and true steps to make it easier to stitch with. First, I used a 24 needle and that made a huge difference, as it was both easier to thread and didn't fray the floss as I stitched. I also found that the stress of being pulled through the fabric would cause the end of the floss to lose it's fuzziness, as it is a nylon/mohair blend. So, it worked better and I wasted less of it by using small pieces. Also, I recommend a basic metal needle threader, as I broke two of my fancy ones trying to pull it through....my bad...and it is disgusting to lick in order to thread without it because of the mohair...and yes I am a thread licker.

I will continue to keep you posted on my progress, dear friend. This coming week shall be a busy one so I may not get to stitching as much as I would like, but I will do my best to put needle to thread each night.

Sunday Blessings
Ma Teakettle

Mom Jeans...

2011-09-15T08:55:00.002-04:00

I rarely fall in love with any television commercial, but I must say that I love, love, love this one!

Maybe because I can relate to it...from the Mom's side of course....giggle.

Enjoy!

Rockin' The Mom Jeans Hugs and Kisses
Ma Teakettle

If You Build It....

2011-09-14T10:11:00.002-04:00

They Will Come.

I must start today's post with a round of applause for each and every dear friend who took a moment out of your day to share a piece of yourself with Ma and your dear friends.

When I wrote my post inquiring as to what it is that you do for your work a day career and what it was that you wanted to be when you grew up, I hoped that I would get a few responses and would get to know more about those who I consider myself so lucky to call "dear friend." I didn't realize that the responses would be so many, and more importantly so honest and beyond fascinating. I am overwhelmed with both awe and appreciation for your responses.

I adore how very talented each and every one of you are! I am in the presence of amazing women who without your contributions on every level this world would not exist!

I adored each and every response and want to extend a hug and a kiss to each of you.

If you have not had a chance to read each comment, I encourage you to do so and learn what sweet and wonderful friends we share, and if you haven't commented yet.....please add yours as the more the merrier.

Thank You.

Inspired Hugs and Adoring Kisses
Ma Teakettle

When I Grow Up....

2011-09-12T08:41:00.001-04:00

"I want to be a wife and a mommy!"

Truth be told, that is all this girl ever really wanted to be, of course that was not going to help Pa pay the rent when we were first married, so I did have to chose a "profession" so to speak and since I was attending that pesky little place known as college, it was more a need than a want. No, I did enjoy my time in college and I felt my calling was towards the nursing field, and that is where I spent the first ten years of life as a wife and mommy.

I was a CCRN, or to be more relaxed and to the point, I was an inpatient critical cardiac care nurse as well as a rehabilitation specialist. So, basically I was a nurse who got you through and got you back to your regular routine. I retired from nursing in 1994, when Big Brother was 5 and Little Brother was 2, and have been blessed to be able to call myself a SAHM since that time.

Now, you may be scratching your head yet again as to the point of Ma's post, but it is just my own curiosity as to what my dear friends do in their work a day lives. You see, we all know what each others favorite designers, floss manufacturers and online needlework stores are, but often have no idea what we wanted to be when we grew up.

So, I pose the question to you, dear friend, what was it that you wanted to be when you grew up, and what is it that you do? There is no requirement to share, I was just curious or perhaps even nosy....

What is your work a day world job, and do you enjoy it?

Nosy Hugs and Curious Kisses
Professionally Yours
Ma Teakettle

Reflect....

2011-09-11T09:32:00.001-04:00

The Gathering Room

2011-09-09T09:09:00.005-04:00

I am continuing to make my way through the Flipin' Challenge with progress on WIP #10, Little House Needleworks "The Gathering Room."

I decided to use Diane's charted suggestion which is to use Rainbow Gallery's "Whisper" thread for the sheep, and I just love the effect! I am using 1 strand on 28 ct Belfast and it seems to slide through just fine.

I can't wait to finish and frame this sweet WIP, as I have the perfect spot already chosen on the wall of our family room, the room where we gather when all together.

Thanks for stopping by
Gathering Hugs
Ma Teakettle

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-07T08:19:00.001-04:00

Someone is missing Little Brother

Chocolate Hugs
Ma Teakettle

Did Someone Say...Giveaway?

2011-09-06T09:11:00.001-04:00

Yes, indeed!

It's a Halloween giveaway!

The newly released JCS "Halloween Collection" booklet filled with whimsical cross stitch projects can be yours, dear friend!

"How can this be so?"

Well, it's nothing too fancy, just leave a comment on this post and let me know if you wish to have your name added to the random drawing...that's all!

Oh, and one small favor, this giveaway is only open to followers of my blog.....I know, ain't that the way it always goes, but so be it.

Ma will be drawing a random winner on Friday, September 30th, and the winner will have 48 hours to notify Ma of their whereabouts so your prize can be mailed with plenty of time for stitching before Halloween.

Good luck!

Ghostly Hugs and Goblin Kisses
Ma Teakettle

My August TUSAL

2011-09-05T19:32:00.001-04:00

Oh Beans, I forgot to post my TUSAL update picture, yet again!

So, without further adeiu...

You may notice that I have been remiss in adding much fuzz to the jars, and not because I have been stitching so frog free, but rather that I have not been stitching as much as I would have liked these past couple of weeks. However, now that the summer has come to an end and the falling leaves are upon us, there will be much more time for stitching!

Late Again Hugs
Ma Teakettle

Thank You, Big Brother!

2011-09-04T20:09:00.004-04:00

I would like to give a huge shout out and "Thank You" to our very own Big Brother who took some very basic requests from his Mommy, and who turned them into the most beautiful blog banner evah!

And Teagan was right beside him to make sure that he included her picture, and maybe watched some puppies while she helped.

