Stitch Helpers

As part of my birthday present, Andreas' parents gave me this beautiful stitch counter and thread puller combination.  Thank you!  I'll definitely use it!

Three Statues

 This tea garden fountain and the one just below are in a courtyard just behind the opera house.  Supposedly, the buildings that front this courtyard are the most expensive real estate in Odessa.  The third is the Katherine statue again.  Since Katherine signed Odessa's founding charter, residents tend to admire her.

McCafe Anyone?

I wanted to sit down for a cup of something hot.  Andreas was anxious to be moving after every meal.  This was our compromise.  It was good!

Down To Foreground

Looks like the castle's done.  Time to get the foreground completed.  I only have about twenty rows to the end.

Odessa Opera House Details

 While on the free city walking tour, we went back by the opera house.  The reason for the limo is the wedding party inside.  Andreas managed to catch some great details, including gargoyles.  The opera house was built in the 1830's by an Austrian firm.  I think they did a magnificent job.  Supposedly the hall has the best acoustics in Europe.

Birthday Jewelry

I had some ladybug earrings that I really liked.  One fell out of my ear and the back was broken off.  So I told Andreas he needed to get me a new pair.  Not only did he do that, he got me a great ladybug bracelet and a necklace that's a bee!  Yay, they're beautiful and I've been wearing all of them a lot!

Beginning The Middle

Because the middle of the upper part is so spread out, I'm working this piece in quarters.  I've begun the inside of the fence part of the first quarter.