Thursday 15 July 2021

Nature Sings, Courthouse Steps and Tumbling Blocks, Have You Heard of This?

Since reading The Overstory, I've been more aware of trees. I still count as one of my duties here to name all the trees; I'm sure many are represented just outside my front door. Though I do not think our woods are enchanted, the sounds I hear there are kind of enchanting to me.  For instance, early one morning, I heard two barred owls hoot to each other from different parts of the woods. Then a couple of cardinals chimed in, also distances apart, to sing their tuit tuit calls. Meanwhile, chickadees were chirping continuously and a couple of red squirrels were chittering. It was all a kind of symphony to my ears, one that made me feel emotional in that moment. It reminded me of a hymn we used to sing growing up..."All nature sings and round me rings, it is my Father's world." Is that familiar to you too? 

I think I found one of the chipping sparrow nests way up in the eave of the side wall tucked away; what a great spot! I had to use my distance camera and would not have seen it but heard this one out of the nest and chirping loudly and then noticed a bird fly somewhere up there to feed it. The adult wasn't much bigger than the one being fed. Do sparrows make messy nests?
A day later this brave little one took a dip in the bird bath then stood around calling to its parent. I waited but never saw one show up.
I continue to follow our Majesty and enjoy reading about her habits, clothes, jewelry, duties, etc. 
Below here she is at the G7 Summit in her summery flowery dress with a sunny smile to match. 95 and still working. Apparently her mind is just as sharp as it always was-still reads her daily political briefings and considering her knowledge of dogs, horses and medals is extensive, that's impressive.  She still rides, albeit a much smaller horse and with a companion, but also remarkable I think. One can only hope to be so well in mind and body at such an age.
Foundation Piecing is going well!
I'm feeling successful with the foundation piecing of the Courthouse Steps scrappy blocks. This many completed. If I'm going to be on the machine, I may as well sew something I like as much as these. And I must admit this is probably the most precision that has ever happened in my sewing room!
The Tumbling blocks are gradually being joined, I have five sections like this now sewn together. So many hand stitched seams and I'm very happy my enthusiasm for it hasn't waned. Hopefully, my current motivation will see me through to getting this large undertaking finished. Fingers crossed!
Ned continues to provide so much pleasure. Such a good little fellow almost like he knows we are old so he must be well behaved. 

Have you heard of the Hepburn Voice? I read about it on a blog and looked it up. Sounds like an interesting device- designed to look like a retro radio but has all the latest technology to control all your other devices. Especially interesting is the choice in covers. Cath Kidston designs available for covers. 



My photo uptake gave me issues this morning...this photo of a bluejay feeding another was supposed to be up top there in the bird section. 
My ipod Shuffle finally died; I think it is about12 years old. The young man in the store I went to to get a new one told me they haven't made them for quite a while. Now folks put their music lists on their phones. But what about wanting to have music while swimming, I asked him. Look up headsets, he said. He was sure they've made something just for that purpose. So I'm hunting and if you have a suggestion, I'd appreciate it.
  Speaking of which, I enjoy reading all your emails and comments so much! A Sincere thank you for your kind words, suggestions, advice and sharing a little of your life as well. 




35 comments :

R's Rue said...

I love the blue jay. The queen is impressive at 95. I hope you have a wonderful day full of joy, hope and love.
www.rsrue.blogspot.com

Brian's Home Blog said...

Those birds are so cute and of course Neddy is adorable and I'm glad he is such a good boy. My iPod died too and I've got music on my phone now. No options for swimming that I know of. Thanks for joining our Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!

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

so many pretty birds. I know what you mean about listening to all the birds - I sit outside in the morning before it gets hot and also do my gardening the and listen to all the sounds around me.

Gretchen Weaver said...

Your courthouse steps blocks and the tumbling blocks are very pretty. Long term projects sometimes get very tiring but they're so beautiful! I enjoy the birds too. Every morning I listen to a barn swallow sitting on my clothesline chattering away. Happy stitching!

Timmy Tomcat said...

Great seeing that cool quilt coming together. Purrs

Nancy J said...

Yes, shuffle music on smart phones, that is what our daughters and 2 grandies do, all a bit beyond what I have done so far. Ned, you are the best, and love the birds.

Snickelfritz said...

