Last post for 2009

Well, the year is waning to a close and I just want to wish everyone a wonderful, healthy, happy New Year! I wish 2010 will be a year that is full of beautiful moments for all of you; and that you will be able to enjoy the upcoming year with friends and loved ones.

2009 has been a very hard year for me and my family. We lost the matriach of the family, my Mom, suddenly in March and since that time our family has been struggling to keep our chin up and honoring her memory by going on with life. She wouldn't want any of us to stop enjoying every moment but at times it is very hard to not look back with a tear in your eye and a ache in your heart. All of us has had a big adjustment and different challenges come up when we have had to depend on our lessons she taught us and forge a new path.

On the other hand, it is very true that a person finds their true friends in times of hardship. When my world felt like it was falling apart, friends came and helped pick up the pieces and was just there for a shoulder to lean on. For those who have been there for my family, I thank you.
As the song says,

"For old acquaintance be forgot,

and never brought to mind?

Should old acquaintance be forgot

and auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,

for auld lang syne,

we'll take a cup of kindness yet,

for auld lang syne."

God Bless you all and Happy New Year!

Fairy Ornament & UFO Stitching....

This is something that I am going to try and do every week in 2010. It is a chance to pull out one of those UnFinished Objects (UFOs) that is lurking in the project bag and make some progress on it. Come on! I know most stitchers have at least 1 UFO lurking in that bag and possibly more lurking in the back of their stash cabinets!!!! This is my UFO which has been pulled out and dusted off so I can be stitching on it and hopefully have a finish in 2010. Currently, I am stitching on this project to try and finish up March in 2009 and then I'll go back to my rotation between Kind Fond Love and Tiny Trees and Gifts for Thee. I think it will be a one week rotation between my 2 WIPS and still working on my UFO once a week so I can't feel guilty. Wish me luck.....

Before I started working on my UFO; I worked on finishing up a ornament for a family member. The cross stitching is done and tonight when I am sitting in my favorite chair with my Daylight overhead; I will work on the back-stitching. I am posting a picture of this now to be able to show how much back-stitching can make a difference. Check back in a few days and see for yourself!

Can you believe 2010 will be here in only 2 days? It seems like so much has happened and changed my life in the past year. One goal I have is to make a difference in someone's life and I decided that I would try and donate an ornament or more to a local nursing home next holiday season for some of the shut-in residents who don't have anyone to visit them. Last January when my Mom was in a rehabilitation center, I heard from the nursing staff about a lot of permanent residents who had been there for years with no visitors. How sad! Some had families that lived out of state and would sent in the payments for their care but never visited. Fellow stitchers from my on-line groups have expressed interest in this endeavor. I am going to check into it and post more information on my blog in January. Stay tuned!

Christmas 2009 & some stitching updates

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends this holiday season. Our family is looking forward to 2010 and hoping that good fortune will follow all of us and our friends too into the New Year.

Christmas was a day spent with George's family and we have a wonderful time. The kids enjoyed their Wii system from Santa and the Bakugan and Pokemon stuff from Mom and Dad. Grandma and Grandpa along with Aunt Berns spoiled them rotten and they still have Christmas to go with their Uncle Charlie and my extended family. I have to admit there was a few tears shed over missing my Mom this year.

My reading challenge was met this year. While there is still 5 days left in the new year; I have read the following books since signing up for the challenge earlier this year....

1. Death by Darjeeling - Laura Childs
2. Gunpowder Green - Laura Childs
3. Shades of Earl Grey - Laura Childs
4. The English Breakfast Murder - Laura Childs
5. Jasmine Moon Murder - Laura Childs
6. Chamomile Mourning - Laura Childs
7. Garden Spells - Sarah Addison Allen
8. The Lost Symbol - Dan Brown
9. White Christmas Pie - Wanda Brunstetter
10. The White Queen - Phillipa Gregory



My plans are to read the rest of Laura Child's tea series going into 2010 and then to start reading the series by Janette Oake. Hopefully, I'll find another reading challenge to join.

I finished the breast cancer ornament for my friend, Darlene's mother who is courageously battling this disease. Also I have been working on Kind Fond Love and my BRD Sampler, "Tiny Trees and Gifts for Thee".

