Terrific Thursday 11/6/14

NEIGHBORS

For over two years, my sanity and peace has been disrupted by the backyard dog breeding neighbors on the north side of The Homestead.  More about them HERE.  Two weeks ago, I was pulled from my slumber at 10:30pm by one of the dogs barking... and barking... and BARKING.  After 20 minutes, I called the local constable office.  When the officer showed up, the dog was still barking "very loudly" (his words).  He tried to contact the neighbors (who were not home).  He issued them a citation.  The dog did not stop barking until close to midnight.  About 10 minutes after it stopped barking, the neighbors arrived home.  Last week, one of the dogs was howling.  This incident went on for over an hour.  Again, the constable was called and another citation issued.  I am SURE the neighbors are highly PO'd at me.

About a week and half ago, I observed the neighbors moving furniture from their house.  I had suspected they were moving.  Since one of the dogs was still outside in the kennels, I didn't dare hope too much.  However, the second officer confirmed to me that they were "in the process" of moving.

Can you say GREAT BIG HAPPY DANCE?!?  All the dogs are gone now and the neighbors are in the process of tearing down the kennels.  Woo Hoo!

HALLOWEEN
Most employers state morale is important to the success of the company.  Few do much to boost employee morale.  My employer is the only company I’ve ever worked for that actually does support and promote it.  We even have an employee driven Morale Committee!

One of the moral boosting activities is the annual Halloween Costume Contest, parade, and trick-or-treat. 

The morning starts off with the parade throughout the entire office for those who have “dressed up”.  Photos are then taken and voting commences through an online survey.  At the end of the day, “individual” and “group” winners are announced.

(Clickable for larger images)

The winners this year were:  One Night Stand and Hooters Alumni (These three ladies do group costumes every year and have won every year for quite a while!).

Then between 4:30-5pm, children and grandchildren of employees are invited to go from cubicle to cubicle to do trick-or-treating.  This year, I provided candy at my desk for the kiddos.  There were quite a few Captain Americas and Princesses!

Here's some TBT (Throw Back Thursday):

 My siblings and I - Circa 1977-78

My neices - Halloween 1997

STITCHY STUFF
I haven't had a lot of time to stitch since I've been spending a good part of every weekend at my parent's house cleaning, organizing, and packing up things.  Hard to believe it's been two months for my Mom and four months for my Dad.  Memories of being with them both are still so vivid.

I've put some time in on Balloon Glow during a couple lunch hours at work.

Other WIP pics can be seen HERE.

I've had one quick finish.  I stitched up another Sledding Friends Penguin.  I used miscellaneous cotton threads leftover from kits.  I think it turned out cute.

Design: Sledding Friends

Designer: Foxwood Crossings

Fibers:  Unknown cotton threads

Stitched on 14ct brown perforated paper

  

MORE THOUGHTFULNESS
As most of my readers and stitchy friends know, both my parents passed away in July and September.  After my Dad passed, my siblings and I were so busy trying to help Mom.  Things were crazy, to put it mildly. Things fell through the cracks.  I just realized today that I didn’t share the lovely things sent to me after my Dad’s passing.

First, are these lovely fabric angels from Karen A. They have been hanging in my dining room since I received them.  I have never seen them before and think they are so pretty.

Thank you for thinking of me, Karen!

While on vacation, Debbie B found beautifully embroidered zippered bags.  They're perfect for scissors, needles and other gadgets.  I was the lucky recipient of one.

Thank you Debbie!

GIVEAWAYS

Nancy over at Victorian Motto Sampler is doing 25 Days of Christmas giveaways. Click on over and see the wonderful things she has.

WINNER! WINNER!
Back in August, one of the Yahoo groups I belong to hosted “flash giveaways” for about a week. It was a lot of fun to see what was going to pop up as a giveaway and like the lottery… to see if I won.  I won an adorable Lizzie Kate chart pack and an Artecy chart.

This week, I was SO surprised to find out that I won a Silhoutte Portrait from CraftGossip.  From over 550 entries, I was one of two winners.  I never thought I'd win, but figured, "You can't win if you don't play."  Right?  Right.  I am so excited... can't wait to get it!

In case you're wondering, the Silhouette Portrait is an electronic cutting machine.  Like a printer, It plugs into a computer via USB cable.  It has the capability of cutting paper, cardstock, fabric and vinyl up to 8" wide and 10 feet long.  Unlike the Cricket machines, the Silhouttes don't require purchasing design cartridges (which are costly at $30 a pop).  Instead designs can be purchased from the online store for 50cents to $1.99 each.  Or, your own designs can be imported.  A $10 gift card to the online store is included, too!  I am so looking forward to playing with this.

Until Next Time,