running with scissors . . .

Gawd, I hope not. I have enough trouble with a simple sewing needle and thread. Throw scissors into the mess and I'm in real trouble.

A couple of months ago, prior to February 14th, I found this blog post and ran out and bought some felt and embroidery thread. All in good faith. Unfortunately, Valentine's Day came and went, the felt did not.

Today, I hauled it out and decided to try my hand. That's when I learned my pinking shears were so dull, they couldn't cut paper let alone fabric. Sigh. No raggedy edges for me. Instead this is what I got:



There was an additional green one but somehow it disappeared. I glared suspiciously at Ninja and company, but no one would fess up. They are accustomed to things of that nature being stuffed with psychedelic herbs. Sorry boys and girls, nothing mind altering this time.

Then, having a very limited attention span, I decided to try something else. A bear maybe. A fuzzy brown bear? I didn't use a pattern for the hearts so why look for one for a bear. Sounds reasonable right? Out came the felt and the scissors and I started cutting and turning and clipping and matching until I had my two pieces. I carefully stuffed as I went . . . having discovered after one paw that stuffing later was a major no no. And finally, the finished product, an anorexic bear of dubious proportions . . .



Next week I think I will try an armadillo.

this weeks challenge . . .

at Jessica Sprague. Liv led this one with these simple instructions:

1. think of a symbol that can stand for a letter within a word or phrase, and at the same time sends a visual message on its own. (for instance, using a heart in place of the O in love? )

I hope this qualifies because I really was rolling my eyes at him, silly man.


Credits: Stitches: Anna Aspnes, Florals: Lynne Marie Favreau, Tag and Journal lines: Dawn Inskip, gems: Julia Makontinsky, Font: Everyday Ghost, Grunge frame and handwriting: mine.

we ran away . . .

to another Doo Wop concert last night. I had a tough time looking at all the old folks in the audience and realizing they were most probably the same vintage as the 9TS and I. Gaw!

We still had fun. Before the main event, this little kidlet did a couple of songs. She being a mere 13 years old. Wowsers. You may recognize her from the David Foster and Friends, PBS special.

But the real reason we were there was because we are old enough to remember The Lion Sleeps Tonight by the Tokens and they were the headliners. For those of you under 60, that would be this little ditty. Let me tell you, they are a lot older and grayer now too but still have their pipes!

They got a standing O from the geriatric set and the 9TS and I were happy campers. It's fun to run away.

back to Tampa . . .

Drive over - 2 hours, 30 minutes
CT Scan - 15 minutes
Drive home - 2 hours and 20 minutes.

that's slightly less than five hours of boredom in which I have to entertain myself. Up and out by:



Much better than leaving Monday at 5:15 a.m. The 9TS and I were much more awake. Dork here, discovers she has left her macro lens on her camera and didn't pack another. Tests things out on the 9TS.



He is not amused. It is too early.

Silly cyclist,



he thinks he can out pedal us. Tee hee.

And then we hit traffic.



At least we were behaving ourselves and this is not us.



We find ourselves bumper to bumper and parked next to this guy on the interstate.



I finally got bored taking pictures and moved on to a running monologue of inanities further annoying the 9TS. I can't help it, I don't do bored well.

Soon, we were in and out of the hospital and headed for breakfast for a very hungry 9TS when boredom hit yet again.

And so we got this:



and this:



some of this:



a yummy this:



That's a chicken quesadilla in case you didn't recognize it. Yummo!

and the 9TS's choice. Eggs, ham and taters smothered (gag) in ketchup:



and last but not least, words to live by:



Aren't you glad you don't have to spend 4 hours and 50 minutes in the car or eat breakfast with me ?!?!?!

putzing around . . .

credits: Paper and elements: Basic Grey, Swirls: Jessica Sprague, Fonts: Georgia, Dirty Ego

Mel and Anoma . . .

I thought from the comments made yesterday that we were home free until the phone rang this afternoon. Although the final read is still not in from the radiologist, it seems there is a lesion on the 9TS's lung. Thursday morning we are headed back over to Tampa for a lung specific CT scan. That will tell us if we are looking at some type of infection, a cold maybe or more of Mel and his little cousin, Anoma. The doctor really doesn't know. We don't like Mel and Anoma. They are from the other side of the family, on my mother's uncle's side. Nasty people. No manners. We are hoping they haven't come calling again.

the ants come marching two by two . . .

I'm antsy, sitting here waiting for the 9TS to finish his PET scan. I keep squirming in my seat, watching the minutes tick slowly by. Three hours is a long time. And he, poor man, must be miserable. HUNGRY, from fasting, exhausted by getting up at 4:15 a.m. to make it here in time, and claustrophobic in the cocoon in which they encase him. But, alas, a necessary evil.

As soon as he is done, we will grab a bite to eat. Then back to his appointment with his oncologist at 12:45. They should have the results by then. Squiggle, squirm . . . the ants are back. Finally at 3:00, we meet with his radiologist who will hopefully say, Adios 9TS, no need to return.

And then we will get back in the car and head for home and bed. Oh, bed.

EDIT: We are home, safe and somewhat sound. Dr. Z. was less than forthcoming in the info department. I think he was too busy. So I badgered Dr. R, who accommodatingly enough, brought up the 9TS's film right there in the office. After much squinting on his part and more ants in the pants on our part, he pronounced the 9TS clean. We all did a little dance and said ADIOS to Dr. R on a permanent basis. We will be back to visit Dr. Z in July.

Life is exceedingly good!!!!!