Sunday, September 7, 2025

Packing up My Duds and a Halloween Stamp Freebie

 Howdy , neighbors! Come join me on the swing and let's chat for a spell.  Though we are far apart, I would like to think we are neighbors enjoying a cup of coffee and some spicy talk.  Now wouldn't that be delightful? I sure think so.


So tell me . How are you doing on this fine Sunday morning?  I hope you are fine and dandy and have a pep in  your step! 

 Me?  Well I am feeling a lot better than I was earlier this week. I do thank you all for the sweet well wishes and prayers; I do believe they made all of the difference.  

I think I told you that Mr. Pinker retired awhile back . Well he decided to pick up a side job, just to keep him busy. It is a job that he can work when he wants, and he is outside so two big pluses for him. 


The other day , Mr. Pinker said, "K.C. called and wants to know if I can work in North Carolina for 2 days. So pack your bags for a short trip. "

"Eeeh!" I squealed in delight. 

"What groceries are we going to take?" asked Mr. Pinker. 

"Forget the groceries. The question is "What projects am I going to pack? " I replied with a grin. 

Mr . Pinker just shook his head. 
 



I skipped out of the room  filled with excitement and immediately headed for my stitching chair where lots of projects were tumbling out of overfilled  baskets . 

"Hmmm , What to choose ? What to choose?  Decisions,  decisions." 
Soon I pulled out Homestead Blessings. I shared this little chart a few weeks ago and am slowly making progress.  DMC 898 is the floss color I have chosen to stitch this piece in. 

 Homestead Blessings   in the works. Heart & Keys is in the dough bowl. 

"Found one project, Hun! " I yelled at Mr. Pinker.  All I heard was crickets. Hee! Hee! 


"Oh well..." I continued searching. Next up came my hexi flowers.


I have appliqued 5 pink hexi flowers. This is my 1st hexi project I am learning a lot. Like I need to be careful when removing papers. It seems I stitched into a few of them when I was piecing. 😏 Oh, well, I'm learning. 

 "They will be great to applique as I am riding down the road, " I said to no one in particular. 


These colors make me happy! 

Mr. Pinker soon emerged from the kitchen. " Whatcha' doing? " he asked. 

"Packing my duds and getting ready to shag!" , I replied. 

" I just see quilting items being packed. " he said.
 
"Of course , Silly. That reminds me. I need to take along my quilt . " With that, I grabbed my Otis Payne Bow Tie quilt. 


"I have 23 more blocks to quilt! Time in the mountains will give me a chance to work on it. "

Again I heard crickets as I showed it to  Mr. Pinker. 




Isn't this vintage fabric yummy! 

"Now let's get to the groceries ," I sighed. 

"Now you are talking!  Woo Hoo! " exclaimed Mr. Pinker and off to the kitchen we went. 😃😁

Mr. Pinker and I will be heading out later this evening. I chose just some simple foods to take along- fresh salads, eggs, tuna and such. Nothing too fussy. We just may stop for a burger along the way; we don't get to eat out that often anymore so that will be a treat. 

Anywhoo... that is what is going on here.

What are your plans for the day? Are you going to be hustling and bustling about or sitting back and enjoying some slow Sunday stitching? Either one - I hope you enjoy every minute of it. 

Thank you for dropping by and ...
As always, Happy Stitching! 

🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃

Whooaa there, Nelly! Hold your horses! Smell My Feet!  Hmmm Scratch that! Hee! Hee! 😁😂👻
 Before you leave I wanted to share a little quick stitch with you. It is my Smell My Feet Halloween Stamp.  I stitched it on 14 count coffee/ tea dyed Aida. It measures about 2 1/2" squared. The chenille trim was purchased at Dollar Tree. I just took two strands of it, twisted it and whip stitched it along the seams. 

The darling Boo berries were a gift from dear Barbara. I just adore them. Thank you friend. 🤗

🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵

If you are interested in stitching this piece,  just grab , the images. For printing tips, refer to the post Tips for Printing which has loads of tips from my sweet friends. 

🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵 🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵🧵





Other Halloween stamps that I have shared in the past include: 

Boo and Jack Stamp


Little Black Cat Stamp

Three Happy Jacks


I have jabbered long enough! Y'all have a spooktacular day! Love ya'!

As Always...


Happy  Stitching and Quilting, y'all

Melisa 

"Give everyday the chance to be the most beautiful day of your life. "- Mark Twain 

Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤

Dedicated to my dear sister, Amy. I love and miss you so much.. Love you , Amo. 

🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

 Other Posts That Might Strike Your Fancy!

🌞Parade of Homes- Early 2025 parade of home freebies.
🌞 Root A Toot Toot Patriotic Parade Early 2024 patriotic freebies. 
🌞A Buzzy Bee Parade An early 2025 bee freebie parade.
🌞A Sunny Sunflower Parade for 2025 A parade of sunflower freebies up to July 24, 2025
🌞 A Parade of Stamps 2025  A parade of stamp cross stitch design freebies up to August 14, 2025

🌞Time to Dye-  2024 post on how I tea/ Coffee Dye my fabric. 
🌞Pin Pillow Tutorial - 2023 post on how I finish my pin pillows with chenille trim. 

I am joining these lovely ladies' link parties. I hope you check them out; they always have so many wonderful projects going on and provide the opportunity for other needle workers to meet.

Frederique at   Quilting Patchwork Applique for Patchwork & Quilts - Saturday

Kathy at Kathy's Quilts for Slow Stitching Sunday

Kate at Life in Pieces for  Stitching Stuff ( Sunday) 

Cynthia at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework for Oh Scrap - Sunday 

Melva at Melva Loves Scraps for Sew & Tell- Sunday

Brenda at Songbird Designs for Monday Musings

Judy at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts for Design Wall Monday

Carol at Quilt Schmilt  for To Do List Tuesday 

56 comments:

  1. WooHoo!!! Road trip. I like your priorities - packing your stitching and such is very important. LOL I used to visit my grandparents at least one weekend a month and my stitching bag was always ready to go. My grandmother would laugh because I'd hang my bag on a door knob and never touch it until we got ready to head home. One day she asked me why I always had my bag - my response "I might be stuck here and need to be prepared". She laughed and laughed. She's been gone a long time but that memory always makes me laugh, as well. LOL Have a safe trip and we'll 'see' you when you get home. Big, big hugs, DarleneJ

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    1. Good afternoon, sweet Darlene. You and your grandma sound like y'all were a hoot together- just like me and my Nanny. What a wonderful memory. I bet you always looked forward to visiting her and hated to leave too. I used to visit my Nanny everyday which was easy since she lived just down the road from me. She would have supper fixed whether I was hungry or not and would be waiting for me to walk through the door. I do miss her so. Have a super day, Sweetie. I have been catching up with you on IG. I am loving what you are working on. Hugs.

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  2. Oh, I love these stories...hahaha!!
    You're amazing: you pack your projects first and then worry about the food... You're my hero!! 😂😂
    Enjoy that short trip, darling.
    Hugs from Spain

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    1. LOL I really do, Isabel. Hee! Hee! My clothes bag is always packed so no problem there. , but I sure want some things to do during my down time. LOL. Thank you for the sweet visit. Have a beautiful day. Hugs.

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  3. Moi aussi, je prépare mes affaires de broderie avant le repas :) Bonne promenade

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    1. Hee! Hee! We got to have our priorities right don't we. LOL. Of course, I always overpack on my projects, but that is ok. It gives me a good variety to work on. Thank you for the sweet visit. Have a blessed day. Hugs.

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  4. Good morning from (finally!) rainy Maine! 🌧️🌧️🌧️ Happy Sunday to you my friend and happy road trip! I love that you have the freedom to just jump up and leave! And of course I love your priorities 🤣😁👍🏻 I'm so glad you are feeling better. 🤗
    I love your writing style, it puts a smile on my face every time I read your blog. 😄
    Hopefully I can get some stitching in today. It's the perfect weather for a cup of tea and cross stitching ☕️🫖
    Have s wonderful trip to NC! Love and hugs from up here 🤗💕 -Alex

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    1. Eeeh! Rain! I am so glad you finally got some rain in your neck of the woods, Alex. Hmmm I wonder if it is the same system we had on Saturday. Maybe. We got a golly whopper of a storm not damage just rain. It has been so nice these last few years to be able to jump in the old truck and travel. We had been preparing for that for a long time. Even if it is just a short trip; it gives us time to refresh and enjoy nature. Aww I can't thank you enough for liking the way I write. I always find myself quite boring. LOL, but your sweetness certainly uplifts my spirits. Enjoy your day and hope you get in a whole bunch of stitching time. Hugs and love

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  5. I would happily sit with you in that swing on your pretty quilt Melisa. I'm so excited for your trip! Take some pics of the mountains for those of us who only see "hills" - lol! Have a great trip!

