Tea Towel Borders
For Charles Craft White 14-count Aida Banded Huck Towels, 15”x25”
For Charles Craft White 14-count Aida Banded Huck Towels, 15”x25”
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Pam Kellogg Flowers and Insects Freebie
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Lesley Teare's Blog and other Freebies!
If you haven't found her already, check out Lesley Teare's Blog with her beautiful designs and dozens of freebies!!
Also check out the newest freebies from The Cross Stitch Collection!
New CEC freebie: Frosty Kiss snow man
Also check out the newest freebies from The Cross Stitch Collection!
New CEC freebie: Frosty Kiss snow man
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New Prairie Schoolers / JCS DVDs
New: Prairie Schoolers
Updated: Not listed in the PS Inventory quite yet nor as the latest designs, but you can direct link to the booklets and Annual Santa.
Booklets:
Miss Fortune - 97h x 75w - a witch holding a crystal ball with "13" inside it. What's with all the 13's? (The 2 Halloween minicards I stitched I reversed the numbers to 31.) (Not sure of direct link)
Annual Santa - 75h x 56w - a caroling Santa singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" (Thanks Pam and Nancy!)
Freebie: Frolicking Santa with bag and tree
New: Just Cross Stitch Christmas Ornaments 1997-2013 DVD
In addition to Just Cross Stitch's 2 DVDs of each and every page of it's back issues from 1997 through 2010, fully searchable, including the Ornament issues, Just Cross Stitch has just issued a Christmas Ornaments 1997-2013 DVD with 1000+ patterns, fully searchable PDFs and printer-friendly charts. Check around for the best prices. And be sure to make at least 1 back-up copy, preferably not to USB, or to both a DVDand a USB. You never know what's NOT going to work when you really need it.
(I give up trying to fix the formatting - grrrrr! )
Updated: Not listed in the PS Inventory quite yet nor as the latest designs, but you can direct link to the booklets and Annual Santa.
Booklets:
Annual Santa - 75h x 56w - a caroling Santa singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" (Thanks Pam and Nancy!)
Freebie: Frolicking Santa with bag and tree
New: Just Cross Stitch Christmas Ornaments 1997-2013 DVD
In addition to Just Cross Stitch's 2 DVDs of each and every page of it's back issues from 1997 through 2010, fully searchable, including the Ornament issues, Just Cross Stitch has just issued a Christmas Ornaments 1997-2013 DVD with 1000+ patterns, fully searchable PDFs and printer-friendly charts. Check around for the best prices. And be sure to make at least 1 back-up copy, preferably not to USB, or to both a DVDand a USB. You never know what's NOT going to work when you really need it.
(I give up trying to fix the formatting - grrrrr! )
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Christmas Freebie Links
A big THANK YOU to Honeybee on the www.123stitch.com Message Board for posting these links! And to Pinwheel for creating the clickable links! Not new designs, but some I'm not familiar with:
- http://free-cross-stitch.rucniprace.cz/christmas-decorations-cross-stitch.php - this site has a plethora of categorized freebies
- http://allmyscatteringmoments.blogspot.com/2009/09/primitive-ornaments-sal-elfs-work-is.html
- http://littlehouseneedleworks.blogspot.com/2013/11/a-special-little-something.html
- http://thelittlestitcher.blogspot.ca/2012/11/carissime-sono-davvero-tanto-felice-per.html
- http://stitcheree.blogspot.ca/2012/10/merry-bright-completed-free-pattern.html
- http://stitcheree.blogspot.ca/2012/07/silly-snowquake-free-pattern.html
- http://plainfancymerchant.blogspot.com/2011/11/freebie.html
- http://123citrouille.canalblog.com/archives/2010/11/13/19592396.html
- http://www.drawnthread.com/Resources/Free%20Chart%20pdfs/FirstSnow.pdf
- http://www.drawnthread.com/Resources/Free%20Chart%20pdfs/HomefortheHolidays.pdf
- http://www.madame-la-fee.com/images/grilles_gratuites/va_candycane.pdf
- http://smalltownstitchin.blogspot.com/2010/12/tis-season.html
- http://hollyshobbiescrossstitch.wordpress.com/2012/11/09/festive-cheer/
- http://thenebbyneedle.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-week-before-christmas.html?showComment=1387830604822#c2914107955741490765
- http://makestuff-behappy.blogspot.com/2013/12/oh-christmas-tree-freebie.html
- http://makestuff-behappy.blogspot.com/2013/12/love-christmas-quickie.html
- http://hancockshouseofhappy.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-free-kawaii-christmas-tree-cross.html?m=1#.U9aUeVa4nHg
- http://atthehoneysuckletree.blogspot.com/2013/10/fridays-forgotten-freebie-no-2-of-3.html
- http://patrickswoods.com/blog/item/28-a-christmas-bell-needle-keep-to-share
- http://stitchingandscribbling.blogspot.com/2008/10/freebie.html
- http://e-subrosa.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/karacsonyi-mintak-free.html
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There Must be a Lesson in All This
The last 24 hours:
1:15 this morning. I thought there might be an intruder in the house - rapid swinging of clothing on hangers at the FAR end of the hallway hanging on the frame of my bedroom door as if someone had just rushed past them - between me and the phone and my purse. Which abruptly stopped, as if someone had stopped them. Only weapon in sight: pair of Fiskar's scissors with 4" blade. Maybe not. Went out the front door and headed to neighbors for flashlight so I could do a perimeter sweep to see if it looked like someone had broken in. No flashlight, and my neighbor, who happened to be on his patio for a smoke in the dark first suggested then all but insisted I call the police. Actually HE did that as I walked up the street to see if I could spot anyone coming OUT a window. KUDOS to the officers, 2 of which arrived within a couple of minutes. The third while we were inside. Nothing. They were here and gone within 10 or 12 minutes. Of course I was awake the rest of the night trying to figure out what had happened. I looked every where again, even for a bird that might have gotten trapped inside - a BIG trapped bird. And trying to replicate the movement of my clothes, with no real success. For a while I even considered a ghost REALLY trying to get my attention. It made as much sense as anything else. I finally got to sleep about noon.
