And We Say Hello to Another Year!

It's that time of year where we look over the goals we set and see how well we did. I feel like I did terribly in the stitching arena but I did well on personal goals


2011 Personal Goals

~Be more positive and happy. - Yes, slowly getting there. I feel 100% better now than this time last year.
~Lose 10 pounds and exercise regularly. - Not really.
~Continue to save money - Not really, getting a new car but a wrench in my saving plans.

2011 Stitching Goals

~Finish Mary Wigham - No, but I got up to Part 5. I've deemed her an UFO.
~Finish BBD Where My Heart Blooms - Yes! I finished!
~Stitch one design per month on the BBD Anniversaries of the Heart Series - Um no. I stitched 3.75 blocks.
~Start two Mirabilias - No
~Stitch 12 Christmas Ornaments - Only stitched one! Big fail!
~L*K Christmas Rules - Yes and it graced my wall this year. Yay!

2011 allowed me 15 finishes...3 less than last year. I had hoped for more stitching time but things got in the way. My focus for 2012 is to enjoy my stitching and get some major projects up and on my walls. So my goals for 2012 are short and simple.

I'll stick with the same personal goals for 2012.
2012 Personal Goals

~Continue to be more positive and happy.
~Lose 10 pounds and exercise regularly. I;m hoping the fancy scale I just ordered motivates me.
~Continue to save money.
~Continue efforts of meeting new people and being social.

2012 Stitching Goals
~Mirabilia Fairy Moon
~Chatelaine Taj Mahal
~Seasonal stitching (Easter, Halloween, Christmas)

If I can get Fairy Moon and Taj Mahal done and framed (or at least to Jill for framing), I will call 2012 a successful year.

Happy New Year my friends. I wish you the very best. Smiles, happiness, love, health, prosperity and lots of stitching time.

Much love,
Valerie

Quick Fly By

Just a quick post today to show my progress on the Shepherd's Bush stocking. It's really coming along!
This is the first time I've used 18 count linen and perle cotton. It kind of feels like I am pulling yarn through burlap. The "x's" are huge! It's a fun stitch though. I've been jumping around a little because filling in the dress is a little tedious. I will work on it through tomorrow and then have a new start on NYE. Well, at least that's the plan!

Yesterday was one of those lazy days where you wake up early but still lounge around in bed for hours afterwards. You know, complete with tv remotes, laptop, a book and the phone nearby. When I finally felt a surge of energy, it was too late to run my errands since I had to meet up with some friends for afternoon tea, english style. It was nice to see each other, catch up and stroll around my old neighborhood of 10+ years ago. Some things really don't change that much! All the important things were still around.

I'm off to get ready for another urban adventure. I'll tell you all about it in the next post!

Until next time...

Last TUSAL of 2011

Hello my lovelies...I hope everyone had a nice Christmas. Thanks so much for the comments on my last post. I was happy to survive another holiday but I tell you, next year I think I need to save myself the hassle and drama and just plan a trip somewhere. It always ends up that when I show up, I have to save dinner from overcooking, set the table, heat up all the food, serve everyone, clear the table, serve everyone dessert, clear that and then be told I need to lose 25 pounds and be attacked by a 3 pound chihuahua. Just call me Cinderella! Next year, maybe I can be in Fiji instead. Somewhere warm where some cute guy brings me tropical drinks! Pina Colada anyone?

In the last couple of days, I caught up with a dear friend, saw Young Adult, had pho on a cold, bitter day, bought Christmas cards at 50% off, hiked to Chinatown for delicious dim sum, egg tarts and fresh fortune cookies. Continued up into North Beach for a cup of strong coffee and further into Fisherman's Wharf to say hi to Laughing Sal. Then I walked back to Union Square to see if I could find a casual warm jacket on sale with no luck and I started my journey back home. It was a long, fun day but let me tell you, my feet ache from all that walking! But I guess that was all in lieu of a gym workout on the elliptical. I am trying to enjoy my vacation to the fullest. I know that as the week progresses, it will get quieter and I will be able to focus on stitching and goals for the new year.

