and AlleyCat wasted no time in being herself… as Mooch does, she schnubbed her dinner, but last week that one was your favorite?! She chewed on one of my plants while I was gone, made a few messes for me and ran out the door twice! What’s a mother to do?

Okay there has been absolutely no stitching going on here! none, nada, zippo… but I had a wonderful time with the family. My niece lives northeast of me, about a 6 hour drive in a part of California I hardly ever venture into or recognize. Very flat valley, no mountains, no hills, no palm trees and hot! hot! hot!

We started off our week with the high school graduation of my great niece Gina. Here she is with her little sister Isabella (Bella) after the ceremonies were over.

The next day was my niece’s retirement ceremony after 20 years in the Navy.

yes my niece is vertically challenged…but trust me, she does not let that get in her way as she logged a very storied career in the Navy. Here the Navy thanks her parents and her daughters for their sacrifices too. Miranda you did good and I am so proud of you, more than I can ever put into words.

a very emotional day for all of us! and the tears kept flowing even when I got back to the hotel and got the news that a dear friend of mine had to say goodbye to her husband.

I love this picture of you two! Dan lost his valiant but brief battle with cancer early Friday morning. A picture perfect marriage and relationship that was made in heaven… one that would hope that if you found the love of your life, it would be just like this. My heart breaks for you Cassandra;(

And you know her whether or not you realize it! Cassie is the founder and owner of Sundance Designs…you know home of so many great needlepoint canvases and Sundance beads! I am here for you Cassie, anytime…really anytime. My only regret is that he passed through my life all too briefly.

I was working on a stitch guide for the magazine yesterday that uses probably 2 dozen colors of Sundance beads and everytime I typed the word of Sundance, I thought of you Cassie.

Okay onto the needlepoint stuff…lots of that coming. More stuff from market and I have new threads, a new book and a new canvas for myself. What was I thinking?

but I guess before I start to think about stitching, you need to move Sylvester!

and until next time…keep on stitching