Thursday 20 May 2021

Netflix Shows To Watch, Star Stitching, Cross Stitch House Building

 I have to mention how lovely the weather has been finally and how great it is to be outside digging in the dirt. The least bit of raking up the old leaves and debris makes a big difference to how neat and tidy the flower beds look. And enable me to spy this fellow returning to what might have been his winter lodging under the tree right in front of my kitchen window. 

I have cleared the beds in the front and to the side of the house. So nice to see all the green shoots poking up. Lots of growth thanks to the sun we've had for the last five days straight.  I now have the beds in the back to rake.  Ned has been helping by happily towing sticks all over the garden and his puppy antics definitely lighten the work load.
Ned the explorer
 I sprouted a load of seeds in dampened paper towels placed in plastic bags. These were just seeds from those little packets, nothing fancy. Usually about 40% will sprout so I was pleased with how many sprang to life. I'd kept them damp with spritzing and placed in sunny/warm windows in the small garage. Here is a short video explaining this way to sprout seeds indoors. 


  Littler grandson came over on Friday afternoon (his online schooling ended at 2) and helped me plant the seeds in soil. As soon as they grow, I'll replant them outside. Robbie told me he was sorry that he didn't know more about plants but will next year as they learn about them in Grade 3.  We had a marvelous few hours together outside roaming about watching the turtles and he found a huge ants nest in the base of an old tree. After ogling them forever being horrified/ fascinated with how many there were,  I liked how careful he was to be sure all the grass and twigs were placed back around the tree so the ants would remain undisturbed. 

Meanwhile inside, the flowering is continuing and I will finally get these outside after the May 24 weekend if this warmer weather trend continues.  

Yes, there he is, the little bandit who keeps opening the compost bin.  We wonder where he is living as not a sight of him other than this. Perhaps he has luxury accommodations there in the tree house. LOL

 And before I forget I must tell you about two series on Netflix we are enjoying. The first is David Attenborogh's Life in Colour; this one I don't stitch to as I don't want to miss any of the gorgeous images.  This series reaffirms for me my love of birds and admiration of their behaviours, stunning colours and features. Here the male flamingoes are all craning their necks trying to appear taller to attract the females. 

And this one, Surviving Death, which is far more interesting and well done than I would have guessed. I had no idea the world of the parapsychology was so legitimate and involved so many learned famous people throughout the decades.  Of course, there are many stories of folks seeing signs that their loved ones sent them from the beyond. There are even a few in my own family.  One of my grandmothers told me that if there was any way to get back after she died to visit me, she would. Other than her being very much in my mind with all the memories, that has not happened unless I was too unaware to notice.
I guess I'm a questioner when it comes to this subject matter. However, just for fun, I've had my palm read several times in my life, twice in the U.S. and once in Vancouver. I had the idea that the further away from home I had it read, the more of a challenge it might be for the reader. One of the three did say some interesting and accurate things to me. 

I've sorted my winter clothes and have a bag to go to the thrift store if it ever opens again.  I want it out of the house because if it stays, I've a tendency to bring out something again. Any of you do that?  I will admit I definitely upgraded all my fleecy, woolly clothes this past winter buying online much more than I usually do. I even bought fleece leggings which felt wonderful and warm. 

On the stitchy front, I've been cleverly building my cross stitched house from the roof down.  I'm not getting nearly enough concentrated time for this as I would like but that's okay. This is being worked on straw linen which means it has slubs, little knots of thread here and there. That makes it harder for counting and easier to make a one thread off mistake.
And on my mind with red being the monthly colour for the RSC at So Scrappy are my Solidarity blocks.  I got them out to have a look and wondered what or how to put them together. I dilly dally terribly about usual things like colours for bindings, borders, etc. Maybe having them on a wall will inspire me. I also found in that pile these star blocks below I made a number of years ago. I must have thought they should be worked in with this project.
As you can imagine, our time and thoughts have been occupied with our puppy. We are enjoying the experience very much and thank you all for the very sweet comments. 























   


40 comments :

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

I need to go through my closet and drawers as well and get rid of a lot of it - way too much packed in here some hasn't been worn in years - why do I do that. So nice to finally be getting outside planting, walking and enjoying outdoors I'm sure. I feel like getting one of those night time camera's some time but haven't done so yet. Glad you had a visit from the grandson - I'll get a short visit from mine next week when he is in the area.

Nana said...

I once read about a priest, who asks one of his dead ancestors to help him every thime something will come up that scares him. For instance a difficult meeting he needs to attend tomorrow. He asks the dead family member to clear the air for him and all will turn out well.

Nobody knows...

Nana

Brian's Home Blog said...

That bunny is so cute and so is your little bandit. It's nice to see Ned helping out and having such a fun time! Thanks for joining our Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

Isn't it such a pleasure being outside in sun and warmth after all the cold and wet of the past weeks? I bet Ned loves being out there exploring with you, too! Your red and white blocks are so pretty, Jocelyn, and I love the house you are stitching.

patty a. said...