I have been putting some time in on my stocking and I am happy with my progress. I will show a photo in my next post. This post is about TUSAL...the last one of 2011! I've already emptied my jar since this photo was taken and am starting all over for 2012. I will use this years orts for stuffing something. They are good orts...not like last years...so they'll help plump up an ornie or something or other. I did pretty good progress but didn't quite reach the top of my jar. I didn't have as many finishes this year as I hoped and I suspect I'll have less next year. All this socializing takes up a lot of time and I hope to focus on 2 big BAPs next year.
You all can join in on the TUSAL fun. Just sign up on Daffycat's blog!

Until next time...

A Special Christmas Message

Instead of being a time of unusual behavior, Christmas is perhaps the only time in the year when people can obey their natural impulses and express their true sentiments without feeling self-conscious and, perhaps, foolish. Christmas, in short, is about the only chance a man has to be himself. ~Francis C. Farley

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very merry and joyful Christmas. I am incredibly grateful to the friendships this little blog has allowed me with people that I would not otherwise have met. In times of great sadness, heartache and disillusionment, I shared my true thoughts and feelings and was always met with encouragement, hugs and support. I know most of my readers found me because of my stitching but to those that stuck through the personal posts and rallied, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your encouragement kept me plugging along, allowed me to regain my footing, put myself out there, fight for and find myself again. I couldn't have done it without you.

And even though I don't have a man in my life to ring in the New Year, I am amazingly content in the knowledge that I am the Valerie I want to be (+10 pounds and a couple of other things but whatever) and am looking forward to the adventures and friendships I will make and encounter in the coming year.

Merry Christmas to you and yours. May it be everything you wish it to be.

Much love,
Valerie

IHSW Update

Well, I had grand plans for my weekend. I think I jinxed myself saying it would be quiet but the best laid plans oftentimes go awry. I had a little bit of a floor stand malfunction.

On Wednesday and Thursday, I decided to baste my fabric to my scroll rods so I could start my Shepherd's Bush stocking. I didn't want to do qsnaps since I can't really hold one larger than 8" for long because my neck and shoulder will lock up. And it took me two days because I've been so busy!

So on Thursday night, I finally attach the sidebars and clamped it into my Stitchmate and wouldn't you believe it...my scroll frame fell right out of the clamp and onto the floor! Since I don't use rods often, this was the first time I tried to use scroll rods with my Stitchmate since I got it and I didn't realize I needed to use Stitchmate rods/bars or have some ADP adapter. The only size Stitchmate rods I had were 16" and I needed 19" rods for the fabric. Ugh! Oh yea, and as I was doing all this, the band that keeps my q-snap adapter in place snapped so I couldn't even pull the fabric onto bigger snaps since the adapter wouldn't stay in place.

It put a complete halt to my plans! So I switched gears and just pulled out Shepherd's Bush Merry Be and got a few stitches in. I think I prefer the look of two threads instead of the called for one thread over 2 on 30 count. I am debating whether to continue with two or switch back to 1 thread for the daintier look. I always have this dilemna with their kits! Here is my small start.
But I didn't stitch on it long because my friend Mary came to my rescue! She said I could borrow whatever rods/bars I needed to help me stay on track with my projects. I passed by her house, got what I needed and of course, in my excitement put the rods into the sidebar backwards but whatever. It works, the frame stayed in the clamp and I was stitching. Here is my small start on Sadie's Stocking which will soon become Valerie's Stocking!

Since so much time was wasted, I didn't make much progress on my starts. I don't know how you serial starters do it. I can't stand everything you need to do to start a new project. Once it's started, I'm fine but I'm a spazz case before that.

