Waaaayyy back a bunch of years ago, when I first got back into stitching and was looking for some inspiration I came across Annemarie’s online gallery. She was so wonderful about sharing information with me, encouraging me, and just being all-around fabulous … and yet, I think nearly two years went by before we actually met face-to-face. We’ve been fortunate enough to see a fair bit of one another in the years since then, and it will be difficult to accept the fact that we won’t be able to see each other so easily in the upcoming years. But … you know when friends are really true friends of the heart, distance just doesn’t matter. I know that’s how it’ll be for Annemarie and me. After all, we were already friends long before we first got together IRL, so why should an ocean between us make a dent in our friendship?
We even got a little bit of stitching done while she was here. 
I could admire the lovely BBD sampler she’s working on for her parents and I put the last couple of stitches into a small design I was making for one of my aunts. Actually, I’ve now managed to stitch something for each of my Mom’s sisters – kinda surprised myself with that. 
I won’t be able to do the finish-finishing till I’m in the US (no finishing supplies) but I should still have them done in time for Christmas. Not too bad for a last-minute thought. Of course now I feel a little guilty that I can’t make something for ALL the wonderful family and friends who deserve a handmade gift, but heck, there are only so many hours in the day, right?
For Aunt Kathy, who’ll be picking us up and housing us that first night in Maine, I stitched a lighthouse design from a Dimensions kit. Didn’t like the kit, but did like the design. Kathy collects lighthouses.
For Aunt Joyce, who’ll also meet us at the airport and help us find our way to our rental house, I stitched this sweetie designed by Niky’s Creations and called simply Yo-Yo #3. Aunt Joyce has a doll collection, and this was the closest I could come to a doll from the designs I didn’t ship.
For Aunt Cindy, who I hope will help me become a better Dog Mommy to Lola in the future, I stitched this too-cute design from Blue Whale Designs called Santa’s Parade. Cindy loves all animals, and knows more about animals than pretty much anyone I’ve ever met. (Lola has a few persistent behavioral problems that I’m pretty much stumped by and I hope a fresh perspective will help out.)
At the moment I’m stitching a Christmas ornament for Niek. And then … it’s a good thing I’ll be stuck on a plane because I’ll be pretty much out of stuff to stitch! LOL!
The kids have had their last day of school and said goodbye to everyone. I’ve been so touched by how sweet some of their classmates are, and by how much the kids are liked by their friends and teachers. Rowen’s party was yesterday afternoon and was as fun as Nick’s. Max’s was Thursday morning, but parents and cameras were banned at his request. Gotta respect their privacy … but I wish I’d been able to peek in.
I have introduced my camera to his ‘ puter, though, and they like each other, so here’s a little bit of visual interest for you. 
I hope your weekend has also been brightened by some tiny treasures. 