Kiss, kiss, kiss!
New Banner Hugs
Ma Teakettle

Electricity, It's A Beautiful Thing!

2011-09-01T09:59:00.009-04:00

We have arrived back in the modern age, dear friend, and it is a beautiful thing!

I had decided that if the power was still out by Friday I was going to change the name of my blog to "Tales From The Generator."

Our power came back on last evening, and at first my mind didn't even register that it had, until I noticed the cable box light and even then it took me a moment to "get it," but boy once I did I gave a huge hoot and tried to high five the dogs for which they gave me blank stares, and then Pa and I did a happy dance!

And so, dear friend....

I am writing this blog post today from an air conditioned home on a wireless network in a room that has light and a house that has water and flushing toilets, and with the recent four days without these luxuries (was it only four days?) fresh in my mind I thought I would share with you my thoughts on what emergency supplies worked, and what were either not necessary or just didn't work.

Let me begin by saying, without a doubt, that the most beloved and invaluable item that we had was our generator! I would encourage everyone to purchase a generator, and as I know they are a not an inexpensive undertaking we would have been lost without it. You don't have to have a big or fancy one, but just one that can hold a good amount of gasoline....ours holds five gallons and that lasts through the night with two major appliances, but a two gallon would be fine too.

Now, please note that as you read this post, it is just my observations and does not include any region other than the East Coast and does not take into account disasters other than minor....so for those of you who are survivalists I am not referring to an "EMP" or other major event. =)

Emergency Supplies That I Totally Used:
✓ Generator
✓ OSHA approved gas can (I found that our 5 gallon can was awkward and too heavy for me to use, we now have a 2 1/2 gallon that I could handle if I had to refill the generator)
✓Outdoor approved heavy duty extension cords...at least two
✓Surge protector electrical strip
✓Emergency supply of prescription meds
✓Flashlight
✓Emergency/Camping Lantern
✓D sized batteries
✓Cell phone
MiFi brick
Outdoor Grill/BBQ
Bottled Water
Battery or crank emergency radio
Plastic utensils
Paper Plates
Plastic cups that hold hot and cold
Powder coffee creamer
Trash bags...too many uses to name
hand can opener (non electric)
2 buckets...one for soapy water and one for clean water
Biodegradable dish washing soap
antibacterial hand gel
household cleaning wipes

Note that I used a ✓ by those items that were indispensable and were sold out everywhere!

Emergency Supplies That I Found Not Necessary or That I Never Used:
Freeze Dried Foods...By the time it was "dinner hour" it was almost dark and just too much effort with limited light to heat water and prepare, so I would suggest easy to eat canned foods and the meats in my chest freezer...boy the air smelled delicious when everyone was cooking their thawed meat!

AA batteries....I had always stocked up on them, but now that we don't have young children with game boys or radios, I never used them...what we did use were those "D's!"

Candles....I found that they gave limited light and a lot of heat, which in this situation we were trying our best to cool our house down. Also, I found myself worrying more about fire than light...flashlights and lanterns were much better, we carried them everywhere.

There were a few things that I discovered, that I never even noticed before we lost power...for instance even in the daytime areas of my home remain darker than others and I found that I needed the lantern, for instance my pantry, closets, and the basement...which has wicked steep stairs and is where most of my emergency supplies live.

I also discovered that though it is a sad reality, you are alone when a disaster happens. It isn't that your neighbors do not care about your well being, it's just that they are as busy as you with their own well being and that of their family, and another sad fact is that elected officials and supply companies are just human like the rest of us and are focused on their own well being, as it should be. They are not experts in disaster control or recovery, and cannot or will not be able to hold our hands or even predict what the future is, and with this in mind I emphasize self sufficiency. I found myself frustrated with the lack of information and inefficiency that we faced during our four days, and so for peace of mind make your situation one that you are not dependent on their time table, be self sufficient!

I realize that this was just a four day inconvenience and not a major event, and I also realize that many people on the East coast remain without power, and worse, but I am posting this to help you, dear friend, as we live in a world that is unpredictable and often overwhelming, but with this in mind we can remain proactive and prepared. This is just that from a regular human point of view.

I want to end this post with a very big hug to you, dear friends, for your words of support and love, that was more valuable than any emergency supply item evah!

Now, I am off to catch up on radaronline.com...ugh, I mean thepropperladyneverreadsgossip.com....giggle, you know you do it too.

Electrical Hugs and Internet Kisses

Ma Teakettle

❤ Next post....Look for a bloggie makeover, stitching updates, and a "Halloween Giveaway Announcement!"

Come On "Irene!"

2011-08-29T12:41:00.004-04:00

Yes, I realize that the song really says "Eileen," but as I sit here blogging with the computer running off the generator and the "Mifi" brick supplying the Internet I thought it best to let everyone know that we, at "The Teakettle Corner" are doing fine, though we awoke to our second day without power.

Thankfully our basement remains dry and our generator remains gas full.

The photos don't do justice to the amount of debris that is all over the yard!

The latest reports from Connecticut Light & Power is that 10% of homes in our county have been restored but the rest remain "dark" and we are one of them. They say that power may be back anytime from "soon" to over a week. I am hoping that "soon" is power company speak for "today."

Anyhoo, I hope that this post finds all of my dear friends who have been hit by Irene safe and only inconvenienced as we are.

Thank you to the many dear friends who have checked up on Ma and Pa, please know that I am forever thankful to all of those tender hearts who I am blessed to call friend.

I am off to stitch the daylight away, but I'll be back sooner than later!

Oh and a slight PS, to those who may be saying "Wait a minute she said she was taking a "bloggie" break." Well, I changed my mind, and it is a woman's prerogative to do just that!
Deal with it...wink, wink. =)

Generator Kisses and Lantern Hugs
Ma Teakettle

Check Back Soon....

