Sticker Shock

 While grocery shopping today and looking for a decent crossword book, I saw a quilt magazine that looked interesting.  I haven't bought one in ages and, in fact, got rid of all the ones I had except the ones I write/wrote for.  Sometimes, though, it is nice to be able to browse through someone else's ideas but, when I saw the price, I changed my mind.  When did they get so expensive?  I used to be able to buy a hard covered book for that price.  I like to be able to support all publications but I also like to be able to eat, buy fabric and feed our pets.

Speaking of pets, our Heidi is getting better all the time.  She rarely limps at all now although I still have to watch when I take her for a walk in case she get tired.

We are going to be spending Easter Sunday with hubbies family.  It will be nice to see how the little ones are growing and catch up on all the news.  We are taking our little orphan chick with us (as well as the dog) as one of the nephews is interested in raising it.  He is wonderful with animals and even had a goose that walked on a leash.  Peep will have a great life.

If you are travelling this weekend, please stay safe.

Blessings,

Half a Bird Brain.

 Thank you for your kind comments about Heidi dog.  She is getting better.  I take her for a short walk each day on easy terrain.  The hardest part is trying to keep her from moving to fast.  She doesn't know she is old so I don't think I should tell her.  However, I don't want her to strain that leg either.

It seems that there is always something happening.  Yesterday, I was doing something in the kitchen when I heard a loud bang.  The large living room window had popped out and was leaning against the couch.  Went over to see what had caused that and saw a large bird laying on the deck.  Hubby said it was a partridge.  Apparently, it didn't see the glass.  It took a bit to get the back in place and secure and then I swept all the dirt that was behind and under the couch before getting everything back in place.

We have a feeder on the window but it is far too small for a bird the size of a partridge but, apparently, it didn't notice that.  I always say that if you had a dozen partridge in a group they would equal half a bird brain.  Speaking of birds our little chicken has doubled in size and doing very well.

It is nice and sunny today although cool.  I have a lady in doing some housework for me today as I can't keep up with that and get my writing and quilting done.  Even having someone once a month is a big help.  If I quit spending money on doodads, I can afford it.

I have one block of my customer quilt done as well as the fabric cut so am making headway.  Lots of half square triangles so I have to be extra careful that all the points  and seams line up.

Enjoy your day,

blessings,

A Rocky Week

 We have had a rocky week.  Our little dog started going lame in her hind legs on Sunday and is still having problems.  Sometimes she is able to walk fine and the next, she is hopping on three legs.  I have a vet appointment for her and am hoping it is arthritis and can be treated.

As she will be 16 this August, we are prepared for deteriorating health but, as long as she isn't in pain, we will continue to do what we can for her.  We have also taken on the raising of a baby chick that was abandoned by her (I hope) mother.  She is in a cat carrier with food and water and a nest made of quilt batting.  She seems to be doing well.

I finally finished the quilt that was on the long arm frame.  My ability to follow a pantograph pattern improved enough as I neared the end that I am sure I will be able to do this again.  However, this quilt will be cut up into table runners and placemats.

I want to take the Q'nique and table apart and clean and rebalance everything.  Because the base is wood, it gets off kilter sometimes.

The weather here is warm and sunny.  We sat outside on the deck for a bit yesterday and I was able to walk through the bush.  I miss being able to take Heidi and hope she will be mobile enough to go again soon.

Blessings,

Creativity-The Key to Healthy Living

 My family is very creative.  Both my sister's and I are sewers-plus other crafts, one brother does pottery and cement sculptures and while the other leans a bit more to physical activities.

I am not sure where all this talent came from as our mother didn't do anything like that for fun (although she had little free time to do anything with 5 children in 8 years).  Dad was able to do most things such as fix cars, etc.  

I was thinking about all this when the older of my two sisters sent a photo of a doll she made.  I am so impressed.  The youngest sister is working on a antique quilt all hand done.

Being creative, I believe, keeps your brain young.  It also provides beauty for your environment, gifts for others and a sense of accomplishment that keeps our mental state balanced.

I love the way the doll's little ears poke through her hair as that is a family trait.  If you are interested in the pattern, it is available at: www:alicesbearshopuk.com

Keep creating.