The dig out from the back to back snow storms that dumped almost 18 inches of snow here was fierce. Here is Ned's path out the back...he needed encouragement to give it a go.
I photographed two Blue Jays in between complete whiteouts who hung around the feeders a lot which kept getting covered in snow. It was good they were there with their larger beaks at the height of the storm to uncover the seeds. I noticed the chickadees would then appear to quickly grab a seed or two.
We kept warm by our fire.
And very importantly, we did not lose the power which happens often here with high winds. One stormy night, I made a broccoli and potato soup with open faced cheese and bacon sandwiches heated a little under the broiler. Tony is not a broccoli fan but he liked the soup. I am using this product to make chicken broth and it works well to add flavour to otherwise kind of bland homemade vegetable soups.
I have deliberately not looked at the ingredients...I'm using it sparingly- whatever it is you just need a little to get flavour.
I completely finished the two mini placemats. I realized I'm not one for much fiddle faddle about choosing borders. So these found polka dots for the blues and stripes for the pinks in my scraps were a quick and easy choice. And easy blanket stitch around the edges of the valentines too.
Using old leftover scrappy blocks for the backs was a win also. I had the thought that perhaps Dresden blocks are my all time favourite blocks. I sure enjoyed stitching these and more of them, about 80, are shown in my featured post in the sidebar.
I think I've shared this before but it bears repeating...6 Alphabet Patterns for Hand Embroidery, a free collection found at the Needlework/Craftgossip site. These are neat if you want to stitch a little monogram on something like a Christmas ornament.
I've always wanted to stitch a quilt featuring the flowers of the Canadian provinces and American states. I found the patterns for the American states at Vickie's lovely site Pattern Bee and downloaded a copy. I used to follow her blog, Turkey Feathers, which seems to have stopped in 2022, sadly.
I also found free patterns for the 50 State Flowers at one of Debra's Slow Flowers Journal post. Now I have to find patterns for the Canadian provinces (several are the same as the American as it happens). More about this quest later.
My dryer broke down and Tony has been trying to fix it. So far it is in this state but he cleverly found the defective part deep inside and has ordered a replacement.
He explained to me how these inner workings operated.đ´ And I did get to give it a good cleanout which I don't think had ever been done; actually that's a silly thing to say -I'm sure it had never been done as who gets inside a machine like this!
I'm pleased and thankful with how much shoveling I've done with no ill effects, as such. We'll get out the snowmobile this afternoon to run over the trails and make them accessible for walking again. I've just made a pot of tea so it should be ready.
Hope there is something to comfort you, interest you and please you this February day. â¨
Enjoying sharing this post with linky parties at Alycia Quilts, Creations, Art, Quilts, Whatever, A Stitch in Time and My Quilt Infatuation.
20 comments :
I had to have a repairman come out just one time for my dryer and had never seen how it all worked until then - it was heavy and awkward for him to work on it - my husband wasn't home and I ended up having to hold part of it so he could reassemble. You have so much snow - I hope you have someone to help shovel as you and Tony are both of an age where it gets harder and harder - I know because we are of that age too!
So much snow! Our winters are not at all lime that, just kind and rain and the snow stays on top of the mountain ranges. I make broccoli and cheese soup, and add veggie stock granules for extra flavour. In my opinion, theres nothing nicer than home made soup on co,d wintry days.
Youâve certainly been busy on these snowy days.
I know I have never cleaned the inside working of my dryer!! How wonderful that Tony can fix it. Your mini placemats are very nice.
God bless.
I do enjoy your handwork. Including shovelling.
I think we had 30 cm. I am tired.
Lots of snow there! I hope Ned doesnât mind his path you dug for him! Iâm sure my grandmother made a flowers of the provinces quilt at one time. Probably in 1967. The centennial year.
I am so glad that the electricity stay on, Jocelyn especially under those conditions. The Blue Jay photo is magnificent. It looks like you have been staying very busy with the darling quilt mats. Stay warm and safe. Hugs.
Wow, 18 inches is a lot! Ned has quite the hill to climb. When our dogs go out in the cold or rain or snow and ice I have to sharply tell them to "Hurry up!" so I get the encouragement. I'm glad your birdies know to come to your house for sustenance. Love your little placemats. I took a peek at Turkey Feathers, and it looks like a place where I could happily spend the day looking at her gardens and reading. Don't you hate it when blogs just suddenly stop? At least she still has an Etsy shop. Kudos to Tony for fixing your dryer!
Reading that you were searching for flowers of the provinces sent me running off to my embroidery files because I remembered I had some of them. I have Newfoundland, Manitoba,Yukon Territory, Northwest Territories, Quebec, BC, Sask., Nova Scotia, Ontario, PEI, New Brunswick and Alberta. Is that them all..I think so. They're iron-on versions. I *think* I can scan them and send them to you if you want them. I think they were originally patterns my grandmother had. Let me know if you want them!
Yay, Mr. Handy! Once again, thanks for the links, I enjoyed my time down the rabbit hole. Poor Ned! Good thing he's not a toy poodle! I have to say the salt my town puts down is hurting my poor Gracie's feet. It'll be Spring before we know it!
Lovely mats and a great way to use orphan blocks.
Oh, this is the perfect winter to have a snowmobile! Have fun!
a husband who fixes dryers.... priceless
I can't ignore ingredients, too many allergens these days and it affects my inflammation and mood. Soybean oil and corn products like maltodextrin seem to be in all broth powders sadly
LeeAnna
Ooh, that's deep! (especially for a short dog.) Yay for keeping the power on. I like your little heart blocks. Ugh - dryer guts all over! I love a handy man that can pull things apart and putting them back together!
Itâs so lovely to see you joining in this week. Iâve enjoyed my catch up.
Hugs,
Annie x
LOL, our dryer is limping along, having been rebuilt several times. Tonight the washer started leaking, the bottom is rusted out. So off we go to buy all new!! Brrr, your snow makes me cold.
Hello Jocelyn, we've not 'met' before. How wonderful to have a glimpse of your life in cold Canada. So much snow!
I love your mini place mats. I have never done any quilting, although I've had a go at patchwork.
The photo of the bird is amazing. Did you photograph it yourself?
You are so fortunate that you have a husband that can fix things. He's a keeper! I had to smile at your compulsion to clean the inside of a machine that would otherwise never have been cleaned.
Enjoy your weekend, and keep warm.
Lisca
Such a lot of snow. . no wonder Ned was unsure!!! Your husband is priceless; but, you know that already! Your soup sounded delicious.
That is A LOT of snow!!! I can imagine poor Ned wondered what was on the other side!!
Sorry to hear about your dryer. It seems, from newer posts, that you were without it for a spell. I guess, looking on the bright side, it wasn't your washer.
What a major job to dig a trail through 18 inches of new snow. CRAZY!
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