2011-08-16T10:32:00.007-04:00

Hello, dear friend!

Summer at The Teakettle Corner is winding down and so is Ma, who will be taking a "time out" break from all that is blogging, for just a stitch.

Look for Ma, once again, when the calendar says summer has ended and the leaves begin a-changing and here I will be waiting with a cup of tea, just for you.

Thanks for your understanding.

Time Out Hugs and Be Back Kisses
Ma Teakettle

My Too Late TUSAL

2011-08-12T09:49:00.002-04:00

I missed the original July 30th TUSAL posting date , but better late than never ....

And, as you may notice I have added a tiny little baby jar, which is now holding used floss tags.

My TUSAL jar collection seems to be growing but I suppose this is what happens when you leave two jars unattended...wink, wink!

Delayed Hugs and August Kisses
Ma Teakettle

Deja Vu All Over Again

2011-08-11T11:18:00.002-04:00

Hello, dear friend, it's been a while but I am back from my trip out West to visit the kin folk and have finally settled back into the daily routine of life at "The Corner."

How have you been?

I have been great, my trip was awesome as usual and filled with family! I love my visits out to California and as I have said, I am so blessed to be able to make the trip as often as I do.

I spent time with my sister and her family, and attended the annual family picnic, which I have missed for more years than I care to admit. It was not easy to raise the Teakettle clan so far away from kit and kin, but it was what it was, and now that the brothers have flown the nest, so to speak, I am able to go and visit as I please and with Pa's blessings.

Did I mention that Little Brother came out for a visit too? Yes indeed, it is amazing how persuasive a Bobby can be when she has her mind made up to see her grandson, and being the "Bobby loving guy" that he is, it all worked out and his visit was a gem!

So, without further adieu, I would love to share some pics with you, of the various treats that I found beyond glorious and who better to share it all with than my dearest friend, and that is you.

We babysat my cousin, Mona, while her parents had their bowling night....isn't she the cutest girl?

And so well behaved!

We began each day with a 2 1/2 mile walk along a path that we have been walking for many years, and which my Ma, Pa and Uncle "Bunkle" still walk almost daily. I had to take a picture of my favorite tree, as it is just the most gorgeous color of purple and the flowers remind me of a cross stitch.

Love it!

Our route takes us from my Ma and Pa's house to our favorite Starbucks, where we sit for a bit and enjoy the company of each other and the other regulars who grace our day....

...Like my dear friend, Kitten, who is known locally as "The Pink Lady" and loved by many, as you can see why.

She was so kind to pose for me while I took a picture to share with you.

This particular Starbucks is located in Studio City, so named for the many television studios that reside within it's boundaries. I had a nice chat with sweet Sarah Gilbert, and just had to tell her how much I love "The Talk," and gave a wave to Ethan Suplee, Corbin Bernsen and one of the Olson twins. This is where Ma grew up, funny right?

I am so lucky that my amazingly dear sister takes the time to visit our folks while I am there and we have so much fun together, and this visit was no different, and in fact made a trip to her fabulous local strawberry farm on her way down to the valley, from Northern California and we enjoyed a mess of strawberries that were heaven!

I forget just how amazing California strawberries are!

And then, the night before he returned home, Little Brother whipped up a fabulous meal for us all, and we gobbled it down, luckily I was able to snag a photo before it disappeared.

I learned a few new things while I was home, for instance I learned that Trader Joe's is the mecca which both my Ma and my sister proclaim it to be. For years I have avoided the 15 minute drive that would take me to my local TJ's, mostly out of pure laziness but more because it happens to reside in Darien, CT which is the town that was the backdrop for The Stepford Wives...you get the picture. But after a couple of weeks of giving in and finally going shopping with my TJ girls I found myself falling in love with the quality of the food and the low prices! When I returned home I decided to be brave and so I went shopping at my local TJ's on Tuesday and OMW, it was fab-u-licious! I am now a TJ's convert and have vowed to Pa that I will stick with it for both quality and price.

I enjoyed every minute of my visit, and whomever said that you can never go home again was very wrong or perhaps didn't come from the amazing family that this gal does, because going home is always the most wonderful treat in the world to me. I do, however, find myself missing my Teakettle clan, and thankfully it turns out that they miss me as well. I am so blessed to love and be loved by folks in both of my homes, the one I grew up in and the one that I have grown to adore, filled with those that I love most in the world.

And some nose kisses at the airport from a baby girl who loves you doesn't hurt either!

Thanks for the visit, and I hope that this post finds you well, dear friend.

Traveling Hugs and Returning Kisses
Ma Teakettle

Oops, I Did It Again!

2011-07-21T09:29:00.000-04:00

I had made the decision to put off starting "Give Thanks" until I had arrived to the kin, but somehow my needle took flight and the next thing I knew, I had made some pretty good progress.

I was just intrigued by the chart which called for various stitches, besides the basic cross stitch.

Check out the windows panes...

Which I stitched in a Smyrna Cross over four, using two strands of GAST "Picnic Basket."

And

The grass under the house...

Which I stitched in a Vertical Satin, using three strands of GAST "Dried Thyme."

I am enjoying the new stitches that this chart calls for, but now I must force myself to "Put down the needle, and step away from the Q-snap" so that I can pack it.

But, there you have the latest, dear friend.

Fancy Hugs and Runaway Kisses
Ma Teakettle

Another Finish For Ma

2011-07-19T11:00:00.002-04:00

I finally finished "The Quilting," and I am so happy with the way it turned out!

I stitched this sweet chart for my Mom, and together she and I will chose a frame and matting so that she can hang it in her home, while I am out there next week.

