The Faster I Go, the Behinder I Get...

Sound familiar? At least it feels like it sometimes, doesn't it? It's been almost five months since I last posted and it's been a whirlwind - but a good one. We've been visited by friends and family alike, had a family reunion, gone on two vacations, finished up the inside of the house...well mostly, and are now moving to the outside. Groan.

Stitching has been scarce, but I'm picking it up again now. I do have some long overdue pictures to post.

First up is the finished RR of Alphabet Zoo. There were a few blocks left after I received it back and several sweet stitchers offered to stitch a block themselves. So thanks to the GGSF folks and Evalina, Kathy, Dani, and Beatrice for their lovely contributions. It will hold a place of honor in my home. :)

Next is the Friendship Sampler so far... one more trip to a friend and then I'll finish up the rest - another piece to treasure.

A few small completions - Shepherd's Bush 2011 scissor fob...

And lastly a darling project from Susan Greening Davis...

Family reunion - missing a few special people..my DD and DSIL, sister-in-law and niece. But fun was had by all...

Photo finish...LOL

Mom nestled in her favorite chair...

My youngest DD completed her first triathlon...woohoo!

Our trips have taken us to Florida, San Antonio, and Germany. Spent our anniversary in St. Augustine and Daytona Beach with friends and went to the ANG seminar with Deborah in TX. Met up with some stitching buddies, too!

Deborah, Anne, me, and Gloria...

...with Anne and Shawn...

Wow-what fun! And I didn't even take any classes. But we did go to Stitches from the Heart-one of the nicest LNS' I've ever been to. They have a fantastic shop and were so friendly and helpful, too. Highly recommended to take a trip to this one!

And what to say about Germany, other than it was gorgeous and uphill in both directions (seemed like it, anyway)! We went with friends down the Romantic Road and saw breathtaking landscapes, flowers, mountains, and of course, cathedrals and castles. Stunningly beautiful...

Domspitzen in Cologne - and yes, I climbed all 533 steps in one of the spires. Someone asked if my legs were killing me. Ha - I was too busy trying to breathe...

Burg Eltz - a poster pic - scaffolding was everywhere, but the history here is incredible. It was built in the 12th, 15th, and 16th centuries.

With the gang at Cochem on the Mosel River..

With my sweetie on one of the wall towers at Rothenburg...yep - more stairs...

Neuschwanstein...need I say more? A dream place. While there are only 16 rooms finished out of 66 planned and the tour encompasses eleven, it was still worth it all to come here. The views around are mind-boggling, as is the wood replica of the entire castle atop a royal bed in the bedroom. Unbelievable. Understandably the fairy tale castle.

The picture of the castle was taken from Marienbrucke, a tourist bridge a half mile up and around. Have I mentioned that it seems like everything is uphill? LOL
Hard to see the bridge we stood on, but it's there. :)

Now this is what I call a mountain!

Basilica Birnau - a rest stop we just happened to take, having no clue what awaited us. Constance Lake and Switzerland are on the other side and there's a little farmer's market and gift shop there. Hands down one of the most hauntingly beautiful places I've ever been. Who knew what was on the inside? No photos allowed, but this postcard gives a small indication. It was a rush of the senses, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. We listened spellbound to the gorgeous voice singing- you could feel God's presence there. Truly, it was indescribable. I felt like Michelangelo had painted and sculpted every drop of space. If you're ever in this area, don't miss seeing this place...very unsung.

This brings us to the end of the past few months. Hope to be around more and catch up with all of you. And stitch... Thanks for visiting - please take time to let me know you came by - would love to hear from you all. Take care.