Muffins, Slow Stitching, Goodbye Endeavour

 When a trio of turkey vultures were circling very low over our heads one afternoon last week, I had the thought that perhaps I'd brought too much of wild nature to this land (with all the feeding of the birds, squirrels, chipmunks, etc.). Turkey vultures are unnerving in size with amazing wing spans-up to 6 feet.  A walk through the back woods and we confirmed it wasn't us they were after...we found what was attracting them- a poor young raccoon had met its demise somehow.  We beat a hasty retreat and let nature take its course.

 Just past the height of summer now and everything is still buzzing and blooming thanks to periods of extreme heat and downpours of rain. The giant Hostas are now in bloom. 

The Hydrangea bushes took quite a beating from heavy overnight rainfalls recently. The bush featured here I transferred from a spot in the back area a few years ago. It stayed a little puny for a couple of seasons but has really taken off the last two summers.

 I watched this tiny Gartersnake test the air by poking its head in and out of a hole between the back patio stones. The sun beats down there so these harmless fellows are often sighted soaking up the heat. 

 I recently made a batch of nutty muffins recipe here at Epicurious. Tony is very fond of muffins with his cup of tea. Of course, I can't resist adding secret ingredients like a few chia seeds and a bit of flaxseed powder. He is also a reluctant fruit eater so I try my best to insert a little here and there, :D

That is his very own Bunnykins plate from his childhood...over 80 years old now. And do you recognize the character mug??? Jack loved these characters growing up and just had to have that mug. 

Always stitching...slow stitching that is getting done surprisingly fast these days with my full attention.

And the back of the stitches...I think as even as I will ever manage!

Thank you for the kind words about my selfie in the last post...my "all hair and teeth" photo, :D

We watched the last season of Endeavor on PBS and felt a little sad saying goodbye to the characters.

 I'll sign off today with how Thursday always bid Morse goodbye.  

                                                                 "Mind how you go."

Linking as always with wonderful parties found at...Not Afraid of Color, A Stitch in Time, Wendy's Quilts and More, Quilting Patchwork Applique, Floral Friday Foto and It's a Small Town Life. 

August OMG, Solidarity Blocks, My Selfie

 "And into the garden I shall go

To lose my mind and find my soul"

My garden is overblown these days...all the beds have so many interlopers I don't know where to start with the weeding. I actually enjoy a chaotic garden so this isn't bothering me that much. I did pull out the Wild Grape Vine that had wound its way through the daisies. But even that has pretty leaves to my eye. 

                  

Above is a Cedar Waxwing with its gorgeous lemon belly I captured down by the pond a few years back. The sun is shining just like that today and we have no tornado, thunder and lightening, heavy rainfall, or high humidity warnings. A banner day!

I had promised to show you my hair in the humidity.  Here it is. I'm terrible at selfies...don't think you are supposed to show the phone itself and I needed glasses on to see what I was doing. This is how much my hair has grown out from that pixie cut I gave myself back in January this post. At this wild stage, I can barely put a comb through it -truthfully with curly hair, I don't use a comb, mostly a pick. On the plus side, it makes it look like I have much more hair than I really do.

It is time to set another Elm Street Quilts OMG...can't believe it is for August! Think I'll choose the Solidarity wall hanging to finish the hand quilting on for this month. 

Here it is in beginning stages, blocks on the design wall.

Then as a flimsy

                

And now the hand quilting of it. I love using Perle 8 cotton thread for this and do not do any sophisticated designs. But on that, I've been looking into hand quilting templates to try more detailed patterns than the simple echo quilting I mostly do.

I've got a few of the blocks finished. Hearts and Hexies

Snowballs in an unusual design

And one of my favourites, the House Block

Someone...so sorry, can't remember who, asked about the size of the hoop I use. This one is 14 inches.

I reread this little book, Claire Keegan's Small Things Like These.  Outstanding writing style- I admire it very much...simply but eloquently written sentences relating a very big story. Tony also read it-rare for him to read a book, and declared it "very touching". 

