The male and female Red Cardinals have been visiting the big feeders late afternoon just at almost dusk. Maybe they load up on a little nutrition to get them through the cold night. It's hard to get a photo of them together and this was taken from a great distance. I wonder if they are the same pair I see all the time as it's believed Red Cardinals mate for life.
You've probably figured out by now that my favourite stitching is hand stitching. With that in mind, I've started another EPP project, this one stars. I've wanted to stitch stars again for a while and I like that scraps can be put to use too. And I'd kept all the cardboard triangles I'd used in Panama Pyramids and just have to trim them down as I want these stars to finish at a smaller size. This is another project that perfectly suits the monthly colour changes at So Scrappy though January's colour, pink, is scarce in my stash. I can trim the triangles in front of the tv while taking a break from Redwork Noel which is almost done.
The very big light box inherited from first wife had to be used to trace two more of the larger patterns. I use a micro pen for this so the line can be easily hidden with two strands of embroidery floss. I'm using a dark brown, DMC 498, and very easy enjoyable running stitches with a few French knots and back stitches thrown in.
Now for a hair update...white hair issues are definitely an old folks problem so skip this part if you aren't interested.
I don't know what it is about hair salons that make me want to stay out of them. I've never had a bad experience or anyone be mean to me or anything really that would account for why I don't enjoy the experience. It takes a lot to get me in one but I finally did recently. I was pleased with the professional trim, mostly on the sides, not an overall cut. The stylist listened to me about keeping hair on the top of my head that I can fluff up a bit...I look awful with flat hair. (If I thought it would suit me, I'd be happy to have one of those buzz cuts all over. ) Here is my post salon bathroom portrait where the lighting has erased all my wrinkles and turned back time. A miracle! And back to a time when Cat eye reading glasses were in style too. I think this length of hair suits me the best these days so if only I could keep it exactly like this.
Wow, my cozy sweater stripes are really not slimming.
She said I shouldn't be afraid of using more product on my hair, to experiment and find out which may cause yellowing. I guess a lot of folks complain to her about their white hair and it's different for different folks. I did buy a product from her; she looked for the volumizing mousse but they were all out so I'll check that out online. I'll share what I bought next time- a leave on conditioner, which was $30- a splurge for me. I hope she got a commission because she was so patient with me even if she did say I shouldn't cut my own hair ever again. 😊
We enjoyed this series very much, The Essex Serpent. It's billed as a moody romance which it is. It stars Tom Hiddleston and Claire Danes, both actors we enjoy. Claire, who we enjoyed in Homeland, does harrowing facial expressions so well.
Well, I've rambled on long enough. Time for a bit of lunch. I made this for myself yesterday. Sourdough bread with peanut butter and banana. And those are Mini Medjouls there...dates with a little cacao and coconut. We both like dates. Is that something you would like? Which reminds me, thank you for all the comments on the food I share. I love reading them.
Take care of yourself out there. The times, they are a changin' and not for the better or at least that's what many of us old folks think. But then when did old folks ever think changes were for the better?
How are you...snowed in or sweltering in the summer heat? The new year has started with wild and horrible weather around the globe. Heartbreaking to see devastation on such a scale in California. It makes us appreciate what is a normal winter so far here in the Ottawa valley. Wind chills of over -20 many days but you can have all the gear to layer up and keep warm on walks while out and about. I notice some folks have very fashionable, and what I would call, even beautiful winter outer wear. Mine tends to be more utilitarian and I'm still enjoying the cozy hand and neck warmers generous Jean at All Points of the Compass kindly sent me a few years back.
I personally find it invigorating and enjoyable to walk in colder temperatures. I really don't know if it boosts my mental sharpness as it is supposed to and I could certainly use more of that, but it certainly revs up the blood. And there is no better feeling than coming inside to the warmth and comfort of our home. That bit always makes me feel grateful. Another thing I like about days with extreme cold, and this would be reaching for the silver lining, is the roads are all clear- no snow, freezing rain or slush or ice. The roads are perfect for driving which is much appreciated by someone like me who isn't a confident driver. If it has to stay very cold during our winter months to achieve that, then I'm fine with it.
