Tuesday 31 January 2023

Thrifting Bargain, Cosy At Home, Birds, EPP Pyramids

 I have been busy. In particular helping drive older grandson to his work which takes a chunk of time out of the day. However, I've paired that chore with visits to the library, grocery store and shops too which works out well. That has also been an excuse to not keep up a few things around here. I've slacked off the cooking for instance and relied on some ready made meals from the grocery store; one a meatball pasta dish that was quite tasty. Today I walked the trails with my bungee poles for the first time in a week.  I feel like I need to get back into my old routine of activity, vegetable eating, etc. I have been up early and lighting the first fire of the day as always though.

 Last Sunday I took this photo of Tony's breakfast.  The weather outside was actually frightful-no joke, blowing and snowy though no weather warning for a change, just an advisory.  Making it all the more cosy inside.

I've been keeping the three feeders filled and the suet cakes out too. We are still being given the go to maintain feeders here. I use binoculars to watch the birds and have seen no sign of illness, in particular the eye disease that is affecting finches. I've never had finches here so maybe that's a good thing for now. Here the male Cardinal doesn't heed the Chickadee nailing a perfect landing. 
I went thrifting one day recently. Of course I found a few things...what a surprise! For instance, this mug I found amongst the discounted Christmas items, though it didn't jump out at me that it was for Christmas. 
It is marked Sears and though I don't need another mug, for $1.99 in perfect condition, I just had to buy it. The design with pomegranates and pinecones is so pretty.  Anyone else enjoy Happy Elephant tea?  Older daughter gave me  a collection and they are quite good. The blueberry is a favourite.

 Last of the panama pyramids in reds and pinks. Oh, how I've enjoyed the hand stitching of those little diamonds which you must be so tired of hearing about by now.😩
 I just had to stitch a few more which made me wonder am I addicted?  Tony laughed but I'm kind of serious.  Meanwhile I did not manage to get in the sewing room last week at all but am hopeful I will find time this week to get back to stitching the rows of these together. 

Several have asked... about my header photo which was taken of a panel on my coat I had made for me in the far north when I was teaching on Baffin Island. These figures were stitched by the local ladies who were Inuit and I'd asked for school children. I thought it sweet they added book bags as we called them when I was a kid. 

 Do check back on Thursday for this weeks' free patterns and quilty news.  I love sharing what I've enjoyed and think you will enjoy too. Such generous folks all over the world sharing their talents with us. 

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20 comments :

Susie H said...

I don't think I'll ever tire watching your Panama Pyramids progress. So lovely. I hadn't heard about the finch eye disease. We have finches here; I'll have to check their eyes out. I hope it doesn't affect them down here. They're one of my favorite birds -- so pretty come Spring!

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

Your fireplace is beautiful with all its stone work, Jocelyn! Very appealing on these cold, snowy days. I love seeing your Panama Pyramids - and that top right one has a red print that I've had in my stash, too. It's always fun to see a favorite fabric in someone else's post! Enjoy your new mug and yummy sounding tea!

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

I haven't heard of any eye diseases in birds here we have finches all winter here and the bird feeders are surrounded with them, cardinals,doves and others. I don't know why but they do not want the thistle seed in the bag this year and have barely touched it I'm beginning to wonder if the seed has gone bad and they instinctively know it.

Jennifer said...

My first-thing-in-the-morning eyes read "pyjama pyramids"! Love your thrifted mug, I have had great bargains over the years including brand new clothing still with tags.

Jenny said...

I love your cozy at home photo, hubby's breakfast in front of the fire, definately nice and cozy while the weather does its worst!

Quilting Babcia said...

What a happy time, to have meals in front of a beautiful fireplace on a winter's day. I hadn't heard of finch eye disease either, we don't see them in winter months, just cardinals, woodpeckers, chickadees and the ever-present bluejays. Oh yes, doves by the flock!

Anonymous said...

Such a warm and cozy scene for breakfast by the fire! Fun triangles. Very nice header, part of your story! Gail at the Cozy Quilter

Janice said...

Your top photo is the epitome of coziness. You can forget about the cold weather outside when you are snug in front of the fire. That was a good score at the thrift shop. It also looks cozy. Have fun putting your pyramids together.

piecefulwendy said...

How lovely it must be to wake up, make a fire, and have such a tasty breakfast (I've always wanted to make eggs like that, but not sure I know how, and have no egg cups!). I don't get tired of your pyramid blocks. I have that design in EPP papers and I should dig them out, maybe. What a wonderful memory that header photo must bring; I'm sure you have many interesting stories of your time there.

Brian's Home Blog said...

That breakfast looks great and the birds seem to be enjoying theirs too. Those red and white pyramids are so festive!

Jackie said...

What a pretty mug. It doesn't really strike me as Christmas...more a winter mug in my mind.

Love the pyramid stitching. The pinks and reds are joyful.

God bless.

Astrid said...

Your fireplace looks so cozy, reminds me of cold wintry Norway. Yummy breakfast and cute snowman mug. Great buy at the thrift shop, pretty mug. I don't think we get 'Happy elephant' tea here. Actually tea is grown here and also exported (does not taste good, imo). Cute diamonds. Never heard of eye disease affecting finches (we don't have chickadees here).

Deb A said...

Love seeing those pyramids! I had not heard of a bird disease. That fire sure looks cozy.

Linda said...

Oh that breakfast looks good! I had not heard of the finch eye disease issues, how wonderful that you can still feed them. I understand that kind of addiction - lol - it's a good thing. :)

Carol Andrews said...

hi Jocelyn. Your post can always bring a smile to my face. I really have nenjoyed watching your little pyramid blocks as you progress. I think I'll miss them, but I'm also sure you will have another fun project for us all to enjoy. Tony's breakfast looks perfect for a wintry day. I do hope your weather eases in to Spring soon. I know I love my snow covered mountains, but I am ready for warmer weather already. Thank you for linking with To Do Tuesday. Hope you have a great week, stitching and staying warm :)

Karrin Hurd said...

Love the look of your fireplace, looks like a cozy place to sit1

Chopin - A Passionate Quilter said...

Think I am caught up!l. Love the pyramid red blocks! Going to be a pretty finish! Yes the walking is so helpful to our minds and bodies! Love your coffee cup! And that breakfast and fireplace go so well together! Makes me remember it is breakfast time! Hugs

Cloudia said...

Very cozy indeed! You are a good nana

Magpie's Mumblings said...

ahhhhh - how my chilly toes would love to join Tony in front of that fire!!
I think that thrifted mug would have jumped into my hands as well. I like the shape of the handle. So many mugs just aren't comfortable to hold onto.

PaintedThread said...

That breakfast shot looks straight out of a catalog! Pomegranate and pine needles - what an interesting combo. I'll give that chickadee a 10!