I was on the computer about 5:30p when I heard my office and closet doors bump. I got up to check it out expecting to finally see where Oscar, the feral who sometimes comes inside to eat Henna's food, was hiding. I'd heard noises from the closet and around the boxes next to my filing cabinet for some time and actually thought it might be him. Thus, I moved a door to look behind it and out of the corner of my eye spotted a movement just in time to jump back and avoid being struck by ... a SNAKE! First thing first. Did it have a triangular-shaped head? Hmmm. Maybe not. Not sure. I stayed out of strike range and tried to drop first a cardboard box on top, then a bigger plastic box. It tired to bite me a second time then turned tail and quickly slithered off. I called 911 AGAIN. Two more officers arrived, this time in about 10 minutes and several minutes later Animal Control. Once they saw my cluttered office I leaned I had no idea where it currently was, I was told that it wasn't their duty to move stuff and HUNT for the snake, but if I could catch it and/or knew exactly where it was, to call t hem back. If I caught it, I could call animal control at 6 a.m. They were nice.I admit I was depressed. Then I realized what I thought had been the rat moving around was PROBABLY that snake trying to catch the rat for dinner. The A/C lady named several snakes it might be, but she'd guess a rat snake. I was confused because the LAST rat snake I had to have removed from the house was much MUCH bigger and fatter, and looked more like a rattle snake than a color dark color. I did recall as she was leaving that this much "smaller" one was just as aggressive and didn't have a rattle.
Now I was depressed. I just had to have a hole in my roof caused by raccoons fixed. I called my raccoon guy. When he called back he quoted their snake trapping price. Ok, anything *I* can do? Yes. Rat-size glue traps. The snake tries to slither across, gets stuck and in trying to get unstuck gets more and more stuck.
As soon as he hung up I went to Walmart and got glue traps. I listened carefully when I came back in my office to see if I could tell where Ricardo was (yes, at the suggestion of Officer Perez (#6) and Officer Snow (#7) I named it. As I was laying the glue traps where I thought it might pass I heard movement at the end of the closet. I backed away. I saw the end of a tail disappearing over the top shelf of that closet. Call #3 to 911. I wasn't about to lose sight of it and stood there. After about 25 minutes I thought I head it moving somewhere else and called 911 again to cancel the call. But the officers were on their way. So I had to again explain about 2 previous visits same day, and said I wasn't sure the snake was still in the same place. One shined his flashlight at the far corner or the top shelf. Two eyes reflected back. And so proceeded their attempt to find out if anyone from A/C would come out. After waiting quite a while for a return call, they called back. Apparently not. As it turned out, one of them liked to attend the Rattlesnake Round-Up in West Texas. His only issue was how to catch it without getting bit in the face. He was really wishing he had one of this snake-catcher neck grabbing things in his Patrol Car (he's said he's going to start carrying one). I suggested maybe use the glue traps in some way. So between the 2 of them and my suggestions of what I on had, it was decided he'd attach one of those Rat-Size glue traps to a yard stake they spotted outside behind my bench, or better yet the of a broom WITH the stake, lower it gently on top of the snake or whatever part he could contact as it tried to get away, then decide what to do next. Glue trap attached to bristles on broom with a ball of handy duct tape, all of which stuck nicely to snake, along with some Christmas ornaments Ricardo came in contact with as he tried to escape. Ricardo wrapped himself around the closet rod, ornaments dangling along with him. I'd set a nice-size plastic bin with another glue trap in the bottom. Instead Office Perez managed to losent it's grip on the rod, drape it over the end of the broom and rushed outside with it's head and tail dangling free. He stepped on the head (thinking he was going to kill it I took my big iron T-bar out so it could be dispatched quickly. Instead he managed to get the glue traps unstuck from snake, then kicked it with his boot into the ground cover at the edge of my garage, where it immediately disappeared. He'd already told me that the tail-end of the snake had been injured at some point in the past.. They'd quickly determined it was a long but skinny (HUNGRY) rat snake, so I was greatly relieved it was out of my house and very happy it would live to eat another rat another day. I finally thought to take a picture of it being "rescued" and released. And of the officers, who were so kind and had a call where life and property, for once, were not at stake. KUDOS and a Big THANK YOU to each officer who has been here in the past 24 hours!
Now, since it didn't look like the snake had eaten the rat, I still have to trap the dern thing. So far it's Rat 2 / Empty Sprung Trap 0.
And I really should eat that Jumbo Jack I stopped for on the way home from Walmart about 4 hours ago.
-- A couple of pictures to follow - maybe.
Sorry for repeated words and typos. I'm a zombie by now.
UPDATE A WHILE AGO: Trapped Rat!!
UPDATE THIS VERY SECOND. I thought I was hearing something, stopped listened, nothing. I just heard a soft bump and something gnawing around my dresser! ANOTHER RAT??? NOOOOOO!! How are they getting in??? Now I have to go buy ANOTHER rat trap - or two.
![https://fbcdn-dragon-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t39.1997-6/s75x225/851575_126362067548590_1152922410_n.png]()
Sorry for repeated words and typos. I'm a zombie by now.
UPDATE A WHILE AGO: Trapped Rat!!
UPDATE THIS VERY SECOND. I thought I was hearing something, stopped listened, nothing. I just heard a soft bump and something gnawing around my dresser! ANOTHER RAT??? NOOOOOO!! How are they getting in??? Now I have to go buy ANOTHER rat trap - or two.
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Dad had a Major heart attack Monday!
He waited EIGHT hours to call my sister, by which time he was in severe pain. Because of other medical issues they found in the ER, the angioplasty/catheterization had to waint until Wednesday. 2 fully blocked arteries (one however had happened so long ago that it had healed itself by growing it's own by-pass - the other required a stint. The not-quite-as-badly blocked artery will be treated with medications for several months. He was released this afternoon and is styaing with my sister - probably only 3 or 4 days. He's ready to get back to the retirement center he moved into a month ago - but says now he hates. We're having to get blunt about him just having to get used to it. "NO, DAD, they will not change their behavior or routines, even if those conflict the published Rules, to accomodate you. AND understand if you decide to move, those people won't either." He didn't take that kindly, but it's the reality. He's never had many friends, he's not particularly social, and he's almost always gotten his way. It's going to be a tough adjustment. Maybe some of his fellow "inmates" will feel some sympathy but I suspect he's just as much or more likely to instead hear, in detail, all their own medical maladies. We understand he was included in several prayer chains at several church as a result of my Son-In-Law giving people he know a call.
