Thursday 25 March 2021

Excitement, Can This Spring Be Real? and Stitching Of Course

 I've spent a good amount of time outside lately. The temperatures were so warm and especially welcomed because it is still March. Feels like a bonus to have lovely weather during this month usually known for late snowstorms and the dreaded freezing rain. Bits of green are poking through the dried grass and we wondered was it survival growth under the snow or brand new. It doesn't matter...these tiny spring signs are welcome to my eyes.

The hint of red on the head there identifies this wee one as a redpoll, I think. He was sure enjoying a little rest in the sun.

The ice on the pond has become soft and walkable. Monday we crossed it walking carefully with our cleats but Hubby broke through at the far edge and just like that was up to his knees in water. Over his high boots and we had a heck of time getting him up and out...soaking wet jeans and water weighted boots. I went over one boot in the process so we hobbled back to the house where Hubby got a hot shower and change of clothes. No worse for wear.  Exciting times here at the wooden house!!

Continuing excitement...first chipmunk of the season out and about in the front garden. Looking a little small and also thin.

But he spent lots of time under the bird feeder and I caught this photo of him before he headed back to his burrow...cheeks full.
Also exciting -we visited Abbey and her puppies. 
Both Abbey and Ned, the father, a chocolate Lab, were from litters that had all three colours of Labradors so it was exciting to find out what colours her puppies would be. She had 3 of each. 9 puppies!

Thank you all for the comments and emails about owning a puppy at this stage of life. Hubby read your words as well.

I have discovered Kombucha and really like it. As a vinegar liker, I find it similarly pungent and a great substitute for a sippy kind of drink. Also nice to try out different flavours. Oh and I also drink cranberry juice sometimes too.

I must mention this post from my blogging friend, Gladi Porsche.. She is an extraordinary quilter and in that post, treated us to a picture show of those featuring curves, which I especially love.  What beauties!! Inspiration galore! I know I will return often to see how she put fabrics and colours together too.

I'll leave you today with this photo of Hawk Run Hollow's April block.  I am not a great full coverage stitcher so the house is slow going if I am to keep the stitches as neat as I like them to be.  But enjoyable nonetheless.

Since I'd written this post already, I will publish as is. However, Hubby and I suffered a hard blow yesterday which I won't include now but talk about next time. 

Till then, stay safe...this is not over yet, Take care of yourself.

Always happy to link with Not Afraid of ColorPaying Ready AttentionKathy's QuiltsViewing Nature With Eileen and Brian's Home Blog.


31 comments :

Home Sewn By Us said...

Hi Jocelyn! Oh, those puppies. Three of each color - how fun is that?! Did you decide if you want to get one in a few weeks. The signs of Spring are all around us if we just look. ~smile~ Roseanne

Brian's Home Blog said...

Those critters are all so cute and so are the wee puppies. I sure am glad you were able to hoist the hubby out of the water! Thanks for joining our Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!

piecefulwendy said...

I always enjoy reading your posts and seeing your photos. I had to sit and look at that photo of lovely yarn and thread for a bit, just to soak it in. Glad your hubby only sank in to his knee; what an adventure and chilly, I imagine. I'm sorry about the news you've received. Hope it's nothing life changing.

Libby in TN said...

Enjoy your few signs of spring as I'm sure there's a touch of winter hanging out there. I hope the blow is not Covid. Please keep us posted.

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

Oh those puppies are so sweet. Glad you both got out of the pond safely. I was wading in the ditch yesterday picking up garbage. I am sure I looked super sexy. Shorts, rubber chore boots, and a huge sweatshirt. :D The pic of the red poll is awesome as well as the chipper.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

those puppies are so cute - I'd be very tempted! I guess now you know the ice is not firm enough this late in March huh - glad there were no ill effects - bet that was cold! So glad you will be getting spring in your neck of the woods!

grammajudyb said...

I love all your wildlife photos and the new puppies too! Thoughts sent out to you!

PaintedThread said...

The chipmunks have been out in force! The puppies are so cute.

Thinking of you. Take care.

Jackie said...

It's March in Canada and for Saskatchewan that means we are in for one more snow before the end of the month. Just so happens that it will be starting tomorrow of course just before Easter. Hopefully this means Easter will be just fine.

Love the photo of the chipmunk with it's chubby cheeks.

God bless.

Nana said...

I love animals and of course I love puppies. How lovely.

Nana

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Walking on a "frozen" pond can be especially treacherous at this time of the year. Thank goodness this didn't happen farther out in deeper water. Hypothermia sets in pretty quickly.

