Mr. Mickey's Carriage.

I am getting my entries ready for our fall fair.  I am adding gluten free brownies and carrots to the list this year.  I didn't have to make anything specifically for the day as I have a lot of quilts (surprise) table runners and so on that I have made over the past two years.  The only thing that I have to make is the doll outfit.

My little dog wasn't feeling well for a couple of days but seems to be okay now.  I saw the neatest idea on Connie Campbell's blog.  She has an aging dog, Mr. Mickey, that isn't able to walk as far as she would like.  She solved the problem with a stroller and harness.  Now when Mr. Mickey gets tired, he can ride in style.

Heidi is still able to walk as far as I want but there are times I would like to take her to street festivals or other events where there is a lot of foot traffic.  I don't think it is safe or thoughtful to expect a little dog to be able to navigate through a forest of legs.  His/her own stroller would be perfect.

I am starting my first batch of apple jelly today.  I am not sure if I am going to be able to do as much jam as I have in other years because of the unavailability of fruit.  However, I still have some left from last year so we aren't going to starve.

Blessings,

A Dilemma

 Hubby and I went shopping yesterday.  I planned on buying some apples as well as other fruits and vegetables.  That plan changed when I saw the price of apples.  I am used to them being around 4.00 to 6 dollars depending on the variety.  The prices for these were four dollars higher.  10.99 for a bag of apples in a province that has as more apple trees than all the other fruit trees combined.  I know the price of fuel has affected many things especially food but  the other items I bought were still close to the price that they were a couple of years ago.

I left the apples and bought oranges and bananas instead.  Fortunately, I still have a lot of frozen apples in the freezer.

I picked up a book this week by a local author.  It was promoted as a romantic mystery.  The romance part was written well but the mystery has remained a mystery.  There seemed to be parts left out and situations that had no background or explanation.  I can't decide whether to write and ask her for an explanation or to let it go.  I know she will make a certain amount of sales as she is local but, unfortunately, I can't see her reaching a large audience.

What would you do?  Let it go or as tactfully as possible ask her to explain some of the confusing areas?  I am not sure how I would feel if I received an email basically telling me I need to improve a lot to be considered a good writer.  Fortunately, I have a good editor who goes over everything I write with the proverbial fine tooth comb-not that doesn't stop the occasional typo to slip through.

Blessings,

Home Made Ketchup

 I am getting my fair entries ready before the last minute for a change.  Most things are done already except for the gluten free brownies and dressing a doll.

Do you enter anything in your local fall fair?  I find it a fun way to take part in a community event and the prize money always comes in handy.  As a quilter, I think anything that showcases the beauty and creativity that is involved in producing something both useful and decorative.  I always hope that a young person will look at one of the entries and decide it is something they would like to learn.

We are going grocery shopping tomorrow.  If I never had to do that ever again, I would be happy.  I do buy some items on line but that doesn't work with fresh fruit and vegetables.

Our grandson did a lovely thing today.  He videoed a message to his great grandmother (who is in long term care) letting her know that she was loved.  He is a very caring young man.  His sister doesn't find it as easy to express her feelings but she, too, is a caring soul.

I am thinking of making my own ketchup this year.  I don't really like the bottled versions.  It isn't hard and we always have lots of tomatoes.  If it turns out, I will have something new to add to my fall canning list.

Blessings,

Amazing Applique

We had what my Dad used to call 'a gully washer' today.  It had been spitting all day but when I started home from quilt group the rain fall got serious.  There were times I could barely see and the puddles were deep enough that safety dictated slower speeds.  As I passed a friend, and fellow quilter's, house, the rain lessened to a light shower, then as I turned onto our road, it started again.  Our driveway had a few ruts where the gravel had been moved but nothing serious.

My youngest sister went to a quilt show in England and sent me a photo of the one that was judged Best of Show.  I looked at another close up and the flowers etc. are appliqued.  Beautiful work.

Blessings,

Fall Fair Coming

We had one of those noisy rainstorms early this afternoon.  I was just going out for a walk with the dog when I noticed how black the sky was.  The thunder started by the time we were half way down the driveway. We hustled back into the house and made it just before the rain fell in a deluge.  It didn't last too long but the hydro flickered once and we lost the tv satellite for a bit.