On a side note, I will no longer be posting specific news about my children on this blog. Unfortunately, I have been contacted by a few of their biological father's family and friends and at this time I do not feel it is advisable to risk the children's well being in order to stay in contact with my friends and family through this outlet. So, please understand this will be a stitching and reading blog strictly for the time being. Thank you for understanding!

Stitchy Stuff...

Finally I have finished my Christmas stitching and it is time to return to the regularly scheduled stitching program........ I have picked up and worked on my Blue Ribbon Design today and here is what was accomplished. I stitched a little this morning while waiting at the post office to send a package. Sadly, more people stood there and complained about having to wait for the place to open (we only had to wait about 15 minutes) instead of just taking a few minutes to themselves. Tonight was my Heirloom Stitcher's group meeting and it has been a long time since I was able to attend this meeting. I loved catching up with friends while putting needle and thread to fabric! I actually worked on 2 seperate areas of the design and tried to work colors by each piece of thread so I wouldn't be rethreading the needle every 5 minutes. Hence why I was working around different areas of the fabric....

I am planning on working very hard on my Blue Ribbon Design, Kind Fond Love and a few other items this winter. Hopefully I will be able to come up with a rotation that I can stick to and really make a lot of progress on each of them. Wish me luck!

O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum

Christmas is just around the corner and it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Here is a picture of my little tree which is my favorite since it has a lot of homemade ornaments on it and ornaments which mean a lot to me. Also here is a pic of the kids when Santa came around the neighborhood on the firetruck last week. You just can't help but smile when you see how excited the kids become when they see Santa coming on foot to hand out small gifts to everyone. Hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful Christmas season with their family and loved ones!

Christmas Card Exchange

Another first this year...... a Christmas Card Exchange in my group, SIQ (Stitch It Quick) was a fun experience. I received this wonderful card from Teresa which turned out great. I love the stitched pattern against the red card and the penguin is just cute! I think the design is a Lizzie Kate and she did a superb job on the finishing!

I made a card for another member in the group and chose a Santa design for my stitching project. I left enough material in the card so that she can easily convert it into an ornament for her tree next year. I hope Cathy enjoys here surprise as much as I did mine. I definitely look forward to participating in more group activities in the future!

Surprises, surprises..... what wonderful friends!

This poem by Laura Strickland just sums everything up.......

Friends are little blessings,
Sent from above,
To guide and support us,
With all their love…

Friends are little blessings,
With a great big heart,
Sharing their wisdom,
And all that they are…

Friends are little blessings,
Angels in disguise,
Hugs straight from heaven,
Under the guise,
Of a caring friend,
But underneath you’ll find,
A loving gentle soul with a lot to give.

Friends are blessings indeed,
And I’m ever so grateful,
You were sent to me.

I have been really missing my Mom during the holidays. I know the first year seems to be the hardest and while I have tried to keep my chin up; somedays no matter how hard you try it just doesn't happen. What amazes me though is how little things happen, friends call, an email from someone just to say hi will show up to brighten your day. While I can't quanitify these, I do have some wonderful surprises I have received from friends across the country that has made my day!

Chris from ESC (Every Stitch Counts) sent me a beautiful Christmas ornie out of the blue a few weeks ago. It just really meant a lot because when I opened it, I had a tear in my eye. My Mom loved poinsettas and she always made over them when she saw one. When I saw what Chris had sent me, it really meant so much because everytime I see the ornie I'll remember both my Mom and a wonderful friend I have made from Indiana!

Cathy from SIQ (Stitch-It-Quick) made me a handstitched card for Christmas. I have loved every card I have received this year and enjoy seeing cards from my stitching friends from across the world; but I know that she put lots of attention to every stitch she she made. She was so thoughtful to send something out of the blue and really came on a day that brought a smile to my face.

Sue from ESC sent me a huge RAK that was something I have loved for a long, long time! She sent me Jeanette Douglass' Northern Lights with some Carrie Threads and a gorgeous piece of teal evenweave that should make this design pop! I am planning on working on this during 2010 after finishing up some my other stitching projects that are in progress.

I have been very blessed with some wonderful friends over the course of the past 9 months since the loss of my Mom that has been there as a shoulder to cry on, a person to laugh with or someone that helps remind me that no matter how bad the day, there is someone out there that cares.

Thanks so much to you all!

