All My Xs

Not the ex's that make me wake up in a cold sweat, grateful that I'm not single and "out there"......I mean the x's made with needle and thread. Thanks to so many inspirational blog posts, especially those by Lori at Notforgotten Farm, I find myself drawn back to cross-stitch.  Lori has a great Autumn/pumpkin themed challenge going.  Her new book is at the top of my wishlist.  In the meantime I have been working on a few little things:


Gymnast Gabrielle Jupp of Great Britain

Gymnast Peyton Ernst USA

 Both gymnast designs are up for sale in my Etsy store.  I've also added some de-stash items for cross-stitch and knitting.  There are so many cool things for sale on Etsy.  If I could just sell some of my own stuff so I can buy someone else's!!

Cowl and ruffle scarf

 These two knitted items aren't exactly created with x's, but I thought I'd throw them in here anyway.  It seems that a large group of photos that I took of recent projects has mysteriously vanished from my camera.  I had planned out a well-organized display of what I've been making lately, but it seems that post is not going to happen today.  These knitted items are in the local school colors of green and gold and I hope to sell them at my big crafty/doll clothes sale on November 23rd, the day of our first Home Meet for gymnastics.  Those sales always go pretty well.

Neighbor cat-Houdini

 This little guy has been taking up a lot of my time lately.  He is the newest addition to the household where I pet-sit the two Great Danes.  Houdini was adopted from a local shelter in mid July.  He is much bigger then in this photo now.  This is their very first cat and I am inundated with phone calls and texts regarding all aspects of cat care.  Apparently I am well known as the local "cat whisperer", a title I gladly accept.  I get to spend an hour with him each weekday while the doggies are let out to do their "business".  Surprisingly he is the best of friends with the two giant dogs.

Since I spent the last post trashing Facebook I will venture into that realm by posting "What's For Dinner".  In true FB fashion here are some snaps of two recent dinner time faves:

Handmade Calzones of various flavors.  Gotta love frozen pizza dough!

 

My first attempt at crabcakes.........not too bad.

 

 Our big weekend event was my dear friend and fellow gymnastic coach Alisha's wedding.  She and David are an amazing couple.  They love animals of all sorts so of course their wedding was at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.  The ceremony was as unique and down-to-earth as the couple themselves.  The zoo was closed to the public for the ceremony and reception but the guests were allowed to roam freely and view all the exhibits.  My little camera was not too cooperative in the low light, so I only have a few good photos.

 

 

 Some animals even made "guest appearances" at the reception.  I got to meet and pose with Gizmo the Owl.  What a great night spent with friends in this amazing venue.  Congratulations David and Alisha.