Rainbow House, Veranda Stitching, Garden Chat, Free Patterns

My Raven portrait.  He was glowing in the early morning sun. They visit the feeders and front garden and actually let the little red squirrels boss them around. I 'm holding my breath for the day that will not be such wise behaviour on the part of the squirrels.

I've been in the garden a lot lately. It reminded me I need one of those fancy kneeling benches that flips to an actual seat like Karen at Quilts...Etc. showed in one of her spring garden posts. I was very busy with pulling out the surprising amount of weeds and all the old plant debris, etc. from last season. But it is such a good feeling to see the beds cleaned up.

Being in the garden reminds me about areas of the property that are neglected and something should be done about. Like the rock garden for instance. I bet it was beautiful in its day but is just an overgrown mess now with the odd little bloom popping up.  Also the landscaped bed the Smoke Tree and Lilac bush are in.There were more flowers there the first time I saw it just before we bought. The squirrels had fun removing the bulbs I think. But I just don't have the energy or will to do much more with either of these. Each summer season it takes all my gardening time keeping up with weeding what I do have on the go. And playing around with setting a few seeds each year which is the fun stuff. This year, three trays and four pots. 

Meant to share this next bit before now...

Mother's Day was celebrated on the second Sunday in May here in Canada and the United States.  I was curious about quilt blocks with Mother in the name and had found these with a little digging. Featured at the Patchwork Square site. I forgot to share at the time. All such pretty blocks.

                                                   Mother's Choice

                                                    Mother's Own

Mother's Favorite

I realized lately that I am a genuine one stitch at a time stitcher. That is where my real joy in stitching comes from. Whether it is crocheting or knitting, embroidery, applique or cross stitch. It is forming/laying each single stitch that gives me the most satisfaction. Like stitching my tiny bride her wedding dress.

Veranda stitching!

I would love to see this block finished this week and get a start on July which would give me the illusion of being "ahead". And July's block features a sailboat which is fun.

The Green House for my Rainbow Neighbourhood was a bit of a love/hate affair. I waffled on the mottled look of the fabric, the size of the circles in the other fabric, etc. I had only a small amount of that fabric and having those two big circles side by side on the eave was the only way to get the bits I had left into triangles.  Whichever, whatever, it is finished. Funny how each of these houses has elicited different feelings in me. Here is a front veranda photo.

And a close up...

We have been riveted by the last episodes of Succession. Amazing on so many levels.  It's not often you come across a series where each episode is better than the one before. I've been enjoying watching videos of psychiatrists/film technicians and the actors discussing motives, personalities, scene setups, etc.-all of it elaborate and steeped in meaning. Very interesting. 

And while not exactly in awe and also lighter entertainment, we are enjoying the performances in Fatal Attraction. I remember the movie so well. Do you?

Lots of outside chores will fill spare moments this week. I've received some fun mail I'll share next post. Meanwhile, hope you are happily occupied as well. 

Joining the Quilt Schmilt linky party. Also joining Songbird Designs, Wendy's Quilts and More, Creations...Quilts...Art, Alycia Quilts, My Quilt Infatuation, Kathy's Quilts, Quilting Patchwork Applique and Small Quilts and Doll Quilts.