Oh and here is my Hallow Eden finish. I love it!
I did run into a little issue when I took the qsnaps off. I was lazy and never took them off or put felt between the clamps so I have qsnap marks and the fabric got grimy where I was holding it. Since it's Lakeside Linen and Crescent Colors, I am worried about getting the fabric wet. So I'm debating what to do and how to get it finished. Snug frame...or cube finish. I guess no matter what, the scuzzy section will be hidden or cut off since it's not the stitching itself that is dirty. Any suggestions??

Well, that's it for today. I haven't had much stitching time so far this week but once Monday comes along, I plan to have a few "stitch ass" sessions since I will be off until January 3rd! Happy dance....happy dance! Woo!! I plan to relax, do things I don't get to do on the weekend and stitch my heart out!

Until next time...

Bringing Home the Tree

After being Ms. Scroogette for the past couple of years, I decided early on, even before Thanksgiving, that I was getting a real Christmas tree this year. This was my year and gosh darnit, I'm having a tree! No little 5 foot fiber optic this year either. So I planned ahead and tried to pair my schedule with a friend of mine who I knew wouldn't balk at the request of carrying a 6'+ tree up 50 stairs and decorating it with me. You know...those types of friends are rare! Since our schedules are opposite, I took the day off during the week and we made a big day of it.

So, on a Thursday, after a yummy breakfast at an old-style pancake house, we headed to Home Depot. It's the most cost-efficient place to get a tree around here and I'm trying to do holidays on a budget. The bad thing about this plan is that Home Depot kind of piles up the trees and it's hard to take a gander without pulling trees out of the pile. Lacking upper body strength, especially after not being diligent about the gym, I about toppled over a few times. Wow, some of those trees were really heavy! I found a tree that we both approved of, as did some shoppers near us. After that, I was kind of scared to let go of the tree! No lady, you can't have this tree...it's mine! They did their fresh cut and wrap it in plastic bit and we somehow managed to get it to fit inside the CR-V and away we went.

My friend managed to get the tree up the stairs, without my help or being out of breath! I have no idea how he does it! In my excitement to have a real tree...I forgot what a biyatch it can be to get the tree to stay up straight in the tree stand! It took about three tries and a lot of cursing. Thank goodness for the Christmas carols on the radio because it's hard to stay mad when you're also trying to sing along to carols! The problem was that the trunk was cut too short so it wouldn't hit the sharp edge on the bottom to help hold the tree steady and the trunk was so soft because the tree was definitely fresh...and sappy. And I didn't want to cut the branches on the bottom since they created a lot of the fullness to the tree. It took some doing and we made it work. I thought it was a success when it stayed up the first night since it almost toppled over while we were decorating it. Ack!

Lights, ornies and star! Ta-da!
I am in love with my tree. I am oftentimes tempted to leave it on overnight but then I remember I live in an old building with old wiring and don't want to tempt the fates. So I enjoy it as much as possible when I'm home. I also uncovered some treasures when going through my Christmas boxes. Here are a few things I hold dear.

Fat Santa. Dear Fat Santa, I've been a very good girl. Can you please send me the winning lottery numbers? NO!? Well, it's a good thing you're cute.
Some ornies that have been gifted to me...

Mirabilia's Christmas Elf Fairy
Some knick knacks
Santa Snoopy and Reindeer!
The stocking my first boyfriend made me by slipping away from me at Albertson's to buy it and glitter gel to add my name many, many moons ago and a little reminder that this is my christmas and I'll make it merry in my own little ways.
And a splotchy pointsetta to adorn my very cluttered kitchen table. Don't look too closely!
There you have it. My pretty tree and modest decor. All these little things make me happy and smile. I'm very happy I decorated...even if the tree almost killed me! But I think we have a truce and she is certainly adorned and loved.

Until next time...be merry and bright.

Fun-Filled Saturday!

Hello my lovelies! I've been having a couple of "Calgon Take Me Away" couple of weeks and am all wrapped up (ha! no pun intended) in all the christmas happenings. But I had to yank myself away from the card writing to just catch up a little. I probably have glitter in my hair and on my face but at the moment, I'm oblivious to all that. I've got so much to share and will have to spread it amongst a few posts. I've had some friends emailing me to make sure I am ok. It's been a much longer absence than I thought but I am well. Thanks so much for worrying about me.

