Tuesday

The Olympians are certainly putting in a great effort.  We can only get one coverage channel but it seems that every event has at least one heart stopping moment.
Of course, the games were a major topic of conversation at our quilt group yesterday as well as the usual discussions of fabric stores, poor instructions and various ways to make a block.
We are, as a group, finishing a quilt started by someone else.  The instructions are, to say the least, challenging.  The applique pattern shows the design as slanted which results in not material left for seams.  A reexamination of the quilt photo shows the same block with the pattern vertical!  A simple directional arrow in the applique would have made all the difference.
There is a lot of responsibility involved when writing instructions.  Imagine a learn to drive manual that omits or describes incorrectly the method for braking.
We do depend on the written word to mean what it says and ommissions can be as important as what is included
The snow is falling gently here in the backwoods. It is just enough to look pretty and soften the landscape but not enough to need removal.  I treasure these last few snowfalls as I know that they soon will give way to the mud and bugs of spring.  I do enjoy the sprouting buds and the flower shoots that push their way above ground but spring is not one of my favourite seasons.  However, as with everything else, we take what comes, don't we.
blessings,

The Olympics

I am late getting this done today.  Our dog kept us awake with its barking most of the night so my energy level is low.  There was a coyote outside howling and, of course, all the neighbour dogs were joining in.  Heidi gets nervous when she smells the wildlife and barks and woofs and carrys on. She stops when she is held but you can't sleep that way either.
Later on in the morning, we went visiting a quilt friend.  I am helping her set up her long arm quilter.  When I left, she was ready to go which made me feel good.
The rest of the day....Olympic fever.  We watched the last of the torch run, the native Canadians, the tragic news of the death of the young Olympian and are now waiting for the opening ceremonies.
My husband and I motorcycled to B.C. quite often so seeing the mountains is a wonderful reminder of those trips.  A person cannot imagine the immensity of the Rockies without actually seeing them.  There were times on our travels that we would look back up at the road we had just desended and see transport trucks that appeared to be matchbox size.
If you live in Ontario or Alberta, enjoy your long weekend and, whereever you are, I hope you take time to watch the games.  Go Canada.
Blessings.

Organization

I have all but finished washing, folding and organizing my fabric.  It has been an interesting experience as I found/rediscovered material that I had forgotton that I had.  To prevent that from happening again, I have employed some different sized containers.  I believe I previously mentioned the soda cracker sized ones that hold my rolled fat quarters.  I also have a decorative tin for smaller landscrape and other themed fabrics as well as a round, plastic garbage can for bigger pieces.
I am using plastic bags for strips but want to get them in hinged lid containers.  Also need another thread spool tree.
While I was doing all this, I kept putting my knitting wool into a large garbage bag. This, of course, has led to realizing I need to get that organized as well.  I will probably get everything done in time to move the quilt room.  We are planning on adding a sun room to the side of the house and that may become my new studio.  My current room will be my husband's area, his current area will be a guest room and on it goes.
This probably won't happen until next year as we have the garage to put up first.  Moving is a long process isn't it.
Blessings

Back to Normal-I Think

I am gradually getting things back to normal on the computer.  My husband, bless him, has taken over the making of meals while I get things sorted out. 
Are you going to be watching the Olympics?  Roger has always watched them wherever they took place but I tend to be less enthusiastic.  This time, however, I think we will both be spending a lot of time in front of the television.  There just seems to be so much more excitement with the Vancouver games.  I remember the ones in Montreal and Calgary but they didn't seem to have the same national appeal.  Perhaps it is because we are coming out of a depression (economic) but I don't think so.  I believe it is the torch relay that has drawn us all together.  Having it cover such a large part of Canada and being able to follow it on-line has given more citizens a chance to be involved.  And, of course, is there anyone who hasn't bought or tried to buy a pair of the red mittens.
A lady on one of my on-line quilt group asked what project we are going to be working on as we watch.  I hadn't thought about it as I am still trying to get a hand pieced and top stitched quilt done but I was going to knit my husband a vest so I may do that. It will be a nice remenbrance of the events for him.
It will be nice if our athlete's win some gold medals but, if they don't, I still think this will have been the best games ever.
Blessings.

I'm Back

I picked up my computer today and am now working at getting everything up and running.  It will be a long process but hopefully, I can find all or most of the pictures and documents I had. 
Saturday, my husband and I went to the dog races in a nearby community.  It was something we wanted to do last year but something else came up.  I am glad we decided to go.  It was a cold day and we had to walk quite a distance after we found a parking place, but it was worth it. 
We watched one of the professional races and then one with children and some very willing family pets.  One dog decided the whole idea was not worth while and wouldn't run.  Another tried to visit all the pedestrians along the way.  One was a real standout and focused on why he was there and gave a good show.  All in all, a lot of fun.
With the arrival of February, Roger is starting to think maple syrup time.  The sap should start running next month and he is already getting his supplies ready.  Now that we know what we are doing, we should have more result for our effort this year.
Blessings

Still Waiting

My PC is still in the computer hospital.  I expect it will be ready to bring home tomorrow or Monday and I will then find out what the tech has been able to recover.
I found out that when the pc deletes everthing, the tech has to sort through all those files plus ones that have been deleted on purpose.  I can't imagine what a tedious job that must be.  No wonder they ask what you would like to have recovered.
I have also discovered how much time I spend on the computer.  I feel as though I am rattling around with nothing to do and that is with me still being able to access my e mail.
I am still working on getting my studio organized, cutting strips (still!) and working on WIPS.  My husband has been getting some extra nice meals and the house  work is getting a bit more attention. 
When my son was young, we didn't, by choice, have a television.  Every so often someone would give us one and all our time to read, play games together etc. was taken away. I was always glad when the TV broke down. As wonderful as the computer is, it is as much a time user as  the television.  I still do well at not watching the later very often but I see I am going to have to be more aware of the time spent in front of this smaller screen.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Blessings

problems

I may not be too regular on this blog for a few days as my pc has crashed.  I can use the lap top but it is a bit inconvenient.
At this point I don't know what is lost.  If the hard drive is the problem it may mean that I have lost my book, quilt patten designs, pictures etc.
It is devestating but, as people realize after any crisis, it is only stuff.
Will be taking the tower in today or tomorrow and will see what happens.
blessings