Chocolate Shoppe

I started this on February 5th and have completed 1o hours for the month. I love how quickly this is coming along and can't wait to work on it some more.

The Bakery

I have completed 10 hours on this piece for the month of February for a total of 25 hours since starting this at the end of November. I love how it's just a fun and simple stitch that seems to be moving right along. I may get lucky and get this done before I move in May and have something to hang in my new kitchen to make it feel more like home.

The Bookshelf

After another 11 hours in February I have completed 21 hours so far on The Bookshelf. I love how this is coming along and hope to make a bigger dent on it next month. Working on linen and a lot of color change slows me down a bit and I don't feel that I made as much progress as I thought I would.

Mother's Bliss

I have completed another 13 hours on Mother's Bliss for the month of February for a total of 23 hours since starting this at the end of January. I love how this is coming along and can't wait to see what progress I make at the end of March.

The Stitcher

After another 11 hours working on this piece for the month of February I have put in a total of 31 hours since last April on this piece. I love how it's coming along and I will be putting it aside for awhile to work on a Mystery Project on Tuesday's instead of The Stitcher. Once the Mystery Project is completed then I will go back to working on The Stitcher on Tuesdays.

Menu Week of February 18th

Sunday: Barbecued Chicken w/ Vegetarian Baked Beans

Monday: Ham Scrambler

Tuesday: Garlic and Herb Fish with Rice Pilaf

Wednesday: Rigatoni with a slice of garlic bread

Thursday: Steak Quesadillas

Friday: Spinach Pizza

Menu Week of February 10th

Sunday: Chicken Quarter w/ Wild Rice Pilaf

Monday: W.W. Rigatoni & Italian Roasted Garlic Sauce w/ a slice of Garlic Bread

Tuesday: Spicy Black Bean Veggie Burger w/ Vegetarian Baked Beans

Wednesday: Garlic and Herb Fish w/ Wild Rice Pilaf

Thursday: Southwestern Quesadillas w/ Tortilla Chips

Friday: Ham Breakfast Skillet

Saturday: Baked Potato topped with Turkey Chili and Cheese

My Aunt

I just found out one of my favorite aunts lost her battle with cancer. I don't have any contact with my family due to several reason and I discovered her death purely by accident. She passed away at the end of October and I just found out two days ago. She was diagnosed in July 2005 with stage 4 cancer and only given 6 months to live. When I was younger she was diagnosed with cervical cancer and it went into remission for 16 years. When they discovered it this time it had spread through her body including her liver. They said they could open her up and try to remove some of it but there was a possibility of it spreading more and of course there was chemo and radiation. She made the decision to go home and live in peace for the rest of her time on earth. I was fortunate that when she was diagnosed to see her and tell her what her being my aunt meant to me and I won't be filled with guilt of never saying those words. The only guilt I feel is not being there at the end but my comfort is not seeing her in the end when the cancer took over her body. My aunt was everything I wanted to be in life, strong and independent. She was married before I was born and divorced, she spent her life in the Army and then went on to the Navy Reserve for awhile. She was also an outstanding nurse in her life and she knew when her body had given up the fight. She protected her nieces and nephews from our parents when we had done wrong and they were on the war path and even we hadn't done wrong and they just didn't get it. I hope in my life I am half of what she was and accomplish just some of what she did. Her last wishes were to be cremated and have her ashes spread over a place she fell in love with in Michigan. I know when the wind blows I will feel her spirit around me and remember days gone by and this aunt of mine who could be the symbol of all women.