The last flowers to come into bloom in my garden are the Asters. The wild ones are also in bloom and like these, starting to fade. The sunlight lately has been wonderful and has that noticeable October slant. But shines strongly with a golden tinge that makes it beautiful. I've tried to capture it in this weeks' photos.
Lots of things are being illuminated by this wonderful light like a baby Chickadee- so tiny!- trying out the birdbath for the first time, judging by how long it stayed there poking about.
He finally took the plunge and immediately took off so I didn't get a photo of an actual bath. And last week a tiny creature took all night to create this beautiful and large web at the pond's edge. Did it get tired as it progressed I wonder. Gone the next day. But I had to investigate webs and found out this is an Orb web, a typical wheel shaped structure probably made by a common spider from the Orb Weaver family. In the case of this one, the spider would have had to size up the space beforehand and carefully choose the anchor points. Where the weaving is widening would have had to do with the tall reeds it was being attached to not its lack of skill or tiredness. Spun in about an hour, it had the potential to capture many insects overnight so hopefully it was worth the effort.
The Red Squirrels are extra busy these days gathering and stockpiling. How they all seem to know the season is changing. This one was glowing in that late afternoon light. I wish the photo had captured a crisper image of the squirrel but it appears the twigs were well in focus. 
Not just the wildlife have been busy, I too have been keeping myself very, very busy. Besides my daily tramping about outside, here are a few snapshots of what I've been doing inside.The scrappy EPP Tiny Nine Patch quilt keeps growing and I think I'm nearing an end with this project. The red certainly makes it cheery. This was meant to use up scraps but I still haven't made a dent in my scrap bin. That last bit seems to defy logic.
It is about 48 in by 90 in at this stage.
More simple embroidery stitches on the Newfoundland Redwork Pictures, a project of Mom's that I am finishing. The top photo is of a line drawing of the Newfoundland museum called Rooms and the bottom represents the fabulous jams to be made from local wild berries, Bakeapple, Blueberry and Raspberry. I started stitching the label with two strands which proved to be too big for the space. Will remove that and start over with one strand. Presently stitching with DMC 115, a variegated thread which I think adds a little interest to the basic running stitches.
I'm reading and enjoying another Emma Donoghue book...Learned By Heart. Emma is the author of Room which is on Netflix as a movie now. I read the book when it came out but had to skip some chapters and go to the end; I haven't watched the movie but it gets great reviews. This story is about Anne Lister and Eliza Raine while at a girl's boarding school in early 19 century England. How an author can create/ bring such varied storylines to life is a wonder ( and The Wonder just happens to be the title of one of her books). I like the title of this one and it is a familiar phrase as back when I went to school there were many things we had to learn by heart. Was that a big thing in your schooling as well? I don't think memorization is as important these days. I think we have a muskrat in the pond. There was a tunnel into one of the banks when we came here and we've always wondered if there had been a muskrat here as they are very common in small ponds in Ontario. Lately, twice I've glimpsed something much much larger than the frogs moving through the water stirring mud in its wake and going into the tunnel. A lone muskrat would have a field day there having it all to itself.
I got several questions about what was on my turkey before baking in the last post. As many guessed, it was pats of real butter. It was fresh from the fridge which made it hard to cut hence the odd triangular pieces. Happy to know so many are paying attention here and your kind words and encouragement are sincerely helping me through whatever the heck this is I'm traversing.☺ How we all love to know we are not alone on the journey.
On that hopeful note, I'll sign off for today. Staying Steady and Keeping Calm (trying to). Hope you all are too!
Not just the wildlife have been busy, I too have been keeping myself very, very busy. Besides my daily tramping about outside, here are a few snapshots of what I've been doing inside.
19 comments :
Those pesky scraps will never get used up. At least we are trying! I like the nine patch quilt. The red squares really set off the nine patches. I saw Room at the Grand Theatre in London, Ontario. Emma Donaghue was sitting in front of us. She lives in this area. The play was excellent and disturbing. The story has a very dark side. Gail at the Cozy quilter.