Told In A Garden "The Quilting"

I hope she loves it.

And...

Next on my "Flipin' Challenge" list is "Give Thanks" by Glory Bee, which I made a nice start on yesterday...

Glory Bee "Give Thanks"

I am stitching this on 28 ct Jobelan "Summer Khaki" using a multitude of floss, Weeks Dye Works "Parchment, Straw", Gentle Art "Dried Thyme, Mulberry, Sarsaparilla, Aged Pewter, Ginger Snap, Picnic Basket, Old Hickory", and Threadworx "Fantasy Island."

I will keep you posted in my progress.

And...

I decided to toss in a little extra treat that I came upon while gazing at Nathalie's gorgeous store, Jardin Prive, and it just made me think of a very special friend, who blesses Ma by sharing both her friendship and her tea with me, not to mention her gorgeous stitching.

I adore this sweet chart!

I will be stitching this on 28 ct Jobelan "Queen Anne's Lace" using DMC 115. I hope this dear friend loves it as much as I love her.

And there you have it, dear friend, a bit of an overcrowded update, but an update none the less. It is hot and humid at The Corner, and we have had our share of big thunder storms of late, but that is summer in New England.

I will be heading out West, once again, to visit the old homestead and my Ma and Pa for a couple of weeks, but I will be online and blogging while I am there. As most of you know, I am so blessed to be able to visit them every few months.

Updated Hugs and Sweet Stitchy Kisses
Ma Teakettle

We Have Heads...

2011-07-09T09:26:00.002-04:00

And if I may so myself, I think they look fab.

My Rendition

And, don't get me wrong, I adore the original but it just wasn't what I had in mind for this WIP...

The Original

I gave them a bit of hair...

And switched around the stitches on their bonnets.....

And in the end I think that they look just how I imagined they should.

And with that I am off to stitch the weekend away.

Have a wonderful weekend, dear friend.

Saturday Hugs and Weekend Kisses
Ma Teakettle

My New Stand And Some Headless Quilters

2011-07-08T12:56:00.001-04:00

I am so happy to announce that my fabulous stand arrived yesterday, and I love, love, love it!

Oh, she is so darn pretty that I just cannot "stand" it! (Get it? LOL) But really, this stand is divine!

It has an attachment that includes a daylight low watt light, a chart clip, and a magnifying glass that swivels easily for when it's not in use.

Look at the magnification of the ladies!

As you can see I am way more excited than either of the dogs are.

I stitched the night away with my stand, and have made some great progress on "The Quilters," however I just wasn't loving their heads as charted, I felt that they looked more like beanie wearing gals than Amish women, so I frogged their heads and have been playing around with different bonnets.

I unleashed my inner Tudor and in my best King Henry VIII voice, I proclaimed "Off with their heads," but in the end every woman needs her head, so, I will show you what I come up with when they are all finished.

I am just giddy with love for my new toy from Santa.
Thank you, Santa my sweet!

Giddy Hugs and Headless Kisses
Ma Teakettle

It's Christmas In July...

2011-07-06T08:42:00.001-04:00

Over at Parsley's Blog!

I am drooling over the wonderful goodies that she is offering, and, get this, all she asks is to meet stitchy friends!

So run, don't walk over to "Season's Of My Mind" and say "Hey" if you are already a treasured stitchy friend, or get to know her if you are a new stitchy friend, because either way I guarantee that you will just adore her....and fall in love with her giveaway treats!

Good Luck!

Woohoo Hugs and Fingers Crossed Kisses
Ma Teakettle

God Bless America

2011-07-02T09:23:00.001-04:00

Wishing you and yours a very Happy July 4th!

Cupcake Hugs and Firework Kisses
Ma Teakettle

My July TUSAL

2011-07-01T10:35:00.000-04:00

Wellll...I wish I had less thread to share, but...

there it is, and in all it's "glory."

Happy July Hugs
Ma Teakettle

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-29T09:45:00.000-04:00

Wordless Hugs,
Ma Teakettle

My Darling Santa ❤

2011-06-28T08:53:00.010-04:00

This morning you uttered the most beautiful sentence, "Go ahead and order your thing," and as I have not recently asked for any other item I can only assume that the "thing" which you mention is indeed the stand of a lifetime.

I want to say "Thank you" to all my girls for having my back and allowing me the opportunity to show Santa just how deserving I am. So, lets all do a happy dance together, ladies, 'casue Ma is getting her smart stand, accessories attached, but not to include the lady or the chair.

"Hot Dang and a Boo Ya!"

In closing, I would like to say "Thank You" dearest darling bearded man, you will always be tops in Ma's eyes just because you are you.

The aforementioned "Thing" is ordered and our next stop....Delivery-ville!

All Aboard!

Hot Dang Hugs and Boo Ya Kisses
Ma Teakettle

If you too would like to ask your Santa for the smart stand...I ordered mine from Pat at The Needlework Hideaway/Stitcher's Workshop in Arkansas. She has the best price and deal I found. Visit her wonderful online store.
and here is the direct link to the Daylight Smart Stand.

❤

A Letter To Santa

2011-06-27T09:14:00.006-04:00

My Very Dear Santa,

Let me start by saying that though I clearly recognize the fact that I have just recently purchased a stitching stand, and one that made my pocketbook smile because of it's very reasonable price tag, I have inadvertently stumbled upon the stitching stand of my dreams.

Santa dear, this "new" stitching stand is just divine! It is the dream of an organized stitcher, the Pope of those who call themselves stitching stands, the Bentley of the entire fleet of stands that were created for the purpose of stitching.

I realize that I am gushing over a material object, but oh dear Santa, I want this stand, no, I need this stand to complete the ever growing list of charts that are near and dear to my heart. I ask, no, I implore you wonderful jolly bearded fellow that you are, to please consider bringing this deserving gal one of her own.

