Random Ramblings

My parents left at the crack of dawn this morning. We left for the airport at about 4:30 and their flight took them far, far away from me at 6:38. I was brave though... did not cry much, but it was hard waking up after my nap and not see them puttering around. I've just checked the next leg of their flight, and their en route to Singapore via Japan now. There's hardly any cleaning to do as my mom did that all before they left. Silly mommy. Not much tending to do with the orchids either, as they've never had it so good while my dad was here. Right now, I'm sitting here, drinking some Malaysian coffee, trying to get back to life as usual. Today, I'm planning on trying to catch up on some neglected forums, blog reading, and work. Life will get back to normal soon, time has a way of doing that. But right now, I keep tearing up just thinking about them flying home. So, I'm going to post some pictures instead. My title did say 'Happy Memories' after all.

It's finished, it's finished!!!! :D :D :D I put in the last french knot at about 12:45am, as my mom was getting ready to go to bed. Needless to say, she didn't get around to doing that for another 30 minutes. :D I made some slight changes to the chart by filling in all the empty spaces on the bottom 3/4 of the piece. I didn't care for the "unfinished look" especially in the cobblestones. However, in discussing it with hubby, we decided that the sky looked best unstitched as the 3D effect is most prevalent this way. As a result, the top was also left as charted for an "off the edge" effect. It'll be leaving with my parents on Saturday (let's not get into that bit... I start to tear up every time I think about it. My parents leaving, not giving this to my aunt, LOL!!!) en route to my aunt. I hope she likes it. The Particulars: Dimensions Kit Stitched 2 over 2 on 14ct cream aida Finished: February 23rd, 2011

How was everyone's weekend? I hope y'all got a lot of stitching done, :D and I'm looking forward to heading over to your blogs to ooh and aah this week. (I've listed the participants blogs below to make the perusal easier. :D ) Bec Blu Carol Carolyn Charbsandthebumpydog Crystal Isa Jen Kim  (demeter83) Kim Kttycat Lesleyanne Missy-Tannenbaum Nina TammyK Topcho Wendy111 Yany Yvon I managed to stitch quite a bit despite two shopping excursions to Michael's, LOL! I was hoping to have a HD today, but there are still some backstitching left. I also have french knots to do. Speaking of french knots.... what do you think? Love them? Hate them? I looooove them. This was taken last night, and as much as I hate backstitching, they do wonders, don't they?

The 3rd weekend of the month is almost upon us and it's time to hermit up and stitch again. :D As the last time, we invite you to stitch along with us, be it on Saturday or Sunday or even both days if your schedule permits. I won't be able to spend too much time stitching this weekend as my parents are still here and we might head down to Miami to see more orchids. Nevertheless, I will get as much done as possible. If you'll be stitching along, please leave your blog address in the comments section and I'll be heading over to cheer you on on your progress. :D

I apologize in advance as this post is going to be picture heavy, but I had to share these beautiful orchids with you guys. More of that later.... First, here is the latest on Terrace Arch. All the houses are done, and I have only the mountains, backstitching, and french knots left. Fingers crossed that this will be done by next weekend, but we're planning a couple of days trips, so we shall see. We went to an Orchid Show in Boca Raton yesterday. Admissions was only $5 per person and you walk in to see table upon table of the most exquisite orchid displays. It's Cattleya blooming season, so these beauties were prominently featured, flanked by other as equally beautiful orchid species. I will let the following pictures speak for themselves. And of course, we had to buy some orchids. ;) My mom and dad bought me 2 of the most glorious  phaelonopsis. I've been looking for the perfect white phal for about 2 years now. I wanted something that had a double spi