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New from Frimousse, Update on Dad
Beaded biscornu
More Elves
After recuperating at my sister's house for a week, he's now recovered sufficiently to move back into his independent living center apartment tomorrow. Because my sister persuaded him to move several times closer to her and 10 times further from me, I doubt I'll see him that often. As it is, my very presence irritates him after a few minutes. It always has.
More Elves
After recuperating at my sister's house for a week, he's now recovered sufficiently to move back into his independent living center apartment tomorrow. Because my sister persuaded him to move several times closer to her and 10 times further from me, I doubt I'll see him that often. As it is, my very presence irritates him after a few minutes. It always has.
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Long Time - No Post
First:
Freebie: http://www.brigittedadaux.com/article-grilles-gratuites-du-vendredi-les-10-grilles-les-plus-telechargees-119560984.html
Stoney Creek has a free Christmas banner leaflet, but the shipping is almost $4. http://store.stoneycreek.com/leaflet-292-christmas-banners-iii-p21114.aspx
Don't forget all those links on my Freebies page. It hasn't been updated in quite a while, but many of those individuals and companies offer new freebies on a regular basis.
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As for me, continued utter to extreme frustration with many issues in my life, most of which I can do nothing about, explains the absence. Family and health issues primarily. You definitely do NOT want to read a continuing barrage of the whys and wherefores. Just to say my errant belief in a "close family ties myth bubble" has totally burst. I'm past ready to call it quits and move to parts unknown.
I've done very little stitching. Constant tingling carpel tunnel (or something else) and my eyes have gotten so bad it's just something I find more frustrating than ever as well. I have glaucoma, cataracts and mild diabetic retinopathy. I've put off cataract surgery for years because of even other eye issues. Most recently is that even WITH my glasses at times I flat can't focus, and my ability to focus between not-at-all and amazingly well even using only the far vision portion of my trifocals .... the result of one of the eye drops I use for glaucoma. I'm going to get a second opinion before I do anything. At my latest specialist visit I took some exception when I expressed concern about the focus of any lens they might PERMANENTLY insert being the wrong one when my long-time glaucoma specialist actually chuckled and said "that's why they make glasses." Wait a minute!! I was under the impression that with the right lens I would only have to use reading glasses, but that's NOT what he meant, because I asked. Further, because the drops I use cause my focus to change (get MUCH better for a short period of time) at least I can take my glasses off during that time and still see better than when I need to wear them. With permanent lens, I couldn't even do that and my vision would be completely kaput until the effect wore off a few hours later, during which all I could do would be sleep or sit doing pretty much nothing. That's not IMPROVING my vision and absolutely something I intend to put up with! And because I have glaucoma, the surgery is going to be more complex and the risks higher. Great, I have a good chance of going blind as it is from one or more of the other issues, and cataract surgery might just hasten that reality?
But to end on a positive note, I've just sung another duet with our church choir director (OUR own SA arrangement of Dotti Rambo's "Behold the Lamb"), and will sing a special version of Silent Night on Christmas Eve as well. I'll get to see it for the first time Wednesday evening and look forward to it. I find that despite the nerves, since I've never sung duets before I'm actually enjoying it. I've ALWAYS enjoyed singing. She keeps saying how well my voice blends with hers. It's just been that have been several very long intervals between the opportunities to do so. Now if I could only remember the words and notes without having to glance down at the music. :D Funny, in my youth I could sing something with the sheet music thru just a couple of times and have it memorized. Definitely NOT in my dotage.
BTW, here in the DFW area we got a dusting of snow Sunday evening.
Freebie: http://www.brigittedadaux.com/article-grilles-gratuites-du-vendredi-les-10-grilles-les-plus-telechargees-119560984.html
Stoney Creek has a free Christmas banner leaflet, but the shipping is almost $4. http://store.stoneycreek.com/leaflet-292-christmas-banners-iii-p21114.aspx
Don't forget all those links on my Freebies page. It hasn't been updated in quite a while, but many of those individuals and companies offer new freebies on a regular basis.
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As for me, continued utter to extreme frustration with many issues in my life, most of which I can do nothing about, explains the absence. Family and health issues primarily. You definitely do NOT want to read a continuing barrage of the whys and wherefores. Just to say my errant belief in a "close family ties myth bubble" has totally burst. I'm past ready to call it quits and move to parts unknown.
I've done very little stitching. Constant tingling carpel tunnel (or something else) and my eyes have gotten so bad it's just something I find more frustrating than ever as well. I have glaucoma, cataracts and mild diabetic retinopathy. I've put off cataract surgery for years because of even other eye issues. Most recently is that even WITH my glasses at times I flat can't focus, and my ability to focus between not-at-all and amazingly well even using only the far vision portion of my trifocals .... the result of one of the eye drops I use for glaucoma. I'm going to get a second opinion before I do anything. At my latest specialist visit I took some exception when I expressed concern about the focus of any lens they might PERMANENTLY insert being the wrong one when my long-time glaucoma specialist actually chuckled and said "that's why they make glasses." Wait a minute!! I was under the impression that with the right lens I would only have to use reading glasses, but that's NOT what he meant, because I asked. Further, because the drops I use cause my focus to change (get MUCH better for a short period of time) at least I can take my glasses off during that time and still see better than when I need to wear them. With permanent lens, I couldn't even do that and my vision would be completely kaput until the effect wore off a few hours later, during which all I could do would be sleep or sit doing pretty much nothing. That's not IMPROVING my vision and absolutely something I intend to put up with! And because I have glaucoma, the surgery is going to be more complex and the risks higher. Great, I have a good chance of going blind as it is from one or more of the other issues, and cataract surgery might just hasten that reality?
But to end on a positive note, I've just sung another duet with our church choir director (OUR own SA arrangement of Dotti Rambo's "Behold the Lamb"), and will sing a special version of Silent Night on Christmas Eve as well. I'll get to see it for the first time Wednesday evening and look forward to it. I find that despite the nerves, since I've never sung duets before I'm actually enjoying it. I've ALWAYS enjoyed singing. She keeps saying how well my voice blends with hers. It's just been that have been several very long intervals between the opportunities to do so. Now if I could only remember the words and notes without having to glance down at the music. :D Funny, in my youth I could sing something with the sheet music thru just a couple of times and have it memorized. Definitely NOT in my dotage.