I hadn't heard of Emma Donoghue before but checked out what was available at my library. I put Room on my Reading List. Sounds very intriguing. I always love getting recommended books! We have a muskrat (or 2) here on our pond. I like to watch them slink through the water but I don't like the destruction on the dam that they might cause. Oh well, that's Mother Nature! Have a great day!
When I get busy and make a scrap quilt I am always surprised by the fact that my box doesn't look any emptier when I finish. It doesn't seem possible but it always happens.
I love the spider webs!
Lovely hand work. Good for you.
Such a cheery quilt. I understand perfectly about not making a dent in the scraps. In fact I seem to keep adding to the collection.
Cute picture of the red squirrel.
God bless.
lovely post with lots of interesting things...sometimes we all go thru times when all we can do is keep on going...and keep busy
I don't think the scraps every all get used up but that sure is a great quilt to try to do it!! neat photo of the squirrel I think.
I always enjoy the pictures you take of your surroundings. You always capture the essence of the season. Your nine patch quilt is really coming along. I never seem to get rid of my scraps either. I think they multiply when I'm not looking. Your redwork is gorgeous!
You always catch such lovely photos of the wildlife and growing things where you live, Jocelyn! I enjoy seeing what you see. The red background for the tiny nine patch blocks is wonderful - and definitely cheery! Your book sounds like an interesting story, too. So many good books to read - I'm going to put that author on my list!
I always enjoy reading your blog, especially since I, too, am Canadian!! Living where I see the Rockies (only an hour from Banff) daily is a treat and pleasure. We just had our first snow, short-lived, but a reminder that it’s coming for real, and to stay, soon. Thanks for your lovely postings. Jill in Cochrane, AB
I do love the autumn light, great photos. And I love a nice scrappy quilt which your red one is. xx
Can you imagine weaving that web in one hour! I have such respect for spiders and critters now, much more so than when I was younger. And that sweet baby bird! We have 2 bushes in front of the house that have grown to about 7 feet tall and are just about as wide. The birds love them! They go back and forth between the bushes and the bird seed and bird baths nearby. The kitties watch them and talk to them all day long.
My heart aches for wildlife, especially in this drought. Maybe I don't get out enough or talk enough to other people, but a lot of my thoughts are about wildlife and their suffering. I need to snap out of it! :D
Your photos are gorgeous, especially the squirrel. It looks like a painting!
I'm still there with you on "the journey", whatever it is. I don't laugh like I used to, I don't sew as much (if at all), and I only periodically get inspired to do things. About the only thing I really enjoy lately is baking, and we sure don't need the calories. I pray that you keep moving forward on your journeym Jocelyn, and I'll try to do the same. :)
That spider web is fantastic! So sad that it was gone the next day.
Chickadees are just the most precious birds. We see an occasional one here but central Texas, coming to the feeder for one sunflower seed, then returning for another. We get the Carolina version. When we had a Colorado cabin, we got the Mountain or Western Chickadee, a larger but just as fun version. Yesterday we splurged and had a service come and wash all our windows….they REALLY needed it! Today I look out on a whole new, fresh world! Worth every penny!!!!!! Have a lovely day, Jocelyn.
Love that spider web! Just planted some asters - just a couple of flowers this year, but I'm hoping for more next. Chickadees are so much fun. Happy belated thanksgiving - I think I missed your post last week. The turkey looked delicious!
love the web picture... really clear to see the path. All Creatures have talents. I started learning quilting on my grandmother's treadle, doing 9 patches of old shirt fabric. I'll go look at the book, and until our election is settled and we know if our constitution will remain, I am on pins and needles.
Loving your scrappy 9-patch quilt! Hope all is well with you.:)
A beautiful post, Jocelyn! Thank you for sharing. I, too, have been loving the autumn light. That web is fabulous and the red background for your nine patches is perfect. Moments of delight sustain us🙂.
I always enjoy your posts about the flora and the fauna in your beautiful space. I’ve been feeling that same “lowness” recently. I’ve been reading lately, baking a little, and just recently finally finished or almost finished a UFO. I love your redwork. It will be a wonderful heirloom when completed. Have a lovely week!
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