Fox and Owl, Lilies and Milkman

I wonder how the early pioneers did it for we are not long from those times here in Ontario. Their marks of old stones for fences zig zag through this property still.  Their triumph over nature in the true sense of the phrase puts our complaining about winter weather- a snow storm today, into perspective especially when I read detailed accounts of their agonizing experiences settling Lanark county.

As  you may know we are surrounded by woods here and this allows us to get up close to nature.  Here is an instance that was very close.
 I glanced out the kitchen window and caught sight of a fox under the bird feeder. He made one quick movement, turned and was off back to the tree line immediately where he paused to enjoy his meal.  In the blink of an eye we are down one red squirrel.
  I keep my "point and shoot" camera there so was able to snap a couple of photos, albeit bad ones.

He had the most beautiful bushy tail and looked quite healthy. I wish I could have gotten a better photo.

Mama Barred Owl in Indiana has now laid two eggs in her nest.  I'm so happy the Cornell Lab camera is back on line to follow along with the hatching and raising of the owlets. This is year 3 for me to watch them and I am ridiculously in love with this.

All About Birds: Barred Owls

I've sewn two rows of red scrappy blocks around those lilies.  I'm wondering if I should go for a third...you know that old rule of threes being more pleasing to the eye. What do you think? No shortage of little red blocks...just where did they all come from!!!

Today I will be back to the hand stitching, the first part of the alphabet, having finished the last half, on the cross stitched Cornwall Cottage, progressing.  While I watch the snow softly fall...

Or while listening to this, Milkman by Anna Burns...just arrived in my email from the library as an audiobook, after a long wait.  I have my hopes up as it won the Man Booker Prize in 2018.

                                 

Gay at Sentimental Stitches is hosting another patchwork block of the month this year called Cheddarback. Patterns are free for the first month they are posted. You may remember Gay also shared a sampler style project last year called Dear Daughter.  Thankful for all these generous quilters sharing their talents.

Thank you all for the sweet comments and emails about my husband's brush with what I still think was near death. He continues to get stronger and and is able to walk once a day with me now.
However, he will have to be careful not to cut himself while on this particular blood thinning drug.

Happy Sunday all.
Joining Kathy's Quilts, Viewing Nature with Eileen, Confessions of a Fabric Addict, Busy Hands Quilts, So Scrappy, Esther's Quilt Blog and Em's Scrapbag.

Something I Could Not Tell You

We've just come through a crisis, Hubby and I. Something I could not write about till I knew the outcome.
 Hubby's been diagnosed with blood clots and is now on one of those blood thinning medications. We had no idea how common this is and I wonder why as I don't remember hearing much about it years ago.

His diagnosis came about after a frightening episode early one morning when he could not breathe. What followed- a harrowing ambulance ride during which everyone thought he was having a heart attack, almost a week in hospital, the care of many kind nurses and a wonderful doctor, numerous tests and then a diagnosis of lung embolii.
So now in addition to all his other follow ups (you may remember that Hubby is a cancer survivor, having beaten 4 different kinds of cancer!), he will be followed by the team at the Thrombosis Center.  All this care and attention, free. So thankful for our Canadian Healthcare system that is definitely working well for us, a bit of an understatement that.

Also so thankful for family as younger daughter and SIL came immediately to our aid and shovelled and snow cleared the fresh snowfall so the medics could get equipment to our door.  Their presence helped steady me as I was uncharacteristically a teary yet zombie like mess -the only way I know to describe what I felt like. (Have you ever felt like that...in those moments I couldn't seem to gather my thoughts...my decision making skills vanished!)

During those hospital days, I was so glad to come home to Murphy and Rex waiting for me and so happy to see me.  They seemed quieter though, I think picking up on the tone in the house and stayed very close to me.

Napping together at the farm, 2015

 I was able to stitch still which for me was more proof of its therapeutic value.

Into the alphabet on my Cornwall Cottage Sampler!

And sort of mindless piecing...more of my blues string style blocks. I have to tell myself to stop now; think I have enough but it was fun while it lasted.

So there it is- family, good healthcare, my dogs, my stitching, and last but not least, a recovering, healthy Hubby, AKA the Miracle Man.

 On this Thankful Thursday, my gratefulness knows no bounds!
Also grateful for Link up Parties and the blogging friends I meet there:  Not Afraid of Color, It's A Small Town Life, Brian's Home Blog, The Needle and Thread Network, Sew Fresh Quilts, Silly Mama Quilts,  and Esther's Quilt Blog.