BTW, here in the DFW area we got a dusting of snow Sunday evening.
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12 Days of Christmas and Other Freebies
Twelve Days of Christmas: Hope you've enjoyed these freebies and drawings from these companies!
From Cross Stitch Collection and Cross Stitcher Magazine. In conjunction with each other, a New surprise every day and only available for 24 hours - until 2pm the next day. You'll want to visit every day between now and Christmas! [Except for Day 1the freebies and give-aways have been the same.]
Be sure to visit the "Free" sections of the above for other Christmas and a variety of freebies and links. Example:
From Cross Stitch Collection and Cross Stitcher Magazine. In conjunction with each other, a New surprise every day and only available for 24 hours - until 2pm the next day. You'll want to visit every day between now and Christmas! [Except for Day 1the freebies and give-aways have been the same.]
- Day 1 (December 12th) : From Cross Stitch collection: Christmas Carol - a Victorian Village with carolers! 104H x 192w - must d/l by 2 P.M. December 15th (not sure which time zone so don't wait!) From Cross Stitcher Magazine: Reindeer Cushion - all of Santa's reindeer including Rudolf by Kate Mawdsley; individual designs suitable for smaller projects - d/l by the 15th
- Day 2 (December 13th) - sign up today to win an Embeliss bracelet kit. Second place is button covers. Sign ups end 1pm December 14th
- Day 3 (December 14th) - enter contest for Ultimate Christmas Cross Stitch Collection
- Day 4 (December 15th) - Seasons Tweetings - 4 card/ornie designs and 3 gift tags
- Day 5 (December 16th) - enter 24-hour contest for a fabric voucher from Willow Fabrics
- Day 6 (December 17th) - sign up for chance at one of 20 copies of Storyland Cross Stitch from What Delilah Did
- Day 7 (December 18th) - Enter for Mr. & Mrs. Tooting Skating kits to give away
- Day 8 (December 19th) - register for Joan Elliot book book and fabric giveaway
- Day 9 (December 20th) - lovely dove ornament charts to download
- Day 10 (December 21st) - register for one of 10 give-away copies of The Ultimate Alphabets Cross Stitch Collection
- Day 11 (December 22nd) - sign up to win a colorful cross stitch shoulder bag
- Day 12 (December 23rd) - download two floral Thank You cards to stitch
Be sure to visit the "Free" sections of the above for other Christmas and a variety of freebies and links. Example:
- DMC Freebie: Christmas Robin - you may have to sign up to get access, but they have some really nice freebies
- Cute, Kitchy Christmas Animal smalls with cardmounts to print out (to be honest - that takes a lot of expensive colored printer ink - I'd more likely use a small print Christmas paper design, cut it to wrap around or paste on to a suitable sized backing of 64 pound printer paper and/or or stick one in one of those blank folding cards - but each stitcher her own); Small, quick to stitch.
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Christmas Hoop Freebie
From Coats and Cross Stitcher Magazine And check out the other Weekend Freebies and links listed!
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Article 1
A wonderful and blessed Christmas to All.
* * * Linda * * *
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Article 0
Hope all had a wonderful Christmas and holiday!
Saturday - long choir practice ...
Well, I'll be ... Oscar, the stray Russian blue but with orange eyes, or perhaps a French Chartreux? Big solid (color and build) blue grey tomcat with a tiny mew. He just walked over the dresser and on to my desk! That's a surprise! He's now laying atop by dresser! He comes and goes at will, but only once before has he ever stuck his head into my office! Nice, calm cat who hisses at the strangest times - more like he's announcing himself rather or making sure I'm following than as a warning. Suspect he wants me to feed him canned food. I'm hoping he'll dispatch a couple of mice or rats that I haven't been able to trap. I set them. They manage to set them off without succumbing. With the possibility of unintended exposure I don't want to set out poison and risk making him sick!
Ok, back to Saturday. 3-hour choir practice. Received some goodies - I couldn't eat but that's okay. I left them at my DD's on Christmas. It was my birthday, so I stopped by Kroger and got Banquet Fried Chicken dinner (I rarely eat fried chicken, but I'd forgotten to thaw the chicken thighs in my freezer), but more importantly - coffee ice cream - my nemesis. The phone was ringing when I walked in the door, followed by a series of Happy Birthday phone calls one right after the other, including one from my Dad. First time I've talked with him since September. My cell phone, having taken a fatal swim in Henna's water bowl, meant I haven't had long distance for several weeks. The ice cream was only partially melted by the time I finally found where I'd set it when I walked inside then talked on the phone. Sunday the Cantata at church. We have an 8-member choir, if everyone is there - and they were for a change. Went very well. One of the tenors set an old cassette recorder behind the guys and recorded it then handed us each a CD on Christmas Eve. Sunday the cantata. Christmas Eve: scripture/hymns/and communion Service at 5. We have 2 other congregations currently "nesting" in our facilities, and we took the earliest of the services. Was home by 6:20.
As her gift to the family, my daughter made an absolutely delicious gourmet Christmas dinner (she loves to cook) with standing rib roast cut in almost 1" slices! Roasted potatoes with herbs, roasted brussels sprouts via Ina Garten. Haricot vert. Wilted spinach with some sort of funky Italian cheese melted in them. Pear slices covered with another cheese with "provence herbe" wrapped in thick bacon. For desert a 3-1/2" tall, thick slice of NY cheesecake. And this was served AFTER all those appetizers. My sister gave me a Kroger gift card (VERY MUCH appreciated). I gave DD her annual art or destination calendar - something I've been doing since she was in elementary school. This theme was photos from Italy.
Last Christmas all I got was a small Kroger's gift card. This year: my BFF decided to send $$ to pay for the 32" TV I'd bought but was going to have to return since other unexpected expenses hit. Whoa! She sent cash inserted in a card rather than a check I probably would not have cashed. I decided wiser to keep the cash than return it via regular US mail. Besides, she was so excited because the idea came to do that rather than send me something tangible. (TV is still in the box following delivery after Cyber Monday - still need to figure out a place to put it - living room or bedroom. It's replacing either the 13" or 24" TV, both of which are at least 15 years old.) Received a check from Dad. AND my daughter added me to their Sprint Family Plan and gave me a Samsung Galaxy S3, which had replaced with an S5. The drawback is that I don't have wi-fi at home and would need to get some sort of bundle which includes it. I was sort of hoping the neighbor's wi-fi might bleed over, but no. At home I'm limited to talk/text. Which is just fine. I'm REALLY liking a device with a keyboard!