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    1. I sure will, Linda. It is just going to be a short trip , but those are just as delightful. I was telling Mr. Pinker the other day how much I wanted to visit your great state again. We camped there last October and enjoyed every minute of it. Maybe in the near future we will return. Hee! Hee! I hope so.. Have a blessed and beautiful day. Hugs.

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  6. Love your Smell my feet...so cute and funny. Have fun on your get away. I'm sure your dh will find something to eat! ;-) We're in FL - Mike's mom is in the hospital but recovering well. We'll be here for a few days while we figure out how to help his mom. Our RV sits up at dd's house a few hours away quite lonely without us ;-) Looks like we may be settling down except for a few quick trips a year. Blessings!

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    1. I am so sorry to hear about Mike's mom, Donna. I do wish her a speedy recovery. I am sure it brings her great comfort to have y'all there in her time of need. Do keep me posted. I bet it will take some adjustments to not being on the road as much, but the good thing is you can always pack up and go out again if it doesn't suit you. I wish you a wonderful week. Have a blessed day . Warm Hugs.

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  7. good morning adventurous Melisa.
    and you're off again!!! you have definitely packed the right things first. hehehehe
    i love your little feet cross stitch. tooooo cute. your hexie project is coming along very nicely. i love all the variety in the petals. excellent job. you're doing amazing. keep it up. you'll have another quilt ready for quilting in no time.
    i am soooo happy you are feeling better. it's no fun feeling icky. too many things to do to be feeling under the weather.
    your Otis Payne Bowtie quilt is coming along very nicely. only 23 more blocks to go. you've come a long way baby!
    praying you have a beautiful Sunday. it's going to be a wonderful day even though it's supposed to be in the mid-90's. not liking this weather at all. are you getting cooler weather now? it's okay if it is hot outside today - i have another quilt to cut out.
    blessings and love are coming to you on this glorious day. hugs are coming, too.
    Debra Broyles

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    1. Good afternoon, sweet Debra and Happy Happy Monday. Oh I do hope you were able to get your quilt cut out. Soon you will be zooming along on your sewing machine, piecing up a storm. The perfect activity to escape that old heat wave for sure. It has cooled down to the 80's here which is quite comfy. Last night it was in the high 50's . I had the windows opened and enjoyed every minute of the coolness. Well I am trying to move right along on my hexies. I cut more background fabrics the other day. I may have to buy another yard, but I will wait and see. I wish you the most delightful and beautiful week, sweet friend. You always make my day special. Warm hugs and many blessings.

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  8. Have a wonderful trip--enjoy your fabric projects and doing some eating out. We will be celebrating our 60th this week and going out for dinner--a rare treat these days...
    I love "Smell My Feet" block--so funny...hugs for a safe and fun trip Julierose

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    1. I was thinking just yesterday that your anniversary is coming up. I do hope that you enjoy your Anniversary dinner. 60 years! What a wonderful milestone! Happy Happy Anniversary , sweet Julierose. I look forward to hearing how your day went. Thank you so much for the sweet Sunday visit. You have a wonderful week, dear. Hugs.

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  9. Oh Melisa, I am giggling here. I always pack my projects first before I pack anything else. I like the variety of projects you have picked to go on this adventure with you. I hope you have good travels and some fun along the way.

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    1. LOL I am glad I am not the only one who packs projects first! Hee! Hee! A girl has to be prepared don't she? I always overpack but like you said it gives me a variety. I bet you do the same thing. Thank you for the sweet visit and I hope you have a wonderful week. Happy Stitching and warm hugs.

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  10. Yay for a little trip! Enjoy;) I love the new Halloween stamp, already got it printed off!

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    1. Oh I am jumping for joy! All Mr. Pinker has to say is trip and I am ready to run out the door! LOL. I hope you enjoy the little stamp, Vicki.I am so touched that you will be adding it to your Halloween stitching list in the future. Have a wonderful week. Happy quilting and stitching. Hugs.

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  11. Have a great time in N. Carolina, Melisa! That state is on my list to visit, too. Of course you need some stitching projects to take along, too! "Smell my Feet" is adorable - all your Halloween designs are. You're filling up my to-do list with these!

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    1. Aaw thank you so much, Diann. I sure hope you are able to visit, NC here soon. It is a beautiful state. Of course, CO is too. Thank you so much for the kind compliment on the newest stitch. I am hoping to make a few more stamps for the Halloween season. Have a wonderful day . Warm hugs and safe travels.

