Warning

Warning: winter praising imminent.  Those of you who are long time supporters know I love winter.  I expect the time will come as I age that I won't find the cold and snow so exciting but I am not there yet.  We had a snow fall early on the weekend and it has stayed.  There isn't a lot yet and the ground certainly isn't covered but there is plenty of evidence that my favourite season is arrive.

I just got back from my daily dog walk and it was cool enough to wear a winter coat but I didn't need a hat or gloves.  No socks either but that isn't unusual.  The sun was shining and a breeze, strong enough to notice but not to cause discomfort, made my exposed skin feel alive.  I didn't need to put booties on Heidi yet either which saved a lot of preparation time.  However, I need to get them ready as her little tootsies do need covering.

I haven't got a lot of quilting done today.  The lap quilt is loaded onto the machine and ready to go-as soon as I figure out why the thread keeps breaking.  Probably need to change the needle and make sure the foot is the proper distance from the quilt top.  In the meantime, I am working on a baby quilt.

I was at the doctor's yesterday and he diagnosed my itch as being eczema and gave me a prescription for a cream.  It didn't start helping until today but, while I still have the spots, the itchiness is a lot less.

A member of my family who lives in another country is experiencing a head shaking situation.  Her house is being upgraded to meet current environmental standards-new windows, doors, extra insulation etc.  After the workers left, she discovered she cannot open her doors to get out. The locks seem to be stuck.   The company was called and they said they would get it fixed within TWENTY FOUR HOURS.  Meantime she is stuck in a house hoping there isn't an emergency and trying to keep her daughter calm who is finding the situation very upsetting.  I cannot believe that the renovation company does not consider this to be an emergency situation.  The lady has a young son who was not at home and now can't get home.  He is at his grandmother's house.  Somebody should lose their job over this.

Blessings,  

Christmas Trees and Chili

 Another sign that winter is either here or on its way; I have a pot of chili cooking on the stove.  I used kidney beans this time although I usually substitute carrots.  Hubby prefers the beans.  I always make a large amount so I can freeze some.  I will do the same amount of stew later.  No fear of starving in this house.

We were supposed to have a nasty snow storm last night leaving 6 to 7 inches behind.  However, we got little more than a skiff.  If looks nice but I am waiting for a real downfall.  Our new tree was delivered this morning.  We haven't taken it out of the box yet as we have both been busy but probably will tonight. Hubby has been fill up the mud room with wood and getting the plough on the tractor ready to go through the drifts. I was doing what my sister calls 'invisible work', the stuff that has to be done but no one can see the difference.

I was looking for something in the freezer yesterday and, this morning when I was getting something else, I noticed I had left out the ice cream!  So frustrating when that happens.

I delivered some face masks to a store yesterday and today I am finishing the top of a lap quilt.  If I don't get it done, I may have to answer to hubby who is getting tired of hearing me say I need to finish it!

(Karen and other with space challenges when putting up the Christmas tree:  have you seen the upside down ones.  My SIL has one and it really is a great idea when you have a lot young ones and gifts.)

Blessings,

The Itch is Going Away

 We have been getting heavy rain today and I was concerned about the temperatures dipping to fast and turning every surface into a skating rink.  However, it stayed above freezing all day so we were fine.  It has dropped now but it isn't affecting us.

I have been busy making face masks to sell and now they are done, I can go back to my quilts.  I hope to get a crib and lap quilt done before the 26 as I have a sale on the Saturday.  Once that is done, I can concentrate on our celebration.  I have ordered a new artificial tree for this year although the one we have is in good shape.  I want a shorter one that can be placed on the wooden file cabinet we have in front of the living room window.  We have been moving the cabinet every year and as it is old and getting a bit creaky I am getting a bit concerned about it eventually coming apart.  The other problem is finding somewhere to put it.  Small homes are great for cleaning but storage indoors is always a concern.

I am pleased to say that whatever I am allergic to seems to be settling down.  The itch has been considerable less today.  It hasn't disappeared but it is less.  Such a relief.

My thoughts and prayers are with those in British Columbia who have experienced mud slides and floods.  I hope you, your family, pets and livestock are all safe.  If you live in the area and can help, I know you will,

Blessings

It's Coming

 Maybe you have been trying to avoid the passing days that are leading up to December but you know that the big day is not far away.  Christmas has been floating around in the back of my brain but I still have to get quilts and other items ready for a craft sale so I have been putting off any serious thinking.

I found a link that has some great ideas for handmade gifts.  Perhaps making a couple of these will help get you on track.  If you have been a quilter for any length of time, you will know that Patchwork Posse always has great patterns.

101+ Handmade Holiday Decorations to Make (patchworkposse.com)

It looks as though I am going to be able to get my new electric snow shovel out soon.  We have been getting snow off and on all day and it is staying on the ground.  I just finished the last of my jam making today so that is another job I can mark off the list.  I made sugar free bumbleberry jam using a sweetener substitute.  It set really well  which is always a good sign.

If you make any of these items, send me a photo to share,

Blessings,

Flowers of Love

 Reader Karen was sharing how she misses her family and how they have all been affected by the pandemic.  I try to maintain a positive attitude but in unguarded moments, I wonder if we will ever be free of this virus.  Will it, like a cold, be something we accept as part of living?  I hope not as the seriousness of this disease has far to many ramifications.

Isn't it lovely to be appreciated.  Hubby came home from the village today with a lovely bouquet of carnations.  He said they were in appreciation of all the extra work I have been doing lately. I have been extra busy and don't seem to be catching up on all that needs to be done.  Every time I think I will be able to have a day of sewing, something comes up that derails the schedule.  It is frustrating but I know a lot of people are in the same position. And I got carnations!

Next week, I have fewer appointments so should make some headway-I hope.

Our weather is getting cooler and we may have snow soon.  Hard to believe we are almost in December without any of the fluffy stuff,

Blessings,

Itching is Irritating.

I finished my charity quilt and gave it to its new owner.  He was really pleased and I hope it helps keep him warm this winter.

 Yesterday, hubby and I took a trip to Orillia to see one of my sisters who is here from England to see family.  Hubby took the opportunity to visit with his mother while sis and I had lunch and caught up with all the family happenings. The weather was really nice so we took a stroll along the main street afterwards. I would have liked to spend more time wandering around but we had a little doggy at home and I wanted to do some grocery shopping as well.

It is always so hard when I get to spend time with my family and then they go back home.  I know that many people have family members who are in other countries or even on the far side of this one and I sure you experience the same feelings.  I try to remember that I am fortunate to even have a little time with them. Looking on the positive side helps but not completely.

Early last week, I had a reaction to some medication I am taking.  Once I figured out what was causing the itch and, now, hives, I realized it had been going on for a while and gradually getting worse.  I talked to my doctor today about quitting the medication and he agreed that that was the best solution.  The original problem still has to be dealt with but I can live with it for a bit.  In the meantime, I am trying not to scratch while I wait for my system to get back to normal.

Blessings,