Linda said...

Nine puppies - my goodness - and what a wonderful mix of cuteness! I am anxious to hear what happened and hoping everything will be OK with you. Sending you positive, loving thoughts!

MissPat said...

Oh, Jocelyn, how could you leave us with that foreboding cliff hanger. Up till then your post was a delightful catch up. Although I think it's best that you both stay off the pond ice. So now I wait in suspense to hear what dread has befallen you.
Pat

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

Isn't it wonderful to feel Spring in the air and see a bit of green?! I'm glad your hubby only broke the water up to his knees - that was far enough, it sounds like. The blog you linked to had amazing circle designs - very inspiring! Your statement at the end has me wondering, Jocelyn - sending you good thoughts!

Anonymous said...

At nanas sewing world I read your comment an respondet to it there. I was happy that you admired my work. Thank you for your praise. I like your blog too and I will stop by more often. All the best. Christa

Jenny said...

Beautiful puppies and chipmunk photos. Such a shock you must have had with hubby falling in the pond, so pleased it all ended well. Sorry to read you have received bad news.

Rosemary Dickinson said...

I love your nature photographs. You're the best! We have chipmunks all over the place. They live in our rock walls. Those puppies are so cute! So tempting to keep them! I hope you're okay. You're scaring me.

Anonymous said...

Hallo
Bei Nana`s Nähwelt habe ich Deinen Kommentar gelesen und darauf gestern geantwortet. Ich habe mich sehr gefreut, dass Du meine Arbeiten bewunderst. Vielen Dank für Dein <lob. Dein Blog gefällt mir auch undich werde öfter vorbeischauen. Alles Gute und liebe Grüße
Christa

Michele McLaughlin said...

Hope you and your hubby are okay. I'm keeping you in my prayers.

Chopin - A Passionate Quilter said...

Love Labs and would love to have a puppy. They are so much fun to have around and play with. Glad you guys are OK on getting wet. Your animal pictures are amazing. I am going to cross my fingers that things are OK. That last statement doesn't sound too good. Hugs

andy's colours said...

So sorry to hear that there are bad news. Hope it is something you can recover from. But do keep off the ice. I would really have expected a little more common sense from someone living in Canada ... Love your animals. We don't have any chipmunks here in Germany, only plenty of red squirrels. Yes, everything is starting to grow now and it feels very springy. Can still get strong frosts until beginning of May, so we are just thankful for a bit of warmth. Would love one of the puppies. Isn't it strange that they don't come multicololoured.
Andrea

Sandee said...

It's always good to get back outside and enjoy some fresh air after a long winter.

Aw on the pups. Most precious.

Have a fabulous weekend. ♥

gladiquilts said...

Hi Jocelyn. Thank you so much for your kind words about me and the link! Like you, I’ve been enjoying our unusual spring weather, knowing that it’s likely there’s some winter still lurking in our future before the better weather arrives for good. As always I enjoy your nature pictures and those puppies are adorable. I hope you and your loved ones are well and am wishing you the best.

Kim said...

Oh, after reading your concerning last words, I hope you and your hubby are okay, Jocelyn. Those critters are sweet. I especially the little fellow with his cheeks filled with food. Sweet, sweet puppies, too. Puppies are always adorable. Take care.

Shiju Sugunan said...

Cute little chipmunk!

eileeninmd said...

Hello, Jocelyn,
You are an adventurer, walking on the ice. My hubby would probably try it, I would be too spooked. Oh wow, I would love the see those cute puppies, the newborns are adorable. 3 of each color is wonderful too, how many males and how many were females? Your Redpoll is a cutie, I wish there were here in my yard. I do see the cute chipmunks here, running all around the yard. I hope all is well, take care! Thank you for linking up your post. Have a happy new week!

Karrin Hurd said...

The puppies are adorable! Hope you and your husband are OK.

Little Penpen said...

I’m happy for Spring too! I hope all is ok with you and hubby.

CathieJ said...

Oh those puppies are adorable. I love the wildlife pictures that give a hint of Spring. Your cross-stitch is beautiful. Your pond adventure made me smile. Keeping you in my thoughts. Take care.

Ivani said...

Beautiful pictures, Love, love, love the bird one resting on the snow...so cute. Sending prayers your way. Take care, happy stitching and be safe.

Jenny said...

Oh dear, I'm worrying now, wondering what has upset you both. Do take care, and sending you healing hugs, and a pat on the head for Murphy.