No plans for New Year's. Traditionally I sleep through it. :D
Can't believe Oscar has lain on the dresser the time it took to write this, but is now on the move. Guess I'd better feed him.
Saturday - long choir practice ...
Well, I'll be ... Oscar, the stray Russian blue but with orange eyes, or perhaps a French Chartreux? Big solid (color and build) blue grey tomcat with a tiny mew. He just walked over the dresser and on to my desk! That's a surprise! He's now laying atop by dresser! He comes and goes at will, but only once before has he ever stuck his head into my office! Nice, calm cat who hisses at the strangest times - more like he's announcing himself rather or making sure I'm following than as a warning. Suspect he wants me to feed him canned food. I'm hoping he'll dispatch a couple of mice or rats that I haven't been able to trap. I set them. They manage to set them off without succumbing. With the possibility of unintended exposure I don't want to set out poison and risk making him sick!
Ok, back to Saturday. 3-hour choir practice. Received some goodies - I couldn't eat but that's okay. I left them at my DD's on Christmas. It was my birthday, so I stopped by Kroger and got Banquet Fried Chicken dinner (I rarely eat fried chicken, but I'd forgotten to thaw the chicken thighs in my freezer), but more importantly - coffee ice cream - my nemesis. The phone was ringing when I walked in the door, followed by a series of Happy Birthday phone calls one right after the other, including one from my Dad. First time I've talked with him since September. My cell phone, having taken a fatal swim in Henna's water bowl, meant I haven't had long distance for several weeks. The ice cream was only partially melted by the time I finally found where I'd set it when I walked inside then talked on the phone. Sunday the Cantata at church. We have an 8-member choir, if everyone is there - and they were for a change. Went very well. One of the tenors set an old cassette recorder behind the guys and recorded it then handed us each a CD on Christmas Eve. Sunday the cantata. Christmas Eve: scripture/hymns/and communion Service at 5. We have 2 other congregations currently "nesting" in our facilities, and we took the earliest of the services. Was home by 6:20.
As her gift to the family, my daughter made an absolutely delicious gourmet Christmas dinner (she loves to cook) with standing rib roast cut in almost 1" slices! Roasted potatoes with herbs, roasted brussels sprouts via Ina Garten. Haricot vert. Wilted spinach with some sort of funky Italian cheese melted in them. Pear slices covered with another cheese with "provence herbe" wrapped in thick bacon. For desert a 3-1/2" tall, thick slice of NY cheesecake. And this was served AFTER all those appetizers. My sister gave me a Kroger gift card (VERY MUCH appreciated). I gave DD her annual art or destination calendar - something I've been doing since she was in elementary school. This theme was photos from Italy.
Last Christmas all I got was a small Kroger's gift card. This year: my BFF decided to send $$ to pay for the 32" TV I'd bought but was going to have to return since other unexpected expenses hit. Whoa! She sent cash inserted in a card rather than a check I probably would not have cashed. I decided wiser to keep the cash than return it via regular US mail. Besides, she was so excited because the idea came to do that rather than send me something tangible. (TV is still in the box following delivery after Cyber Monday - still need to figure out a place to put it - living room or bedroom. It's replacing either the 13" or 24" TV, both of which are at least 15 years old.) Received a check from Dad. AND my daughter added me to their Sprint Family Plan and gave me a Samsung Galaxy S3, which had replaced with an S5. The drawback is that I don't have wi-fi at home and would need to get some sort of bundle which includes it. I was sort of hoping the neighbor's wi-fi might bleed over, but no. At home I'm limited to talk/text. Which is just fine. I'm REALLY liking a device with a keyboard!
No plans for New Year's. Traditionally I sleep through it. :D
Can't believe Oscar has lain on the dresser the time it took to write this, but is now on the move. Guess I'd better feed him.
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My Wish & a Freebie to Stitch
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A New Freebie Every Friday
Happiness is Cross Stitching - New in 2015 - Monthly Cross Stitch Mini-Cats, other Mini-Cat and cross stitch freebies, gift tags and other items to print. Check out this interesting site.
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TWISTED THREADS by Lea Wait
For those who have taken a look at my "Reading List Page, you'll see that the ONLY comment was made by author, Lea Wait, in August, 2013 about her upcoming cozy mystery "stitching series." I had read all her Antique Print cozy mysteries to date and posted them to my Reading List, but how she ran across it, I haven't a clue. I was surprised and delighted that she had. As for the new stitching series, I've been waiting ever since.
Twisted Threads, was released on January 6th. In honor of its release there have been a few give-aways. I was amazed and delighted to learn that I won a copy! Wow!!!. Can't wait to receive and read it! Thank you Lea Wait and Dru Ann. I'm sure it will be an intricate plot involving a needlepoint piece written by an author who is very skilled in crafting plots, characters and descriptions. I'll recommend it having yet to even read it!
Shadows on a Maine Christmas, released last September, is a continuation of her Antique Print mystery series, which includes fascinating details about various antique prints - many of which are woven into the story line. Each chapter begins with a comment and/or picture about an antique print, many of which are incorporated into the storyline. The information is authentic and fascinating- Lea Wait is an antique print dealer in real life. For example: Shadows of a Down East Summer is multi-period, the story interwoven with a summer spent on the Maine coast and the prints/paintings by Winslow Homer.
Read about Lea, her background and her books for children and adults on her website!}
Not a cozy mystery fan? Didn't realize I was/would be either until the last few years. Seeing as how I read The Complete Sherlock Homes the summer between 6th and 7th grade, and all of the Mrs. Pollifax novels, starting with one in a Readers Digest Condensed Books volume at about the same age, makes you wonder why not, doesn't it? Give Lea's books a read. I'm pretty sure you'll be hooked as well.
I highly recommend Lea's books for adults and children to all those cozy mystery readers. Actually I recommend them to anyone who enjoys a good read!