Is it not Fabulous?!
Look at the ease of stitching, the attachment with a light, a chart clamp and a slot for needfuls such as scissors, floss and "frogging" supplies.

The Smart Stitch Stand Complete


Woman and chair not needed

In closing, dearest Santa, let me say that I have been a very good girl this year, and that even though I do not always play nicely with others I can say with all honesty that I have, so far, neither pulled hair nor thrown sand once this year. I have not fibbed, lied or otherwise wained dishonest and I have held my tongue from gossip, cussing and all around unladylike conduct. I feel that I can honestly say that I have been a true peach.

I promise that if you can find it in your big heart to bring such a wonderful gift to me, I will do my part to stitch my little heart out and keep the needle flying. I also promise that if I don't receive this from you I will not curse, throw things or whine, but I cannot promise that I will not pout, sulk or act a bit unruly for a few days, as is my nature when severely disappointed.

Remember, dearest darling Santa that I love you above all other jolly fellows and that I find you divine indeed.

Yours very truly,
Ma Teakettle

Hello World!

2011-06-25T10:57:00.002-04:00

Good Saturday Morning, dear friend, I have two glorious stitchy updates for you.

First and foremost, I have finished "Red, White and Bloom"

LHN "Red, White and Bloom"

I apologize for the picture quality, the light just wasn't cooperating and neither was my camera, but you get the idea.
I think that I am going to finish this one into a pillow.

❤

And when I finished that sweet little SAL, I began work upon "The Quilting," and wanted to share the first little lady with you.

Told In A Garden "The Quilting"

I am stitching on Sassy's Fabby's "Raffia Cream," with DMC floss.
I just adore her and cannot wait to add her quilting friends.

Our summer days have begun with rainy days and soggy shoes, but it is a such a sweet summer treat to have Little Brother home from college and Big Brother here each weekend. This Ma is enjoying the summer while it lasts, and even Teagan is enjoying herself in the big chair!

Hope your summer is starting out fab!

Soggy Hugs and Stitchy Kisses
Ma Teakettle

Next Up...

2011-06-17T11:10:00.000-04:00

And moving along, I present from my stitching basket, the next WIP in my "Flipin' Challenge."

"The Quilting" by Told In A Garden.

I am going to be stitching this sweet design on a 28 ct "Antique White" Evenweave using DMC floss 310, 316, 413, 435, 500, 550, 743, 754, 823, 902, 915, 930, 932, 937, 991, and ecru.

I bought this chart, along with several other charts designed by Told In A Garden as a discounted lot, and they have been sitting in my stash for quite some time, and I am ready to put needle to fabric.

I will keep you updated on my progress, dear friend.

Thanks for the visit!

Stitching Basket Hugs and New Start Kisses
Ma Teakettle

Summer Comes To The Teakettle Corner

2011-06-16T12:39:00.000-04:00

The calendar may say it's almost summer, but here at The Teakettle Corner, it screams summer!

Thanks, Pa for the beautiful picture.

Blue Sky Hugs and Summer Kisses
Ma Teakettle

Another Finish For Ma

2011-06-12T17:29:00.000-04:00

I am so excited, as another WIP becomes a finish!


LHN "A Stitcher's Prayer"

I am so happy with how it turned out!

And check out this little cutie...does she look familiar?

I just need to frame it and hang it!

Finishing Hugs
Ma Teakettle

A Sunday Pondering

2011-06-12T11:36:00.001-04:00

Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD:
Psalm 102:18

I have often wondered, and to be honest, even worried over the future of this world of ours, given the current state of young women who are being represented by the media.

It fills this "old gal" with anxiety to consider that perhaps my future daughter in love is not the "norm" of what today's young woman has become, but rather the exception. If I were to only see what is shown through the Hollywood media, I would truly believe that the end of civilization is imminent.

Are we to believe that the future of our children will be in the hands of the "Snookies" or Lindsay Lohan's of the world, and If this is to be so, then we are indeed in big trouble. When did it become not only blase, but acceptable for a young lady to act and dress with so little regard for both her physical and spiritual well being, and the well being of future generations of young girls who look up to those in the spotlight for guidance. I honestly worry about the future of women, as we have struggled thus far in the after effects of feminism and it's subsequent decline into today's acceptance of girls gone wild, and I wonder where have all the young ladies gone, the ones who embrace their modesty and who see the future of our world through pure and bright eyes, rather than those that have seen too much and have lost their light. Have we become so jaded ourselves that we have lost the ability to guide our future generations?

Fear not, as I have proof that these priceless gems do exist in something other than an episode of the Duggar's, and I even have evidence, by the plethora of blogs out there by beautiful and modest young women.

It restores my hope and faith in our future, and in the ladies who will take our place in fighting the good fight for the sanctity of faith, family and home, and who will hold our future generations in the high regard that we have fought for centuries to provide. I do not expect every woman to live by the code of ethics that is a true Proverbs 31 woman, but I would hope that as time marches on, and we see the results of an aging generation of self centered and entitled young women, life will go back to a more modest time in which priorities are balanced and the fate of the family is no longer in jeopardy.

I have hope for our world and the generations to come, and it is tied up and held secure by a modest pink ribbon.

Please take a moment to check out these amazing blogs, written by some beautiful young ladies, who continually restore my faith in the fact that there is a "norm" out there for this generation of women, and that it is not the one that the media would have us believe. I love reading these blogs, and I hope that you will too.

Ma's Pink Ribbon Ladies:

These are but a few of the wonderful and glorious blogs that are out there of young women who make me proud and restore my faith in the next generation of women, and they put my mind at ease.

