A chill in the air

I love the early mornings lately...cool crisp air. The moon looked so huge this morning when I went out to get the paper.  I have been tatting this morning. The Debra was here yesterday and she gave me a new pattern...for a tatted beaded icicle ... you know how I love my beads.
We put the pumpkins out...all arranged and ...

even a few on the mantle with the Faeries.  Mr H had to move the bird seed sack and it took a few hours for the birds to return. I think the hanging pumpkin scared them! And it was daylight! Right now I have a hummingbird outside the kitchen chatting away .... love the sounds of all the birds chatter.
I guess I should tell you that the cake I baked yesterday is good...a little sweet for me though. As much as I love my chocolates and pastries, I do not really enjoy a sweet cake. Sent a nice sized piece home with The Debra yesterday. I am thinking a relaxing day today...that is after a stop at Fry's Market and CVS. I also want to go to World Market. So much for relaxing.
 Remember the little girl in the OZ picture post the other day...well, she called to tell me she is expecting a baby in May. So, of course I have already picked out an adorable pattern to crochet a blanket for The Baby...we do not know boy or girl yet. I do not usually do much crocheting, but this is so cute. So happy you stopped by to visit and chat. Thank you for the kind words. Hope your day is great.

Nothing like the smell of warm cake

Mr H and I took advantage of my having a Saturday off and that he was feeling fine...off we went. First a ride to find a park where an event will be taking place in a few weeks. It took us to the area where the Wigwam Resort is and so of course we had to take a look around. Lovely....Then we headed back to Glendale to see the Hot Rod Show at Westgate Center...forget it. There were no parking spaces anywhere! Well, not true. We could have parked and walked quite a distance. So, off we headed for the Front Porch Festival at Caitlin Courts in Glendale. After going in and out of the shops....one of my favorites has left the area! Last year I was able to get a few Christmas gifts there....a shop owner told me she thinks he is in Mesa but I can not remember the shop name. Then it was time for a lunch break. I love the omelets at IHOP....finally back home where both of us needed to rest. Be right back...
The kitchen timer was beeping....fresh from the oven/ pan...a Vanilla cake. It was time to take it out of the bundt pan...if you could just smell the air around here! Yum! I just want to cut a piece right now.... but I will wait and let it cool a little longer.
Today is Patriots Football and it is a televised game so Mr H will be not moving away from the TV. Except for half time ---we must get our pumpkin patch set up. Okay with me. I plan to put the final finishing on a couple of ornaments and continue with the feather for the Dream Catcher. I am not fond of stitching with 3 strands of DMC; just wanted to let you know.  Thank you all for the lovely comments on my exchange and table topper. You certainly keep my spirits high. Well, guess that is it for now. Hope you all have a wonderful day. Oh, just to let you know. I am going to cut a piece of that cake....just can not wait!

In the sewing room

When I wake  at 3 AM, I must find something to do. I tat, or I cross stitch and sometimes I sew...
I bought this table topper pattern at Jo Ann's and with the help of co-worker and good friend Beckie, picked out some nice Fall fabric. I loved this pumpkin print for a few weeks and was determined to use it somehow. I had the right color Ric-rac in my stash and trimmed the center.I made this so that I can flip it over and...
then I have Christmas. On this side, I did fussy cutting to get the cardinals in the same place on each blade and then with Sulky Gold thread did the machine embroidery stitches along each seam. I really like how it turned out. I was able to fussy cut for the center circle too. This will make a nice pattern to do for all the seasons. It fits nicely on my table.  I would also like to make the table runner that everyone has been making....one of the customers explained it to me so I will give it a try. I am getting used to the new sewing machine and hope to be sewing more.
This is the Halloween Exchange that I sent to Melissa....

She identified it as coming from Marcy on her blog. It was fun to make. I stitched and attached the piece to a black tote bag and filled with some goodies. I added beads...of course...to the spider and some glitzy thread here and there. I will be taking a break from group exchanges for now, and do individual exchanges. Not to sound immature, but I do put lots of thought and time into my projects and I do not think it is unfair to be recognized by the recipient. I always use tracking except of course for  items sent through customs so I am aware when they arrive.
It is an absolutely beautiful morning outside. I do have work today, but then I am off until Tuesday. Plenty of time to keep my hands busy. Thank you for spending time with me....and for the kind words and emails. I value our friendship. Have a good day....

Arizona State Fair

Mr H and I went to the State Fair yesterday. It was the first time in the 9 years we have been out here and it was very in interesting.  The fair ground is a very large area and there is so much to do and see. We do not like to go on rides, but we had to ride the huge Ferris Wheel....and what a view from the top. We did enjoy others on the various rides like the one pictured...oh my... I was getting nauseous just watching them! I love the poultry area. While we were there, there were judges picking up and looking at the chickens. There were so many varieties and colors. One would start to crow then the others would join in and clucking was everyone's sound. The little piglets slept and the baby chicks ran about. We did plenty of walking I can say. It was crowded and I am glad we chose a week day to go.
I just sent for a Teneriffe Lace kit... I just want to know how to make these motifs the correct way. I have dabbled trying, but I thought why not have proper instructions. Managed to get some stitches on the Dream Catcher feathers and even made a table topper with my new sewing machine...but, that will have to wait until tomorrow. Right now I am feeling very hungry so I best get some breakfast and another cup of coffee. Work today...how about you? Whatever your day holds I hope it is great. Thank you for visiting with me....thank you for the kind words which always make my day.