A Mini Finish

While I have been stitching pretty frequently, it has been for several Christmas presents which I haven't been at liberty to share yet. However, this one has been safely sent off to a new home. It is a mini ornie exchange from my one group, Every Stitch Counts. The ornament is about 1 1/4 inch square and is completely hand finished. The finish ornament was stitched on the sewing machine, reversed and stuffed and then I hand stitched the braid to the the sides.

My partner sent me a mini ornament as well of an angel finished in a platic hoop frame. My daughter loved the angel and claimed her immediately for herself. Thanks Colleen for the ornament and I hope you enjoy your ornament this year and for years to come on your Christmas tree!

Reading challenge wise, I have been veering off the list of books I originally planned. I have done over 10 books; however only about 6 of the ones on the original list so far. Currently I am reading the second installment in the Bridal Quartet series, called Bed of Roses. Very good book for the romantics of heart and as always a very well written, entertaining story by one of the leading fictional writers of our time ~ Nora Roberts.

Looking forward to finishing my Christmas stitching in the next week so I can go back to enjoying working on Kind Fond Love. I really miss working on this piece and look forward to finishing it so it can grace the wall of my home one day.

Happy Thanksgiving

May your stuffing be tasty;

May your turkey be plump.

May your potatoes 'n gravy have nary a lump.

May your yams be delicious,

May your pies take the prize;

May your Thanksgiving dinner stay off your thighs!!!

The Thanksgiving Story...... Enjoy

TWAS THE NIGHT OF THANKSGIVING,
BUT I JUST COULDN'T SLEEP.
I TRIED COUNTING BACKWARDS,
I TRIED COUNTING SHEEP.

THE LEFTOVERS BECKONED -
THE DARK MEAT AND WHITE,
BUT I FOUGHT THE TEMPTATION
WITH ALL OF MY MIGHT.

TOSSING AND TURNING WITH ANTICIPATION,
THE THOUGHT OF A SNACK BECAME INFATUATION.
SO, I RACED TO THE KITCHEN, FLUNG OPEN THE DOOR,
AND GAZED AT THE FRIDGE, FULL OF GOODIES GALORE.
GOBBLED UP TURKEY AND BUTTERED POTATOES,
PICKLES AND CARROTS, BEANS AND TOMATOES.

I FELT MYSELF SWELLING SO PLUMP AND SO ROUND,
'TIL ALL OF A SUDDEN, I ROSE OFF THE GROUND.
I CRASHED THROUGH THE CEILING, FLOATING INTO THE SKY,
WITH A MOUTHFUL OF PUDDING AND A HANDFUL OF PIE.
BUT, I MANAGED TO YELL AS I SOARED PAST THE TREES....
HAPPY EATING TO ALL - PASS THE CRANBERRIES, PLEASE.

Stitchy News and a couple Almost Finishes....

Well, I have been trying really hard to concentrate on stitching a little every day for a few moments if nothing else. I'm not always successful; but I am finding I have been making a little more progress on my stitching projects and in turn been feeling better at the end of the night. Isn't it amazing how a hobby can relieve stress? I've heard other crafters mention that it takes your mind off problems and I know when I am concentrating on counting and making even stitches it completely takes my attention away from any worries.

With that being said; here is my stitching report...... drum roll please......

Two of my Yahoo groups have a UFO (UnFinished Object for you non-stitchers) day which I decided the Lizzie Kate Monthly Stamp-It series I had started back when my Mom had been in the hospital fit the description. I have been working on completing February and would have probably finished it except I had to wait for one color; Chablis by Weeks. I did start my March pattern which is a leprechaun and a pot of gold. Hopefully, I can complete March and possibly April by the end of the year and maybe have some stitching done on May which will mean only 7 more patterns to go before a finished project.

A friend of mine at work recently shared the news that her mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Since I see how devastated the daughter is over this news and can sympathize with that feeling from when my Mom had told me about her battle with this disease; I decided to try and show my support to both of them. I found a freebie design which I am hoping to complete this week and will plan on making into an ornament which hopefully will give them both hope and comfort through this battle. This would have been completed this week but the dratted frog had to visit for a few days so I had to pull out some stitching and redo some sections on Sunday.

Finally, here is a picture of my stitching update on Kind Fond Love. Since I have been doing an ornament exchange; I haven't spent as much time working on this as I would have liked but I am still making progress. The color palette really appeals to my taste and I look forward to framing this for my home. Of course, I have signed up for a stitched Christmas card exchange which is going to take a little more time away from this project but I think will be something fun and again falls in that "something new" category for me too.