Thanks for visiting and indulging this Ma, dear friend.

Pondering Hugs and Peaceful Kisses
Ma Teakettle

Yes It's True...He's 22!

2011-06-10T11:57:00.000-04:00

Today, my first born child turns 22, and I couldn't be more excited for him!

Happy Birthday Big Brother....

Where did the time go?

And look at how "not gray" Ma and Pa were in this picture, from 2000.

Time Flys and So Do The Baby Birdies.

Happy Birthday Hugs
Ma Teakettle

Taking A Stand...

2011-06-10T10:01:00.003-04:00

I finally took a stand.......a stand against shoulder pain!

OKay, let's back up a minute and start at the beginning...

I have been complaining of a sore left shoulder for more years than I care to mention, and it has been getting increasingly worse. Each trip to the chiropractor confirms that my left shoulder is both out of alignment and in a good deal of muscle spasm. Being that our beloved Dr. Ingliss is married to a good friend of mine and fellow stitcher, he kindly and repeatedly informs me that it is most definitely from holding my stitchy WIP, while I work.

With this in mind, I have given a good year's worth of thought to a floor stand, which would serve to alleviate the need to hold a WIP, as well as allow me the freedom to use both hands to stitch, a win win, right?

Well, this past week, after much thought and research I bought myself a treat...yes, dear friend, I am now the proud owner of a floor stand, and I looooove it!

Why didn't I do this sooner!

The stand that I purchased is from Michael's and is a Frank A. Edmunds & Co. brand, with a price tag of $40, right in my budget! The entire body is adjustable and it is a dream to stitch on.

I have to admit that my shoulder is not aching, and my needle is smoking with the increased speed of my stitches, now that I have both hands free.

Look at the progress on "A Sticher's Prayer"

Happy Stitching!

Pain Free Hugs and Happy Kisses
Ma Teakettle

My Weekend In Stitches

2011-06-06T10:21:00.005-04:00

If you noticed smoke coming from Ma's neck of the woods, it was my needle upon fabric. These fingers were stitching fast!

This past weekend, I found myself with an unusually light schedule on the home and yard work front, so I did what any stitchy gal would do, I stitched, and stitched until both my fabric and my fingers were smoking!

So, without further adieu.....

I made some great progress on CCN "Red, White and Bloom."

And then I started the next chart on my "Flipin'" Challenge list, LHN "A Stitcher's Prayer"....

I am stitching this sweet prayer on 28 ct Jobelyn "Platinum" using CC Belle Soie, and instead of the entire charted color scheme, I have chosen five "representative" colors. This being my first time using Belle Soie, I am loving it, in fact I may have just started a whole new "Kettle of fish."
So, on to the interesting part, the colors that I have chosen are Icing, Old Crow, Teddy Bear, Tulip, and Weathered Vine.

Stay tuned, dear friend, for further progress.

Before I finish this post, I wanted to share one more goody with you....

This sweet little "Gardenin' Angel" by Prairie Moon is a kit that comes all wrapped up in a sweet gingham package with both the chart and a set of adorable tin star embellishments, that will add to it's charm.
This angel will be stitched for a very dear and special garden gal who will remain nameless until I am finished and she is sent on her way to her new home.
I hope that she will love it as much as I lover her.

Thanks for visiting and happy stitching!

Smoking Fast Hugs and Finger Flying Kisses
Ma Teakettle

My June TUSAL And A SAL Start

2011-06-02T11:12:00.003-04:00

Here is my TUSAL for June...

Notice the entire contents, or rather the large lump of fuzzies, that are in my ORT jar, they are what remains of the frog that I fought and won....Towanda!

❤

In other stitchy news....

A new start, LHN "Red White and Bloom" which is for the Red, White & Bloom by CCN Stitch-a-Long group that I joined on Facebook.

I love the colors!

I am stitching this sweety on (what else) Tea Dyed Monaco using the charted colors, with the exemption of the red, as I didn't have CC "Ribbon Red" in my stash I substituted CC "Ruby Slippers" and it seems to be just fine.

Thanks for visiting!

TUSAL Hugs and New Start Kisses
Ma Teakettle

I Fought The Frog...

2011-05-31T06:45:00.003-04:00

and won!

Notice the bottom tree on the left...

I stitched and frogged, and frogged and stitched it three times. I don't know what was wrong with me, but I couldn't count to save my life! But in the end I fought that frog and not only won...but I finished it and boy do I love it!

This chart is "A Sampling In The Square" from Blue Ribbon Designs.

I stitched it on Antique White Monaco (28ct) using the charted WDW colors...gorgeous!

Now, to frame and hang it.

Fabulous Hugs and Finished Kisses
Ma Teakettle

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T09:41:00.000-04:00

Thankful Hugs and Remembrance Kisses
Ma Teakettle

Favorite Flag Cake

2011-05-29T10:59:00.002-04:00

No Teakettle Clan Memorial Day BBQ is complete with the yummy goodness of this totally easy cake!

Ingredients:
1 box white or yellow cake
1 tub of cool whip
1 1/3 C of blueberries
2 pints of strawberries

Directions:
1. Mix up and bake your cake according to the box's directions.
2. Wash your strawberries and set aside, on a paper towel to dry.
3. Top cake (in pan) with all of the whipped topping. Arrange strawberries and blueberries on whipped topping to create a flag design.
4. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Enjoy it with family and friends!

Berry Hugs and Whipped Cream Kisses
Ma Teakettle

Look What Arrived From France!

2011-05-26T09:16:00.002-04:00

I am so excited, dear friend, to share with you my final Blackbird Designs exchange gift, which arrived yesterday afternoon all the way from Lyon, France!

