As Snug as a Bug in a Quilt.

 We had good weather for our drive to Parry Sound and hubbies medical appointment.  It was a pleasant drive with the road conditions being good and a route that took us through a number of small communities.  There are so many lakes in Ontario that you would almost have to plan a route that specifically avoided them to not go by at least one lovely vista.  We enjoy looking at houses as well and it is amazing how many different designs there are in less than 200 kilometers.  Many were obviously deserted but others were well cared for. I am not sure why, but I like a house that has a number of additions.  I can visualize a growing family, perhaps the addition of elderly parents all initiating the need for more space.  One of my brothers lives in a home like that although the previous owner was less than skillful in his work.  When you are going from room to room, you often have to go up or down a step.

I did get a good bit of cleaning done on Wednesday-not everything but a really good start.  Found a top I forgot I had.

It is above freezing today but damp.  Little Heidi found a good place to stay warm.

Blessings,

Gnomes.

 Do you ever get times when doing nothing seems like a great idea?  I have been having a hard time getting myself motivated lately and, of course, it is the busiest time of the year.  I may just need to get back on my daily vitamin.  In any case, I am going to make a good effort at getting some things done today.

Tomorrow, we have to drive a good distance for hubbies' appointment with the specialist so I know we will be beat when we get home, especially as I will have to get up earlier than usual.

Our two furry children are starting to get along a bit better although Heidi is still jealous.  I have been teaching Ally a trick and she picked it up right away.  I hold my hand sideways and say, "head" and she leans over and places her head against my hand.  She might do it anyway as she loves being petted but I am going to believe she is learning words.

My neighbour is a very talented artisan.  This gnome is about 18 inches tall, made with white velvet and faux fur.  She also makes lots of smaller gnomes, but I think this fellow is magnificent.  I can see him sitting under a tree in a upscale home.

I love gnomes and hedgehogs.  I think the two go together, don't you?

Blessings,

A Scary Phone Call

 When the phone rings before 5 o'clock in the morning, you know it isn't Publisher's Clearing House calling to say you are the big winner.  My phone tells me who is calling so I knew right away that it was my son.  First thought was that something happened to his wife as her health isn't good.  Fortunately, it wasn't that serious but worrying all the same.  He was involved in a traffic collision and the other vehicle went off the road and ended up on its roof. My son was fine but shook up.

There were a lot of collision during the morning as the conditions were bad, but my son isn't sure what caused his car to lose control.  He is a professional driver (semi-truck) and has never even had a speeding ticket.  He may never know what happened.  His vehicle is still drivable, and he is going to work tomorrow but the other driver is in the hospital All day long, as I worried about my son, I was also aware that the family of the other driver was going through a worse situation.

With the lack of sleep and staying in touch with my family, I didn't get much done today.  Tomorrow, I help pack shoe boxes with items for children in need.  I am pretty much ready for the craft sale on Saturday.

Hope you are all staying well and safe,

Blessings,

A Heidi Dog Scare.

 We are still getting unseasonably warm weather.  It will be nice if it is like this for tomorrow and our Remembrance Day service.  Our cenotaph is at the top of a hill, near a river and the winds can get quite brisk in that area.  I always feel bad for those in uniform with nothing to cover their ears as well as the cadets who stand guard.  Our grandchildren are both cadets (and were recently promoted).  We are proud of them knowing they are doing their bit to acknowledge the day.

Yesterday, I went to Orillia (1.5 hour from here) to visit with my sister.  She was saying how much she has come to value family, and I agree with her.  For many years, it was just my son and I here in Canada.  Then my brother moved here, and my sisters started travelling from England.  We, of course, all keep in touch via computer which helps but doesn't take the place of face to face.

Today, our little Ally is going to the vets for her first checkup.  She seems very healthy but, of course, we can't see her liver, heart etc.  She is a talkative little thing and very friendly. Heidi dog, on the other hand, gave me an awful scare last night.  She had been lying on the floor and when she tried to get up, her legs wouldn't hold her.  She gradually regained her mobility and today she is back to normal.  I had taken her for a long walk up a hill the day before and I think it was too much.  Flat ground walks and increase joint medication is now the regime.

Finishing the quilt that is on my frame is this week's goal.   And then on to Christmas projects.

Blessings,

Morning Starts Earlier

 I have started getting up a bit earlier.  Not a lot but enough that my housework (what I call 'invisible' work') is done by 10ish.  I generally run out of steam around 4 so I now have a good stretch of time to quilt.  Of course, grocery shopping, meetings and other time wasters cut into those blissful hours but, as long as I don't get stuck on the computer, I can still get a lot done.

It is a muggy day today.  It is supposed to go up to 20c and, as it is 15 now, we might make it.  I know many of you will disagree with me, but I am looking forward to seeing the snowfall-as long as it is after Wednesday.  One of my sisters is here visiting from England and we are getting together for a catch up.  She is looking for a home near her son and family so it will be wonderful to have her in Canada.

Heidi and Miss Ally seem to have agreed on a truce.  Ally wanders around the house, Heidi watches her and then whichever one comes to me for a pet is quickly joined by the other. Ally is another reason why I am getting up earlier.  Hubby feeds the dog, and the cat is my responsibility.

Did anyone try the block I uploaded for you.  I hadn't watched the video previously and was amazed at all the different layouts.  I am thinking of making a lap quilt with batik fabrics using this pattern.

Enjoy your weekend.  Don't forget to put your clocks back tonight.

Blessings,

Too Warm for Winter

 Another week almost over and I still have a list of things I planned to do at the beginning of the week.  That is life, isn't it?  To look on the positive side, (there always is one!), I finished the charity quilt, and it will be on its way to its new owner on the weekend.  The Christmas wall hanging only needs the sleeve and I have made good headway on the quilt that is on the frame.  It took me the longest time to try and decide what pattern to do before I just started quilting.  The top really did tell me what it wanted so an ivy vine it is.

We had a wonderful day at quilt group on Monday.  One of our members demoed a new scrappy block that she found on you tube.  I am attaching the link as I think some (all?) of you might like to make it.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4jD1iMasoP4

Our pet family is still trying to work out their differences.  I haven't got Ally to the vet for her check over yet and that is the top of my list.

It is staying unusually warm here.  It is supposed to go up to 20c by the weekend.  I am going to have to dig out a couple of tee shirts to wear. I hope it changes back to normal soon as there needs to be a little snow on the ground to get people in the shopping mood.  I have a craft show on the 19th, so I am being selfish, I suppose.

For those of you who live in year-round sunshine and warmth, what gets you in the Christmas spirit?  I can never quite imagine how people in Australia for example can look forward to going to the beach on Christmas day.

Having said all that, I am quite adamant that I don't do anything Christmassy until after Remembrance Day on Nov. 11.

Blessings,