Yard Work Etc

Now that Spring is here, we are starting to get ready for next winter.  Today, I  raked last years detritus from the vegetable gardens and the lawn.  The compost still hasn't completely thawed yet so I can't spread that around but the ground is all ready for it.
My husband has started splitting and piling wood so, when I had finished my work, I have him a hand.  We got a good sized pile stacked before it was time for lunch and the rain started.
Since then, I have been in my quilt room weeding out some of the smaller bits of fabric to cut into strips and adding in my birthday fabric.  I have also gone through the partially finished quilts and labelled them so I know what needs to be done to finish them.  A number of them have been used as practice pieces as I was learning how to use my machine and frame.  Not sure what I will do with them.  The tops are nice but the quilting is rough to say the least.  A couple I will give to the younger members of the family to use as play mats.
We are getting quite a rain storm right now.  I don't think there is going to be a hydro outage but, if it happens, I have a large tote that is full of odd bits of fabric just waiting to be cut up.  I am not sure what I am going to do with all the strips.  How many scrap quilts can one person make or use?
I wish I had been able to get a few bulbs in the garden to take advantage of the rain but I believe it is a bit early yet.  The timing is a bit tricky in this area: you try to get things done before black fly season but also after frost.  I think I will get the garlic bulbs and potatoes in this week though.  Any frost shouldn't bother them.  I can always cover them with all this extra fabric!!!!
Blessings,

Food Nostalgia

It is a rainy, windy day here today.  The Internet has been flickering on and off but the hydro is still with us. I am working on the top of a quilt that I am going to put on my web site so, of course, everything keeps going wrong.  However, there isn't much more to do so I persevere.
We had a busy Easter weekend with dinner at the in-laws on Saturday, brunch at church on Sunday, quilting and ladies group on Monday.  My traditional Easter meal is ham and scalloped potatoes so, as we haven't had them yet, I am making it for supper.
It is funny how we associate certain foods with an event or holiday.  Cinnamon buns remind me of my mother's love, home made granola I associate with my son.  Roast beef for Sunday dinner recalls my English heritage especially if it accompanied by Yorkshire pudding.  Chicken soup is, of course, what you have if you aren't feeling well and stew or hot chocolate is for cold winter days.
Have you started your contest entry yet?  The prize package is valued at approximately $30.00 plus receiving all the entry blocks.  Let me know when you are ready to send it.
Blessings,

Behold The Lamb

My husband and I just got back from decorating the church for Sunday.

This little quilt hangs in the church and depicts the scripture in John which says, "Behold the Lamb that takes away the sin of the world."

The background was made using Ricky Tims method of taking two fabrics, cutting in strips, sewing together, recutting etc.  I took it a step further and added horizontal cuts.

May you all have a blessed and happy Easter.

Quilty on Line Stuff

I have just ordered some products for my machine frame from an on-line store.  As the store is in the States, I am saving because of our dollar and because I didn't have to use my vehicle.  I am irritated that the Canadian stores are not lowering their prices for consumers.  It costs them less to purchase their inventory so they should be passing that on to shoppers.  I don't expect a big discount especially as the fuel prices are so high but a little something to encourage us to spend our dollars in our own country would be nice.
I am afraid that tourism is going to suffer this year unless our government does something to cap fuel cost.
The products I ordered are specifically for my frame so really couldn't have been bought anywhere else but I still feel bad.  I am getting a laser pointer and a new set of clamps that will hold the quilt more securely.  I have also ordered the new True Cut rulers.  The ladies in my local quilt group already got the 24" ruler and now some of them want the 12" one.  This ruler is a real step forward in tools.  It has a ledge that prevents the rotary cutter from slipping and cutting your hand instead of fabric.  It also has cut outs that let you see your fabric better and allows you to mark your fabric. 
While I wait for all this to arrive, I am working on a new quilt pattern.  Should have it ready to sell shortly.
And now, I am going to drag my boots back out of storage and take the dog for a walk.
Blessings,

More Photos

The birds were a little confused this morning as we have got a few more inches of snow. It started last night and, along with some ice pellets, has continued all morning.  A good day to make bread.
These little birds are some of the dozens where were scraping at the ground and gathering around the feeders looking for seeds.  I am glad that I filled them up the other day.  The bars you can see around the feeder is to discourage the deer.
The other photos are from my birthday party.  My husband and I were chatting with the piper while he took a bit of a break.  Heidi just wasn't sure of what to make of it all.  The final picture is some of my family.  My sister, Helen, from England is on the right with my brother and his wife on the left.  The tall fellow in the back is my son.

Blessings,

Hopping Around

 Neither of these pictures are very clear as I took them through a window.  This little squirrel is perched on top of a dead tree trunk and enjoying the seeds he just stole from the bird feeder.
The other photo shows a woodpecker busily feasting on the suet we had on a tree near the driveway.
Both creatures were more concerned with food that me taking a picture but I didn't want to push their tolerance by going any closer to them.
Yesterday, we had a tom turkey in full strut.  His head was a bright blue (my husband said it was from holding its breath while puffing out its chest) and its wings were held away from its body much like a body builder who was showing off his physique.
With the exception of our friends the squirrel and woodpecker, all the creatures here in the backwoods seem to be intent on finding a mate.  The weather might not be spring like but the birds are behaving as though it is here.

Have you read about my contest yet?  All the details are on my web page. (See link on the right side of the blog.) The rules are simple and I have chosen some nice quilty stuff to be included in the prize basket.
Blessings,

Is Your Vehicle Secure?

Today, I would like to talk about something that is dear to my heart; the safety of children in a vehicle.  If you have young children, I am certain you make sure that they are in their safety seats.  You wouldn't dream of letting them jump around on the seats (although some adults do) while you drive. But, were you aware that there is one safety factor that is overlooked by the majority of drivers that is a frequent cause of death for children.  That factor?  Your parking (emergency) brake.  It should always be activated when your vehicle is parked.  Why? Let me tell you of a story that was in the news this week.
A couple of small children where left in the family car while the parent ran back into the house to get something.  The car was running.  One of the children moved the gear selector and the car started rolling and ran over a little girl that was nearby.  This tragic situation could have been prevented if the parking brake had been on.  When children are left alone in a vehicle, it is natural for them to pretend they are driving.  They jerk the steering wheel and tug on the gear selector.  If the parking brake is set, (and working properly) the car will just stall if it is put in gear.
I have been told by adults that the reason they don't use their brake is they forget to release it before they move the car.  Most cars have a light or noise that warns you if something is wrong.  You should, of course, be in the habit of checking all the guages and lights before moving.  And, as mentioned above, if the brake is working properly, the car will not roll on its own and if you apply gas, it will still be very difficult to get it moving.
Another complaint is that the brake freezes on in the winter.  I have lived in an area where the temperatures were at minus 40 celcius for days on end.  My brake never froze.  The key is to always use it.
By the way, I am talking about vehicles which have automatic transmissions as well as those that are manual (standard shift).
I get so angry when I hear of a child that has died when a simple action would have saved them.  If you have found this information helpful, you have my permission to print it and give it to anyone with little children. Perhaps together we can help a few more of these precious little ones reach adulthood.
Blessings,