Two Finishes!

I am one day late on posting my progress in the SAL I am doing with Ranae at the blog "Stitch by Stitch."  It has been so much fun doing a SAL with Ranae.  She is a great inspiration! Well, I thought I was finished yesterday afternoon and I looked over my design to take photos and post.  Guess what, I forgot 2 things.  I forgot one of the chimneys and the leaves at the end of the tree.  I had an appointment so I didn't have time to finish until last night and then I was too tired to post. So today, I am sharing the finished piece.  And Ranae, I am absolutely sure you will finish this week end!!!!!
My dear friend in Chicago who had knee replacement in July got her gift, so I will show you that project  as well.

 I absolutely love this design.  Some things you finish and like and then others are just special.  This is special to me.  I used the floss that was suggested but stitched on 32 ct. lambswool.  I like the natural look that linen gives the piece.

 My friend and I have a joke about using rats in Halloween decorating.  I don't and she does! So when I decided to do a piece for her, it had to have rats!  I made a few changes.  I gave the rats red eyes and the cat, green eyes.  I had trouble seeing the cat.  As I was stitching, my DH said ,"Oh , see the cat!"  I did not see it  at first!  I liked the way the cat looked so I decided he needed green eyes to show up better.  I also did not stitch on orange linen.  This was 28 ct. that I had in my stash.  I like the more subtle look the tan linen gave the piece.  I bought orange linen and then decided to was too bright.  The design came from the 2011 Just Cross Stitch Halloween Collection. The chart was called '"Knock Knock" designed by Marie Driskill of Blackberry Lane Designs. The frame is one you can put on a table or shelf.  I like this especially for holiday designs.

We are having a spell of beautiful days, sunny in the high 70's.  The only problem is that due to our lack of rain, we are on the high alert for fires.  I hope everyone one in Western Washington is very careful of fire this week-end.  Thanks for joining me and have a wonderful week-end!

Fall in the Yard and the Next project!

Even though we broke another heat record (90 on Sat.) the yard and garden are beginning to look like Fall-thanks heavens! I think I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves.

 A huge clump of Black-eyed Susans.

 Anemone Margaret

Not sure the name of this aster. It is full of these pretty little flowers!

 Remember "Whiskers." I always use this in my Fall pots.

 I found this little beauty to join Whiskers.

The Parrotia tree is slowly turning.

 The Sweetgum tree.  I love the Fall color of this tree.

The next project.  If you have read my blog, you know that I am not the worlds best finisher.  I tend to frame everything.  I bought his 2 years ago and it is speaking to me.  See the small print"Finishing instructions included."  Wish me luck!!!!!!!

Thanks so much for joining me today.  I really appreciated anyone who takes the time to read this blog! I hope you all have a terrific week!