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  12. That little road trip of yours sounds like fun, Melisa! Safe travels! Glad you found some cute projects (as well as yummy foods!) to take along. Your Halloween stamps are all so darling--thank you, thank you! Have a great time in NC! ♥

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    1. Aaw thank you so much, Carol. I always look forward to the side trips . It should be a relaxing trip-well at least for me . Hubby still has to work. You are always so kind and uplifting Carol. Thank you so much for the sweet compliment on my Halloween stitch. It was a fun one to work on .Hugs and Blessings.

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  13. Love how you prioritize. After all you can always buy food on the road. Projects to stitch as you drive are the key. Such fun mini Halloween stamps.

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    1. LOL thank you so much, Gwyned and that is so true. We often do stop at Walmart or Dollar General to pick up a few extras for food. I would be in a pickle if I did not have my projects though. LOL. It is a comfort to have them nearby whether I work on them or not. Thank you for the sweet Sunday visit. Have a blessed week. Hugs.

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  14. Even though there'll be work involved, it'll be a fun road trip! I'm

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    1. Oh yes, I think so too, Helen. Hubby wanted me to come along because he knew I would enjoy the area he would be working- secluded, wooded and serene. Thank you for the sweet visit. I wish you a lovely day. Hugs

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  15. That sounds like fun, an unexpected trip.

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    1. I do believe it will be fun and relaxing. Thankfully , we always have the camper ready to go and our clothes bags as well. So it doesn't take too long to be get ready to be on the road. Thank you for the sweet visit, Jenny. Have a blessed day. Hugs

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  16. I am so glad you are feeling better. North Carolina is a beautiful state - have a great time. I was laughing as you packed - sewing projects should be first. Smell My Feet has been added to my Halloween stitching. With so many wonderful patterns you have designed, I have trouble deciding which to stitch next - LOL. Your blog is a bright spot. Thanks Alicia

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    1. LOL thank you so much, Alicia. I had to pack my projects first. Hee! Hee! Gotta have my priorities straight as dad would say. LOL. NC is a beautiful state. It has been a spell since I have visited here. I hope you enjoy the little stamp. I cannot thank you enough for always being so kind and supportive. Have a beautiful and blessed day, sweet friend. Hugs.

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  17. Sounds like you are all ready for your trip with all the essentials packed first! Have fun! Gail at the cozy quilter

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    1. LOL, gotta have those projects packed! Hee! Hee! I always pack way too many, but I do enjoy getting the uninterrupted time to work on a few while camping. Thank you for the sweet visit, Gail. I hope you have a delightful and productive week. Hugs.

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  18. Lucky you! A field trip for you and a business trip for Mr. Pinker! I'm wonderfin where in NC you are headed. My brother lives in Lexington and my nieces live in Wilmington. Doesn't that practically make us related??? Lol! Have a wonderful outing and keep on stitching!

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    1. I am excited, Susie. To be honest, I have no idea where in NC. All I know is it was going to be in the forest in seclusion. Well that sounds perfectly fine for this ole' gal. Hee! Hee! Mr. Pinker is going to have to tell me what community we are close to. LOL. Oh, I do hope you get to visit your brother and nieces often. Have a wonderful week and thank you for making me smile. Big hugs and love

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    1. Aaw shucks, thank you so much, Karrin. This is my first hexi project so I am learning a lot. Have a wonderful week. Happy quilting. Hugs.

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  20. Road trip!!! I love everything in your photos! The colours, the patterns, the craft work and the vintage items!

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    1. Eeeh! I am always ready for a road trip, Linda. LOL. It should be a relaxing short get away. Thank you so much for bringing a smile to my day and for the sweet visit. Hugs and Blessings.

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  21. Sounds like you off having fun. I think like you do -- what project should I bring! I hope you get several projects done or at least moved along. Thanks for sharing all your cute Halloween stitcheries. I have a small black Halloween tree which needs some more "ornaments." I'll have to check what size fabric I have to make any of these small enough for the tree. Have a great trip.

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    1. I sure hope we have a great time, Bonnie. I always enjoy a good camping trip no matter how short or long it is. Even if I can move a project along a little bit, I will be one Happy camper. Aaaah a black Halloween tree would be delightful. I admired one on Youtube the other day . I do hope you enjoy adding some new ornies to it and thank you so much for making my day. Warm hugs.