BTW, my neice, Denise Belinda McDonald, who has had several e-books published/released, is starting to write cozy mysteries. She's sent me a copy of the one she is currently shopping. It's my next "read!" Stay tuned.
Twisted Threads, was released on January 6th. In honor of its release there have been a few give-aways. I was amazed and delighted to learn that I won a copy! Wow!!!. Can't wait to receive and read it! Thank you Lea Wait and Dru Ann. I'm sure it will be an intricate plot involving a needlepoint piece written by an author who is very skilled in crafting plots, characters and descriptions. I'll recommend it having yet to even read it!
Shadows on a Maine Christmas, released last September, is a continuation of her Antique Print mystery series, which includes fascinating details about various antique prints - many of which are woven into the story line. Each chapter begins with a comment and/or picture about an antique print, many of which are incorporated into the storyline. The information is authentic and fascinating- Lea Wait is an antique print dealer in real life. For example: Shadows of a Down East Summer is multi-period, the story interwoven with a summer spent on the Maine coast and the prints/paintings by Winslow Homer.
Read about Lea, her background and her books for children and adults on her website!}
Not a cozy mystery fan? Didn't realize I was/would be either until the last few years. Seeing as how I read The Complete Sherlock Homes the summer between 6th and 7th grade, and all of the Mrs. Pollifax novels, starting with one in a Readers Digest Condensed Books volume at about the same age, makes you wonder why not, doesn't it? Give Lea's books a read. I'm pretty sure you'll be hooked as well.
I highly recommend Lea's books for adults and children to all those cozy mystery readers. Actually I recommend them to anyone who enjoys a good read!
BTW, my neice, Denise Belinda McDonald, who has had several e-books published/released, is starting to write cozy mysteries. She's sent me a copy of the one she is currently shopping. It's my next "read!" Stay tuned.
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Pre-Christmas Freebies Still posted
From Cross Stitcher Magazine and Cross Stitch Collection, the free charts (that were posted "only for 24 hours") can still be reached through the following links:
- Day 1 (December 12th) : From Cross Stitch collection: Christmas Carol - a Victorian Village with carolers! 104H x 192w - must d/l by 2 P.M. December 15th (not sure which time zone so don't wait!) From Cross Stitcher Magazine: Reindeer Cushion - all of Santa's reindeer including Rudolf by Kate Mawdsley; individual designs suitable for smaller projects - d/l by the 15th
- Day 4 (December 15th) - Seasons Tweetings - 4 card/ornie designs and 3 gift tags
- Day 9 (December 20th) - lovely dove ornament charts to download
- Day 12 (December 23rd) - download two floral Thank You cards to stitch
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Finished Halloween Biscornu Freebie
I just discovered a Korean website that has posted several photos of my Halloween Biscornu design along with the chart, but thankfully giving me credit and a link back. I've never seen it stitched and it's REALLY CUTE (giving self pat on back!) You can visit the page here. I translated the page, but I never did see a "contact" link so I could ask permission to use a couple of the photos. If you find one, please let me know! Also, if anyone is interested, I can change the year to 2015. :D
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Heart Sachets and Love Birds
Heart Sachets From Cross Stitch Collection (I love the padded hanger!)
Love Birds Heart From Janie Hubble Designs
Love Birds Heart From Janie Hubble Designs
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Life takes a tumble - Long, but maybe a good story
Or at least I did. Wednesday, February 4th.
First, Arlington First Responders are the best! Thank you all so very VERY much!
Not sure exactly how I misjudged the height of the sidewalk in front of the Sprint Store, caught the tip of my shoe on the edge, further tripped self trying to catch self as I stumbled forward flailing in vain for balance, must have somehow managed partially break my fall but still solidly thwonked the side of my forehead on the concrete. Yep, sort of sounds like a dropped watermelon. I lay there eyes closed expecting everything to go black instantly and when that didn't happen expected slower inter-cranial bleeding, then go into a coma and die - as my neighbor's mother had from same sort of fall a couple of years ago. Literally the first thing I thought, unless the "This can't be good!" quickly preceded it. I wasn't nervous or scared. Just briefly pondered the utter irony and ignominy. Strange what one thinks at a time like that. I still have no idea how I could fall that hard without scraping myself up good or breaking or bruising something like ribs or hip or hands or wrists or nose or neck and/or twisting my back. Instead, I didn't even get a headache, though a bit later I did have a few mild twinges in my mid-back and a couple of days after that I realized my rib-cage was a bit sore and my arms, where apparently I did somehow manage to break my fall. I absolutely admit I was d*** lucky and absolutely blessed that by some miracle I wasn't and didn't. Result: big knot and bruise the side of my eyebrow and one really swollen and REALLY BLACK eye - both of which will apparently take a long while to disappear. Oh, and I've got a small scrape just beneath the inside of one ankle. Huh? My eyeglasses weren't even scratched. Really weird. Very, very blessed.
To add to that blessing, by coincidence 4 police officers were eating lunch next door so within seconds I was surrounded by uniforms, being attended to and being asked non-stop questions. And I kept volunteering information - just in case, you know. When the firetruck and ambulance arrived (Arlington dispatches Fire on every emergency call because all our firemen are also certified EMTs) I heard a bit of discussion I wasn't paying attention to because my mind was elsewhere thinking about what I'd need to do if I had to stay in the hospital overnight or longer, my cats, etc., still expecting to black out, go into a coma ..., and answering even MORE questions. Good grief. Enough already. Someone put a collar around my neck. Then a male voice loudly said "LINDA! What-did-you-do-to-yourself?!?!" [Since then I've realized that was a triage thing. I've even been trained in how to do it, but from the perspective of the victim, it's a very different experience.] The voice was familiar. I opened my eyes a slit to see who the heck would talk like that and saw a face intently staring at me. [More triage technique though at the time I couldn't figure out why he was staring and looking so serious.] "Billy!!!" And something like "what are YOU doing here?, thinking he should be at a different location and trying to sound conversational and normal, when I probably really wasn't. It was the Fireman/EMT I call "Billy, the Fireman" whom I've known for almost 8 years as a member of the Community Emergency Response Team. I thought he was stationed on the other side of town, which explains my question. He's a CERT trainer and a search and rescue expert who has been all over the States and occasionally overseas assisting with various disasters. If there's ONE person you'd want to show up to take care of you when you klutz yourself, HE'S the guy! Apparently I passed his triage/assessment evaluation because when I asked if I REALLY had to be strapped to a backboard or even lay down on the stretche, he said if I did I'd be on it until after the CT results came back and most people found it really uncomfortable but was my choice. The last thing I wanted to have to do was make a decision, but that was a no brainer, thank goodness. So I rode the 3 or 4 minutes to the hospital sitting up on the stretcher. If I'd have been laying down good bet I would have gotten sea sick. I had no idea they bounched and swayed so much. I really wished I could have just driven myself home. Come to think of it, I may have asked Billy if I really wanted to go to the hospital. If so, he said yes. Sheesh.
