Jan 15, 2014

Hump Day.... It's All Downhill

Isn't that what they say?  It's all downhill from here?  How's your week been?

WEATHER
Remember the -22F weather I mentioned in my last post?  By the end of last week, the temps in my area were in the mid to upper 30's and we received lots and lots of rain.  Then the temps went much colder again.  All that rain and warmer temps, melted the snow which then ran downhill into my garage.  Until last night, I had 1/4 to 1/2" of ice on my garage floor.  I used an ice chopper to break it up and shovel it out.  We've had some light snows here and there, too.  The 30mph winds last night froze my face off while I shoveled the incline of my driveway.  Gotta think winter sucks big time love Winter!  Personally, Spring can't come fast enough for me.

WORK
Work continues to go well.  The Operations Manager asked for a voluteer to join the company's Continuous Improvement Council. I and another person from my department inquired about what would be involved. It involves community service, improving procedures on how tasks are performed, safety, company outings, signage, and other ways to improve employee "life" at work. The other guy bowed out citing "not being good at coming up with ideas". So, I volunteered.

My one-year performance review is coming soon.  Being year end, my supervisor hasn't had time to formally sit down with me.  She did tell me the other day that I'm considered a "top performer" and told me what my merit increase was.  Pretty good!  Woo Hoo!!

STITCHY STUFF
I am very close to finishing Part 3 of Thinking Positive. By the end of the week, I'll be starting on Part 4. Even though I've done more stitching since, here's a progress photo as of a couple days ago:


I've been debating whether or not to backstitch around the sheeps' bodies with a dark brown or a gray... to me, it seems like they blend into the fabric color too much. Thoughts?

 
 
Until next time,

(Who's wishing for summer right now)


26 comments:

Justine said...

Wow...great news on the job front! Well done for volunteering. It sounds like interesting work. I would back stitch the sheep I think.

Christina G said...

Meari, the guy that bowed out was smart! You will learn, grasshopper. And yes, you should outline the sheep. Christina

Vickie said...

Good for you at work!
I would backstitch them.

Denise SA said...

I will send you some warm weather and you can send me some cool weather.
Love the way the Sal is coming on.

Mylene said...

Congrats on the job! I am sure you'll have a great review.

I am not sure about the sheep, perhaps wait until you stitch the next part, it might show out better.

Shelleen said...

great news with the job. Sorry about the ice in your garage. I would do a light to medium grey to BS the sheep.

Pam in IL said...

Our temps made it up into the mid 40's and we had several inches of rain. It was snow & sleet yesterday and we got up to an inch of the white stuff -- seems like just a dusting after all that we got last week.

Congrats on the good job news!

I'm looking at the little sheep. I think I'd outline in a subtle color just to put a little definition around them.

Jennifer M said...

Yikes for the ice in your garage-that stinks, but would be good exercise:) Congrats, that's great news with your job! I think I would outline the sheep, subtle color.

Katie said...

Been a lazy week here. Still waiting on everyone to get healthy. Today I finally got a few things done.

Great job with work! You are a hard worker. We can all tell by reading your blog. I'm glad your boss appreciates the work you do.

Your stitching looks fantastic. I would probably outline the sheep but they look great the way they are too.

Carol said...

I'm not at all surprised that you are considered a "top performer" at work, Meari--that is great news about a nice raise! You'll be perfect for the Continuous Improvement Council, too--you'll keep them going with fun ideas, I'm sure :)

Love your WIP--I think the sheep would show up with a gray outline very nicely :)

Faith... said...

Sorry about all that ice...you seem to have very bad luck with your driveway. I think I would outline the sheep - I looked at one person's and wondering why they had those black spots there! LOL - they were the legs but I couldn't see the sheep. Congrats on your performance review!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the job, Meari! I agree about the sheep - they need some backstiching. You could even use a purple that coordinates with the fabric (assuming the fabric is purple - that's what it looks like on my screen).

Karin in MA

Berly said...

Congrats on the wage increase and new duties at work!! You're definitely good at coming up with ideas! I personally wouldn't backstitch around the sheep. I think they stand out just fine!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your performance review and I am sure you deserve it.

I would back stitch the sheep.

Marl

Kay said...

Great news about the job!! The stitching is coming along nicely, backstitching I think makes a stitched piece look even better, it highlights it more better!

Anonymous said...

I had to look for the sheep, so I think some outline might work. Lovely work!!.

Our weather (PA) got warmer 50's but now will be in 30 and 40's for a week. Right now we have green grass.

Jackie in PA

Anonymous said...

Sorry that the weather is giving you such problems. Sounds like work is going great!! I think the sheep do need some backstitching to make them easier to see.
Thanks for sharing.
Betty in AZ (ILCS)

Sue said...

First, you are simply a 'natural' for being a top performer and a great volunteer!!! Of course, I am biased, being your SM....LOL.......

As for the sheep, I think the back stitch would make them stand out more; just my opinion, though........

It looks fantastic! I really need to work on mine, but right now, I am committed to a quilt square and I am determined to do all twelve of the Sheep Virtues, so I can frame this for daughter, Sherri by the end of this year! Also, I am committed to doing my ornies early this year too!

Love ya,
Sue your SM

CJ said...

Hate to say this but I would like a little more winter here in North Texas, two weeks was not enough. Yes, to backstitching the sheep--good call.

CJ

Unknown said...

Congrats on the job review and raise!

Yes, I think you should outline the sheep they do fade a little too much.

You can send the cold our way, I wouldn't mind.

Anonymous said...

If only this weather could even itself out for everyone. Here in So. Cal. we hit 90 yesterday; our normal is in the 60s. Everyone’s getting sick with the flu, etc. Those little bugs just thrive in unseasonable warm weather!

I agree with you that the sheep need to be backstitched. It’s a really cute piece.

Tobie in So. Cal.

Debs said...

Glad to hear you are staying safe and warm in the crazy weather Meari. Those sheep do tend to disappear, I agree a light grey might work for backstitching.

Anonymous said...

Meari -

Your stitching looks great! I also can't wait for spring. It has been sub-zero weather here, then into the 40's and 50's, then getting cold again. Stitching I am working on The Fortunate Traveler by Teresa Wentzler right now.

Marge

Anonymous said...

Meari,

Your thinking positive is stunning! Congrats on being top performer at work!

Laurel

Anne said...

Oof! That is freezing! I hope it has warmed up a bit for you! Looks like you and I are in the same boat with evaluations. I have two next week and I'm a nervous nelly!! Love your Jardin Prive progress. It's such a pretty design! Hugs!

EvalinaMaria said...

Your stitching is lovely!