Meanwhile, inside where it definitely is warm and toasty, I did make a small start on an EPP project- one that's been in my file for a long time. I'll share that next time. I'm using scraps and including some of my thrifted fabric. I had two men's shirts that I'd bought at Value Village and cut them apart. At that outing, I'd been on the hunt for unusual solid colours but found these two below and couldn't resist them. Neat to see the colours and prints that men are wearing these days and I know I'm old fashioned to even notice it. These are pretty coral kind of pinks. I buy only 100% cotton shirts to reuse in quilts and it is surprising how many are just that.
I came across a really neat pattern, Candy Cane Lane, one of those that presents a complicated look but is so easy when decoded and as in this case, just two easy blocks. Here it is in two colours for Christmas. Found in Karen's Laugh Yourself Into Stitches Freebie section which is well worth checking out.
My slow stitching reveals a tiny town on the Redwork Noel project. So cute. But I don't like how the red is showing with a slight orange tinge in photos. Absolutely no orange in DMC 321 and I'm on my 7th skein for this project, all from stash. At some point, I must have been expecting lots of Christmas stitching and stocked up.
We'd been given a Quebec sugar cured ham for Christmas. I cooked it with cheesy scalloped potatoes and oven baked parsnips and carrots. Those are beets there...is that something you would like?
It was the best ham I've ever eaten. We enjoyed it in sandwiches and the last was used to make a slow cooker pea soup, which would come as no surprise to you. It added such beautiful flavour and was the perfect wintry meal.
It's making my mouth water just looking at that picture. Yes, I love my food!
I haven't shared a book in a while. I reread two of Margaret Laurence's recently....Jest of God ( I totally identified with the awkward young teacher protagonist, Rachel) and The Diviners. Then I started this one by Margaret Atwood. I like everything both the Margarets have written.
I've watched several YouTube videos of Margaret Atwood on the set of The Handmaid's Tale and with Elizabeth Moss. Amazing how that all came together. BTW, quilts were a central theme in her book, Alias Grace. Quilting Daily published this neat little article The Quilts of Alias Grace which is worth a look.
Did you choose a word of the year? A couple folks I follow have chosen Simplify. I'm not choosing a word, but I am going to work hard at keeping deep, dark thoughts at bay. Maybe I should have a phrase... Lighten Up would cover it. What about you? Do you think you need to lighten up?
I'm feeling pretty good today as I successfully navigated the online Patient Portal at our doctor's website to renew a prescription, a cream I use infrequently but like to have on hand. The Portal has become notorious with having so many glitches it has increased calls to the reception desk, not lessened them as hoped. Now if only I could figure out Blogger.
I keep the binoculars on my kitchen window shelf and my camera handy there too. I took this photo of a small fluffy looking bird that turned out to be a very young Blue Jay. Love those distinctive markings.
I wondered what the big quilting trend will be for 2025 as there seems to be one each new year and sure enough there is one...it is "finding your zen". The overall movement to promote strong mental health and well being translates in the quilting world to choosing designs and patterns that are soothing, relaxing and promote mindfulness. We all knew that already I think. I was thinking last weekend that every time I work in the sewing room, it is a big mess in there. I can barely look when I dart in there for something. That is definitely not zen...ish at all.
Lone Star Medallion is on the quilty table and I've begun stitching it down. As always I enjoy seeing the fabrics up close. Most of these were Minick and Simpson who seem to specialize in red, white and blue and their fabrics are very good quality. I'm sewing with a neutral light grey.
Some decluttering has been going on here these first weeks of the New Year. Putting away the Christmas things allowed me to see what else was stowed in the many boxes and tubs downstairs. Tony's auction winnings most of it and too good to just toss but need to not be here.