The Arlington Law Enforcement and Emergency Response "Grapevine" is exceedingly fast.
Within 10 minutes of getting to the ER a spiffily uniformed APD officer walked in. Even IF I'm making verbal sense (or not), I'm still stunned and shaky, and still thinking at any moment I'll ... etc., and figure he's going to ask me MORE questions before that happens. But NO. It's a sergeant from the Crime Prevention Unit who "stoppd by" (read that as "made a special trip") to see how I was doing, to assure me Arlington takes care of its volunteers, was there anything he could personally do for me. Did I mind if he came by and checked on me, and to call him personally if I needed anything. Wow. I had no idea being a volunteer had such comforting perks! I asked "How did you know I was here?" He replied to the effect that "Everyone in Arlington knows about you." I think I sort of hung my head in embarrassment and shame. Which is when I realized that the police officers had removed my City Volunteer ID I was still wearing since I'd just left the Office of Emergency Management after siren testing.. Heck, they probably broadcast my name and age over their radios and thus the Scanner so that anyone listening would have immediately known. It was probably Billy the Fireman who called the OEM.One of the female EMS ambulance attendants called my sister for me. She arrived after he had left. I was telling her about him, when the officer in charge of the Arlington Police Academy walked in wearing civilian clothes on his day off and in the midst of writing a paper for his grad school course. My brain finally began to feel almost normal. He left. They came and got me for the CT, during which the Pastor dropped in. He decidedly did not look like he felt well and appeared very tired. If I hadn't been so wrapped up in my self I would like to think I would have asked what was wrong. Instead a nurse came in with a suture tray. I told her I didn't want stitches. I opted for a super glue kin which the ER doc dripped on..In the process, I got a lecture about my blood pressure (which was disturbingly high at that moment, hopefully the result of the trauma and stress.) Dr was more concerned about that than my head. I began to feel like I was taking up space someone else needed a lot more than I did. If this had happened at home, I would have just laid there until I felt like I could get up and around and not bothered with the ER. Apparently the CT results were fine because the doctor walked in, took off the neck brace, and left to write a prescription for BP meds. I said something to my sister about how to get my car home. The nurse said it was okay for me to drive. Really? No orders not to drive. I intended to verify with the doc, but he was with someone who needed him more than I did. I got about 3 blocks and decided it really wasn't such a good idea but made it home safely anyway.
Epilog:
First, Arlington First Responders are the best! Thank you all so very VERY much!
Not sure exactly how I misjudged the height of the sidewalk in front of the Sprint Store, caught the tip of my shoe on the edge, further tripped self trying to catch self as I stumbled forward flailing in vain for balance, must have somehow managed partially break my fall but still solidly thwonked the side of my forehead on the concrete. Yep, sort of sounds like a dropped watermelon. I lay there eyes closed expecting everything to go black instantly and when that didn't happen expected slower inter-cranial bleeding, then go into a coma and die - as my neighbor's mother had from same sort of fall a couple of years ago. Literally the first thing I thought, unless the "This can't be good!" quickly preceded it. I wasn't nervous or scared. Just briefly pondered the utter irony and ignominy. Strange what one thinks at a time like that. I still have no idea how I could fall that hard without scraping myself up good or breaking or bruising something like ribs or hip or hands or wrists or nose or neck and/or twisting my back. Instead, I didn't even get a headache, though a bit later I did have a few mild twinges in my mid-back and a couple of days after that I realized my rib-cage was a bit sore and my arms, where apparently I did somehow manage to break my fall. I absolutely admit I was d*** lucky and absolutely blessed that by some miracle I wasn't and didn't. Result: big knot and bruise the side of my eyebrow and one really swollen and REALLY BLACK eye - both of which will apparently take a long while to disappear. Oh, and I've got a small scrape just beneath the inside of one ankle. Huh? My eyeglasses weren't even scratched. Really weird. Very, very blessed.
To add to that blessing, by coincidence 4 police officers were eating lunch next door so within seconds I was surrounded by uniforms, being attended to and being asked non-stop questions. And I kept volunteering information - just in case, you know. When the firetruck and ambulance arrived (Arlington dispatches Fire on every emergency call because all our firemen are also certified EMTs) I heard a bit of discussion I wasn't paying attention to because my mind was elsewhere thinking about what I'd need to do if I had to stay in the hospital overnight or longer, my cats, etc., still expecting to black out, go into a coma ..., and answering even MORE questions. Good grief. Enough already. Someone put a collar around my neck. Then a male voice loudly said "LINDA! What-did-you-do-to-yourself?!?!" [Since then I've realized that was a triage thing. I've even been trained in how to do it, but from the perspective of the victim, it's a very different experience.] The voice was familiar. I opened my eyes a slit to see who the heck would talk like that and saw a face intently staring at me. [More triage technique though at the time I couldn't figure out why he was staring and looking so serious.] "Billy!!!" And something like "what are YOU doing here?, thinking he should be at a different location and trying to sound conversational and normal, when I probably really wasn't. It was the Fireman/EMT I call "Billy, the Fireman" whom I've known for almost 8 years as a member of the Community Emergency Response Team. I thought he was stationed on the other side of town, which explains my question. He's a CERT trainer and a search and rescue expert who has been all over the States and occasionally overseas assisting with various disasters. If there's ONE person you'd want to show up to take care of you when you klutz yourself, HE'S the guy! Apparently I passed his triage/assessment evaluation because when I asked if I REALLY had to be strapped to a backboard or even lay down on the stretche, he said if I did I'd be on it until after the CT results came back and most people found it really uncomfortable but was my choice. The last thing I wanted to have to do was make a decision, but that was a no brainer, thank goodness. So I rode the 3 or 4 minutes to the hospital sitting up on the stretcher. If I'd have been laying down good bet I would have gotten sea sick. I had no idea they bounched and swayed so much. I really wished I could have just driven myself home. Come to think of it, I may have asked Billy if I really wanted to go to the hospital. If so, he said yes. Sheesh.
