An Oldie and a Goodie

Gentle Readers and Dear Friends I am just speechless, the kind outpouring of sweet comments yesterday about my small attempt at design is completely overwhelming!!!  My chest is so puffed up I can barley reach the keyboard - my head so swollen my neck aches!!!!  I do thank you most heartily !!!  At some point I will post the chart so that you can download it - but,  I hope to have cleaned it up and make clear some things before then.   I hope to do this sooner rather than later.

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Not too much else happening - I am diligently working away on a couple of exchanges that I want to get out in the next day or two.  I am also at a stitching quandary - or I was, I should say.  Last night as I sat in the big old stitching chair without needle in hand - I thought about what to stitch.  Now, like everyone else I have my WIPS - and I have my "Piles O' Stash" that need to be turned into WIPS.  I even have a few Kitted up things..... now, my quandary was "what to stitch."  I couldn't just sit idle and stitch nothing.  I couldn't just play with Lil Smokie, or another of the Who Hounds. And, god forbid I actually clean up something or run the vacuum!!  So I dug around in the WIP basket ( I didn't have to move an inch to do this, so that became the obvious choice)  and pulled this out.....

... you remember this great piece.   I so enjoyed working on this, why did I put it away?  If I had to guess that reason, it might have been because, there is lots of "very pale jade" silk in my future on the large central square.  So I got some VPJ NPI silk out -  and I started to stitch away on this again!  I do love the Hawk Run Hollow series and I think that Shores, followed closely by Autumn are my two favorites! Whoops, I do love me some Christmas at HRH too!  With only Village at HRH in the completed pile I have  many stitching hours ahead of me before they are all completed.

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I posted the Harvest Pumpkin-Spice Bar recipe over at Blacksheep Bakes, click HERE to go there.  I posted the original recipe and also the variations I made as I went along.

It is a tasty cake and will do you proud this coming Fall.

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That's about it for today sports fans!!  I do thank you all for taking the time to leave those kind comments, your continued support of my craziness and for just stopping by.  Do come again!!

Take care,

edgar

"Two Red Birds" A Sampler Finish

Gentle Readers and Dear Friends I am so happy you enjoyed our visit to the Wharf.  It is a great place to just walk around   - to look in shops, and see some sites and also people watch.  It can get jammed packed  sometimes and then it is a lot less fun.  But, early in the day on a Sunday it was just great!!!

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I finished up my first "designed by me" Sampler - it is pretty conventional, and if I was starting over there are about a bazillion things I would change - but I did enjoy the whole process  - from design to colour choice to stitching.  I also have a new appreciation of the the design process and those designers out there cranking these things out - my hat is off to you!!!!  Well, here are some snaps.......

Part of the Challenge was to use at least two of the motifs given  - I used the alphabet (modified a bit) and the birds - I call this Sampler "Two Red Birds."  Not very original, but there you go.  Also we had to have it have a theme - I chose Fall -

I did chart a fence across the yard, but I didn't leave it as I felt that the piece was getting way too crowded.    Here is an overall shot....

 "Two Red Birds" by edgar

stitched on BoF 36ct Sandpiper, 

using WDW, GAST and HSH Over dyed Flosses

I had originally designed this to fit an older frame I already have.  But, after looking at it in the frame it really does not seem to fit - so this will go into the TBF  (to be framed) pile.  After I clean up the chart a bit and make a legible listing of the floss I plan to make the chart available for others to stitch.

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Over the weekend I also got busy baking, after finding some of this...

Now, you remember a while back I mentioned I couldn't find canned pumpkin anywhere - or nowhere in the city.  I have been on the constant look out for some and nobody has any at all.  So, I was at a Walgreen's on Saturday and thought I should go look in the food aisle and ba-da-bing there where these three cans - I scooped them up and off the the register I went.   They where pretty dusty so I am thinking they have been there for a while, but I was pretty happy about finding them.  I took a can and made this.....

 A super cake version of a recipe from Lisa called  "Pumpkin Bars."  I had to make a cake version as I didn't have the right sized pan - like I always say when life gives you lemons make a gin and tonic!!!  I is/was a super cake and was gobbled up quickly from the break room!! I'll get it up over on BB in the morning.

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I also wanted to mention a New Blogger out there - Benjamin - you can click HERE to go to his Blog.  It is all about his wife Charity, and super cute baby daughter and his hobbies - which include stitching!!!  They are a stitching couple!!!

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There you go sports fans.  Thanks again for stopping by and for taking the time to leave such nice comments!!

Take care,

edgar

Playing Tourist Down by the Bay - (Lots of Snaperoos)

Gentle Readers and Dear Friends our weekend followed in the footsteps of many others - we visited a few Estate Sales - I picked up a large roaster and a great old double boiler - not picture worthy by any stretch of the imagination.  Yesterday we got up[ an went to early mass - stopped off at Eddies' for a quick breakfast and skedaddled off for a good stretch of the legs down at the Ghiradelli Square, Pier 39 and Hyde Street Pier.