And while I remember, have you heard of the latest 365 Day Declutter program? You discard one thing each day of the year, just one. I've started and have 11 items in my basket so I'm off to a good start. And I'm continuing my 2024 plan to shop my stash for fabric. You would not believe what I've found tucked away. How could I forget a fabric line that I coveted enough to order a fat quarter bundle online. Apparently, I could. Anyway, more about the one a day declutter program here at The Simplicity Habit.
I did pick up the Pillsbury Grands and made the cinnamon rolls for Tony. He really liked them and has been enjoying one after supper each night. I had one the first night with a big cup of ginger tea. There are my blueberries which I eat almost every day.
I don't know what to do with my hair. In later years, Mom complained that her hair was unmanageable, felt like fluff she said, bird's feathers, which we had a laugh about. But lo and behold, my hair is feeling exactly the same way. My hair always was fine with a little curl and took to curling really well. No problems with it mostly and I don't mind at all the white it has turned. I can use a curling iron but the heat turns my white hair a bit yellow, not nice. I guess I could dig out the curlers and use and see how those work. If you remember, I cut my hair into a pixie style which has grown out a bit and it's only the top that is so flyaway and needs managing. Any tips, ideas, products you find work well with fine white hair, please let me know.
A crisp -23 C wind chill out there this morning. I'll bundle up for the morning walk, maybe even break out my balaclava. I'm now filling two bird feeders with black sunflower seeds. These little guys are getting snacks from the ground.
I have my little 2025 planner ready to go. I looked at many fancy and even beautiful ones and in the end opted for this $5 one at the Dollar Store. It ticked all the boxes for what I need. Beside it is the new address book I bought from Amazon. It has a special section to record passwords which is handy as we seem to have a slew of those these days. I spent more money on that because I hope to have it a long time. And on the other side is the very old (10 + years) address book that has fallen apart. Tony keeps all his info on the computer and wonders why I don't too. What do you do?
Another of my presents to share with you...
This lovely sampler quilt book below that was on my wish list. Alice's Wonderland Sampler Quilt by Alice Caroline which promises to improve my sewing skills.
I first heard of Alice when I followed Rachel who used EPP to sew Alice's Flower Garden of the Month project using Liberty of London fabrics. So pretty!
And I must share with you Beth's Christmas Day Cheesecake. It is Rock Recipes Turtle Cheesecake and was, as they say, to die for. Tony was so happy we hosted as we got to keep the leftovers.
During Christmas holidays, Robbie played in a weekend hockey tournament and we got to go to the last game. The arena was on the opposite side of Ottawa, far from us. We hadn't driven the major city motorway, the Queensway, in years and it was quite crowded and a bit scary but we made it. We got to see awards presented and were so happy Robbie won one- for the hardest working player. I think that is a wonderful thing to get recognition for. He is loving playing so much which is what it's all about.
That is his little 3 year old self up in the left corner. Oh my, those years are just a blink in time it seems.
Slow stitching this weekend was spent with Redwork Noel still. Here I've finished a couple of cross stitched versions of trees. It is narrowing to form the bottom of the heart design.
Huge thanks to Frederique who is again collating all the BOM"s and QAL's now for 2025. The link is 2025 Quilt Challenges if you'd like to check them out.
I am so happy to have Jenny back blogging! I always loved her blog- Jenny of Elegantz, and she is offering a lovely BOM called The Free Sewing Room BOM. Her embroidery designs are sweet and uplifting too.
I have much more to talk about like my hair, for instance, of all things, and a decluttering plan but I don't want the posts to be too long. Next time then...
Stay warm or cool depending on what part of this wonderful world you are living in!
I had to give up my quilty table for a couple of days. It sported the thrifted vintage Santa table cloth and displayed my second hand store Petit Point dish set. Both big bargains and well loved by me
I received the annual Christmas planter from Tony's kind former inlaws. They specify it be a plant or two I can grow and it never fails to make me happy. More about the plants later. There is Ned snoozing away in the background.
My retired librarian sister always sends me a book and it is always completely appropriate. It is a treat to receive. Isn't that owl gorgeous!