Are you watching this? We are and enjoying it very much.

I've got a list of things to do outside with the air being so enjoyable today. It all has to do with the flower beds. And I'm hoping to get in some veranda stitching later on. I've already made a meat loaf for supper and will do homemade oven fries if it stays cooler; if not I'll make baked potatoes in the microwave which are passable. 

Hope your day is going well and you find yourself likewise engaged in activities that you love.

Happy to link with the To Do Party at Quilt Schmilt, Alycia Quilts, Confessions of a Fabric Addict and Quilt Fabrication.

Redwork Embroidery, Summer Bouquet, Swallowtail, Loving K.D.

Late Summer Indoor Bouquet at the Farm 

I don't usually make bouquets anymore as I leave it all for the bees and insects to enjoy. After a banner year for butterflies last year, not many to be seen this summer. Though I did catch this Black Swallowtail enjoying the hydrangea blooms. 

It is always time for tea here. We make a giant pot and I drink a mug while it is fresh and leave the rest for Hubby. He can drink it warmed up in the microwave which is something I don't care for. 

Love my slow stitching projects.

 This one has a connection to Mom. She had these blocks that someone drew the patterns on in pencil for her. The simple little designs, which have a Newfoundland and Labrador theme, were passed around in her circle of friends so I can't give credit to the artist. When she could no longer embroider and turned more to crocheting, she handed these on to me. I finally made a start...  

After stitching the map, I realized I don't like how Labrador is not whole here. 

I'm going to stitch all the wildlife pictures first. If anyone knows who the artist is, please let me know.

The Newfoundland Dog, known for its sweetness, devotion and gentleness. Also known for their love of and affinity to children. 

I thought of stitching all in browns or black or just reds but I love variegated threads so landed on DMC 115. This offers a range of red to deep burgundy. I just had the one skein on hand so put in an order to 123 Stitch.  I'm using back stitching and trying my best to keep the stitches small and even. 

Great hand work in front of the t.v. in the evenings.

And how true this is. I was thinking first how appropriate the words are for this aging part of my life but really it suits all phases of life. 

As many of you know besides working at trying to keep fit, I also work at maintaining my positive mind set. Laughter is good and so is music. Besides listening to music early morning, I've been making a point of listening to music just before I turn in for the night. Here is one I love so much. Adore K.D.'s voice and the piano accompaniment too is wonderful. 

After I finish my coffee, I have to change the water in the hummingbird feeder so my day is about to really start. Yes, the life of the retired!

Also happy to join the link party at Kathy's Quilts and Small Quilts and Doll Quilts.
 

Embellishing Corner Stones, A First Capture, Delicious Simple Food

Though I hear these frogs every spring- you can't not hear them as their sounds have been likened to  chain saw or motorcycle loudness levels- I had never ever seen one, let alone gotten a photo till this summer. One day I took a photo of a strange looking, very tiny frog/toad sitting on a hosta leaf in the back yard.  I found out I'd captured the somewhat reclusive Spring Peeper frog when I looked it up later on. Finally and Another first for me. I like those ET like toes and the way his markings all line up.

These are of the Crucifix species named so because of the cross on the back. 

Here is what was bouncing around in my head this morning...and me achieving none of it to date. 

 Look up an aloe based face serum...I have a belief in the natural stuff. Any suggestions?

Cut 18 inch blocks for the largest of the Laundry Basket Quilts Monarch project butterflies. I need 9 of them and my largest template is a 12 inch and I hate fiddling with my new rotary cutter and trying to cut these large pieces...put off for almost two weeks now as a result. Get that done this week - maybe.

Get in more obedience training with Ned. We have an enthusiastic trainer coming once a week to train us and Ned. He has the basics down pat which is good. However, we specifically need just one thing...for him to come when called no matter if he is on the scent of something or not. I'm not sure that is achievable but she thinks so. 