 We parked up by Larkin Street and the Square - it was early and there was still lots of parking.  then we walked down to the wharf....

Looking at Hyde Street Pier from the street...

The Balclutha an 1886 square rigged sailing ship.

The Hercules, a 1907 steam tug boat.

The Eppleton Hall, a 1914 paddlewheel tug boat

The large white boat is The Eureka, a 1890 side-wheel paddle steam Ferry Boat.

Looking from the end of Hyde Street Pier at the stern of the Balclutha towards the City

Looking up Hyde Street - and the cable car line.

This is the C. A. Thayer,  an 1895 schooner.

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After walking around and seeing these great old ships we continued to walk east to Pier 45... and the next things to come on are..

...is the USS Pampanito submarine.  There is also...

this super Liberty Ship from WII, the SS Jeremiah O'Brien.  One of only 2 left that actually operate.

Also at Pier 45is the Musee Mecanique.  There are dozens of old and antique machines that only take change to operate.

These posters and pictures show where the Musee once was - over at Playland.  click HERE to read about a once great recreational park here in SF.

There is also lots of restaurants and street food - specializing in seafood....

... and fresh fish.....

a shot of the Jeremiah O'Brien I liked.

Here is some of the super architecture - The Franciscan Restaurant on the water in the heart of Fisherman's wharf.

Looking out from Pier 39 we saw a huge - Cruise ship in dock

the ever present sea lions....

...juts sunbathing... and being loud....  they are fun to watch!!

there goes one of the Blue and Gold line Tour ships - that tour out on the Bay.

Walking back to the car we passed the huge Boudin Bread Restaurant/Factory where you can watch them make the famous sourdough bread.

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There you go sports fans - our Sunday jaunt in the city.  It was a great day out - starting off all foggy and dank then the sun came out and it warmed up to the mid 70's - perfect SF weather!!  Thanks for stopping by!!

Take care,

edgar

A Very Low key Friday

Gentle Readers and Dear Friends another week gone from the year - and the Fall countdowns continue to tick away at an alarming pace.... there are only ......

65 more days until Hallowe'en.........    there are only........

120 more days until Christmas......  and......

39 mores days until another year creaks by for me - another year closer to 50!!  

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There really is not much going on - we went to have some delicious pizza last night - at Patxi's  (Paa-cheese)  It is in our neighborhood and just the best stuffed Chicago style in the city - IMHO!!  

Click HERE to go to their web site - and see the lovely stuff.  Now for a general restaurant observation....  you can really tell parenting styles (or lack of them) when going out to an earlish dinner.  Where some children are so well behaved you don't even know they are there - and others scream and misbehave so loudly that your eyes go pop!!!  I think that if your child is screaming at the top of its lungs, then you take it outside and you do not inflict the noise on other people eating in the restaurant.  Just another little opinion from my soap box.

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There you go sports fans - I do want to thank for the time you take to leave your great comments - and questions.  I so enjoy reading them!!  Stop back by next week for an updated snap of the my sampler - I had to rip some out last night as I was not happy with the colour choice.  Have a great weekend!!

Take care,

edgar

A Quick Movie Post

Gentle Readers and Dear Friends I have a quick post today - as not much is going on.  Still stitching away on the sampler -I'll get a snap when it looks a little better and more interesting.

I actually caught two films last night - the first film "The Man in the Middle" (the original title)- 1964 - or as it is know "The Winston Affair" - from the novel by Howard fast.  I Think it is probably Kennan Wynn's finest performance and one of Mitchum's finest most nuanced performances. 

  Set in India during the final days of WWII - Mitchum plays a defense lawyer who is basically told by his superiors that the trial he has been flown in for is a "formality" and that the defendant WILL be executed.  It is Mitchum's job to basically "Play ball" and get it over with - available on DVD this 93 minute film has a single flaw - the very stilted romance that sort of seems thrown in to have a pretty nurse played by France Nuyen in the cast.  A good solid movie that keeps you guessing up to the end.

The second film - another WWII flick -...  you know how I love those War films...  I caught as part of the Joan Blondell Day on TCM.  It is a film I had not seen before.  Based on the true story of the "Angles of Bataan" - the film last night is called "Cry Havoc" - 1943 - done very well by a great ensemble cast of actresses that include Fay Bainter, Ann Southern, Marsha Hunt, Margaret Sullavan and Ella Raines - Here is a good summation of the film......  "The Army nurses on Bataan need help badly, but when it arrives, it sure isn't what they expected. A motley crew, including a Southern belle, a waitress, and a stripper, show up. Many conflicts arise among these women who are thrown together in what is a desperate and ultimately hopeless situation.".....  although not as successful a film as "So Proudly we Hail" - 1943 - "Havoc" is a strong film about an important story of the woman who where fighting on the front lines during the War.

 A movie still form "Cry Havoc" - standing in the back is Fay Bainter - then from l to r is Ann Southern, Joan Blondell, Marsh Hunt with Margaret Sullavan in the front.  I really enjoyed this film and it is now available on DVDR from the WB Archive Collection.

