jrwilson, why do you not like Lugana? Just curious. It's always interesting to learn the various opinions, likes and dislikes of certain products. I have the most beautiful fabric on my desk for the "Garden of Delight" that I hope to start one day soon. I look at it, the pattern and the floss almost daily. If only I had more time and dedication. I am busier in retirement than ever before. Probably because I've slowed down. I agree with you, Cashel is nice to stitch on. I enjoy the softer fabrics.
As far as partial stitches are concerned - I don't mind 1/4 stitches at all, as long as it's the same color. I dislike having to place one in a different color. It seem a lot of effort for such a small detail. 3/4 stitches are okay but the ones I really dislike are 1/2 stitches. It seems that I get lost for some reason if I have to cover a large area. I tried to do the serenity prayer once ( I liked it), the entire project was done in 1/2 stitches. A tree with falling leaves, all in very muted colors of the same family. I had made decent progress until I got off course. I got so frustrated that I cut the whole thing up. I can't remember how it goes but the part about having knowledge about things that cannot be changed applied. I am not meant to stitch 1/2 stitches, I suppose.
What are you working on?

Carol P, I just wrote a long reply and somehow it all disappeared. DH picked up all the pieces yesterday. I was so surprised and grateful and don't you know, a couple hours later they came over and she dumped the whole box on the floor again! I didn't know if I should laugh or cry.
I cannot believe that you are keeping 5 kids and several pets! For how long? You are a saint. They owe you big time. I'd lose my mind. I love my kids and grandkids but am not really a kid person and definitely not a pet person. If it can't dispose of its own waste, it's not for me. I know, I know....... I'm just tired. I feel like a hamster on its wheel, whenever I get caught up something happens.
That's quite an accomplishment on your son in law's behalf. Rank is difficult to achieve in the Air Force. Where are they sending you when your daughter returns? :) Our daughter's in laws flew out to WA to babysit when their daughter visited her husband in the Phillipines It's nice that the wives get to see different parts of the world. In the old days, the service member came home to visit.
I'll be thinking about you - a lot! I am wishing you the best holiday season possible under the circumstances! LOL
Again, you are a saint!

PS Glad that you were able to get your project framed. I hope that Senior Stitcher can get her last glad framed.
My feet still smart when I think of all the Lego pieces I have stepped on along with various Barbie "stuff", shoes, hair brushes, flower pots form the house, etc.! That got me hotter than fish grease and they scurried around like mice trying to pick all that stuff up. LOL
Gotta run, I've promised to bake a sweet potato pie for DH - for the last couple of months!

Jrwilson 229 so glad your SIL got home safely. My son has done 4 tours in Afghanistan and a tour during Desert Storm in Iraq. He is in Okinawa now for the last 3 years of his tour and then will be retiring with 30 years in the Marine Corps. I never stop worrying about him although in Okinawa I don't worry quite as much. Tell your daughter and SIL thanks for their service.

As for what goes around comes around with kids my son in the Corps was my most active and his youngest is just like him and drives him crazy. Awe!!!

syagel, too funny! The apple does not fall far from the tree. Will your son and family return to the US upon retirement? It would give you a chance to "relive" your son's childhood through your grandson. LOL

Texas Stitcher yes my son and his family are moving back to the states when he retires from the Corps. They want to live in either Indiana, Michigan, or Ohio. Since I live in Ohio that will be great. I will just sit back and chuckle. LOL

Merry Christmas all!

Carol P, hope that all is well with you. Why didn't you wait until the new year with your surgery? I can only imagine how painful that must be. I hope that the kids are older and able to help out. I am wishing you a speedy and full recovery. Our son in law injured his knee several years ago and has had three surgeries already. He has the same injuries that you have. He also requires a full knee replacement but his physician wants to wait a little longer. He is only 35 yrs old and replacements only last 8 years or so he told us.
Have a joyful holiday.
PS I caught our granddaughter's cold and feel pretty awful myself. Of course not nearly as badly as what you are experiencing. Good luck.