Missing in Action

    I know it's been a while since my last update.  I didn't mean to be away for so long. Each time I post, I make a little promise to myself that I will post more frequently in the future.  And then, life seems to get in the way and I can't get back to the computer.  And you know what they say about good intentions!!
   I did manage to make it to Winston-Salem for the needlework exhibit, although one of my friends didn't, and it was wonderful!!  We did the tourist thing, bought tickets that covered everything, even though this was where my friend was born and raised and I'm sure she's seen it a hundred and one times!  I don't think she minded though since she hadn't been there for a while.
   We took the MESDA tour first and were treated to some of the most beautiful furniture I have ever seen as well as paintings and other decor.  We were very excited by the sight of actual samplers on the walls and our enthusiasm garnered us a private viewing back in the textiles area that was not open to the public during this particular tour.  We were in hog heaven!!!
   The actual exhibit didn't disappoint either.  So much needlework goodness all in one place was fabulous, the only downside being that we weren't allowed to take photos in the museum buildings.  I would have loved to have some pics of  a few of the samplers we saw if for no other reason than to share them here!  I did remember to take a few pics of the outside while we were roaming about though.

After the tour, we had a lovely late lunch/early dinner (affectionately called Dunch) at a wonderful restaurant recommended by the lady at the bookstore at the visitors center. I understand the Fried Green Tomato Sandwich was to die for!!)   A trip well worth another visit and I think I may have my husband interested in making the drive with me next time.
  A niggling medical issue cut my trip short and I wasn't able to get down to Atlanta this time.  I spent the next week visiting doctors and experiencing frequent bloodletting (10 vials drawn at last count!) and I'm now back on the road to recovery.  Being generally healthy and an admitted 'bad patient', this has been trying for me (and I'm sure my husband as well).  I didn't get a lot of stitching done during my ordeal (insert dramatic eyeroll) but I do have a little to show.
  I got another 10 rows stitched on my Randje's per Week piece.  I'm still about 50 rows behind but progress is being made!!

Finally, we have introduced the other color!!  This has been such a fun stitch and it goes so quickly you really get that sense of accomplishment!!
   Then,  I did some more work on Summer at Hollyberry Farm.  I continued the right side border, put in the flag, which took WAY longer than I thought, and added the two other motifs on that side.  Many colors were changed but I think you just have to expect that from me by now!!

  I am still working diligently on One Nation and have 2 more stripes almost finished.  I have held off showing it this time since it is just words and is pretty boring to look at.  Then, I took Dorothy Walpole out today so she could get a little love.  She has been hidden away in my stitching bag for quite a few months now and she is on the list to finish this year after all.  I'll post my progress on her next time.

So that's all I have for this time.  Hope you are all enjoying your stitching as much as I am!!  Laura