IHASW & A Birthday

Well this last weekend was a hermitting one ~ I managed some progress:

A little progress on my LHN Simple Joys ~ this was a gift from the very lovely Barb last year.  I made a start on this one on New Year's Day while we were staying with Sis2 and her family.  Stitching over 1 on 28ct evenweave, it's quite slow progress but I'm really enjoying it ~ probably because there's been no sign of the wee green ones!  I may change my mind if they decide to turn up.

Most of my stitching over the weekend was concentrated on Jolly Holiday by Lizzie Kate ~ this is my February contribution to the Christmas Ornaments All Year Round SAL ~ this month's theme was Christmas Tree.  I searched through all my Ornament Magazines and found lots of trees ~ I just wasn't inspired to stitch any of them.  Then I remembered winning this one in a giveaway from Maggee back in April last year, and I'm loving it so far.  If I remember correctly next month we get to choose our own theme.  I also managed a little on a piece that I'm doing for a spring themed exchange on Needlecraft Haven.
Last week saw another birthday for me ~ don't they come round with alarming speed?  I was treated to some gorgeous gifts.

I haven't been able to wear my old watch since the last night at hospital with my Lovely Mum. 
So the hugely thoughtful LM bought me this one ~ it's a complete change from the previous one, even has a bit of sparkle with the four crystals.  I love it!

We had a very brief visit from Sis2 and her DH on Sunday and they brought me this glass wall hanging.  Beautiful colours and of course perfect subject matter for me.  If you don't already know I have a bit of a "thing" for hearts.  It's staying in it's little corrugated card box until I decide where it will reside, probably in our room with the many other hearts that are already there ~ still I don't want to make any rash decisions.

We'll be seeing Sis2 and her family again over the weekend as we are off to view a couple of venues for the wedding and they're both up in Scotland ~ perfect to spend more time with them.  We'll be seeing both of their daughters too ~ the youngest of which was engaged a couple of weeks ago so there might be fizzy stuff involved!

Next up is this gorgeaous heart themed gift from Carol (the lovely C) ~ the most gorgeous linen, buttons and a heart shaped glass dish.  Thanks Carol, I still haven't decided what to use the fabric for.  It needs to be something very special so it might be some time before you see it again.

This cute little package from Doreen came with an intriging message on the tag ~ some gorgeous co-ordinated spotty (another favourite) fabric.  I opened the fabric out to find the following details on the selvedge.  How lovely is that!  Thanks Doreen ~ not sure I will be able to cut this one.

 I had other gifts, a frame to hold a photograph from the WP's wedding, almost 69 years ago, lovely flowers, pink fizz and chocolates ~ thanks to everyone for being so kind.

I have been blog reading I just don't seem to have sufficient time to comment much at all ~ so apologies.  I'm hoping this will change soon and I can get back to leaving comments each time I visit to read what you have all been up to.

We're enjoying some milder weather today and the sun is shining too ~ always a boost to see it.  Have a great Tuesday.

Kate