Life Lessons, Crossroads Quilt, Mother Robin

"The times they are a-changin..." Bob Dylan

The library underwent upgrading last summer and huge new windows were installed. This was the view a couple of weeks ago out one of them. It struck me it could have been taken in so many small towns all over America with a church squarely in view. This is the Zion-Memorial United Church which would have been my church in the old days. This one is holding on but one of the other especially beautiful stone churches has been turned into apartments.  

LeeAnna at Not Afraid of Color's prompt last week was what were our lessons from childhood. I learned lots from Mom and Dad, of course, but here were two main influences outside the home. Below is First United Church, Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador as it was when I attended growing up. 

I learned the Golden Rule, of course, and through their missionary and services, that it was important to help out people in other parts of the world. I learned about Corrie ten Boom in Sunday School and it must have impressed me because I always remembered her and what she did.  I learned how important it is to take care of our world, a wonderful creation, and we each are stewards of that world. 

 Along with the church, I was a Girl Guide and each week pledged my allegiance to God, the Queen and my country. I took those words to heart. I was also a Partrol Leader, Bluebird patrol, and this little foray into leadership gave me much needed confidence. I loved the wide range of activities, the weekly sing along and closing each meeting singing Taps. I was so upset once when I thought I would have to miss a meeting that Mom paid for a taxi to get me there and that would have been a big deal to do that. What an earnest, serious kid I was! Good Grief! Did your activities outside the home also influence you?

Ok back to the very much less serious...life here at the Wooden House. I finally got a photo of the Crossroads flimsie. This simple pattern went together without a hitch.  Ned wanted to help. 

I've been spending an hour here and there raking and tidying the garden. I'm never in a hurry to do this as I like to give all the critters that overwintered there a chance to get on their way. My robin...as she is surely mine now, has finished her nest on the front door light and is doing a lot of sitting. Note...I did remove the material twice as we are in a small forest so lots of places to nest. But she was determined to be right here. 

 I've moved our big salt bin and my stick containers further along the veranda. They were right under the nest and would have given an animal access. And we are now mainly using the door at the further end of the veranda. I took this photo of a robin on the front lawn and I'm pretty sure it is her because there is straw in the beak.

Fingers crossed it will work out. 

I showed you my toes...here are my fingers. I'm no longer surprised when I see those nails. But if you could see what my fingers get up to here with the garden and dogs and big house to clean, etc. they won't be looking like this long. 

Below is between the walks and ball playing I'm fitting in for Ned and Petey. It is great exercise for me too so I'm very happy to do it. Here they are still panting after a game of fetch. 

Don't forget either..."The present now will later be past"...also Bob.

Yes, time moves on for sure. We just have to make the most of it while we can. To that end, here is an excellent article about how to make time work for us...Ten Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Time on This Planet. 

Okay starting to ramble now, so I'll end this post. Hope you are staying focused or happily rambling- whatever suits!

Sharing this post with Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, Quilt Fabrication, Alycia Quilts, Quilting Patchwork Applique and Melva Loves Scraps.

Wooden House Wonderful Thursday Things

Oh dear, over half way through April already! Time, slow down! 

After days of rain, yesterday was a glorious sunny day and I spent time down by the pond watching the ducks float about. As usual they alarm very easily so this was taken from far away. I wonder if they could be the same ones we see there every year. I identified (with help from some of you) American Black Ducks for the first time visiting us last year. 

This has been a good week on many levels. For instance, I've learned from so many of you how to cook squash and eggplant. Thank you for taking the time to share your ideas with me. Check out the comment section on that post HERE if you'd like some ideas/recipes yourself on how to cook these vegetables.I also got to walk lots in between downpours so feel good about my exercise level. And sewing wise, I've enjoyed moving a number of projects forward by hand and machine.

Panama Pyramids on the ironing board... I sometimes watch/listen to tv in the sewing room if I don't have an audio book.

I'm stitching the Crossroads blocks together too-such nice easy joining, not like those pesky  pyramids. 

 Here is a last look at the yellows all together on the wall. They are a range from semi brights to darks. 

Update on the cross stitching...Here is the beginning of Block 8 of Year at Hawk Run Hallow. This is the August block which features the phrase  dog days of summer beside a beautiful strong tree. 