Happy Stitching!

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween everyone! It was a rainy but warm night here and so we still went trick or treating between the bouts of rain. The kids enjoyed carving their pumpkins and dressing up. Ray was John Glenn and Becky was Dorothy Gale. I found it so funny when people didn't know Dorothy's last name was Gale from Wizard of Oz.

Friday night, we went to see Disney on Ice with the Girl Scouts. We had tie-dye t-shirts made for the troop. Everyone had a great time and we have heard lots of compliments on the shirts.

Christmas Exchange Ornament

This year, I decided I wanted to try and participate more in exchanges and in turn, to learn different finshing techniques. I joined a Christmas Ornament Exchange in my one group, Every Stitch Counts (ESC) and this is the fruits of my labors. The design is from the October 2006 preview issue of the Just Cross Stitch magazine by Val's Stuff.

I finished the stitching this evening (I had to finish up the coal eyes and smile of the snowman) and then Beth H. so graciously helped me by working on finishing an ornament she had to finish and showed me the steps. Surprisingly, it was really, really easy to make and we both were laughing about different things while we talked about college, stitching, friends, pets, houses, and other things.

Another first for me was stitching with silk, which I have fell in love with! The multicolored thread is The Thread Gatherer Silk 'n Colors called Belvedere Gardens and I then decided to use the multicolored trim to compliment it. I think the overall finished project turned out really cute and I hope my partner enjoys it as well.

Reading: I completed 'Shades of Earl Grey' and have started another book by Laura Childs called 'Gunpowder Green' which is still continuing the series starring Theodosia Browning. This is my 3rd book in my challenge list and is the 6th book either finished or started since the challenge began in September.

Update on life ~ houses, stash, stitching and giveaways

I have worked the past 2 days getting the house in Stevensville ready for market. The hubby was told that this will be the final (and I do mean FINAL) move in our lifetimes. We are purchasing my mother's house from the the estate; essentially I am buying out my brother's half. I grew up in this house since August of 1978 and there hasn't been a week since then that I haven't walked through that door. When I think of "HOME" it is the house that I grew up in and my kids have the same sentiment. Before my Mom died, George and I had decided to move into that area to be closer to my Mom so we could help out more. Now we are going to be buying the home that I grew up in and doing some renovations/improvements to better suit our family while keeping the feeling of my childhood home.

Part of the renovation of my Mom's house is to make it friendly for when I am not wanting to climb steps to do the laundry by bringing the washer/dryer up to the main floor in a "mud room" in the back of the current garage) and adding a family room in place of the garage. I am planning on a bay window in place of the garage doors where plenty of morning and early afternoon light can be enjoyed for stitching time. Of course, the family room will have a west facing window as well which will give some afternoon light too. The other feature in this space will be bookshelves and a wood pellet stove. I love reading and the pellet stove throws so much heat that it helps cut down on the cost of heating a home drastically. Here is a picture taken this past spring of the house; that of course is my camper out front but the car was my Mom's; my brother now has it.

Of course, Charlotte was this past week and I had to receive a email from Just Nan with all her new releases. In a moment of weakness, I had to call Haus Tirol and order three of the newest pieces although I have been trying not to purchase new cross stitch stuff and to work through my existing pile (mountain range more like it) of patterns and fabrics. Here is the pictures of the items I bought, aren't they darling???

Christmas is right around the corner. I am trying to stitch one more piece before then and I need to add charms to another piece for framing as a gift. I think I might start my Christmas stitching for next year on Christmas Day after the presents and food has been prepared. That way, I might be ahead of the game for next year!

PIF: I am going to be holding off on the PIF at this time until the beginning of the new year. Some folks have contacted me and while they would like to do it, there is so many commitments right now with Christmas being less than 12 weeks (!) away that they have asked for me to do it after the New Year. So please be on the lookout around the first of January 2010 for my PIF to reappear.

In the meantime, I have found a new blog which has a wonderful giveaway. Please go to Annette's site and take a look-see!

Curling Up with a Good Book

Well, the good news is I have read two entire books since my last posting on the challenge and have started another one. The bad news is that none of the books were on my list for the challenge. Don't lose heart however, I am reading the Tea Shop Series by Laura Childs still.