It is so nice to get out and dig in the dirt! Here in NE Ohio we had a very warm March and I got most of my flower beds cleaned and mulch. I see that some weeding is needed to be done which I can work on this weekend since the stitches in my leg will be removed today. How fun to work in the yard with your grandson and the pup. I will be interesting for you to see his reaction as the plants start to grow and fruit. I never got around to starting seeds this year - I thought to myself I needed to do that, but never did it.

Libby in TN said...

I admire you working on linen. I'm still working with Aida but trying to make myself use the tighter weave. Every day I try to put at least two things into the donation box we keep by the back door. I don't want my kids to have to sort though all our stuff when we're gone.

LA Paylor said...

Ned is growing so fast!!! your bunny shot makes me want to interpret it in fabric with hand embroidery... I have been studying life beyond this one for years. I love Dr. Brian Weiss's books... try those to really wet your appetite. Every book on life of the spirit before and after the physical life, has said the same things... all different legit researchers report the same things.
I'm enjoying seeing everyone's gardens this week.

Timmy Tomcat said...

We are always amazed by your needlework. Beautiful. When Dad puts something out for the 2nd hand place it is gone but we sometimes do like to lay in the basket to say goodbye

Marvelous Marv said...

What a great bunny and puppy sot! I should have started my seeds in paper towel this year. I planted mine right in the garden and about 60% sprouted before some cut worms go them. Now I need to drive to the big city and get more. Are not grand children fun? And I LOVE your needlework. I've got to get mine back out!

Sherrie said...

Jocelyn,
Ned looks really happy roaming around. Yes, I know what you mean about keeping stuff too long...I do the same thing. You go through sorting and boxing it all up..and then you start taking "stuff" out again. Love your house..so pretty! I really like your red blocks, it's one of my favorite colors...have a great day!

Nancy J said...

A lovely stitched home, beauty bunny, naughty night time visitor, and the wild life series, those colours in nature are so amazing.

piecefulwendy said...

Ned is looking like he's settling right in, and so darn cute! I haven't watched that Attenborogh show, but need to. I enjoy his shows very much. Life of Birds was one (and still is) of our favorites. Flamingos are amazing birds! Your stitchery looks so nice, and I think working on linen would be a challenge but look so nice!

Jackie said...

I had to pull in and cover as many plants as I could today. Cold, and rainy, but hopefully no snow as other areas of my province are getting.

Love those quilt blocks.

God bless.

Angie said...

Jocelyn - I must have missed a post - puppy Ned has clearly joined the family!!! Adorable! I saw a bunny in my garden this week - it is a snowshoe hare, and it had changed over to summer brown, except for its feet! Thanks for the Netflix tips!

Michele McLaughlin said...

Oh that Neddy is so adorable! So glad you had some garden time with your grandson, really nothing better than seeing the natural world through the eyes of a child!
Love your rabbit too! It was fun to see your Rocky Racoon (what we call all racoons here as they are favorite Scout toys). I love your stiching! Those red blocks are wonderful!!! Have a great and happy weekend!

Linda said...

I love to see any photos of Ned! He is so cute. I love the red blocks! I pulled my red bin out yesterday evening and spent a pleasant half hour sorting through it for RSC. As always, I enjoy your hand stitching, it's beautiful.

PaintedThread said...

Buns! We haven't seen any around here. Ned is adorable. Bad raccoon! I love all of Attenborogh's stuff. Cross stitching on cloth like that is difficult, but I do love the results - it has a nicer background than the aida cloth.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

It sounds to me like your grandson is a naturalist in the making. It is encouraging to read of this dedication to and respect for nature at such an early age.

MissPat said...

With Ned poking around in the yard, your bunny may decide it's time to relocate. I've have to check into starting seeds in moist paper towels. Every year I think I'll try winter sewing, but never do. I buy seeds and never get them planted using any method. Sigh.
Pat

Jenn Jilks said...

I love the bunny and Ned!
We don't have Netflix. The kids do. They watch it when they are here! (I don't know how!!!)
Nice work, quilting. So lovely!
I should visit the thrift store, too. I must get on it! sigh. I lack motivation. Keep on keeping on! Well done.

Rosemary Dickinson said...

Beautiful needle work! I think the bunny is so cute. My mother dislikes them since they eat all her flowers. Ned is adorable and growing so quickly!

QuiltGranma said...

Loving that bunny, and your stars!

Chopin - A Passionate Quilter said...

Ned is having too much fun! The cameras are nice to have - we have installed a new system around the house.

I love your needle work. Do you use 2 strands of thread? I am a beginner doing cross stitch - have not done but about 2 inches on Minnie Mouse! LOL.

