It's Paula here

HI I am here
I am doing well and getting all sorted out with things now.
Still getting the extra tinnitus but it is not as bad as it was. I don't need that on top of the pure tinnitus I already have. Pure tinnitus is the high piched whistle that I have in both ears the other is the type that you hear a dull sound that comes and goes and distorts sound around you making you feel a little dizzy with it all thanks to Tramadol.
I am busy sorting things for our trip to Texas and making things to take with me as gifts.
I have made a recipe book and used some cross stitch and decoupage to decorate it. A cushion with cross stitch on it and a shopping bag that I bought fron Waitrose and I have made a cross stitch panel to go on it and carefully stitched that to the bag. So I have been bust sewing and making cards for birthdays as well. The only bug in the ointment is I cannot upload pics it is frustrating and I am hoping next year to get the computer sorted out at home. The library is ok but not very helpful when you cant upload pics and the printers out of action along with the scanner oh well at least I can take part in swaps and stuff.

I get a bit of tinnitus but it doesn't last long usually, would hate to have it all the time. I go deaf in one ear when it happens.

You must be excited about Texas.

Glad to hear you're getting on ok. Sounds like you're busy getting ready with gifts etc - how thoughtful of you.

We are on top of getting things done for Texas and even packed LOL
I can't wait I am so excited about seeing our friends again after so long. We saw them in 2001 so it has been a while.
I am making all sorts of things for them as they love home made items. I have seen a cross stitch chart for John Wayne (Mike our Texan friend) is a big fan of his but my hubby thinks it is a bit girly to make a cross stitch for a man so I am not sure about making it. It is only small and looks nice but now I am not sure if I should do it or not.

Ooh Paula I bet you are getting excited.. Your friends will love all the handmade things - they are so special. I think the man will love the x stitch of John Wayne - it is more of something to keep and he can look at it when he wants. Not like x stitching it onto a shirt or something.
Happy packing..

So pleased to hear that all is going well and your pending holiday must be so exciting for you.... have a wonderful time. I'm sure everyone will treasur your personal gifts........... and take no notice of hubby, I think the X stitch of John Wayne is an excellent idea.

Have a great time in the US

I don' t think a cross stitch of John Wayne is girly at all. My dad has embroidered pictures of cavalry officers!

oooh go for it Paula. I'm sure it will look gorgeous.xx

Speaking of men & stitching. I've a male friend in his 60's & he's cross stitched for over 30 years. He has made some awesome pictures including The Last Supper. The Queen. Wild cats. Elvis & all sorts. His work was inspirational in getting me started!

I will do that it must be my hubby then I thought it was ok and in the Cross stitch mag I get lots of men cross stitich so I will make it and give it to him anyway.