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There you go sports fans.  Thanks for stopping by - do come again!

Take care,

edgar

A Hump Day Posting

Gentle Readers and Dear Friends - WOWzers...  thank you all so very much for the kind words about Lil Smokie and his coming into our lives.  Although in a round about arrival he is a welcome addition to our family.  Now, what we have to get used to is the training of Mr. Smokie - or the "Smokes"  - his nickname after a day.  We have the herd pretty well trained - there is always the occasional "present" -  but for the most part we are on a schedule going out and doing our duty!!  (dooty)  :)      With the new addition - we have started the training on the wee-wee pads - but trying to get him to leave his "Butt Cookies" (as we euphemistically call  them) on the pad - I think is going to be an uphill battle.  For such a tiny puppy - he seems to be working overtime in that department.  Oh well, part of bringing up a new baby!!

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There really is not much at all going on - the weather warmed up considerably yesterday - into the very low 80's and a slight warm breeze was a'blowing  - so we spent a good long time at the pool after work - it was very relaxing!!

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I am still plugging away at my little Sampler - which I have tentatively named "Two Birds Sampler" - not very original, but descriptive.  If I can keep up the stitching pace I might have it complete in the next week or so.  We shall see.

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No good movies to report on - I have been watching lots of films, just not very good ones or rewatching ones I have seen before.  I did want to mention that today on TCM the Showcase Star is.....

Joan Blondell  - 1906-1979

Some of her films they are showing today include - "Gold Diggers of 1933" - 1933, "Footlight Parade" - 1933, "He Was Her Man" - 1934, "Sinners Holiday" - 1930, "Dames" - 1934 and "Stand In" - 1937 - She was a tough as nails kind of dame with a heart of gold.  Many of her films are available on DVD they are fun to watch and worth a look!!

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There you go sports fans.  Thanks for dropping by, do come again!

Take care,

edgar

....and then there where four......

Gentle Readers and Dear Friends thanks for dropping by this morning.  Over the weekend we acquired another bundle of joy - and I can officially say we have a heard of Chihuahua's.  As many of you might have guessed when it comes to dogs I am such a soft touch it's not funny and when Rico's niece was given a puppy as a gift that she couldn't keep - it was either our house or who knows where - and I just couldn't let that happen..

We now have four who-hounds running amuck - we have our little old man - Pete, the little old lady, The Peach, the youngster Lolly and now the baby - Lil Smokie - 

He is about 2 months old and just a ball of energy....

attacking my shoes....

all over Peaches and Lolly's toys...

 he does enjoy the Peach's squeaky rats...  and it makes her just crazy to see him with them!!

He really likes Lolly's little chew "sushi's"

he is always on the move at a running pace....

... gotta be in everything that he can - even the empty dinner bowl..

once again at my shoes....

So there you go - another who hound.  You will be hearing and seeing lots of Lil Smokie in the future - and we are very happy that he has joined our household!!

There you sports fans - thanks for stopping by do come again!!

take care,

edgar

Some Weekend Sites - Lots of Snaps

Gentle Readers and Dear Friends we had one overcast, cool, damp weekend here in the City.  It was like Fall has arrived - you could smell woodsmoke in the air - and the steel grey sky looked like it was going to rain at any moment.  That didn't deter us from venturing out and around to see some things.....

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First up I wanted to show the progress of my Sampler - it is a pretty craptastique snap 

- but you get the idea....

I am stitching along - tweaking the colours as I go - and really enjoying this little stitch.

On Saturday we got around to 4 Estate sales and I found some things....

A couple of Christmas Cd's - some Bunnykins china - a replacement lid for my Brown Betty Tea Pot (just in case) and old Lourdes card, an old batter beater and a divided handled box...  I thought about the new chart from Blackbird designs "Cast a Spell" and think this might work for that.

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We also got some snaps around town -
I especially like this one form the top of Market Street overlooking the city.....

We also made a trip to the Embarcadero and the Ferry Building down on at the end of Market Street....

We went into Sur la Table, a great store, and I love all the different salts they have especially these two...

There are some love little stalls inside with great looking vegetables.

We spotted this Candy shop selling some fluer de sel caramels, both chocolate and regular - they are delicious!!  The white things in front are homemade marshmallows.

Here is a shot looking along the inside of the building

all along the walls are inset details including this great chicken  ....and....

this super cow.

These are more of the Piers looking north towards Fisherman's Wharf.

Across the street from the Ferry Building is Justin Herman Plaza.

with this monumentally ugly fountain

We walked along the Plaza to the Rincon Center and went inside there to see Yank Sing - a restaurant that fills the atrium around the inside waterfall.  It is a great restaurant!!

Here is a shot of the Bay Bridge from the street - and yes it was this dark late in the morning.

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That's about it for today sports fans.  Thanks for stopping by, do come again!!

Take care,

edgar