WIP (or UFO, whatever you want to call it), a trip and a surprise

I have been steadily working on my SFAC project for so long that it has consumed my stitching time. I made several of the Christmas ornaments and several of the quilt squares, along with cutting fabric and getting everything ready to go to the quilter.
We have one quilt sent off to sweet Halina, our quilter and the other is just about ready to go.
So, along with the pillows I have and left over ornaments, as well as the quilts, I think we are set for our fundraising for the 3 Relays. Whew!
Now I can do some "just for fun" stitching. I pulled out this WIP (more like a UFO since I have had it for so long). I started stitching this for my director several years ago and then it got put away. It is from the Cricket Collection. The picture isn't great, but I tried and tried to get a good pic.


It is on 28 count Cashel linen which used to be my favorite until I found Lugana. It is with Sampler Threads and a bronze metalic thread (it called for silk, but silk thread and I do not get along!). Hopefully I will finish this before he retires!
Yesterday, my DH took me to Austin. I had to go to Relay University for a training session. On the way back home we drove by 6th Street (no trip to Austin is complete without a trip by 6th Street) and we also ate at my favorite restaurant, Baby Acapulco. They have this amazing chicken soup that I just love.
If you wonder why they say Keep Austin Strange, well this picture says it all:

Did you see it? Go back and zoom in on it. Yes, it says Bat Jewelry on sale! Well, now I know where to go when I am in need of Bat Jewelry!
Mom and I went for a drive to the Arboretum today. I didn't have my camera, but I saw something special. The daffodils are peeking their green sprouts out. I think in about 2 or 3 weeks we will have daffys. If that isn't a sign that the groundhog is not going to see his shadow, I don't know what is!
I have been going through some changes in my life here lately. On Feb. 4th I have a big announcement I am going to make. So check back here then!

Another year, another NATIONAL HOLIDAY!

Whew! It seems like my birthday was just the other day! And now it is time for another.
Some of you may wonder why I have a groundhog on my blog. Well that is because my birthday is Feb. 2, Groundhog's Day! This year I turn (excuse me while I gather myself to say this) 49! At least it is not 50. At least not yet!
And just like last year I am going to have a giveaway to celebrate!
But this time there is a twist!
Birthday Bash Blood Drive and Fundraiser
Help me collect 49 units of lifesaving blood and help me raise $490 for our Relay For Life Team on my 49th birthday! My birthday is February 2nd! Donate blood at any Carter BloodCare donor center or blood drive and use Sponsor number: SPON048845 or donate at any blood center and shoot me an e-mail to let me know. If you can't donate, then go with someone to donate and let me know!
If you would like to help me raise the $490 for my Relay For Life team, you can easily donate as little as $5 online at: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/donnakarl
Now here is where the fun begins!
Leave me a message stating whether you think ol' Phil will see his shadow or not! I will put all the names in a drawing and draw a name on Feb. 2, 2010. The prize you might ask?
Well, it is just 5 skeins of your choice of Sampler threads AND a 13 by 18 cut of your choice of Expressions fabric (your choice of linen or evenweave, count and color).
And here is the twist:

If you donate blood or take someone to donate or you donate to our Relay For Life team, I will enter your name twice. We are on the honor system about the blood donation. Just leave it in your post or leave me a message at dwooleybooger@yahoo.com and let me know.
Happy Birthday to me, happy birthday to me... You know how I feel about birthdays! They are National Holidays