More Black Belt Stitching Wizard Stuff

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Dancing In Brighton!

I am so happy that my dear friends in Brighton said that this was a good weekend for me to come down for a visit! Though getting away to the cottage last weekend was nice, this is even better! I'm surrounded by people I really care about (even Dan, I suppose), wonderful stitchers and I've been able to pick up needle and thread and forget about all the things I've got to do for at least a little while!

Friday I got to leave work and hour early (of course I had to work through my lunch to do this) so that I could hit the road and make it to Brighton at a reasonable time, as it is a 3 hour drive with no problems or long pit stops. I made it to first Kathy's to be greeted with a big hug! Dinner was great, I had take out pizza for the first time in almost 3 months (since starting Weight Watchers)! I couldn't help myself but have 2 1/2 slices! That's what flex points are for right? Kathy and I stitched late into the night, I even shared a little happy dance with her. I finished the stitching on Sally's draw gift! When I get back home I'll take some time to put it together and pop it in the mail.

Today I finally got the snow tires taken off of my car, they've got a great tire shop here in Brighton. Its also a great excuse to come down here. I know I could easily get it done in Ottawa, but Brighton is prettier I so want to retire here... in 23 YEARS! (and that's early retirement by the way) While my car was up on the hoist this gave me the chance to get out for a nice brisk 30 minute walk with my camera. Unfortunately I didn't come across anything inspiring to shoot. Also I had put on my telephoto lens and it wasn't right for shooting in town.


However, once I was back at Kathy's I got to finally witness one of the many swans that are in the area! He was so beautiful and I took so many pictures of him! At one point he came in really close to the shore (Lake Ontario), I started to back away a bit. I didn't need a big honkin' bird deciding that I was a threat. In this case I have to say my telephoto lens was the thing to go with!



During the afternoon Beatrice and Barb came by and joined us for a stitch. I decided to work on my ornament for May as I'm running out of days left in the month. Also I wanted to work on something for ME, even if it was small. For some reason that afternoon the piece was boring me and putting me to sleep! Despite the excellent company. Kathy was getting very frustrated with some gridding she had been working on for HOURS and I finally told her to hand it over. Between the two of us we got it sorted, and it was the break I needed from my ornament.


Late afternoon, it was time to leave Kathy on the shores of Lake Ontario and head a little bit inland to Ann & Dan's. Yet again Dan has fed me well, and cooked an excellent meal! He's been taking a cooking course at a local college and its really paying off (he even fed me something other than chicken for a change.... not that I ever complained because chicken is my favourite). The evening was yet again dedicated to stitching! Just before midnight I managed to happy dance yet again, finishing my ornament (I'll have to get a better picture of this when I'm home I can see my focal length wasn't too great and the letters on top are a little out of focus)!


Partridge in a Pear Tree
c2000 JBW Designs
Stitched on 28ct mystery linen
Using DMC cotton & Kreinik metallics

23 comments:

Mel in Dubai said...

Sounds like you are having a wonderful time, Dani! Enjoy the rest of your trip and congratulations on the ornament finish :)

Karoline said...

Cute ornie Dani, congratulations

Carol R said...

Lovely swan pictures Dani - thanks for sharing.
Cute ornament too

Kathy A. said...

You are so very welcome. I always enjoy your visits. You saved my life helping me to grid that bloody thing!!! Your swan photos are great especially the one of him/her taking off. Love that ornament - may have to do that myself

Andrea said...

I'm loving all of these super photos you are sharing with us. The swan nearly in flight is just superb.
Great stitching too.

Karen said...

Sounds like a fabulous trip, and your pictures are gorgeous!!

Julie said...

Lovely JBW design

Sounds like a fun trip, great pics

Tammy said...

Sounds like an awesome weekend!

Love the swan photos.

Karin said...

Sounds like a fantastic weekend, Dani. Congrats on your weight loss and your new photographic skills.

staci said...

Sounds like you had a very fun stitchy weekend away! I haven't seen that JBW pattern before, really cute ornament!

Dawn T. said...

Awesome pictures, Dani!!

Cheryl said...

Sounds like a great trip! Your ornie is lovely, havent seen this one before

Sharon said...

You are having fun! Love your ornament! Congrats.

Wendy said...

Sounds like a great weekend!

Rebel In Ontario said...

Sounds like a lovely weekend all around! One of these times I'm gonna make a pain of myself and invite myself along if all the lovely folks in Brighton will have me! I could use a weekend like that.
Your stitching and photos look lovely as usual.

stitcherw said...

Great pictures of the swan, especially the one where it is getting ready to take flight. I always love looking at the various pictures you take and post.

Your ornament finish turned out very cute, I'm glad you had such fun on your trip. Also, congratulations on finishing up the last of your models for the magazine. What an accomplishment to get that many done, but how great it must seem to be able to work on your own choice of projects now that you have met your commitment to them.
Sue

Ranae said...

I wish I had weekends like that.
The ornament is great. I love that cardinal in the branches.
great photo's of the swan

Miokka said...

Love your ornament and your photos! Thanks for sharing both!
So glad you had a great stitchy weeken, even happier you got those nasty snow tires off!
Enjoy!
~~Martha~~

Lynn said...

What a wonderful way to spend a weekend! The location is pretty great too. I love your ornie, congrats on the finish. You must be glad to have all that model stitching behind you. I'm hoping for a SAL in the near future. Just checking out dates.

Olga said...

Wonderful weekend! I love your ornament, congrats on finishing it. Gorgeous pictures of the swan!

Beatrice said...

It was so much fun to see you this weekend. You always inspire me to stitch.
The photo's are amazing of the swans. She does have a great view out there on the lake.
Nice little finish congrats!!

Stitchingranny said...

Beautiful photos of the swans and a lovely finish.

geeky Heather said...

Dani, that picture of the swan "taxiing" is just awesome!! Your skills are really improving quickly!