Below...A present to myself. I clearly have a thing for anything vintage. I adore these pictures so just had to buy this jigsaw puzzle found at Value Village. I'm loving putting together the little scenes. I always listen to podcasts while doing this.
*Someone asked isn't it frustrating if there are pieces missing. My answer is I've been very lucky so far...the most pieces missing from one was 3 and I had Petey here at the time- a piece or two may have flown off with two big dogs running about. One had one piece missing but most still have all the pieces which is surprising. Often the bag hasn't been opened or if opened, you can tell the puzzle has never been put together...the pieces have that brand new stiff feel. Jigsaws seem like a good gift but maybe not for everyone which is why there is always a good selection at thrift stores. This one definitely has been put together before; if I had to guess, many times.
And now to my quilty Christmas Presents project- my blocks are finished and I've started to add white sashings. Here they are on my design wall in the back hall while I consider final placement. I just realized counting them, I think I have four more in the sewing room somewhere...maybe.
The fabrics are pretty...I wish you could see them close up.
Now that most of the Christmas treats have been eaten...
I've watched a number of Instagram videos with folks using those Pillsbury frozen biscuits in the most creative ways. I think I'll buy a tube of the Grands and make them as a treat for Tony. He loves Cinnamon Rolls and we haven't had them for a very long time. Have you tried them?
And here he is relaxing by the fire on this the second day of the new year.
2025 has a nice ring to it, doesn't it. We wish you all the happiest of New Years! And a huge thank you to you who stayed with me throughout my ups and downs of last year. Your words meant the world to me.
This is the last sign of the mystery pond animal. Something broke through the ice to make a path right to the hole in the bank.
The pond is like this now. It can hold my weight and there is no further sign of the animal.
There is lots of goal setting happening this special time of year as we start a brand new one. "25 in 25" is very popular in both the cross stitch and quilty worlds. What do you think? For myself, I'm determined to continue finishing projects begun and my in sight quilting table is definitely helping that goal. Speaking of which, here is the latest on that quilty table, my blue EPP version of a Lone Star Medallion quilt.
I had already spent ages stitching white corners on and didn't like how wrinkled looking they were so took those off. I did a little research and am going to applique the whole thing to one large piece of background fabric, like I saw one person online do successfully. I've still kept the papers in the edging so it should be pretty easy to get that job done.
We'll see how that goes. Wish me luck!
And here is how far I've gotten with Redwork Noel.
My ex was here for the holidays and we had a number of happy get togethers with the family. This Christmas Day, there were nine of us around the table. I was disappointed in my turkey. Looks good, doesn't it? Tasteless, no real turkey flavour there...a bit of a mystery why. Tony very helpfully suggested I should have bought a Butterball which I probably should have. LOL
One of the best things about having visitors is the nooks and crannies get a clean out. As if anyone could see those- by 4:30 it is dark here these days, or anyone really care for that matter.
We didn't put up a tree but had a number of light up things around this living area. I'm happy with this little house row bought at Value Village. Took a chance and all it needed was a battery.
Wonderful gifts were shared and I'll talk about that in another post.
A housekeeping issue... Readers comments...I don't receive them in my gmail feed anymore, only in Blogger itself and I don't know how to reply there. I've spent a couple frustrating sessions trying to rectify the situation with no luck. No doubt I have pushed a key somewhere that changed this situation. I'll keep at it.
Thank you to the kind reader who had concern for us about air quality with burning wood. We are in a main area with a 20 foot ceiling which probably helps. We also have two air purifiers, one in this living area and one down the hall in the tv room. Fingers crossed those too are helping.
So now we are on the cusp of one year's end and a fresh new one beginning. Yikes. Endings always come too fast. Does anyone know the song that line comes from?
Well, how are you and are you feeling festive finally?