Owls,OMG's, Other Things

Winter, the Huntsman, is still riding through his iron glade here outside Ottawa, Canada. We are very much a winter wonderland with narry a sighting of spring to be seen even with these hopeful eyes.  For I am starting to think this is enough now.  Let's move to the next season please.

Indoors there has been baking and reading going on and tending to my little garden.  A sunny week has perked them up.

And stitching too.  The slow kind with the counted cross stitching daily and this too.
Bonhommes en Chapeaux is now a basted sandwich with some quilting lines made. My OMG for March at Elm Street Quilts will be to have this all quilted and finished. I also want to finish quilting this block of my Kim McLean Glorious Applique project.

Outdoors it is massively icy and dangerous.  Cleats on my boots is the only way I'm venturing on the trails and even then, I'm being careful.  It doesn't make the walking so enjoyable when you have to be mindful of every step but I am loving the fresh air in the sunshine which is warm to the back.

 News of A Mystery Quilt Along that is starting soon... Jennifer at The Inquiring Quilter has posted all the details of a new mystery Sewing and Quilting themed project.  Thirteen blocks with lots of design partners, support and loads of prizes not only for American participants but for international folks too. March 12 will be the reveal of the first block.

Now for what has been exciting the bird lover side of me.
 Our barred owl paid us a lengthy visit this week, sitting for hours in the big tree by the garage right in front of my kitchen window!!  I stood on the veranda and got photos plus this little video. Sorry for the shaky start and end but it was cold to the hands. This Windows 7 won't allow editing of videos.

The photo just below shows you how far I am from the feeder when I talk about taking photos through the kitchen window.  It is kind of far. White arrow in the trees shows the owl and the other arrow is pointing to the feeder.  That's Hubby looking at the mail.

He (the owl, not Hubby!) was basking in the sun while occasionally looking at the feeder. I watched him take two swoops at that area with no luck catching one of the four red squirrels that stayed around totally unaware of danger. I have no idea if there was any success in that regard eventually or not. We seem to still have our full complement of squirrels!

Having trouble uploading the video. I will keep working on it!

That made my day. 

Hope there is something"making" your day! The Sunday enjoyment continues at these linky parties-Kathy's Quilts, Viewing Nature With Eileen, The Stitching Cubbyhole, Wild Bird Wednesday, Sew Can She, Quilting is More Fun Than Housework, The Jesh Studio, Small Quilts and Doll Quilts and Busy Hands Quilts.

Thursday Things

Hubby's memory is short for the old days whereas mine seems to be growing longer all the time.  I feel like I remember everything from the past which is definitely nonsense.  But I do hold in memory names, old comments, scenes, events.  I've had several "I can't believe I just said that" moments but thankfully long ago, that are also not forgotten to me. Do you have words you wish you could take back?

What is a ski-doo? someone asked. Here is a photo of our two seater snowmobile.  It's great for getting around in wintertime snow. I used one similar to this to go get my groceries when I lived in the far north. I'm sorry I forget that some of you in other countries, especially warmer ones, would not be familiar with what we take totally for granted.  This is used to flatten our snowy trails for walking and they are fun to drive and ride too.

I love these Folk Art Wooden Sewing caddies which make me think of ingenuity, recycling, and hand work.  The scissors forming the beaks are so neat and the hand carved crochet hooks are ingenious.
 This post at Country Threads has photos of many more.  For some reason this reminded me of Little House on the Praire, a series I enjoyed watching with my girls when they were young.  Did you?  I also loved reading that Michael Landon was just as nice in real life as he seemed to be on the show.
                     
 "Dozing off, the book slips out of my hand." A line from a poem and something that has never happened to me.
I've whined before to you about sleeping woes. Lately, I'm happy to say I've been sleeping better and I have no explanation for that.  Maybe some worries are fading, the grandkids growing up, family more settled, time dulling my senses, LOL; I don't know and I don't want to examine it too much. Just let it be.

I did not make my OMG for February as stated at Elm Street Quilts, that was to finish all the Quaker half motifs in the border of the Cornwall Cottage Sampler.  But I'm not sad at all because I was able to have my Quakers meet up; they are not all stitched but I came very close.