Each block is 92 x92 and is stitched 2 over 2. Back to pouring rain here this morning and I apologize for the poor lighting. I do not press for photos either as I don't want to crush the stitches any more than they are being pressed during the stitching. Actually at this point with such a large piece, I feel like it has been mauled. 

I finished reading Vinegar Girl by the wonderful Anne Tyler and enjoyed it. Her books have been a boon to me all my adult life. I love how she writes about relationships, especially spousal. I probably read her work looking for answers back in the day. Her writing has often been compared to Jane Austen's, btw.

And I've just started the wonderful book, A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute.  I read this decades ago when living in an isolated community on the coast of Labrador and loved it. It will be interesting to see how it compares to my memory. 

LeeAnna at Not Afraid of Color's prompt this week is simply chewy or crunchy??? I like both, what about you?  For instance, I find the crunch of celery, apples and almonds enjoyable and also like the chewiness of treats like Rice Krispie squares...writing that makes me want one.  

I've collected more free patterns so promise to share in a post soon.✔ Oh and the daughters and myself have been trying a common ingredient that promises to smooth and plump the face. So I'll share that too.

Going to be raining here for the next three days, but it is not snowing like so many parts of Canada and the US are still experiencing. And the grass is turning green too so all good. Hope things are similarly positive for you too!

So happy to link up with So Scrappy and other folks like Kathy's Quilts, Quilting, Patchwork, Applique, Small Quilts and Doll Quilts and Quilting is More Fun Than Housework. 

Three New To Me Sewing Things, Crossroads Quilt Blocks

We have had a pretty good week here at the wooden house. Tony's medical tests were inconclusive and further testing is needed. A bit disappointing but no news is good news in my book. He's most concerned about being tired and not having the energy to do all the things on the property he used to do. He feels defeated to let others do these things, like he's giving up or slacking off. It isn't easy for him to shake that feeling but we are trying to focus on the things he still can do both chore wise and for enjoyment. Any thoughts?...he reads your comments as well. 

We got the last of the fire wood moved up to our veranda. The wood fires have long stopped but we didn't want the wood left on the ground where it was and it looks neat and tidy up here all ready for next fall. 

It is Day 3 of pouring buckets outside...that would be the third day of ten straight with a forecast of rain. So a concern about ground water levels was probably needless. 

Two things I need in the sewing room for sure

This is the best feature of my sewing machine...that little sliding knob.

 Know what it does?  It controls the speed of stitching. It was ages before I discovered it and now is an essential feature as going slower really helps me keep it all straight and accurate. The slower I have this knob setting, the better my stitching looks and even at its slowest mark, it is faster than hand stitching, of course. I smile at that last bit cause I can picture some of you amazing sewists would be driven crazy with that speed. 

Thing #2...These scissors...some of you recommended these to me years back and I ordered them. They are Gingher scissors, kind of weighty and very sharp. 

Then I kept them in their package in the cupboard like I often do with things that are "Good", too good to use everyday or some weird idea like that. ( I come by this trait honestly being from a line of women who "kept things for good" with a line drawn between what could be used every day as opposed to only on Sundays or special occasions). Last week I opened the package and began using them for cutting fabric. Dear me, I can't get over what it feels like cutting with these scissors. So smooth- like cutting butter, as the saying goes. I could kick myself for not using them sooner. My usual scissors now feel like I'm practically hacking the cloth rather than cutting it.

And that's my stack of Crossroads quilt blocks up there...all 56 are finished. Yea!

Then I realized there is a third common item that is new to me. As you can imagine, with all the hand stitching here at the wooden house, I go through a small mountain of spools of thread. I caught sight of this below on a You Tube video and had one of those ah ha moments...yes even late in life, that can happen. So after a tiny bit of investigation, I ordered one from Amazon. I wonder how long will this last me. 

A little catching up to do...I missed LeeAnna at Not Afraid of Color's prompt for last week which was answer which would you rather- a day at the beach or the amusement park. That is tough as there is something sublime about being on a beautiful beach. But amusement parks, which around here would be fall fairs with all the rides, are so much fun and in recent years visited with a grandchild so very special. A toss up I guess. What about you?