Oh, yes, This is My Father's World is one of my favorite hymns. We haven't sung it in church recently so I may have to ask the choir director to add it. Hearing all things in nature is wonderful to me. The birds will still sing no matter how bad our day is or how messed up the world is right now. We get too far from nature sometimes I think and we really need it.

My Tata's Cottage said...

Wonderful photos! I love birds and love finding new ones in our area. We have a pair of mourning doves that sit high on the phone wires and pole and watch us and seranade us. Stopping by from Thakful Thursday. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

I always love seeing your bird photos, Jocelyn! It's a treat to see baby birds hatch and venture out into the world. Watching a parent feed a baby can be really entertaining! Your courthouse steps blocks look wonderful, and the Tumbling Blocks top has such a neat look as well. Glad you're enjoying those projects.

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

I love your thoughts on naming the trees, and listening to all the sound early in the morning. I love it because it is before all the traffic and human sounds drown them out. You always have great pics of birds too. Love your courthouse steps and your tumbling blocks. I have been prepping to do some tumbling blocks too. I actually have an IPOD that I put my music on, I don't like it on my phone. But I do have headphones for it that are for swimming if I want.

Jenn Jilks said...

I do love your quilting!
Love the birds, as well.
Ned is a sweetie.

PaintedThread said...

I like your quilt blocks. Ned is adorable.

Ruth Hiebert said...

I am not into quilting but your work looks amazing.

Rosemary Dickinson said...

Ned looks so sweet in that picture! Such a cutie! I love your quilt projects. The courthouse steps displays such great contrast with that red fabric. Your Tumbling blocks looks great too! Two nice projects! I love reading about the different jobs Queen Elizabeth had during WWII. She has been so versatile her whole life. Have a great weekend!

Unknown said...

Hello Jocelyn, I love your blog you are so productive with your crafts, cooking etc. I love your new doggie, I am currently on the lookout for a new one to home, life is not the same without one. I wanted to let you know that I download audio books and music on my phone. But last year a friend and I were chatting and she told me that she had a speaker. I imagined a large square box but no. She showed me an oblong object and that was the speaker. Well that opened up a new world for me. My speaker is called Ultimate Ears it is roundish and floats on water. The young salesman informed me that he has two floating in his pool so that he can listen to his favourite music. I hope that helps you Roselyn, I'm live in Melbourne Australia, but I'm sure they will have similar in Canada.

gladiquilts said...

Hi Jocelyn. I’m with you re nature - the morning bird symphony always starts my day with joy! Love your pictures. I too am interested in tree identification and am planning to write about it on my next blog. Your projects are looking great, as does the Queen!🙂. Have a lovely weekend!

Libby in TN said...

I would love to walk with you in your woods; so many fun things to see and hear.

Linda said...

Love the birdies. We had some starlings nesting under our patio in a nest made with grass and mud. Oh what a mess but we really enjoyed their antics. My husband made sure the young ones were flying away for long periods of time before he took down the nest, and oh boy they were not happy about it! Love your tumbling blocks. Glad your enthusiasm has not waned - that is a big accomplishment in my book. ;) Ned looks like a dear.

Scrapatches said...

Thank you for the interesting photos and stories and links. I so enjoyed reading this and felt temporarily lifted to your beautiful garden and quilting place. Ned is adorable. How have I not heard of that book before? I have now found a paperback copy of The Overstory and I will gift it to a friend when I have read it. That smart device does look pretty and interesting. I never used an IPod, but my adult children enjoyed them. One of them gave me a small one that I used to use. It was not waterproof, I do not think. I wonder where it is now? I have some music on my phone and blue tooth ear buds for listening to books and music sometimes. Might there be a waterproof kind? I looked it up and sent you a link, but I cannot really recommend as I have never used this type. Your courthouse steps and tumbling blocks are looking beautiful. May you have a happy weekend ... :) Pat

cityquilter grace said...

yes the queen is remarkable for her age...my mom is 94 and also very sharp and alert but she walks like the queen does...and we laugh at that! age does have an effect, royalty or not!

Magpie's Mumblings said...

The Queen has such a beautiful smile and always looks fabulous. The bird photos are great - another case of being in the right place at the right time. And Ned - awwwwww - please give him some special skritches just from me!

piecefulwendy said...