Last Look

Finally, all done and dusted is my Rainbow Neighbourhood quilt, my July OMG at Elm Street Quilts. This was so enjoyable, a learning experience in some ways and all done on time thanks to it being a QAL.  Link Here to the pattern in Sandra's Etsy shop. The hand quilting was enjoyable and I added many more lines than I first thought. 

The back...It will be a cosy lap quilt for someone.
                                        

Just for fun, I embroidered blanket stitches around each corner stone. And you can see the sashing fabric really does show up in real life which I was never able to show in photos for some reason unbeknownst to me!

Something I am achieving...

Every year I forget what great exercise swimming is. The whole body gets a workout while being supported. Since exercise also is a mood booster for me, it is definitely a win win. I am enjoying my daily swim more than ever this summer and pushing myself to work a little harder while in the pool. 

For my lunch today was this below...I am still practicing Intermittent Fasting which works well for me as I'm not a breakfast eater. Having porridge for lunch is a usual choice for me. This time with fresh apricots from younger daughter and home made honey a friend makes from older daughter. 

On that delicious note, I'll end this post. Hope there is something delicious in your life today!

Happy to link up with The Quilt Schmilt, Quilt Fabrication, From Bolt to Beauty, My Quilt Infatuation, Quilting Patchwork Applique, Wendy's Quilts and More, Quilting is More Fun Than Housework and The Inquiring Quilter. 

Flower Basket Runner, Family Times, Quiltmania Blocks

 I guess the humidity and high temperatures are good for flowers. I've never had such huge blooms on the Hydrangeas...totally smothering flowers I've planted around them. I must make a note to move these in the fall. 

The wonderful Day Lilies are blooming. There are many scattered about. 

Tony turned 84 last week and we had a wonderful family celebration for him. He enjoyed the attention and especially the food. Bruschetta to start and then a steak and shrimp meal most of it barbequed by SIL, Brad, with sides by Beth, the cake maker. 

 He doesn't like to smile as he thinks his smile is goofy looking.

Beth's cake, a four layer chocolate, was delicious. Italian buttercream frosting.

I've been feeling productive in the garden and in the house too this summer. Keeping myself very, very busy. As mentioned before lots of sorting going on in the Sewing room as well- taking stock, as it were. And recently I treated myself to some stitchy mail, a fat quarter bundle of Sundance by Crystal Manning for Moda. 

Very flowery and to me an autumn look. A nice change from the reds and pinks of summer '23. It is excellent quality fabric too.

  I spent an enjoyable evening stitching quilting lines on this table topper. I debated how to arrange this basket and also use other of the smaller Solidarity blocks.

 Finally settled on this arrangement. I'm so pleased to use Tone Finnanger's, the talent behind the Tilda brand, smaller flower blocks on the sides.

I like her EPP flower block very much and would love to make a bigger project with it. With more practice now, I could do a better job of stitching the pieces- I think. 

Here is the link to the Quiltmania post which includes the templates to stitch all the blocks. The directions, etc. are all still available and it is fun to see what your favourite designer might have contributed. A whopping 80 of them participated.

I hope you all are equally engaged in enjoyable pastimes, ones that lift your spirits and help you cope with whatever life is throwing at you. "Oh yes, you will be tested," my grandfather used to say. 

So happy to share this post with So Scrappy. Also happy to share with Quilting is More Fun Than Housework, Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, Songbird Designs and Kathy's Quilts.

Pinks Everywhere, Basket Blocks, Free EPP Patterns

A tiny rabbit appeared in the front yard one day when the sun was scorching the grass. It stayed in this position long enough for me to get the camera ready. I got excited at the possibility of this being a brilliant photo with the little guy paused amidst an arbor of colours, pinks above and greens below. I took a number of photos. The light was horrible and this is best of the shots. Sigh But the little fellow looked so cute. I wished I could hold it. 