And the prompt for today is Night Owl or Morning Person? For many years I was a Night Owl mostly because that was my reading time and I would read late into the night. But I've switched in retirement to being more of a Morning Person. What about you?

Next time I'll share a sewing technique I saw on Instagram that I just had to try and is scrap busting too. And also a wonderful and easy pasta recipe I tried that we both loved. Do hope your weekend is great and gives you time to do what you love.

Happily sharing with Quilting Patchwork Applique, Small Quilts and Doll Quilts and Quilting is More Fun Than Housework.

Easter Food, Finishing Colourful Crossroads Blocks

 Easter seems to have crept up on me. I'm just now noticing all the bunny and egg patterns and realizing how fast time is spinning by for us here at the wooden house. We are both convinced a week is now feeling like five days not seven. I remember wondering how would I cope with all the free time in retirement...how in the world to fill all those hours not spent at work. Like so many idle wonderings, this one also turned out to be a waste of time and thought...time speeds up it seems.

So Easter is a surprise. I plan to have the family here for a turkey dinner so I'd better get in gear, make a grocery list and get to the store. For Dessert I'm doing something easy like store bought profiteroles with chocolate sauce. Who doesn't love cream puffs, as we always called them. And make one of those Ambrosia salads; Robbie would probably love a "salad" that includes marshmallows. 

 Speaking of food, I've decided to give this a try...imperfect produce. A small company sources imperfect produce in our area and offers a weekly drop off to our door. The price for the smallest box of mixed fruit and vegetables is very reasonable and savings off what we'd pay at the grocery store for like items. Beth has been very pleased with her boxes so I thought we'd give it a try too. The Odd Bunch

So happy to have all the blocks for the Crossroads quilt finished! That makes two fairly large projects soooo close to the flimsy stage. Here are the last of the blocks on the sewing room wall together.

 Figuring out their arrangement will be a bit of a challenge as I don't have a design wall space big enough for all of them at once. Maybe with half at a time I could work it out.

I've sewn a few Tiny 9 patch blocks using the FPP method. And I'm still stitching the blocks with EPP that I had previously prepped. Pleased that this is a year long challenge so no pressure. That's my bobbin tin there.

What did not get even taken out of its box was the Diamond Patchwork Quilt, my Chookshed Stitchers Challenge project, for this month. But that's okay. I feel good about all the March stitching I did accomplish along with a whole bunch of other things.

LeeAnna's Prompt this week is if we could have any wild baby animal, which would we choose. I thought the baby guinea pigs Sally showed in this post on her Crafts, Cavies and Cooking blog were adorable but they are not wild. Of the wild animals, all the babies look adorable to me. Close to home here, I sometimes glimpse a tiny rabbit so I'm going to go with that. They are furry and seemingly tame and entirely pettable ( not a word but should be.) And since my nickname as a child was Bunny, that would suit, wouldn't it. What about you? Is there a baby animal that stands out?

We had workers here for two days, early light to dusk, and they got a main log and three new struts made and up for the front veranda roof. The original main log had rolled a little. They made it a little more decorative than the original brothers who built it had. And the stain looks nice too.

They also removed extra boards which has opened up the view; I notice it through my kitchen window. I don't really like having strange people around here but sometimes you just have to. Don't get me wrong; these guys were really nice and came highly recommended by our chimney sweep. They work together at a local lumber company and were moonlighting. But, you never know... Tony says I watch too much Dateline.

Hope your weekend is great and if you are celebrating Easter...Happy Easter!

Happily linking with Quilting Patchwork Applique and Quilting is More Fun Than Housework.

Hockey Fun, Stitchy To Do List, My Tiny Video

 I thought of some of my blogging friends on Sunday...those who spend time in arenas with the children involved in one sport or another. This is where I was this Sunday...the Kingston Invista Centre, watching Robbie with his team at the final tournament of the year. They'd won all their games right down to the very last one which they lost and there were tears. Life lessons of course, but much satisfaction that the boys had certainly come a long way skill wise. Overall, a wonderful season of hockey. 

On my To Do List this week...