The Arlington Law Enforcement and Emergency Response "Grapevine" is exceedingly fast.
Within 10 minutes of getting to the ER a spiffily uniformed APD officer walked in. Even IF I'm making verbal sense (or not), I'm still stunned and shaky, and still thinking at any moment I'll ... etc., and figure he's going to ask me MORE questions before that happens. But NO. It's a sergeant from the Crime Prevention Unit who "stoppd by" (read that as "made a special trip") to see how I was doing, to assure me Arlington takes care of its volunteers, was there anything he could personally do for me. Did I mind if he came by and checked on me, and to call him personally if I needed anything. Wow. I had no idea being a volunteer had such comforting perks! I asked "How did you know I was here?" He replied to the effect that "Everyone in Arlington knows about you." I think I sort of hung my head in embarrassment and shame. Which is when I realized that the police officers had removed my City Volunteer ID I was still wearing since I'd just left the Office of Emergency Management after siren testing.. Heck, they probably broadcast my name and age over their radios and thus the Scanner so that anyone listening would have immediately known. It was probably Billy the Fireman who called the OEM.One of the female EMS ambulance attendants called my sister for me. She arrived after he had left. I was telling her about him, when the officer in charge of the Arlington Police Academy walked in wearing civilian clothes on his day off and in the midst of writing a paper for his grad school course. My brain finally began to feel almost normal. He left. They came and got me for the CT, during which the Pastor dropped in. He decidedly did not look like he felt well and appeared very tired. If I hadn't been so wrapped up in my self I would like to think I would have asked what was wrong. Instead a nurse came in with a suture tray. I told her I didn't want stitches. I opted for a super glue kin which the ER doc dripped on..In the process, I got a lecture about my blood pressure (which was disturbingly high at that moment, hopefully the result of the trauma and stress.) Dr was more concerned about that than my head. I began to feel like I was taking up space someone else needed a lot more than I did. If this had happened at home, I would have just laid there until I felt like I could get up and around and not bothered with the ER. Apparently the CT results were fine because the doctor walked in, took off the neck brace, and left to write a prescription for BP meds. I said something to my sister about how to get my car home. The nurse said it was okay for me to drive. Really? No orders not to drive. I intended to verify with the doc, but he was with someone who needed him more than I did. I got about 3 blocks and decided it really wasn't such a good idea but made it home safely anyway.
Epilog:
- Eye was only swollen shut a couple of days. It looks a LOT better now but that knot's not changed. Yep, small scar.
- Ladies from the church called every day or 2 offering to bring food or anything I needed. I thanked them but I was well stocked with food, and frankly, I didn't want to have to get dressed just to open the front door. :D I only heard from my Daughter once that same evening. Her solution was for me to drive over and let her husband take care of me that night. I politely told her I didn't feel like driving anywhere. He called when he got free and would have come over to get me, but I suggested instead that he just call me when he took a break from writing his own grad school paper. My Dad called that evening and the next afternoon. My brother called a couple of times. I posted a couple of things on FB, so my sister, and maybe my DD, saw info there. In any event, I learned to take care of myself by myself decades ago. I prefer to be home rather than stay somewhere with nothing to do and/or with a stranger. That's a good thing because I'm a horrible patient.
- I drove myself to a meeting Saturday morning, and was surprised how much it wore me out. I wore sunglasses but couldn't completely hide big black eye. An acquaintance walked past me, took a step back and threw her hands over her mouth to stifle a gasp. As a hospital employee, she was appalled I hadn't seen a doctor the next day. First, I'd have to find one.
- My pastor had to be taken to the ER during Sunday School because of a heart issue. He's being treated with meds. No wonder he looked so not well on Wednesday.
- Went to Citizens Police Academy (it's REALLY REALLY interesting - if you ever have the chance to attend one DO!!). After the break, I was the "Show and Tell." When I lifted up my sunglasses there were audible gasps. They laughed when I mentioned the "grapevine." I agreed to do so only because it gave me the opportunity to thank the officers that had cared for and assisted me, and the Sgt and our own Officer for being so kind as to visit me in the ER. The Sgt giving the instruction (very same presentation as he gives the Police Trainees), is a counter-part to the Sgt. in charge of a similar unit to the one who came to my rescue earlier. I suspect he said something to him about my appreciation.
- I found out the names of the officers who'd helped me the week before. I should have already sent an email Thank You, but I wanted to do something special but appropriate and have been waiting for a reply from a third party. Wish I baked cookies!
- I finally read the "discharge" sheet carefully. I thought I hadn't received one. Instead, it doesn't look anything like I anticipated. At the bottom is a list of my medication allergies. I specifically carry a 2-sheet, detailed Medical Info document in my wallet. Folded, it has a big red stripe at the top of it. Can't miss it. If they don't have that info and give me what's they'd give 95% of everyone else, I'd be in serious trouble. The EMTs took a look at it, and the ambulance EMS, who handed it to the ER nurse once I was at the hospital. When it was handed back I was told they'd input all the information into their computerized records. The very first med allergy listed is Penicillin. Guess what is NOT on my hospital list of medication allergies? Can't say that surprises me. In fact I fully expected some problem or another. They consistently make medical errors up there. I've sworn the only way you'll get me into a hospital is feet first and unconscious. If I hadn't been in public and the only other option to lay on the sidewalk or in my car for few hours til someone came to take me home or my head cleared, I'd have refused to go to the ER. But I doubt Billy the Fireman would have let me.
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Pics of just how black a black eye can get
Warning: Do not attempt this at home!
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At 2 weeks it looks slightly better than it did on Valentine's.
Make up helps a bit.
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| February 4th - 5 hours or so |
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| Day 3 - February 7th |
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| Day 10 - Valentine's |
At 2 weeks it looks slightly better than it did on Valentine's.
Make up helps a bit.
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