Every now and then you just pinch yourself.  Did I really see this happen?   I had one of those ah-ha moments in early November as I watched Flightline smoke the rest of the field to win the Breeders' Cup Classic by over eight lengths, a record.  This "other worldly" horse breathes different air.  I felt like I had witnessed history being made, as he'll likely go down as one of the very best dirt horses to come around in a few decades.  Flightline only raced for 10 minutes in his short career and I was able to witness a full 20 percent of it.   Pundits w ..read more

 It's been quite a while........ A long summer here in Virginia, waiting patiently today for the remnants of Ian to hit but it sounds like our routine summer afternoon thunderstorms now accompanied by 50 MPH wind gusts (that have taken out multiple trees) are worse than what Ian will bring today.  Prayers for friends in Florida who are suffering through this terrible event. In August, I made a road trip to North Carolina to see old friends and attend a memorial service.  It was a quick jaunt but reminded me of the value of lifelong friends and fabulous taste.   My frie ..read more

 Even with a bad foot and lots of help, life has been incredibly busy on the farm.  This is one of my favorite posts to write..... 1) Current Read - Out of the Clouds by Linda Carroll and David Rosner I just started this book and bought it for my book stash before surgery on Thrift Books.  It's a 2018 title about  Stymie, a famous race horse, another rags-to-riches story. Here is the overview from Amazon: n the bestselling tradition of the The Eighty-Dollar Champion, the propulsive, inspiring Cinderella story of Stymie, an unwanted Thoroughbred, a ..read more

Spring is always a good time for a beauty refresh and it's fun trying new products.  I am a creature of habit, however, and tend to use the same brands again and again.  My favorites - Erno Lazlo, NARS, Dior, Kate Sommerville, Drunk Elephant, Givenchy - among others.  It takes me forever to use make-up, except for moisturizer so I don't mind paying for premium brands.  It's a small splurge at the end of the day. My dirty little secret - TJ Maxx.  I find a lot of good moisturizers here for a mere fraction of the price.  When I see it I stock up.  I find my ton ..read more

This is one of my favorite times of year - when the Derby Hunt really starts to pick up momentum.  There is a huge prep race today, Saturday at the Fairgrounds in New Orleans (the Risen Star) and post time is just before 7 pm EST.  So far there is no clear Derby favorite like there was the year American Pharoah won the Triple Crown.  There are some bright shining stars however and there are quite a few strong horses in this race today.  Whoever wins this race is certain to be qualified for the Derby. Here are top Derby contenders before today's race.  Several are goi ..read more

 As a lifelong stitcher, one regret is that I have not stitched more rugs.  The idea of a rug is daunting and it's not an inexpensive endeavor but if you have not tackled this, then please reconsider.  I have only completed two.  One is a Meredith Collection rug that took me three years to complete (I worked on it only in winter) and it was certainly worth the effort and I would definitely do it again. I stitched this rug and I added my monogram in the middle.  I had the designer complete the monogram for me.  I did this in wool.  The canvas is 10 inch mesh s ..read more

I have enjoyed watching the ups and downs of the Olympics.  What a treat to see these world class athletes turn flips through the air and land those jumps.  It's truly inspiring and once I can walk again - skiing maybe next season? Ralph Lauren dresses the US Team and you can buy the stuff online.  It's pricey but I must say I'd love to have a few of these to wear after the Games end.  You can find the selection at Ralph Lauren or on the TeamUSA site. Another source for great vintage needlepoint is this website.  This company has a stash of their products and they ar ..read more

There's just something about vintage.  I have two vintage needlepoint projects in my stash right now, both purchased in 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic and both bargains - a small rug project and a pillow - both equestrian.  The vintage stuff is harder to find now but it's still out there if you dig.   Many vintage pieces come with wool yarn and I still love wool.  If you are a Charleston aficionado, then you might like this brick cover. This bunny kit is so cute and perfect for Easter. This argyle key fob is cute: A kit with wool: This canvas is easy ..read more

 As you can see I have been getting ready to sit and stitch as my surgery won't allow me to do much else for a while.  Apollo has moved to his new temporary home (two trailer rides in two days is a lot for him) and we all miss him terribly.  Sega and April are downright depressed.  I will be looking forward to visits. Here are a few more needlepoint tidbits this cool Friday morning. The sleet and snow are coming again and the cold will tomorrow.  Bundle up! My high school classmate owns this company and I have a few of her "toppers" and they are so darn cute but unless ..read more

It's been a busy week as a I prepare for my temporary new life as a couch potato starting next week - I'll be lounging a lot as I recover from surgery which will keep me off my feet for a while.  Apollo and Madison left yesterday - they won't return to the farm before June.  It was a sad day.  Bi-weekly visits are in order, however.  The needlepoint stash is full, again.  (Not that it ever approached anything close to being empty). I added this ornament to my stash.  Love the colors. Added this in the ornament size. I ordered a few other canvases as well.&n ..read more