Saturday the 3rd was my fun day. I'd been looking forward to it for months since my stitching group was planning our Christmas Shindig for that day. I went about getting my things together the night before and had grand plans to eat terrific food and get loads of stitching done.

I had hoped to be finished with Hallow Eden by Friday so I could start something Christmasy for the holiday party but as usual...I think I can stitch much faster than I actually can! Ha! As the weekend got closer, I decided to just take my time since Hallow Eden is small and portable anyways and I only had two more colors left to stitch.

As I left home in the morning, I noticed the postman on my block and asked him if he had any packages for me as I was expecting a package of finishing from KarenV. If I didn't get it that day, I'd have to wait until the following Saturday to get it from the Post Office. I was lucky because he had it! Yay! Since I was heading to the party, I put the box in the car and off I went. Once I arrived to the venue, I debated bringing the box in but when I mentioned it to some of the stitchers, they all urged me to get my box from the car and share. They all wanted to join in on the fun.

Karen did a wonderful job, as usual. She finished my Christmas Rules into a bellpull just in time for the holiday. She did say there were issues with this hardware so if you decide to buy it, be careful! However, Images Stitchery does guarantee their products and will take care of you.

And I found it's special spot!
And this is the backing fabric used. A fun, simple polka dot.
She also finished Tweet Gift but Full Circle Designs. I love this ornie. The cardinal is so cute and I plan to stitch it's companion soon.
Here is Almost Halloween by The Drawn Thread finished as a little pillow with the most perfect backing fabric and jumbo rick rack trim! And lastly, she sewed my Traveling Stitcher and matching needles piece onto it's pouch and needlebook for me. If I wanted to do it myself, it would have sat in the closet forever!
And the fun backing fabric for the Halloween pillow...

I am thrilled with the finishes and the fact that they will be displayed this year instead of gathering more dust unfinished in the closet. Thanks Karen!

The rest of the Christmas Party was great. We had a wonderful lunch and cake and I enjoyed a glass or two of wine along with chatter with some lovely ladies I only get to see a couple of times a year. It was so nice to catch up and share some laughs, stories and stitching with one another.

The Clubhouse was decorated very nicely with many trees and nutcrackers and some ladies brought some wonderful projects to show and tell. Here are some photos.
My dear friend Mary's French Alphabet Sampler. It's gorgeous! The picture doesn't do it justice and sadly I caught a glare from the windows behind me.
Narita's completed Flower Power. It's stunning and massive! It's almost the size of the loveseat!
Naomi's almost completed Mirabilia Winter Queen.

It was a fantastic day! I still have lots to share. My "bringing home the tree" story and the end result and I finally finished Hallow Eden! But...it will all have to wait another day.

Oh and before I leave, sign up for Joyzse's IHSW! It's this weekend and it actually looks like a quiet one for me (famous last words) and I plan on starting something Christmasy! I can't wait! Of course, that will only happen if I finish my cards, wrap gifts, head to the post office finish picking up the last of the gifts by the weekend. Oof...doesn't it seem like there's 5x more things to do because of Christmas!?

Until next time...be merry and bright!

TUSAL and Hallow Eden

Just a quick post today since I'm feeling a little down in the dumps and un-chatty. Don't worry...I'm hoping to snap out of it soon. T'is the season and all...Fa La La.

I have my TUSAL update. How about you? Did you want to join in on all the TUSAL fun next year? Go sign up on Daffycat's blog. It's fun and you can have a jar of orts at the end of the year just like me!