Thank you so much for the comments and emails on my posts. Several of you asked about Tony's lack of appetite. It has been slowly waning. But that does not bother him like I think it should as he always enjoyed being thin. However, it is his lack of strength and feeling tired after only minutes of doing some chore or other that really bothers him. We just had yet another appointment with the doctor who reviewed his recent tests. No, nothing has been discovered; everything is status quo as it were. He's still on a bunch of meds, of course, and our pharmacist has also done a review to see if anything is amiss. I notice no one is mentioning his age during these consults; perhaps it would be considered agism to do so. But all that aside, Tony has, on the surface at least, been doing well. He rode, on his Spyder, with the guys once a week all summer, meets up with them for coffee once a week in a neighbouring town and also keeps lunch dates with other old pals. He has more of a social life than I do.
I've done a big sort out of the sheets in the green storage unit I use to house our bedding. This house is short on closets so this one from Ikea does the trick. Beside it is also an Ikea item to store shoes which is also handy.
The cotton sets are organized and stowed away and the flannel sheets are now pressed into service. Nothing can beat flannel for coziness which we appreciate as our bedroom is at the end of one of the halls. I should explain...the main area of the house is a kitchen, dining, living all in one, and there are two halls on opposite sides leading to the bedrooms. We are far from the fire, but of course, our furnace kicks in at some point towards morning so we are not getting up to a cold house.
We are both still using the castor oil. Tony likes how it makes his skin less dry and itchy. I have no idea if it is helping for wrinkles or any of that. I do think it keeps the skin from drying out which is a positive thing. And it is cheap. Here, a typical Ontario winter has begun with below freezing temps so we can use whatever we can get. It was -20C on my walk the other morning. Cleats on my boots as everything out there was frozen hard, a skating rink in places. My fear of falling is real but it won't make me stay in...I feel like fresh air is vital to my well being somehow.
I bought a large bag of cranberries on special and made a batch of jam. It was a delicious treat on sourdough toast. I debated which kind of sugar to use but in the end, used regular old sugar. It is tiring to scrutinize every single thing we eat all the time.
My Scrappy quilt is finished; it is 48 in. x 45 in. - just right for a lap quilt. I laid many more lines of hand quilting to make sure everything will stay put. Always a challenge to keep those stitches nice and even.
I had enough fabric to bring the blue backing to the front for a border on two sides and used black jelly roll fabric for the other two. I put it through the washer and it has a soft squishy feel.
And in very slow stitching, I've added a little more to Redwork Noel, such a sweet design. I usually use tiny applique pins to help with my counting and even then these higher count fabrics present a challenge for these eyes of mine.
I enjoy Karen Brown's Just Get It Done quilting videos very much. Besides enjoying her presenting style, I like how she is real about it all. Do you know what I mean? Recently she posted three videos having to do with quilting/stitching items to be found at the Dollar stores. I made note of some things I could use and and not just in the sewing room- perhaps there is something here you could put to use around the house.
Tony remembers The Dick Van Dyke Show and I know it from reruns too. When this popped up on my YouTube Feed I showed it to him and we both thought it very sweet and enjoyed it. The more I see of Chris Martin, I can't help but think he is a nice guy. This was made to celebrate Dick turning 99!
The big day is upon us. I've been grocery shopping and wrapping gifts besides continuing the big tidy up I began last month. Boy, does that ever feel good! We will be hosting the turkey dinner on Christmas Day and preparations are mostly done. Just the big meal to cook on the day itself. I hope you are enjoying these days whether celebrating the holidays this year or not. Take Care!
You've probably figured out by now that my favourite stitching is hand stitching. With that in mind, I've started another EPP project, this one stars. I've wanted to stitch stars again for a while and I like that scraps can be put to use too. And I'd kept all the cardboard triangles I'd used in Panama Pyramids and just have to trim them down as I want these stars to finish at a smaller size. This is another project that perfectly suits the monthly colour changes at So Scrappy though January's colour, pink, is scarce in my stash. I can trim the triangles in front of the tv while taking a break from Redwork Noel which is almost done. 
The very big light box inherited from first wife had to be used to trace two more of the larger patterns. I use a micro pen for this so the line can be easily hidden with two strands of embroidery floss. I'm using a dark brown, DMC 498, and very easy enjoyable running stitches with a few French knots and back stitches thrown in.