I've sewed more of the Crossroads quilt blocks. Trying to balance the colours and still using scraps for the strips. But that doesn't seem to be making a dent in the scrap bins. How is that possible! Nearing the end of this project and want all blocks finished this week.

Finish the orange peel blocks for the next border of the BB Challenge. Hand stitching in the evenings so a little slow going.

Finish Block 7 of the HRH cross stitch....very nearly done. I'm stitching the fireworks now.

 Practice the block for my next crocheted blanket. An easy solid Granny square block; really just have to refresh my memory about how it goes. I'll be using this tutorial on YouTube.  What a marvel YouTube is!

Tony has medical appointments this week that will take up a couple of days. But I am hoping to get to the thrift store for a shop. Something to look forward to as well as my stitching. And we are still enjoying our cozy fires. Here is a tiny video I made showing my stitching chair. 

After heat breaking records we returned to usual March temperatures with double digits wind chill temps. So what crazy weather here in southeast Ontario! But sunny and no snow so still no shoveling. 

Hope there is lots in the upcoming week, this last one of March, for you to enjoy!

Sharing with Quilting is More Fun Than Housework, Alycia Quilts, Kathy's Quilts and A Quiltery.

Patchwork Projects, Lucy Bird Art, It's Spring-Maybe

You know you're living in the country when a heading in the local forum reads..." Do Not Approach: Bobcat Sighted". It was noted to look healthy and was not aggressive. One time people did not have to to be told to stay away from such a wild animal. Once Tony showed me a clip of a man and woman being chased by a buffalo...they thought they could pet it or some such nonsense. But perhaps it is not new. Just that with our impressive social networks we are hearing about it. I read the phrase "common sense is not so common anymore" dates back to the 18th century. So folks must have been getting up to ridiculous hijinks even then.

I contacted Lucy to see if I could share one of her neat prints found at Lucy Bird Art. I ran across her work when I was looking for unique jigsaw puzzles which she offers as well as the prints. I had a hard time choosing one to share with you as they all seem to represent aspects of my life these days down to those woolly slipper socks and Geraniums in a pot in one of the prints. This one with the birds is more spring like. I just refilled my feeders and I would certainly enjoy two orange cats very much.

For the Chookshed Stitcher's Challenge

 Deanna pulled #4 this month so my Diamond Patchwork quilt is back in play. I love it so it will be a treat to move this project along this month. Luckily I finally smartened up and have these larger projects with their fabrics and thread in their own containers; no wasted time searching. Six of the 12 blocks have been made; wish me luck in getting this one to the flimsy stage.

And here are six more of the Crossroads Quilt blocks. I need to put them altogether on a wall now to take a look at where I am with them. They remind me of presents and it is wonderful to paw through the scrap basket to find those strings. I think the pattern calls for 56 of these and I have 30 now. 

 LeeAnna at Not Afraid of Color's prompt this week is to describe spring through our senses...here is my list but with the caveat that spring, though giving the appearance of having sprung here, is not to be trusted. March is when we traditionally get the most snowfall of the season. 

Hearing...the bird song I already mentioned in a post recently. Always a thrill to hear the first birds of spring twittering. Sight...geese overhead and their honking too; grass and new shoots showing through underfoot.

 Smell...I'm going to say something on the wind..it is always windy here in early spring, a warmer wind and it has a different smell, maybe of earth.

 Touch...handle seed packets. And it always feels good to be able to go outside in lighter clothing. It will be great to put away my weighty parka, the heavy boots, neck warmers, tuques, etc. What about you if spring is heading your way? I know our friends in the southern hemisphere are getting winter nudges these days. 

I use several senses to enjoy this special thing about spring- following along with the Indiana Barred Owl live cam now turned on for the 2024 breeding season. This year, the female has settled in and laid three eggs. The male has been busily bringing her food so things are on track to be a successful season.

It's been raining and then sunshine, neither of which I have to shovel so it's all good here at the Wooden House. Hope your week has been productive in and out of the sewing room!

Sharing this post with Quilting is More Fun Than Housework, Songbird Designs, Small Quilts and Doll Quilts  and Quilting Patchwork Applique.

Quilting in Blues and Reds, Favourite Fictional Couple

I can hear the sound of water dripping from the eaves outside...a late March/early April sound in February. And no snow in the foreseeable forecast either... 2024 is dealing out a different winter that's for sure. 