Without Google Plus, comments are turning up in my email account so I've been replying there in case you have wondered. And I am delighted that some who were not able to comment before, can now do so.
 In response to a recent post, we've had some chats about tea, tea versus coffee, heirloom tea cups, etc. All interesting to me.
Also I've had several people mention tea blocks to piece, applique or embroider of one kind or another; thank you for that.  It is a very popular theme, it seems.

I subscribe to The Patchsmith and Amanda is nearing the end of her Patchsmith Sampler Sew Along.  Block 49, as it happens, is this very pretty one.  She has quite a knack for piecing and putting fabrics together.

                                     

And speaking of patching, I have squared up and  joined my Lily blocks.

 I think I mentioned I hand stitched a lot of my scrap bin reds together. I really want to work these strips into the border somehow.

 Looking at them on the wall hoping to get some ideas on how exactly to do that.  I guess I'll figure that out...hopefully I hang onto my confidence long enough to do so!

Below new to our house for Christmas this year from Wayfair.  So perfect. Just like Murphy and with birds, as it happens all birds to be found here in Ontario.

I must close this post. My editor (Hubby) will say it is too long. Hope you are enjoying the ending to another good week.

Linking this post with Not Afraid of Color, Quilt Fabrication, Katie Mae Quilts, The Inquiring Quilter, It's A Small Town Life, Brian's Home BLog, and My Quilt Infatuation.

Baking, Birds, Books and Stitching

The still early darkness is making long evenings, even longer nights for sleep, leisurely mornings for us retirees, comforting ourselves with food and hot drinks all the while. Sort of housebound but in reality not. This winter seems to be going on long without a break, not giving us any hint of an end in sight just yet.
We are comfortable though and only uncomfortable from our own doing...over eating and not walking as far or as long. The urge to treat yourself seems stronger when the outside weather is cold and too much treat type food has found its way into my cupboards. No one to blame for that but myself and the store that had Lays chips on special 2 for 1.  Salt will usually win over sugar for me.

And speaking of comforting food, I made a massive apple crisp. I used this recipe from Amanda at the wonderful I Am Baker site- it sandwiches the fruit between two layers of the crisp mixture which is my favourite part.

 A great little video and her other videos are wonderful too.

Perfect with a dollop of cream...

Anyway, a good season to sit in my pet chair by the large window and stitch which has led me to this point as of today with my Cornwall Cottage Sampler. Pleased with this progress.

Will I be able to close that gap by the 28th?? Fingers will have to be busy all this week! Having all these half quakers finished by then is my February OMG at Elm Street Quilts. Ummm looking tight.

So happy to be participating in the SAL hosted by Avis at Sewing Beside the Sea, the perfect encouraging group to get this project finished. Such wonderful stitching and interesting projects to be seen by these fine stitchers:-
Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, LucyAnn, Kate, Jess, Sue, Constanze, Debbierose, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Helen, Steph, Linda,Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Hayley, Megan, Catherine, Deborah, Connie, Clare, Mary Margaret, Renee, Jenny, Carmela, Jocelyn, Sharon

Stitching pairs perfectly with audio books!
The Silent Patient by British author, Alex Michaelides.. Truthfully, so far I don't see what all the fuss has been about but apparently, the ending will be heart stopping. ( Don't mean to sound a bit snarky there but so many books are not delivering for me these days, which I know is just me.)

I've been on the trail of these guys below. Grouse are funny birds; here we almost step on one before it explodes into the air and away. The flurry is almost frightening and drives the dogs crazy.  I spy one or two in the trees but not very often.
Murphy spotted these first; I didn't know what they were, with their feathers all puffed out like this to keep warm. I enlarged the photo on the computer and could see they were Ruffed Grouse.  I read they withstand our frigid winter temperatures by growing extra feathers around their nostrils to warm the air they breathe. Isn't nature grand! Now if only we could do that! I asked Hubby what are our special adaptations and he said our brains. 😊

That one on the bottom looks like he's about to burst! Love their expressions.

Hope you are keeping warm or cool as your climate dictates! And thank you all for stopping by; I love hearing from you and getting to know you even just a little bit.

Happily linking with Kathy's Quilts, Stitch All the Things where Christine introduces us to her new updated sewing room,and The Jesh Studio.

Blues, Hand Work, A Flimsy

I'm sharing this photo of our living area to show you the fireplace. The mason who made it passed away in the nursing home at the age of 92 several years ago. We had been told he was very proud of this particular piece of work and took three weeks choosing the stones.
I wonder are kids being encouraged to think of this kind of career these days. Working with your hands is important and as us stitchers all know, endlessly satisfying and rewarding. With all the emphasis on computers, I hope young people are being presented with other options, the ones involving hands on work. I've read several articles lately like this one that says working with your hands is not only good for your heart but also your brain.

