Finishing the updates...lots to see ~

Ok, never got on here last night. Spent the night at the mall looking for a dress for Nicole for the Homecoming dance in a few weeks. Luck would have it, that we found a very pretty dress for her. Then it was out running a few more errands. Was very late by the time I got home.
Now, where was I?? Oh yeah, Saturday was the show in Mercersburg that I helped Linda. When I left the house in the morning, it was relatively warm and no rain. I met her at the shop and we left from there. We got there at a good time. Not many vendors on the street, and we were able to unload without really rushing. Took our time with setting it all up, and I think it turned out great.

It was only a couple hours into the show and it started to rain. And it rained and rained and rained.... Then it got colder. I'm glad it wasn't windy, or it would have been miserable. We had to put up the side pieces so our stuff wouldn't get wet. I was pleasantly surprised how many people still came in the rain with their umbrella's. Linda really wanted to do the show so she could advertise the shop. She made up fliers and we came home with just a few! People really seemed interested in trying rug hooking for the first time. Some stayed and talked for quite some time. So we'll see! I know Linda would love to have new people come and join us for the weekly Thursday Hook-In. So if you are in the area, or just passing through Chambersburg, Pa, please stop in! Here is Linda's Blog . You can contact her there if you need more information.

After we packed up, we stopped for a bite to eat and some HOT chocolate. We were wet and cold, and very, very tired.. I'm surprised we didn't fall asleep during mid conversation with each other lol. Came back to the shop to unload, and lay out the tarps to dry. I'm really glad we put everything away back where it belonged, instead of waiting till Monday (aren't you Linda??). With the two of us working at it, it didn't take too long. Yesterday was a busy day at work, and it would have been overwhelming trying to do it all. I had a great time, and Linda is talking about doing more shows next year. I'll look forward to it!

On Sunday, my friend Joan had her annual hook-in. Her birthday was Saturday. Happy Birthday again Joan! There was such a nice turn out! Always tons of fun. Games, prizes (I won a gorgeous piece of wool that she spot dyed), and food. ALL done by Joan. She is such a sweet person who goes above and beyond to make you feel comfortable, and welcome, and to show you a good time. Here are a couple shots of the room where we all were.

Joan had asked us to bring a rug or two and displayed them in another room for us to ooh and aaah over. And OH MY, what a variety. There were new faces this year, and rather than screw the names up, on who's rug belongs to who, I'll just show them all to you so you too can ooh and ahhh over them! (Oh, and she asked for donations for the SPCA. My goodness, everyone was so generous to help out the animals. Joan is always doing something nice for them. )

This one will be getting a hair cut. It was amazing!

And there is always one rug that you are drawn to when you see it, and it was this one for me. Very plain and simple design, but so gorgeous in person. I couldn't stop looking at it.

And I even got something done too! This is the mock braiding I put away and never picked up again. I got quite a bit done. I will be taking it to the hook-in this week to work on it some more.
Thank you again Joan for a wonderful time~

Yesterday was back to work. Like I said it was busy, but it was a good day. Came home to make a quick dinner and then back out the door to get Nicole's dress. But before we went, Nicole handed me a package that came in the mail. Our online group AAPG had a Fall swap, and Betty had my name. Oh my goodness. I was in awe when I opened up the package. We were to give fall colored wool and floss, a pumpkin of some kind, a candle/tart, and a surprise of our choice. Betty had given a tutorial on how she painted this box and added the cross stitch to the top. I loved it when I saw it, and knew I'd be making some. Sooo, to get one as part of the swap was such a surprise! Now I have hers in front of me to see it up close and personal! I know mine won't be as nice as hers, but I'll have fun making it for sure! The white pumpkin is so soft and sweet. Thank you again Betty!

Then today after work, I checked my email, and Kelley had emailed me to tell me I won her giveaway on her blog! I won a big box of quilt scraps! She said her mom has been giving her some and between her mom's and hers, she had plenty to share. How sweet! I've been wanting to learn to quilt, so now there is no excuse not to sit down and work on something. I can't wait to see it when it gets here. I'll make sure to post a picture!

Am I a lucky gal or what?? It has made me think of doing a giveaway on my blog. It's my turn to make someone smile! I see I'm up to 141 or so on my posts. When I hit my 150th post, be on the look-out for my FIRST giveaway. I'll be making up something special just for it!!

Ok, I'm ALL caught up on what's been going on. Whew!!

May your week be as Blessed as I've felt lately~