While I'm thinking on the topic....

There is at least one portrait that I can see well enough to recreate the smocking pattern. I've ordered a book on Cranach from the library (The big, beautiful one that runs $300 on Amazon). I wouldn't be surprised if there are more in there.

So - would it be useful to create a page where I display the portrait - and the accompanying smocking stitch diagram, for those less used to "reading the stitches"?

Time to pack

Anneliese is going to spend a few days with Grandma and Grandpa. I called Mom yesterday and just let her know that Anneliese doesn't have dance class this week (well, Linsey can't go, so same effect). Mom jumped at it. She thinks she wants to keep her through the weekend. I think none of them will make it that long. ;-)

Gotta go pack her little suitcase. And send along her cookbooks. She and Grandma are going to pick a recipe, make a shopping list, go grocery shopping, and then come home and make goodies. ;-)

I love my children. But Anneliese can be a full-time job in and of herself. For two people. Something difficult to communicate to someone who doesn't have an Autistic child - even if they know one. Mom, for instance, overestimates how good she's likely to be. Heh. I do find that the occasional bit of "respite care" I get from Mom helps rather a lot. I don't like to abuse the idea. She gets her for a few days maybe once or twice a year. And ONLY Anneliese. Saddling her with both girls would just be mean. I run ragged with both girls, and I'm 30 years younger.

Not sure berry-picking will happen today. BUT - I might sacrifice my meager serger fund for a pop-up shelter instead. The shade-fly is just a lot of work with the girls. We need someone to chase THEM while we put it up - and that's a rare siuation. I don't like to RELY on charity. We can go back to the less-modern looking shade fly when the girls are older.

Ah, the little joys of motherhood!