BBD "Gathering Basket"

A Gift Exchange from Ela

In Lyon, France

This Pinkeep is so gorgeous, that my pictures barely do it justice.

It was stitched by our dear stitchy friend, Elisabeth, on 32 ct Zweigart flax linen, using CC threads, and I just adore it. She is not only an amazing stitcher, but her finishing is gorgeous and beyond perfect!

I love love love it!
I have not stopped smiling since I opened it late last night.

Merci Beaucoup, Ela...Kiss kiss kiss!

Merci Hugs and Fabuleux Kisses
Ma Teakettle

Drumrollll Puhlease......

2011-05-25T11:35:00.002-04:00

What an amazing weekend we had! The Teakettle clan gathered to celebrate Big Brother's college graduation.

Introducing "The Graduate" himself, Big Bother....

Marist College class of 2011

The Gold Hood represents The School of Computer Science, and the Red Tassel represents the honor of graduating "Summa Cum Laude" or "With High Honors." The smile on his face represents the pride that goes along with four years of working his bum off and the knowledge that he did it all himself, and it is a job well done indeed!

We are so very proud of Big Brother!

The weekend started off with an invitation to the Baccalaureate awards ceremony, where we joined the parents of the hard working group of students that were honored. Big Brother received three awards! We were practically hoarse from cheering and whooping it up.


Pa and Little Brother enjoying themselves during the ceremony....cuties!

The next day, the family arrived and were greeted by one Teagan, herself, who made sure that each individual who entered the house got a personal signature on their pant leg of her paw. She was also the garden tour guide for anyone who was interested. :)

We returned, Saturday morning, to campus and watched as Big Brother walked to receive his Bachelors of Science degree!

along with the over 1000 students who graduated with him.

It was a beautiful day!

And then, as is our way in the clan known as "Teakettle," we ate 'til our bellies could eat no more and we enjoyed good food, good conversation, and good family!

Look real hard and you will see Grandma Pa.

We call it "Family Style"..... Soooo Yummy

This was one of those weekends that we will remember always, as our first child graduated from college and took another big step towards what is becoming his amazing future.

We all slept good that night....

And awoke the next day to bid farewell to the family who had traveled far, to join in the celebration.

It's always sad to see them go.

I am so glad that you were able to indulge with Ma in a walk down the memory lane of this past weekend.
It was just awesome!

And what's next on Big Brother's agenda, you ask?

Sunburn cream for his forehead and Grad School!

Congratulations to our dear Big Brother, it's sails to the wind and full speed ahead!

Cheering Hugs and Whoop Whoop Kisses
Ma Teakettle

Sooo, Anyway....

2011-05-23T16:12:00.002-04:00

So, Anyway, here it is Monday and it seems to be rather rainy and dull outside, and I happen to have no idea what in the world to blog about.

My dear friend Jayne, who you all know and love, over at Henley's Landing had a brilliant idea for a topic, but after some thought I decided that perhaps it would be best if I didn't approach "that one." Though I did laugh so hard thinking about it that I almost tinkled myself.

But, anyway....

So, I have been giving it some thought and I feel that a recipe might be just the thing for a day such as today.

So, I present to you, dear friend a tried and true recipe that is a favorite of the Teakettle clan.

Mrs. Williams Broccoli Summer Salad...

Ingredients:
Salad:
* 5 cups fresh broccoli florets
* 1/2 cup raisins
* 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
* 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
* 1/4 cup of red onion, chopped
* 1 cup of frozen peas, thawed

Dressing:
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons vinegar
* 1/2 cup sugar

Preparation:
Combine broccoli florets, raisins, sunflower seeds, crumbled bacon, chopped onion, and peas in a large serving bowl.

In a separate bowl or large cup, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar and sugar. Add dressing to the salad and toss to mix well.

Chill thoroughly before serving.

Enjoy!

I love to serve this as a side, and triple the recipe for picnics and potlucks.

Rainy Day Hugs and Recipe Surprise Kisses
Ma Teakettle

A State Of Grace

2011-05-22T09:17:00.004-04:00

A "state of grace" is defined by the Catholic church as that state in which we are not in mortal sin and are in a good relationship with God.

I had lunch this week with a very dear friend, who is also a Catholic priest. We have been friends for many years and when we get together the conversation flows in many directions, as we both enjoy many of the same interests. As we enjoyed a nice lunch we talked about various topics and as always happens we ended up on the topic of worship and in light of current events, we found ourselves wandering into the Book of Revelation. I asked him about our future as a people and how John's teachings about the end of times could be translated into our current world situation.

As always happens when I sit and listen to Father, I began to feel less worried and more empowered, and with his words of wisdom came a sense of peace and understanding. I understand that the Book of Revelation is more a reflection than a prediction. I was reminded that we as Catholics must look to it as a guide to live by now and not a for teller of our future demise. We must remain ever mindful that there are leaders who may not have their people's best interest at heart and that evil does inhabit this earth and it is our duty to remain steadfast against it, just as Jesus did, even while on the Cross. As we talked about Revelation and our future, and as always happens when two or more Catholics get together, the topic turned to purgatory which, of course, then led into grace. We talked about purgatory and those souls in purgatory who we pray for as they work to become cleansed and enter the kingdom of heaven. I asked my dear friend, how can we prepare for the end of times and the potential that we may have to spend time in purgatory, and he explained that it is actually quite simple. He told me to make it my task to live everyday in a state of grace, not to please others and not for my own ego, but to be pleasing to God.

He told me to live everyday as if it could be my last, and if it should be, then I will meet the Lord in a state of grace. He told me this as not only a priest, but as a true friend. Those are words to live by.

May the grace of our Lord be with you always.