I have started quilting my scrappy quilt and it is going alright.  I also need to get at my entries for the fall fair.  One of the other ladies in the quilt group is entering this year.  I like to see lots of quilters submit their work because it brings attention and interest to our craft.

I have been spending a bit of time getting to know my new sewing machine.  I haven't tried all the decorative stitches yet.  It is fun having a new toy.  I may get at the Dresden plate quilt that I have been planning to make using men's ties.  I can use the fancy stitches on the adjoining pieces.

Blessings,

Another Machine

 It almost feels like fall today as the temperature has dropped to 17c.  So much nicer for doing outdoor work.  Hubby had to remove some tree branch's that were blocking the trail through the bush and I was volunteered to help.   It was a case of two old crocks working together:  Hubby with his very painful leg and me that gets nauseous if I bend down (inner ear problem).  There weren't a lot of trees so we got it done in less than half and hour.  I think I can count that as my exercise for the day. Well, maybe not.

We had a lovely visit with a couple of long time friends yesterday.  They live in southern Ontario so, mainly, we keep in touch on line but try to get together once a year.  It is always nice when the guys like each other as well as their partner's friend.  This couple are lovely, gentle, caring people and, of course, she is a quilter so what more could you want in a friend.

We had left our little dog on her own so we had to get back sooner than I would have liked but now that Heidi is going into her 15th year, we don't like to leave her too long.

Did I mention that I got another sewing machine?  It is a gently used Janome QC 6260.  I had an older model of this one a while ago and really liked it.  There wasn't a manual and I have forgotten how to activate the decorative stitches so will go on line to get one. This one replaces the Janome that couldn't be fixed and I think I had better not get anymore for a while.  Hubby is wonderfully understanding but there are limits.

Enjoy your day.  There is always something good happening if you look for it.

Blessings,

Exploding Bananas

 Have you ever had a banana explode?  I bought a large bag of past date bananas for two dollars as I wanted to make my chocolate banana loaf.  They were still in pretty good shape so I took four of the worst, pureed them and put them in a lidded container.  I normally freeze my puree but, as I was making the loaf today I just put it in the fridge.  Also, as the container was really full, I was afraid the frozen bananas would crack it.  When I took the jar from the fridge this morning, I noticed some of the puree had started running down the sides which was odd.  The lid took a bit of effort to remove and I hadn't really loosened it much when it shot off and bananas sprayed over me, the counter and the kitchen floor. Apparently, the puree had started to ferment.  Who knew.

There was still plenty left and it tasted okay so I made my loaf.  We are having company and I want to serve it to them.  I hope we don't all get tipsy!

It has cooled down quite a lot here so it will be a good day to catch up on my work.  My nephew and family are touristing in Niagara Falls but I am receiving lots of pictures and I will face chat tonight.

This photo is of our little man with our dog Heidi.  He says that Heidi is little (Granny's dog is a Alsatian) and very, very soft. (The parents only post views with his face hidden and I agree with that.  Lots of questionable people out there.)

Blessings,

Family Fun

It has been quite a while since my last post.  I have been very busy through the day and too tired to do much more than stare at the television until bedtime in the evening.  My nephew, wife and family arrived at their BnB late on July 24 so we didn't see them until the next day.  They had a 3 hour wait for their luggage  and got bumped from the seats they had reserved and paid for.  Flying is something you endure rather than enjoy now. I haven't been on a plane for around 10 years and have no plans to do so especially for long flights.

All that aside, we have been having a wonderful time.  We got to meet my great nephew, who immediately charmed us and has continued to impress us with his little personality and vocabulary.  How many 3 year old's knows how to say rotate and knows what it means?

We have done all the usual tourism things including Santa's Village which was expensive but worthwhile.  My niece-in-law loves Christmas so I think she may have enjoyed it even more than her son.  Of course there were line ups for everything but we were able to see and do everything on our list.

Tomorrow, we are off to see a street festival in a community near ours.  Sunday, the family moves on to Niagara Falls and then back home.  It is going to be very hard to have them leave but am thankful for the time we have had.  I know that we will see them again, probably, in a couple of years.  

I really have not done much else except some meals and basic housework.  My scrappy top is on the frame but haven't done anything on it.  Our weather has been nice; sunny not not overly warm. Great for picking the raspberries that have taken over the property.

Blessings,