Another week with more appointments...medical checkup for Tony and a hair cut for me. I think it was my second professional haircut in the last five years. Anyway, sadly I'm not impressed; in fact, have been doing a little trimming here and there to even things out. I gave the lady, a single working mom of two little kids, a large tip to make up for all the tips I've not given out for hair cuts in the meantime. And probably won't be for some time to come either. Any thoughts about tipping?

We finished the latest season of All Creatures Great and Small. Enjoyed it very much especially the respect and affection shown for all the animals in their care.

Moving along my Chookshed Stitchers Challenge project for February. #2 The Blue Courthouse steps. I've stitched 8 more of these blocks so far this month and am at a point of checking how many more I will need for a lap quilt. These are being machine stitched using Foundation Paper Piecing. I stitch two or  three at a time which is my limit for an afternoon. I sincerely wish I enjoyed machine stitching more. How I admire you folks who are wizards on your machines. I do like blues and I've read it's the most calming of colours.

I've four more Crossroads blocks also stitched. I've enough now using/featuring reds. And brown is definitely a grounding colour...do you think? I might work more with that colour here and there.

Here is my latest jigsaw puzzle. I couldn't resist ordering another Peter Pauper Press one as they really are great puzzles. I like the pretty dog and the sweet cats in this one. 

LeeAnna at Not Afraid of Color's prompt this week is if we have a favourite fictional/tv couple. I do not romanticize real life coupledom that's for sure. But in fiction, I was thrilled when Elizabeth Bennet and her Mr. Darcy finally got together in Jane's Pride and Prejudice. And whenever I watch a movie version, still feel relief and happiness for them. What about you? I would love to hear who you might pick. 

I have two more thrift store buys to share, one that astounded me and I think you will understand why when you see it. So ending this post with a little mystery. I just have to figure out how to photograph it, especially to do it justice.  Have a wonderful weekend where ever you are in this wide world. 

Happily sharing this post with Confessions of a Fabric Addict, Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, Melva Loves Scraps and Quilting is More Fun Than Housework.

February Flowers, Quilting Books, More Crossroads Blocks

 You must be tired of me talking about how much I admire Geraniums. Here, deep in winter, is mine giving out pretty blooms. 

Of course, I try my best to be good to them. I read that Geraniums and most plants enjoy Banana water...just the skins soaked for a day or two in water. I had to try that and now all my plants are getting a drink or two of the egg shell / banana water. I also spritz the leaves regularly and I never overwater. 

After enjoying these books from the library, I wound up buying a copy of them. They are both wonderful additions to a quilting library. Jennifer's book, Everyday Quilting-The Complete Beginners Guide is one of the best quilting books I've read...so clearly written and includes lots of photos as a guide. And I would love to sew every single project of the 20+ she chose to include. Jennifer is The Inquiring Quilter blogger and hosts the popular Wednesday Wait Loss weekly link party. Amazon link is here if you'd like to check her book out.

And Riane Elise's book Quilting By Hand is just so lovely. Pretty pictures and lots of information about hand quilting. I like how she keeps the directions simple and makes hand work like this look so doable.  Seeing her sweet projects made me think about the size of blocks I usually work with and the use of solids in projects too. Amazon link to read more if you'd like to.

Four more of the Crossroads quilt blocks have been sewn. I'm using just scraps for the crosses and you wouldn't believe how many times a scrap will be big enough for three of those crosses but not the fourth. Ugh! My only rule with these is no florals, well, maybe tiny florals though. 

LeeAnna at Not Afraid of Color's prompt this week is did you have a crush on someone and when. I remember in junior high liking a boy. Didn't really understand much about it all because we were kept very innocent about boys, etc. in those days. But this boy...there was something about him and his straight black hair; I could spot him in a crowd a mile away. And it seemed to make my day when I did catch sight of him. I never ever spoke to him, just admired him from afar. What about you?? Crush on a star maybe??

I don't want to bore you or upset anyone by including medical bits in my posts so skip the following if you'd rather not read such.