I didn't get as much done on Hallow Eden as I had hoped (see: down in the dumps) but I forced myself to get some stitching done.
That was probably not the best idea since Adam is now a stitch taller than Eve and the tree is somehow a stitch higher than it should be...or lower. I can't figure it out. Seeing as I like my men taller than me anyways, I am leaving Adam alone and I'll just add another row of dark brown at the bottom of the tree trunk to even things out. I've no idea how my counting went wrong but I am hoping that is all and I don't encounter more errors once I get to the leaves. I hope to continue and maybe (?!) finish Hallow Eden by the weekend. I would really like to get back to Christmas stitching and have a NotForgotten Farm design plus my stocking to stitch before the year is over. Ok...stop laughing! I'm at least going to try!

I survived one holiday...only one more to go! On Friday, I went to Union Square along with 50 kajillion other crazy people. I, however, did not go there to shop and the only time I went into Macy's was to use the bathroom. Thank you Macy's! Not only were there shoppers. There were ice skaters. There were a ton of police officers in riot helmets along with a bunch of Occupy Black Friday protesters. I was a little surprised to see so many riot cops since I didn't even know this Occupy Black Friday stuff was even going on! I saw kittens. And I saw puppies. And I saw the great huge tree in Union Square light up!
It's officially the holiday season! Happy Holidays folks.

Until next time...be merry and bright.

Randomness & IHSW

Let's start off with the randomness...shall we.

*My parents have been blowing up my work phone lately and asking me if I am busy. If I'm at work, it's good to assume I am busy and that I definitely won't be patient to discuss things like the cable bill and whatever else isn't an emergency but seems to be really important to an 80+ year old! Really? When I was a kid, I had better be at the nurses station half passed out and delirious with fever before I even thought of calling them at work. If I was raised like that, then I expect that as an adult too. I'm busy and work is too in flux for them to be calling me with unimportant matters.

*After the events of the last week, I have no patience whatsoever for my parents' negative doom and gloom outlook. Ugh! Be happy you're alive. Find a hobby! Enjoy the day! Read a book!

*I canceled a date on Sunday at the last minute. I try not to be one of those. I made the general plans...lunch and a downtown stroll where the guy lived since I wasn't familiar. All he had to do was pick a place to meet. I still didn't know where we were meeting 3 hours before we were supposed to meet. Major peeve. MAJOR! I am not going to get dolled up, drive 45 minutes away, in the rain, for some guy who can't even pick a lunch place. Pick a lunch place already! OMG!

*Sometimes, it just feels right to stay in your pajamas until 3pm.

*I am dreading Thanksgiving. Let's just get it over with already! I need to decorate for Christmas. And seriously...how has November passed so quickly?!

*Why must people stand so close to you at the grocery check out? Back up lady! I'll be done soon...unless you want to pay for my groceries. Then by all means...crowd me and hand over some money!

*Sometimes words speak louder than actions. Like that guy who chased me up the stairs last night. Tell me you're a neighbor and locked out instead of being creepy, chasing me up the stairs in an effort to get into the building and scaring the crap out of me. Jeez! I'd have called the property manager to verify you lived there and let you in. Instead I wish I could have maced you.

I had a work meeting today that ensured that my job is safe but that we need to move offices. The move is not ideal as I see a personality clash with someone who works in the proposed space. But beggars can't be choosers...

*I wonder if a kind Pinterest addict/reader would send me an invite request referral thingie so I can start pinning? I heard that Pinterest fulfills those requests first... Pretty please... Edited: Thank you, Thank you...I woke up to lots of invite emails. You are all the bestest!

*And in case you were wondering...I did buy the dress.
Now to find a party to wear my new dress to!

***

So it was International Hermit and Stitch Weekend! Did you all hermit and stitch? I had a pretty hermitty weekend which was perfect since a good portion of it was rainy and cold. I changed most of my weekend plans around so that I could be lazy but I was a tad distracted with this.
I had a day to read it because it was due to the library and I couldn't renew it...again. It was a very good book although some bits were pretty trashy. The baseline of the story was interesting. American lady becomes an asset for the Resistance against the Nazi regime during WWII in Paris. I loved the bits that mentioned locales within Paris. It allowed me to reminisce and think about what it was like in the 40's, during my favorite fashion era.