 

I spent an enjoyable hour combing the stacks at the local library last week while I waited for Jack. That library has had a great infusion of funds via property taxes due to all the sub divisions that have sprung up surrounding the original little town. The library closed for a makeover in the spring and I must say it is looking spiffier with big new windows and an extension to hold more stacks. 

I like how my card for this library is good for many more libraries around the province for interlibrary loans, etc. I had no trouble finding a few to check out. Amongst them- I'm reading Barbara's book and enjoying it very much. Demon Copperhead

I've read about and watched a number of videos on the beautiful Appalacia and the effects of the coal mining,etc. with respect to the education of the children, so this is interesting to me. 

Free EPP Patterns...I just downloaded 6 free EPP patterns from Seams Sew Me. Belle has a pretty site and YouTube channel. She linked up with 5 other designers to make the special EPP offer to her subscribers. The six projects are sweet and small so quick to stitch. I like them all. 

The Quiltmania Solidarity QAL included at least four appliqued basket blocks and I stitched three of them. Here are two more to work out how to use in a project. The bottom one has a Christmas feel with the striped fabric so I'll set that aside for now. 

These blocks were all designed by different quilters all over the world. I think this one below was Victoria Findlay Wolfe's - I stitched this very large block as a bit of a challenge to me. I think I will use it in the back of one of these finishes. 

Having a purpose like this...to give old blocks tucked away in a drawer new life in a finish, is great. It's been a morale booster and I'm glad I decided this summer would be a time in between to get at this.

 This week's specific stitchy work is right off a non-stitchy one... to get photos of the Rainbow Neighbourhood Houses Quilt which is finished. But I also want to start quilting Solidarity Flimsy #1. 

I'll be back later in the week with more news...we celebrated a special birthday last weekend and I've received some mail I want to share. I hope all of you have a good week.

Happily linking with Quilt Schmilt, My Quilt Infatuation and Quilt Fabrication.

Free Patterns, FPP Blues Blocks, Turkey Talk

We wonder if this is Tilly, our lone female turkey who has been wandering through every now and then over the years. She had many more poults and sadly is down to two. But these look healthy and hopefully will be able to fly soon and thereby avoid certain predators. Their feathers have such beautiful markings.

Last weekend stitching added to my FPP Courthouse Steps blue blocks. I stitch three at a time and that's about the limit of time I can handle at the machine in one sitting.   LeeAnna at Not Afraid of Color's prompt this week is to do with fairs and festivals. Fall Fairs are the thing here and I've spoken about them already. But do pop over to her post and read about wonderful fair and festival memories folks are sharing. 

Free Patterns this week... I seem to be drawn to scrappy projects.

Debbie at Piecing the Past Quilts is running another free BOM called Grandma's Scrap Basket.  So pretty and who doesn't have scraps. I like the way this uses interplay between light and dark fabrics. And I would be interested in embroidering that border. 

I've remembered  Planted Seed Designs and their page of free patterns. So pretty like this one called Chinese Checkers.

And at Days Filled With Joy, Susan has started her free Christmas in July stitch along-will be lovely little motifs to embroider like her other SAL's, I'm sure. 

And this happened...

 Recently I'd had my grocery order rung through, I'd pushed my cart a little away from the line and paused to put away my glasses and secure my wallet, etc.  I glanced up and saw a woman waiting on me ...I was blocking her way. I immediately said so sorry and hurried to move my cart. She smiled and said that's okay, no problem at all which was nice but it was her tone that got me.  All the way to the car I thought of it...the way she spoke was like I was a doddery 5 year old who didn't know better. Has this ever happened to you? I didn't take this seriously, mind you, and Tony and I had a little laugh about it when I got home. A sign of my times I guess. 

Hope your weekend times will be wonderful!

Sharing this post with It's a Small Town Life, Quilting Patchwork Applique, Life in Pieces, Songbird Designs, Small Quilts and Doll Quilts and Creations Art Quilts.