"As one sees, John wants to instill in his readers an attitude of courageous trust. With his strong and sometimes difficult images, he certainly does not intend to propose enigmas to solve, but to suggest a path of certain hope."
Pope Benedict

Ma Teakettle

Oh So Proud!

2011-05-19T12:04:00.002-04:00

Please allow this Ma a moment to brag.

Begin brag....

I am so proud of my little ducklings, and though it was a year of growth for the entire Teakettle clan, I believe that I can say we all came through it with flying colors!

Big Brother will graduate this Saturday, from college, "Magna cum laude" and has received three special awards and a scholarship, for both his academic and internship achievements. He will begin the Masters of CS program at his current college in September, and the future looks brighter than ever for him. He has the world at his feet and is wise enough to handle it all.

Daughter in love, also graduated this month, with highest honors and awards in both academic and student government achievements. She held the position of Student Government President on campus for three years and had a hand in every major event that was held, both on campus and community wide. She founded and ran her own non-profit organization for children with cancer and helped raise both awareness and money for her cause. It seems as though she will have her pick of career and job and her future looks fabulous!

Little Brother arrived home last Saturday with his car packed to the roof, and a tired smile upon his face. He worked hard and made the grade in both his core academics and business classes, and had a blast in between his studies. As usual he made a ton of friends and became the guy that everyone wanted to be around, for both a listening ear and a good time. He adjusted well to dorm life and embraced independence with both a sense of confidence and wisdom, and came through the experience the more mature. He is becoming a man whose future will hold worlds of possibility and reward. The world is his oyster.

I am so beyond happy for these sweet babies, who Pa and I have watched grow over the years with such a sense of awe, as we held our breath and prayed for all good things, for each one of them.

The Teakettle nest was empty for the first time in 21 years, but both Ma and Pa survived, and even thrived!

To Us!

....end brag!

We will be celebrating this weekend with friends and family, and pictures to follow!

And to you, dear friend, for your ducklings who may be returning to your nest and for all good things that every Ma and Pa wishes for their kids.

Proud Hugs and Celebration Kisses
Ma Teakettle

I'm So Excited!

2011-05-17T09:51:00.006-04:00

This Ma is so excited, I have joined a new SAL and I must share it with you, dear friend!

As I posted recently, I am just no longer "feelin" the exchange circle "thang" but I do enjoy a social stitching circle, and so I have joined just that....It's the Red, White and Bloom Stitch-A-Long on Facebook.

I am so excited to be a part of this group of really fun stitchy Facebook gals, and to be a part of such a beautiful and fun chart.

If you are like me, an elusive internet butterfly, who is happiest when she is fluttering everywhere, unbound and unfettered, then check it out.

SAL Hugs and Butterfly Kisses
Ma Teakettle

A Shout Out From The Kitchen

2011-05-16T12:41:00.000-04:00

Good Monday Morning to you, dear friend.

I want to start the week with a shout out to a sweet dear friend, who is the proud owner of a most divine website, and I want to share it with you, my nearest and dearest.

Please stop by and give a huge hug and "hi" to Tori, over at "The Shiksa In The Kitchen."
I think that you will not only fall in love with the recipes and mouth watering pictures, but with The Shiksa herself. Her recipes bring back so many childhood memories for me, and her writing style is the closest you can get to spending time with a good friend over a nice cup of tea. Her style is comfort food at it's best, and will be a treasure to anyone who enjoys good food and the history behind it.

You might even discover some recipes that you have never tried, but will quickly become a family favorite.

So run, don't walk over to visit Tori, and spend some time getting to know her and her blog. I think you will quickly consider her a dear friend too.

Shout Out Hugs and Kitchen Kisses,
Ma Teakettle

Bloomin' Fabulous!

2011-05-10T15:11:00.004-04:00

I have been a busy gardening fool, the past week, and I am proud to say that both my yard and my muscles are much the better for it!

I started with my veggies, and decided to conduct my own little experiment. I purchased two of the "Topsy Turvy" upside down tomato planters and in one I planted Baby Grape tomatoes and in the other I planted "Roma" tomatoes. I then took my patio planters that I have used for the past four years to grow my tomatoes, and I planted the same in them. I can't wait to see which ones grows the better tomatoes or if the Topsy Turvy is really the bomb that they say it is.

I also planted baby cucumbers, Habanero peppers, and sweet red peppers. I have been growing the same veggies for years without fail and they should once again bring a nice crop.

The pool is still covered and will be opened in the next couple of weeks...Yay!

You may be giggling at this point as I have seen many of your gardens and they are beyond amazing, but it should be known to all that I am not known for having a green thumb, and that I am known for being somewhat of a "priss" about gross things that crawl and slither in the dirt, and yes I have been heard to say that it would be so much better if the world were covered in carpet. So, pots on the patio it is for Ma.

I cleaned and set about the patio furniture, after the long dark winter....

I see many nights of kids and s'mores around the fire pit.

And mornings are fabulous as we watch the sun rise from the front porch.

I even set about planting flowers in my planters.

I love the look of a well flowered patio and cannot consider it spring until my front porch urns are gloriously adorned with color.

And as I write this post, imagine Ma sitting here....

with a nice cup of tea....Notice the photo bombers in the door, you can bet that they will be sitting out here with me.

Of course, now that I sit here, with tea in hand, looking at these pictures, I realize that my house really needs a fresh coat of paint...ah well, maybe next year.

This is home, and Ma's little slice of paradise!

Blooming Hugs
Ma Teakettle

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T08:42:00.001-04:00

To the most beautiful Mom in the world.
My Ma.....

And.....

Wishes for a Happy Mother's Day from Ma Teakettle to you, dear friend.

Ma Sized Hugs and Blessed Kisses
Ma Teakettle