I have read "Garden Spells" by Sarah Addison Allen, "The Lost Symbol" by Dan Brown and also started reading "The White Queen" by Phillipa Gregory. The amazing part is that none of them were remotely alike but all were enjoyable reads.

"Garden Spells" is about the Waverly family and their unique gifts which makes the town feel they are rather odd. Claire has the gift of cooking and Sydney has the gift of beauty. Claire has stayed close to the roots of her family while Sydney went out into the world and tried to forge herself a new life before returning home. Sydney helps Claire to move outside of her bubble while Claire helps Sydney learn that sometimes you need to look back to your roots and inside yourself for answers. I definitely could see Beth H loving this book since it has romance, humor and Southern charm all throughout.

"The Lost Symbol" is another wild, adventure through the mind of Dan Brown. Masons, Ancient Mysteries, Washington DC and Robert Landgon combine once again to provide startling information about the National Capital's architecture, art and design. What I love about these books are how much factual information is interwoven into a fictional tale that leads the readers into discovery about all facets of life. If you are a adventurist, this would be the book for you.

"The White Queen" is a historical fiction on the Lancaster and York War and the marriage of the York king, Edward to Elizabeth Woodville Grey. So far the book has painted vivid images of the time period and struggles of memorable figures which are very well developed. Will provide a complete review when finished but it is an enjoyable read so far.

Now for the book challenge, I have been reading "Shades of Earl Grey" by Laura Childs. Unfortunately my need to read the newest best sellers stepped into the way of the reading challenge. This is another good read by the author that is entertaining set in a cozy warm setting containing steaming tea and scrumptious deserts, and enjoyable characters.

Cubscouts Progression of Rank

Tonight was our Cubscout's first Pack meeting of the year. Boy's are recogized for their achievements which have been awarded to them. Ray received his Wolf Rank tonight since we had not been at the summer graduation last June. That was the weekend of the "Adventures of Sam" which was covered in my June monthly blog.

Ray and I were called up and were "painted" with the tail of the Bobcat, the path of the Tiger and the sign of the Wolf to represent our journey so far within the Pack. He is now a Bear and has already started completing the requirements for this as well. He has received the World Conservation Award patch, the Wildlife Conservation belt loop, along with his Gold and 8 Silver Arrow points.

Scouting is a great activity which the whole family has became involved. Becky is a Junior scout this year and has been in Girl Scouting for 6 years. She has received numerous awards throughout her experience and is working for her Bronze award. Their troop is providing support for the Warfighters by providing care packages and letters of encouragement. I am a trained leader in both Girlscouts and Cubscouts and enjoy seeing the children in each group grow and develop each year.

Something for me......

While I have stitching projects around the house, I think they are on loan from my kids. The two of them talk about which pictures and other finishes are theirs like I'm not even the one stitching them..... I guess the upside to their attitude is that nothing will end up on the curb waiting for the trash truck one day! This little finish is for me since it is my birthday fairy. I really liked how the colors blended and complimented each other. The amazing part is how detailed this little lady turned out to be and can take a lot longer to stitch than what you expect for something so small. These are really cute finishes though and I plan on making some more for family and friends for small gifts.

Most needle workers take pride in their neatness of their stitching projects. As such, I also take great strides in order to keep my back as neat as possible. Using my Gingher scissors, I try to keep the ends of threads cut as close to the work as possible. I tuck my threads very carefully, however I like to make sure my threads are secured and so I tuck very long tails on my needlework. Here is the back of my birthday fairy for example.

I have been working on a Christmas ornament for an exchange in my one Yahoo Group, Every Stitch Counts, but no peeking quite yet! I will be completing the stitching and finishing it into an ornament and after my exchange partner receives it I will post a picture, I promise.

Kind Fond Love is still a favorite stitching project of mine. I love how it is turning out. Definitely a wonderful project and I can't wait for the day that I'm picking out the perfect frame to have it finished. I plan on doing more large projects in the future along with having smaller projects just for fun, quick stitches and instant gratification.

The days are getting shorter and that means more and more evening time to cozy up in a comfy chair and read a book or stitch away the hours. Enjoy!

P.S. For any stitchers out there, please go to Tammy's blog! She is celebrating her 1st Blogoversary and has some wonderful give aways you can enter.

My Weekend....

Can you believe Autumn has arrived???? What happened to summer??? I love Fall though with the crisp leaves, fresh apples (and cider too!), and beautiful cool days.

