We're still having intermittent snow here. No sign of anything growing yet. Today is gray and rainy (at least it's not more snow today).
Last weekend Uncle Willie (my dad's cousin) hosted a "birthday party" in honor of his grandfather (my great), George Hill. George and Dorothy Hill were my father's mother's parents. I realized after the fact that this was my first big post-surgery outing. I couldn't have picked a better one.
A great group of family and a few friends came to hang out, reminisce, and listen to wonderful music from Ed Hill (second cousin once removed) (and endless repeats of the UofI and UMich fight songs from Uncle Willie, who had the time of his life). Sorry about the microphone face--Eddie's music is awesome, KALEIDOSCOPE - Ed Hill's original music.
This is me (right, wearing an ancient t-shirt with a 1940s family photo), Uncle Willie on the left, I'm not sure who the guy is--maybe the local historical society director, the lovely lady in black is cousin Mary Beth.
This is my custom stenciled tattoo, made by a couple of enterprising young cousins ($2 for the tattoo and many people were sporting these tattoos). The ink was glittery and lasted a few days. (seeing this made me realize my arm looks exactly like my Aunt Dorothy's--all speckled.)
A couple more cousins, a younger generation Willie and Gus (a younger generation George), brothers. We must not have much imagination with naming...Lots and lots of Georges, but also a few Williams and Jameses, too. I'm named for both of my grandmothers, following the trend. Thanks to Cousin Barb for making this all happen.
I did get some stitching done on the angel. It took me a lot of trial and error and ripping and redoing to figure out the offset pattern for the flowers. The few in the center bottom are complete, leaves and all. Last night I had a good night of stitching (sitting with post therapy ice packs on both knees). I completed the dress and also the halo. The pattern called for more flowers in the halo but I filled it in with an alternating tent stitch type stitch (don't know what it's called), using all six colors from the skirt. I really like the colors.
This is the alternating tent stitch I used. I did three rows with two colors in each row, which made it look a bit more random. I'll post a current photo next week.