This is a new lovely free BOW called Delft Blue and sorry I was late to the start-up.
 Here is the link to the post at Piecing the Past Quilts where you can sign up. They are up to Week 6 now which I just downloaded (past blocks are available for a small fee.)


The patterns are not too difficult and who doesn't love the simple beauty of blue and white together.

I've looked at this book many times- Dutch Treat by Judy Garden...just love the blocks. Available from Amazon here . I'm so tempted but surprising myself with how good I'm being since Christmas.



Good in the finishing of things before starting anything else and Bonhommes en Chapeaux is a flimsy!

I've spent several enjoyable, relaxing evenings adding bits of embroidery.

A Nana Moment
 Ontario celebrated Family Day last Monday and the little grandson went to the annual Family Ice Fishing Derby at White Lake. Fresh air, rosy cheeks, and participation prizes.
                           
Certainly no worries about thin ice this year that's for sure.

A Murphy Moment
At the old farm, in the sunshine, contemplating life.

Such wonderful company; I am never lonely.

Well, we are almost in the home stretch with tucking away February, 2019.
So pleased to link this post with Not Afraid of Color, Esther's Quilt Blog, The Needle and Thread Network, Sew Fresh Quilts, It's A Small Town Life, The Inquiring Quilter, and Silly Mama Quilts. 

Kaffe Tea Pots, Crochet, Red in Birds and Stitching, Cornwall Cottage

Tea cups and time pieces, once so important, are now to be found in the thrift shops.
 I have a few tea cups here inherited from first wife. I remember the only English lady in a tiny village I was teaching in showing me how to pour tea properly so everyone got the same strength in their cup. I took that knowledge to heart.  I remember Dad telling us that in the Korean war, any time they camped with English troops, tea would be offered and to his surprise, even to those injured.

Hubby would definitely second this!

 And growing up in Newfoundland, there was always a pot of tea sitting on the stove.  I drank my first cup of coffee at age 26 when I got to teach with mainlanders in the Arctic. Today, we have a cup of coffee in the morning, but switch to tea for the rest of the day.

During my watercolours research, I came across this- the famous Wedgewood Cuckoo Peach tea cup. At $60 C is a steal compared to                                                  
This one...the Ming Dynasty tea cup featuring a common rooster that is worth amazingly $36 million US!
                          

I always look through the tea cup shelf in thrift stores. Some are so pretty but I don't buy them.  Never one for flavoured teas, I have recently embraced several kinds including peppermint tea because it does help settle the stomach and aid with sleeping.

Pinterest site with loads of patterns of cups and pots to quilt and some time I intend to make something with one of those patterns.  I did make a tea cloth with cups once...must try to find it.
It will pale in comparison to this gorgeous piece by talented Maureen at the Mystic Quilter. A sight for my eyes in this white world of mine right now. Visit her blog to see other amazing quilts!

                                       
I got my wooly package of Stylecraft DK from across the pond. I ordered it through Lucy's blog Attic 24 as I like to support those of you using your blog for income. It came in Wool Warehouse packaging, a pretty gossamer bag. The biggest challenge I will face with beginning the Sweet Pea Blanket will be casting on the correct number of stitches.  I think I figured out a way to mark every 50 stitches last time.

Almost all my bird photos taken in winter are through a window shots. Given the usual temperatures, can you blame me! This one of a cardinal would have had more value if not for that maybe. A lone male has been visiting the feeder area for a couple of weeks. Why just the one? Is this my messager from heaven?

I've made it down to the corner and ever so slightly turning round the bend on my Cornwall Cottage sampler. I love when progress is visible. A little stitching every day adds up, it really does.

I've also started joining some of my scrappy red squares for the border of Lilies. I just can't throw out pretty tins like this Russell Stover one.  It came in handy to hold my little red and pink squares.

This is more hand stitching but enjoyable without the counting.  However, I'm trying my darndest to keep the stitches tiny and even. Great practice!

A sunny Sunday but cold. Nevertheless, the sun streaming in the windows is so welcome.
So happy to link this post with Viewing Nature With Eileen, So Scrappy, Sew Can She, Love Laugh Quilt, Pretty Piney, Wild Bird Wednesday and Quilting is More Fun Than Housework. Thank you all for hosting!