This weekend has been very, very busy. Beth and I met up with Sue and Laura from my ESC group at Laura's house on Friday night. We sat around and talked about life, stitching, kids, college, families, and anything else that caught our fancy. It was great seeing Sue and Laura again and we plan on getting together more often. Laughter and good friends is just what this girl needed! After we left Laura's house we had to stop by Wawa to pick up Beth some of her infamous Wawa tea. I have dubbed her the "Wawa Whino" since she is addicted to her 'gogo juice'. Both of laughed for a good portion of the ride home and I got into bed at 1:30 in the morning! Can't tell you how long it has been since I've been out that late..... :)

Saturday, Becky and I went to Lancaster, PA to see the American Music Theatre's "Broadway's Best" show which featured performances of all the greatest American musical songs from 1920's to present. Very good show, excellent performances and a really, really nice venue. My SIL and MIL asked us to go with them which I was glad for Becky since she had been missing family attention since my Mom died.

In relation to that note, the school has requested and I have granted permission to have Becky tested for Autism. Since Ray has autism there is a higher chance of Becky being somewhere in the spectrum disorder as well. Both kids do wonderfully in school academics but both struggle with social/emotional issues. The probability runs greater since I have been diagnosed with hyperhomocycstenmia which is a medical condition which can increase risks to artery and vein diseases and possible strokes, blood clots and heart attacks.Now studies are finding a connection between this genetic disorder and autism.

Stitching wise, I have been working on my Christmas ornament exchange and a few other bits and pieces. Beth, Sue and Laura was fondling and oohing over the pattern I have chosen for my exchange partner and I made some really good progress on it yesterday in the car ride. I have found this one pattern which is going to be on my wish list for sure. It is called Library by Little House Needleworks and I love it. It combines two of my favorite past times, stitching and reading... what more could a girl ask for! Today I'm working for 12 hours and then I'm planning on going home and relax. Hopefully even finish up one of the odds and ends today and post on my blog. Hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday!

"Death by Darjeeling"

This was my first book of my Reading Challenge that I am participating in with some ladies from various online groups. Darjeeling tea is black tea, and the name refers to the region where it is grown in the Indian state of West Bengal during the 19th century. Laura Childs is the author of this series which is called the Tea Shop Mystery series. Very good books, fun and entertaining with very detailed characters. Of course, since I am a tea drinker, it is neat to learn of all the different types of teas which are available. Next book is "Shades of Earl Grey" and continues on with the story of Theodosia Brown on another murder mystery. If you enjoy a good cup of tea, a good mystery or both; then this is a series for you.

I have also been reading "The White Queen" by Phillipa Gregory which is one of my favorite authors. She writes historical fiction based on Tudor England and the Royals of that time period.

Well, I have completed one book of my 10 book challenge. Nine more to go!

County Fair 2009

This was the first year in 13 years that I haven't had an entry in the counted cross stitch departments. I have been working on stitching but with my Mom's illness and death, I never got around to finishing any projects that was fair worthy. The Boyer family was still present at the fair and brought home a ribbon on all entries at the end of the competition.

Ray brought home his first Reserve Champion ribbon on his Pinewood Derby car of this past year which is affectionally known as "Treeko's Racer" in the Homearts department. He also took 2nd place in the Fine Arts department with his creation, "Bull Bass" which is one of my favorite items he has created so far. Becky took 3rd place with "Elle" in the Fine Arts department and also a partcipation ribbon with her "Purple Kitty" in Homearts.

Surprisingly, I brought home 3rd place in my Jelly making! I was very excited since I was the "newbie" in this department and the competition at the fair is pretty good in the canned goods area. It definitely was a good feeling to go into a new area of competition and earn a ribbon. Next year, I'll have to venture more with the canning and return to my HomeArts, NeedleArts and Christmas Corner deparment competitions......

A Family Scouting Activity

We attended the Patuxent Wildlife Refuge Hunting and Fishing Day with the kids. Both were able to work on their scouting requirements for their respective activities. Both participated in Archery, Hunting, and Fishing activities and all of us had a lot of fun. Here is Becky and I making a shot (and a successful hit) on a deer target and Ray seeing how a tree stand works for hunting.

Girl scouts are already hard at work with reinvesture and cookie sales and the Cubs went on their first hike of the year. Between school, music lessons, chorus and scouts; along with life in general it will be a very busy year indeed.