And I was also distracted by this.

I have a kabillion DMC skeins to wind.
I apparently have a long way to go to fill this jammer box! Does anyone else's hand cramp up when they wind bobbins? I have the feeling this will be a slow process.

But I got a little bit of stitching in. I am still working on Plum Street Samplers' Hallow Eden. It's a little odd working on Halloweeny stitching when it's over now but I fear that if I stop, I won't finish.
Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and if we don't speak soon, may you and yours have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Until next time...

I'm Back!

Hello my lovelies...I'm back! Did you all miss me? I missed you all. Apparently lots happened while I was gone and I came back to a majillion posts to catch up on and it's taken me days!

New York...was amazing! I had a wonderful time and have some writing to do and photos to resize to share with you all. The weather cooperated and I was freaking out for nothing. I walked so much...I should be down to 100 pounds! Yea, who am I kidding!

Things since my return have been a bit sad with the death of good friend's dad, some worries about job stability and feeling like I've been hit by a truck exhausted.

I just wanted to let you all know I had fun and got home safely but am in a quiet mood with very little stitching going on since I've been either burrowed under blankets or sleeping in my spare time due to this tiredness. If I'm getting sick...let it happen already! Much too busy to be this tired and not feeling entirely myself.

I am here...keeping up on blogs and forever behind with emails and always thinking on you all even if I'm a little quiet and otherwise mentally preoccupied with the little curveballs that life throws. Hug your loved ones tight and often. I give you all a virtual *hug*.

Until next time...

A Finish, a Start and Fun Mail

Hello my lovelies...I think this will be my last post for a bit. I need time to figure out what I need to take with me, strategize and have my freak outs and panick attacks in peace. =)

Last week, I finished Plum Street Samplers Favorite Spot Sampler. I think it's so funny this piece got such a high vote when I needed help deciding. It was a very fast stitch and lots of fun. I changed out the white from GAST Oatmeal to CC Bamboo. It's just a touch brighter so it stands out a little bit better against the linen.

Since I had finished a few days before Halloween, I decided to start something Halloweeny instead of starting a small Christmas Piece I was going to start. It just seemed appropriate. I started Plum Street Samplers Hallow Eden. I'm using the called for 36 count Lakeside Vintage River Willow and the recommended threads.

Here's my progress up to Saturday morning:
And my progress as of tonight:
I haven't gotten anything exciting done, obviously, but each letter is a mini happy dance. It did take me a while to be "ok" with the Hickory Sticks. I was hoping for more of the darker brown but you know what? It's growing on me. The DMC isn't even close and I didn't want to mess with a toss.

I have the feeling I will have to leave my projects at home when I go on my trip. Everything is on 36-40 count. Not condusive for airplane or night time stitching in a space that isn't my own. I will probably kit up an ornie or take a mini Shepherd's Bush kit with me. Actually the latter might be easier.

On my birthday earlier this month, I won a giveaway that Anne was hosting. What a lovely surprise that was! The post office was holding my package hostage until I was able to retrieve it on Saturday. It was wrapped very nicely...
...before I tore into it!

She sent me some lovely things! I am in love with the pincushion. The blue/purple varigation is so pretty and smells amazing! She stuffed it with some lavendar and it's a wonderful scent. She also sent me some amazing teas (and tea steeper) to try which I will do tonight since I ran out of my normal nighttime tea just yesterday.
There are also some fabric cuts, flosses, trims and pins! So generous!

And a close up of the pincushion! Thank you Anne!
I hope you all have fun while I'm gone. I figure I have one more day of stitching and tv before I crack down and finalize my planning. Between working a full week and leaving on a red eye, my time feels slightly scrunched.

How are you all liking the new fall programs? I am really in love with Once Upon a Time and can't wait to see how it pans out. I hope it survives. I'm also digging 2 Broke Girls and Pan Am.