  I had my echocardiogram...took a long time to do- almost an hour and it is an ultrasound so not at all invasive or painful or anything. I heard my heartbeat for the first time in my life and learned that the sound of your heartbeat is unique to you. I never knew that. Did you? Right away the technician said my aortic valve sounded fine. But that was it; I'll have to wait till the cardiologist gets to see the results to learn more. Then I got fitted for the halter monitor and am wearing it till Saturday. The device has a little weight to it and I found the strap annoying around my neck so rigged up a way to pin it on my shoulder. I am feeling surprisingly calm so far (maybe because I'm finally getting something seen to that's nagged me for ages). Thank you all warmly/sincerely/ always for the good wishes. 

Here it must have snowed all night as it's looking like a beautiful winter postcard out there. Goodbye ice!! Have a good weekend!

Sharing this post with Quilting is More Fun Than Housework, So Scrappy, Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, Songbird Designs and Inquiring Quilter.

Crabapple Hill Snow Days, Crossroads Quilt, Goals and Prompt Chat

 I have my other winter slow stitching project to share in this post. Snow Days by Crabapple Hill Studio Designs.

My Vintage Seeds Packets jigsaw is moving along...loving all the little details in this one-a superior puzzle.

 I finished three of these large Snow Days embroideries last winter and have prepped three more for this new month and would like to see them finished when the snow outside is done too. Photographed here in the back hallway design wall where the lighting is terrible.

I use General's water soluble marking pencils to trace the design. It was the wonderful stitcher, Hilda, at Every Stitch that suggested these years back and I have used them ever since. 

It was sad when Hilda stopped blogging in 2017 but I now follow her on instagram where she shares her marvelous quilts all the time. I trace the designs with the help of the very large light box I inherited from first wife. She used it for her amazing stained glass creations.

The embroidery is easy running stitch in dark brown DMC 610 on Kona Eggshell fabric. 

And in the sewing room, I've stitched four more of the Crossroads Quilt blocks with a nod to red, the So Scrappy's RSC colour for February. I had to check and was relieved to find that yellow square is not crooked like it is showing. Phew! I hope to be able to keep up my goal of four of these each week in February. 

LeeAnna at Not Afraid of Color's prompt this week is about friends... that is a tricky topic for me as I have to fight my own innate notion that people disappoint. I prefer to stay to myself generally and if I've been an acquaintance/ friend at some point in the past and then drifted off, that absolutely is all about me, not you. And her other question was what attracts you in a man/partner. I always liked bespeckled, smart guys. My present hubby is one of the smartest people I've known personally. It's a given they would have to be nice...kind, animal lovers, etc. I've read women often answer that question by saying he's got to be able to make them laugh. What about you? Is that what you love about your partner? 

And this is what we are contending with regarding the snow and warming up. Our metal roof is quite slanted and any milder temperatures mean the snow starts sliding down. This is at the back door. 

However, on the plus side- wonderful, almost above zero temperature to walk in today. We were serenaded by the distant whine of snowmobiles on the public trails...super weather for that. What a great Canadian mid winter sound!

Sharing this post with Stories from the Sewing Room, Quilt Fabrication and Sew and Tell.

Crossroads Quilt, Flosstube Stars, Cabbage Soup, Games

This is a wonderful time of year for Youtube Flosstube viewers. Most stitchers give a year end review of their finished projects and WIP's and also patterns that they want to buy, etc. Some are true pattern collectors with even into triple digits in their collection. I always learn of new companies or patterns to note. Flosstube has exploded even since I started watching a few years ago. I especially enjoy the stitchers who also quilt or knit or crochet. Like this young woman who does it all so beautifully... Elizabeth Ann Can Stitch

I saw the Resident Chef's Cabbage Soup recipe while visiting Magpie's Mumblings. It sounded delicious and I remembered a large cabbage in the cold room that hadn't made it into New Year's day dinner. It was easy to put together and we both loved the flavours of this very hearty and versatile recipe. The only change I made was less garlic (I'm a little sensitive) and no green beans because I didn't have any in the house. I added a cup of chick peas instead. 

I always make enough for a crowd so I wound up freezing some. Yes, I've purchased Dollar Store freezer containers and am now labeling like a normal person....as so many of you suggested. My year of being better organized is off to a good start- but it is still only January. 