And we decluttered the garage - sure is nice now that all things that were unnecessary were burned (boxes, etc) and in the garbage truck! I de-cluttered the house when we had new carpet installed about 2 years ago and enjoying less clutter. Spring cleaning is fun! Hugs

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

Ned is just adorable and the bunny is cute too. Your flowers are lovely. Those raccoons are determined critters. Your needlework and quilt blocks are all lovely. I will have to remember how to start the seeds next year. We bought some annuals so we can have some colorful flowers on our deck. Your grandson sounds like he will be a nature lover. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend!

Ivani said...

You are cross stitching a beautiful house and I love your red and white star blocks, Surely you will make a beautiful quilt with them.
I will look for the Surviving Death serie on Netflix, I hope this series is available here in Brazil. It is a subject that I have studied for years.

R's Rue said...

Beautiful
www.rsrue.blogspot.com

Debbie said...

a sweet little bunny, i have a yard full of babies right now!!

i watched the video about germinating seeds on paper towels and found it very interesting. i have never done that...my garden is so sad this year, and i had such high hopes!!

your needlework is so pretty, the quilt also. i am a knitter!!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Oh my! The quilt is going to be gorgeous! I love red and white, it looks so clean and fresh and fits any decor! Would love to see the shows you mentioned!

Magpie's Mumblings said...

You have so much entertainment value in one little furry body. As for shows on Netflix I love anything that David Attenborough does and am always happy when a new series appears.

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

I dug through my closet looking for smaller jeans to wear. Score! Couldn't find any shorts though. Anything that is too big goes into the donation bag, along with some of Jeff's clothes I discovered. Awe the grandson sounds like he had a fabulous time. Great cross stitching, and your quilt blocks. I will say I have had a couple of interesting incidents since Jeff was killed. I had one day that I was really struggling, reached into a dresser drawer for a pair of pants and there was a large white feather folded in the pants. I worried about where I buried Jeff, but suddenly there were butterflies all over landing on me, and flitting around. One the rare occasion now when I am having a really bad day, I will catch his scent, it is very comforting.

The Joyful Quilter said...

Such pretty RED blocks! Here's hoping you can figure out what to make with them.

Anu said...

Hello.
Lovely dog and cute bunny. Beautiful needlework.

Frédérique - Quilting Patchwork Appliqué said...

Cute wild animals around there ;) Well done with your closet, I need to do this too... Lovely cross stitched house, and red blocks.
Thank you for linking up today!

Nancy said...

Your Ned looks like a cuddly bundle of energy. Of course, energy and cuddle don't really go together, do they, until a puppy is tired. I hope he has plenty of toys to chew so he leaves hands and fingers alone. If Ned is carrying sticks he sounds like he's becoming a branch manager.
Your cross stitch house looks great. Love the colors you chose. The red blocks are so appealing!

Stewart M said...

I have always wanted to see a racoon! I suppose they can be a bit of pest in the garden - I've seen them referred to as Trash Pandas!

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

Scrapatches said...

What a lovely read and wonderful photos. Thank you for letting me follow you around your garden and stitching and sewing ... and sowing of seeds ... today. Ned is so cute. Your grandson sounds like an amazing little companion to share your adventures ... or is he a lucky little man to be having amazing adventures with you? Both, I think. I love your little cross stitch house in progress. I have never stitched on that type of fabric, and probably never will, but you are inspiring me to pull of my 10 cound aida cross stitch WIP from last summer that has a house on it. The weather has been beautiful here, too, although a little on the dry side, so my summer watering routine is in effect. This means sitting outside and putting in a few hand stitches on something and moving the hose from rose to rose and garden to garden to keep everything lush and green. I am still going though my winter clothes and packing some in a donation bag. As 70 percent of the adults in my state are vaccinated, we are getting out and about more. We are even planning a road trip by end of summer or early fall to visit my daughter's family. May you and yours stay safe and well ... <3 Pat

Melisa- pinkernpunkinquilting said...

Oh my the little raccoon was caught in action. Lovely cross stitch and red blocks you have been working on . Well done. Have a fabulous week.

Raewyn said...

Hi Jocelyn, I always enjoy reading your blog, I never know what you will talk about and it's interesting to read about your life so far away from my own! Ned is a beautiful dog and it's good to hear how well you are all getting on. Well done on the cross stitch too, it looks like you are conquering that linen well :-)

K Reeves said...

Being outside is just the best feeling this time of year! Neddy is such a good helper. Max is always guarding me when I am outside. Today I was on the other side of the fence doing the iris border, and he was not pleased! I was supposed to be inside the fence. 😄

AnnieO said...

We have possums and lots of crows and other birds, but not anything colorful. Raccoons also are spotted now and again--they are resourceful robbers. Love the blocks and embroidery. I'm working on linen too that has slubs and agree it is easy to get off one thread!