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  22. A good sit on the porch with some coffee and "spicy" conversation sounds like a fun time to me. A fun short trip to the Carolinas. Sounds like both the projects and the food got lined out real quick. I picked this morning - got a mess of beans, picked a couple banana peppers for my son to snack on, good amount of cherry tomatoes, more crookneck and zucchini(!!!). I tasted my refrigerator pickles today that I did up yesterday. They said wait at least 24 hours but they will continue to get better as time passes. It has been quite a while since I made them. It just amazes me that they can be so small and 2 days later, they are getting to be TOO big. It's a wonder their skins don't split, they grow so fast. Thank you for cute little witchy feet stamp. So fun!

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    1. Oh Ginny, it sounds like your garden is still producing up a storm and keeping you busy. You are picking all of the things that I love too. It has been years since I have made refrigerator pickles. I bet yours is yummy! I pulled out some bread and butter pickles from the cupboard the other day. Hubby doesnt' eat them, but I sure like them. I picked a few banana and jalapeno peppers to take on the trip with us. Boo Hoo- no tomatoes though. Oh well - they were good while they lasted. I wish you a wonderful week. Warm hugs and love.

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  23. Melisa, so glad you’re feeling better! Fall weather is such a good time to be out and about. My husband and I have headed to Michigan today to visit Mackinaw Island to celebrate our 57th wedding anniversary. Then we’ll be heading to Canada for a scenic train ride. Have a safe and productive trip to the Carolinas. Funny thing, I packed up my cross stitch project for some evening stitching and realized I forgot my floss! Luckily it’s DMC, so hopefully I can replace it in the morning. Yikes, 5 days and no stitching?!

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    1. Happy Happy Anniversary dear Gail! It sounds like you are in for a delightful and fun filled adventure. I have heard so much about Mackinaw Island. It is on my bucket list for sure. And a train ride- how wonderful. I do hope you take lots of photos. Oh yes, I do hope you find the floss you need. I have done that before- doesn't it make you just sick . I like my stash with me whether I use it or not. LOL. Have a fun and safe trip, sweet friend. Hugs.

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  24. Heehee, it sounds like fun. To sit on the porch having coffee and spicy conversation would be great. Well, may be some day, who knows. :)
    Have fun on the road trip.
    Good to read you feel better. So take care and enjoy,
    Gabi

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    1. We would have a delightful time relaxing on the porch , stitching and chatting away wouldn't we, Gabi? We have made our way to our destination which is quite peaceful. I look forward to enjoying nature and stitching the evenings away. Have a blessed day. Warm hugs and many blessings.

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  25. Melisa I hope you'll have a great time and I'm glad you're feeling better! I adore the new witch stitch! Oh how I wish you did a Halloween Collection Stamp SAL, I love the other ones so much!
    Hugs

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    1. Aaw thank you so much, Diana. It is always a joy and a blessing to be able to get away even for just a short time. I plan to make enough little stamps for a larger sampler . I worked on another one last night. I hope you enjoy this little stamp. Warm hugs and blessings.

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  26. Well, I like the way you think- pack the quilting and sewing supplies first! Enjoy your refreshing time away. Love the photos of Edna and the big guy, even tough they played hard to get on your visit to them.

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    1. LOL gotta have my projects packed first! Hee! Hee! Thank you so much for bringing a smile to my day, Nancy. Ole' Edna and Rodste are two characters on the farm. I never know what to expect from them. Have a beautiful day. Warm hugs and blessings.

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  27. Bonjour Melisa
    Contente que tu ailles mieux.Merci pour tes jolies grilles d' halloween !
    Prend bien soin de toi et bon voyage !

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    1. Aaw you are so sweet, Monique. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am feeling a whole lot better than earlier in the week that is for sure. I hope you are enjoying these first few days of September. It has gotten a little cooler here but still warm. Have a blessed day, dear. Hugs.

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  28. So glad you are feeling better! What fun to take a road trip and pack all those goodies. I love your quilt projects. I've been busy gathering up Fall projects and ordering some needed supplies. I'm not sure what I love best....the planning or the stitching. Thank you for the free Halloween stamp patterns. I think I might have to stitch those up they are so cute! I hope you and Mr. Pinker have a wonderful time!

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    1. Aww thank you so much, Sam for the well wishes. I am feeling a whole lot better. I am hoping to make a little progress on my projects. I am so ready to work on fall projects too. I hope you receive all of your supplies very soon so you can get a good start. Have a beautiful week, dear and Happy stitching. Hugs.

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