been awhile

I know it's been awhile since I posted any real stitching stuff,  so here are photos and comments:

First I am surprised about the lack of interest about the death of Betty Ring.  I've only seen a mention on one other blog and nothing from my sampler group on yahoo or my local sampler group.  I would have thought that true sampler lovers would have a little more interest.  There was certainly more interest when the samplers were sold at auction.  She did a lot to promote samplers and preserve them.

This was the end of April.   Everything fit comfortably into my little travel container.

Then at the end of May, everything was packed solid into my travel container and a little fuzzy.

Once I take the photo, the orts go into a large container to wait for the end of the year.

I finished this small in early May.  (house and snow)

I think this is where I left off showing my group of smalls.

This is what those boots turned into.  (sorry about the photo, I forgot to turn it before I posted)

And I have one more on this fabric started but no photo yet.

As for the Turtle trots - I'm slowly working on a few but not much progress.  "Work" stitching has been taking a huge priority as well as a few other things in life - like grandkids.

A loss to the world of Needlework

We have lost a great friend of Needlework and promoter of Needlework.

Betty Abrego Ring, a fifth generation Texan and longtime resident of Houston, died peacefully in her home Thursday morning, the 5th of May 2014.
Born on the 18th of March 1923, in Beaumont, Texas, to Claude and Nellie Fitzsimmons Abrego, Betty spent much of her childhood along America's east coast as they moved often to be near her father an engineer but returned to Houston where most of her family lived to attend Lamar High School followed by the University of Texas at Austin.
In June of 1942, at the tender age of 19, she married Gregg Ring of Houston, a union that would last over 65 years and produce seven children. After raising her children Betty spent much of her life pursuing her interests in history, antiques and the decorative arts. She was a passionate scholar and collector of 18th and early 19th century American schoolgirl needlework. A brilliant researcher, writer and astute collector she became a recognized expert on the subject of early American needlework compiling one of the finest collections of schoolgirl embroideries in existence. Authoring and editing numerous books and magazine articles her magnum opus "Girlhood Embroidery" was published in 1993.
Well respected in her field Betty was bestowed with many awards and accolades by her peers. She became the subject of many magazine and newspaper articles and was especially proud to receive the prestigious Antiques Dealers Association Award of Merit in 2005.
During her many years of volunteer work in Houston Betty served as President of the Harris County Heritage Society (now the Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park), was on the board of directors of the Houston Public Library and a Docent at the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. Betty was a longtime member of the Ladies Reading Club, and also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the Colonial Dames of America.
She was preceded in death by her son, George Randolph Ring; her grandson, Tyler Nicholas Davidson; her brother, Richard Abrego; and her husband, Gregg Ring.
She is survived by her children, Brian Ring, Loretta Britton Giles, Gregg Ring, Jr., Stephanie Davidson, Oliver Ring, Christopher Ring; and grandchildren, Gregg Ring III, Laura Davidson, Baker Britton, Melissa Davidson and Oliver Britton.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o'clock in the afternoon until seven o'clock in the evening on Monday, the 9th of June, in the parlor and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.
At a later date, the family is to gather for a private interment at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Mrs. Ring's name be directed to the charity of one's choice.
She was a lady of traditional values, a devoted wife and mother who loved her family foremost. A dedicated researcher and writer she possessed a fierce work ethic, solid principles and deep convictions. She will be missed by many but survived by her extensive body of work of which she was very proud.

Though my Dad is gone (almost 20 years), I have a husband and two sons-in-law who are fathers.  So, dads everywhere, enjoy your day!

Flag Day

Flag Day

When : Always June 14th Flag Day, is a day for all Americans to celebrate and show respect for our flag, its designers and makers. Our flag is representative of our independence and our unity as a nation.....one nation, under God, indivisible. Our flag has a proud and glorious history. It was at the lead of every battle fought by Americans. Many people have died protecting it. It even stands proudly on the surface of the moon. As Americans, we have every right to be proud of our culture, our nation, and our flag. So raise the flag today and every day with pride!   Properly Display Our Flag Care and handling of the American flag is steeped in tradition and respect. There is a right way and a wrong way to display the flag. This is called Flag Etiquette. The American flag should be held in the highest of regards. It represents our nation and the many people who gave their lives for our country and our flag. Here are the basics on displaying the American flag:

• The flag is normally flown from sunrise to sunset.
• In the morning, raise the flag briskly. At sunset, lower it slowly. Always, raise and lower it ceremoniously.
• The flag should not be flown at night without a light on it.
• The flag should not be flown in the rain or inclement weather.
• After a tragedy or death, the flag is flown at half staff for 30 days. It's called "half staff" on land ,and "half mast" on a ship.
• When flown vertically on a pole, the stars and blue field , or "union", is at the top and at the end of the pole (away from your house).
• The American flag is always flown at the top of the pole. Your state flag and other flags fly below it.
• The union is always on top. When displayed in print, the stars and blue field are always on the left.
• Never let your flag touch the ground, never...period.
• Fold your flag when storing. Don't just stuff it in a drawer or box.
• When your flag is old and has seen better days, it is time to retire it. Old flags should be burned or buried. Please do not throw it in the trash. OR bertter yet, call your local American Legion post.  They will take care of your old flag for you.

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Famous Flag People:
Betsy Ross was a seamstress who made clothes for George Washington. In June, 1776, Washington approached her to make the country's first flag and the rest is history. Francis Scott Key Inspired by the British bombardment of Fort McHenry, Francis Scott Key penned the lyrics to our national anthem as he witnessed the event as British rockets whizzed in the air while our American Flag flew in the breeze Did you Know? If you like to study flags, then you are a Vexillologist!

Hug Your Cat Day

Hug Your Cat Day

When : June 4th Today is Hug Your Cat Day. Go ahead and give your cat a big, furry hug. Cat lovers can really get into this day. If you're a cat lover, you can really appreciate the warm, cozy feeling you get when you curl up on a couch or chair, and hug your cat. The only problem is, your cat will most likely only allow a brief hug before sauntering away. If your cat is a true hugger, count your blessings. Dog lovers...sorry, but hugging your dog will not suffice. If you are going to be "into" this day, you simply must hug a cat...your cat. You don't have a cat? You can correct this today. The month of June is "Adopt a Cat Month".

Our surviving cat gets lots of hugs - we are so happy to have him!