Ned is a handsome fella, with that glorious brown coat and those eyes! Her Majesty is an amazing woman, and she still looks younger than 95. Of course I enjoy your bird photos. I can't hear birds and morning songs as much now that I'm losing more of my hearing, but I recall mornings in the quietness of the Boundary Waters and hearing the call o the loons. There is nothing like it! We have had owls in our backyard as well, and enjoyed hearing them too.

Rain said...

Oh Ned is adorable!! :) What a sweetie. It's funny I just saw my first Chipping Swallow a few days ago! The chipping got me looking out the window with my camera!!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Jocelyn!
Wonderful photos of the cute Chipping Sparrows and the the Blue Jays! Ned is adorable, cute photo. The Queen is impressive, she does have a lovely smile. Your quilt work is lovely.
The music on the phones take up so much space, my phone is running out of room. I am the same as you, loving the sounds of the birds while walking in the forest. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.

Nancy said...

I so enjoy looking at and hearing about the birds you see, Jocelyn. The little chipping sparrow is adorable. I know the song, "This Is My Father's World" and love it. We heard an Ohio high school/college group sing it at our statehouse two years ago. You can hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O48eTmXdaZ8 (and here, too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNXyRbkRB90).
Your handwork looks great. I'm impressed with the tumbling blocks. They look so hard to me. I hope you continue your enthusiasm to a finished quilt!

Carol in Texas said...

May I ask how you follow Queen Elizabeth? I am a huge fan of hers. She is such an admirable person, taking her duty as queen so very seriously and for such a long time. What a tough life that would be! Harry and wife could not even take it for a couple of years! But fortunately it appears William and Kate will be there when the time comes. I admire them too.

Both your projects look great! My quilting drive is in park at the present. I am crossstitching and following some Flosstube and I fear those videos have become too habit-forming! But you are doing both. Tell me what your Shuffle did for you? I am unfamiliar with that device. And I may follow up on your eyeglass source…….crossstitch is more demanding of close scrutiny than quilting!! My eyes are aging!

I so enjoy your blog entries and learning about life in your part of the world far from my central Texas.

Goofin' Off Around the Block said...

I am jealous of your patience of stitching all of those tumbling blocks together. The precision required to make them all fit beautifully is impressive. I've never had an iPod, but I do have mp3 players that still work beautifully. And if they're Bluetooth enabled, you can hook them up to speakers that can be used in water. Thanks for sharing your beautiful projects! Happy Stitching! -Andrea

Nann said...

I loved The Overstory. Glad you did, too. The bluejay photo is terrific!

Quilter Kathy said...

Yes I am very familiar with that hymn and can play it on the piano! I adore your tumbling blocks project and am glad you are not tired of it! That is too bad that they aren't making iPods anymore and I sure hope mine doesn't die!
Thanks for linking up to Slow Sunday Stitching!

Ivani said...

Beautiful blocks. Love Reading tour post. Foi Bird Picture are so pretty. I Love watching birds and listen to the trees. Nature always teach us important lessons. Have a blessed new week.

Penny Walters said...

I myself marvel at the ability of the queen to be functional and engaged at such an older stage and to still actively do hobbies and parliamentary duties.

Chopin - A Passionate Quilter said...

The Queen looks happy! Good for her! I love the Blue Jay's. I watch a Male and Female Cardinals feeding each other! Neat to watch. Courthouse steps and Tumbling blocks are really taking shape.

Hugs

QuiltGranma said...

At a recent visit to our nephew and his wife, they always have to have some kind of 'music" going on (very annoying fill the air junk) that is a round shape squashed that links to their cell phone electronically... some kind of speaker. Don't know nor care what they are called. Why can't they appreciate the peace and quiet of their remote home among the trees and birdsongs?

Yvonne said...

We don't have blue jays in the Netherlands and I am always thrilled to spot one while visiting America. Ned looks like a sweet dog, they bring so much joy as a companion. Your courthouse steps an thumbling blocks are pretty, I love simple blocks like that being repeated.

K Reeves said...

Such a nice visit via your post! Your ability to capture the wildlife around your house is truly a gift.🙂 I love the photo of Ned, what a sweetheart! Your paper piecing looks just fantastic!