I've continued stitching more Crossroads Quilt Blocks. These are easy...I cut out four at a time and have ready to go beside the machine. I should mention I've opted to use the same colour for the centers; I think the red gives a bright consistent pop esp. for the darker colour combinations. 

On my winter cross stitching project...

.... the words Jour de Neige, snow and all, are finished and I'm working on the branches and berries at the top. 

LeeAnna at Not Afraid of Color's prompt this week is what games we played as children. Growing up I got to play street games with the kids on Charles Street in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, and have wonderful memories of that. Inside, we had all the usual games including always a jigsaw puzzle on the go.  Later, with my own family, we played lots of games and I'll share this one that was always fun. Huckle Buckle Beanstalk.  Whenever we had another family over we would play it as all the kids can take part. The premise is simple...hide something in plain sight, and it is totally amazing how often the adults will not spy the item. The simple rules are here... Huckle Buckle Beanstalk.

My list of free patterns is piling up. I'll include a few in a post soon. It is our third day of freezing rain; a rime of ice over everything including the trees which I hate to see. It will mean more broken branches and a clean up on the trails again. I really want to get out in the fresh air but haven't ventured outside...too afraid of slipping about even with the cleats. And my hip is still twinging now and then so can't take the risk.

Hope the weather is wonderful wherever you are and your fingers are flying! Happy Weekend all!

Joining these linky parties....Quilting is More Fun Than Housework, Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, Songbird Designs and Kathy's Quilts.

Crossroads Quilt, Cross Stitching, Injury Update

 We got a ton of snow from that last windy snowstorm but by the time I was up in the morning, all was calm. Just lots of billowy drifts all over. Two Blue Jays are regular visitors at my feeders. I love Robert Bateman's Snowy Morning Blue Jay and our snow reminded me of it. It must be tricky painting snow.  

I got out a snow day activity, a jigsaw puzzle...this one is the 1000 piece Vintage American Seed Packets I've shown you before. Very interesting little pieces of art in each square. I've been thinking each little square would make a great cross stitch design. And I like how it is stirring thoughts of the garden just now in the dead of winter.

That made me think of Kaffe Fassett's Seed Packet quilt that Kate at the Last Lonely House made. She is stitching a sweet patchwork sewing kit in her latest video.

Ned is sticking closer to Tony these days as he's the one taking him for big walks. Ned is practicing his disappearing act here blending in with our brown furniture. 

A little slow stitching and Jour is almost completed...needs a little more snow. This photo shows how nice and flat and even evenweave fabric is. 

I've been testing a new quilt block pattern in the sewing room. This one is completely machine stitched and very easy. I purchased the pattern, Crossroads, from Treehouse Textiles last summer.  I think this could work as an RSC project too....linking with the So Scrappy Saturday Party. Scraping the bottom of the barrel to find greens here but I'm not purchasing any new fabric. 

The mystery package from the freezer revealed several salmon fillets that I immediately baked in the oven along with roasted smashed potatoes. I don't think freezing fish is good for it (for unknown lengths of time!) but this still tasted fine. It's the most Tony has eaten for awhile as it seems his appetite is fading. But he still loves his dessert, mind you. Thank you for sharing your mystery packages too!

Injury Update

 My injury or whatever it was is doing so well I'm very pleased and so relieved. Down to just a twinge now and then but it may be because I'm still babying myself. And I am still staying off the trails. Tony ran the ski doo over them yesterday late afternoon so they are passable now. I'm missing a great opportunity to try out the snow shoes but will wait a while. I've just been walking up and down the laneway for fresh air and hope to try out a trail tomorrow. Thank you for the concern and suggestions...so many good ideas to help healing!

We have to go to the library today and grocery store for eggs and bacon. I want to make a breakfast for supper meal with waffles tonight. Been a while since I did that. What's on your menu these days?

 I should mention three men died due to cardiac arrest shoveling snow during the latest weather incident. It is no joke that shovelling can be dangerous!

Hope you are keeping cool or keeping warm and well wherever you are in this wide world of ours!

Linking this post with Quilting Patchwork Applique, Quilting is More Fun Than Housework and Confessions of a Fabric Addict.