Au revoir mes cheries...until next time!

I Thee Covet...

I was born in the wrong era. My body type is conducive to dresses with nice, fitted bodices and full skirts(you know, to accomodate the hips!). Pockets...even better! Light crinoline...fun! Dresses most popular in the 40's through 60's. I love it when this era makes a comeback in fashion.

This dress...I love!
Love, love, love. It's not even black and I love it. Ummm, I wear a lot of black. My resolve is faltering.

I guess I can buy it and see if it goes on sale in 2 weeks. If it does, maybe it wouldn't seem so bad. Just maybe...

And the savings would pay for my alterations since I can't fit into any dress off the rack. Short torso and shoulders can be a real drag when it comes to buying a dress that is not strapless.

Amazing that I can find loads to love when I am trying to not shop. And when I am trying to shop, I find nothing to love. Does anyone else have that problem?!

Damn you Anthropologie! And Claire...for dragging me there! :)

Stitchy post coming...I've been otherwise preoccupied with this dress and hoping I don't freeze my arse off in 5 days. I'm still not ready! O.M.G!

Be back soon....

Urban Hike - Coit Tower (lots of photos)

So a few weeks back, I went on an urban hike with my new friend. He had never been to Coit Tower and I have the feeling he hadn't really been to North Beach. When people haven't been to North Beach, Coit Tower or the Filbert Steps, something kind of clicks and I end up being a tour guide. "What? You haven't been? Ok, we have to go!" So we did. Mind you, my new friend likes to moutain bike for 25+ miles at a time and hike 15 miles. I was going to be the out of shape one here. We met at Caffe Roma since I wasn't going to be able to get up that hill without caffeine. After adequate nourishment and a potty break, we started up. There were some photo op along the way.

St. Peter and Paul Church

Coit Tower (where we were going)

A peek of the Transamerica through the trees.

Since he hadn't been, he wanted to go up in the tower. I thought I had done the tower in grammar school but once I was up there, it didn't really look all that familiar so I think it was a first for me too! The view from the tower was amazing! So glad we did that.

Downtown Skyline with partial Bay Bridge
Cruise Ship at Pier 27

I was a little bummed because I noticed that the landscaping hasn't really been kept up with at the parking lot level of the tower. The trees and bushes have grown so tall that they obstruct the view except for one good spot. Perhaps Parks and Rec has been impacted with the budget that they've neglected the trimming? Or maybe it's a way to get people to pay for entry up the tower so they get a nice view.

Golden Gate Bridge with a hazy whitewash

After that, we went down the Filbert Steps (because going up might give me a stroke) to check out little cottages and gardens tucked up in the stairway. I love it here! I always imagine what it would be like to live in one of these little cottages and be hidden away from the hustle and bustle. I don't think I would like figuring out how to get my groceries home or move in/out though. What a pain!

Fountain at Levi Plaza

After the final descent of the last little bit of the Filbert steps which give me a case of vertigo, we walked along the Embarcadero to Pier 23 where we gazed upon the water while drinking Blue Moon and having a nice well deserved lunch. We waved at the people at the cruise ship docked next door and looked at the tugs, cargos and sail boats glide by.It was a fantastic day.

I headed home where I immediately fell into a coma from all the walking, sun, beer and food. Excellent day!

The following week, I did it all over again with Natasha. That day was aboout 20 degrees warmer and I was a sweaty mess but that's ok. We had fun!

More Coit Tower
Artsy shot of the Transamerica between buildings

I hope you enjoyed the photos. I am working on a stitchy post as I've got a finish, a start and fun mail to share. I think that might be a post for tomorrow though. I spent hours shopping today and I am daydreaming about a dress I saw at Anthropologie. Love the dress...hate the price. I know they are sold out of the dress in my size online but they have it at a local shop. What would you all do?! Ugh...I think I will mull it over while stitching to my Sunday night shows.

Until next time...