Awesome

Yesterday got away from me.  I was baking, had company, planted a bit of the garden and before I knew it, the day was done.
Before I forget, I would like to remind you of the sale at Sisters Quilting Expo.  The patterns are reduced this week and that includes mine.  Sale ends at the end of the week. This is a good time to try something different.
There was a man on the news this morning who has written a book called Awesome.  It was a result of his blog by the same name which he started while going through a rough period in his life.  He decided that rather than dwelling on the negative, he would become more aware of all the awesome things in life such as when you get that piece of popcorn unstuck from your tooth or a baby's giggle.
We so often overlook those little awesome events.  Yesterday my dog wasn't feeling up to par and today is back to normal-awesome.  We had a hummingbird at the feeder-awesome.  The sun is shining, the daffodils dancing, I had food for breakfast-awesome.  I have a whole day ahead in which I can do pretty much what I want-awesome.  One of my closest friends is coming for a visit on Monday-awesomer.
My sister is just embarking on her quilting journey.  Her new sewing machine was delivered yesterday and I am sure that today she will be off to the quilt store to get the first supplies for her stash.  I am really excited for her and it is going to be wonderful (awesome) having another sister with whom I can share my passion.
Have an awesome day,
blessings,

Trying Again

This is the third time I have tried to write this.  My computer keeps overheating and shutting down.  I forgot to clean the fluff off the side vents.  It really needs a good internal cleaning but I haven't figured out how to take the cover off this one.  I will have to wait until I see my son again and perhaps he can figure it out.
It has been a bit dreary weather wise today.  Our little family, dog, husband and I, went for a drive earlier and I took some pictures that I wanted to share.  I am going to try and upload one and see if everything stays put.



Just Paddling Around

 This goose was enjoying a swim in a quiet spot near a water fall.  It looks so peaceful there but just a few feet away the water was thrashing and swirling around.
Life is often like that, isn't it?  Everything seems to be in turmoil but, if we wait a while, often it all becomes calm.
I know that is easy to say.  I am not the most patient person and often react at the first hint of opposition or trouble.  I have really been trying to take a step back and give myself time to either put myself in the other persons place or remind myself that nothing will get solved if I start acting like Vesuvius.
I hope all of you who are mothers have a great day on Sunday.
blessings,

This, That and the Other Thing

I went shopping this morning and took advantage of a sale at the fabric store.  I will scan a couple of pieces and share with you tomorrow.  Also have some more birthday photos to post.
I thought I had this week pretty much planned but, as it turns out, I have had to make a change.  One of the area churches has a clothing exchange and I was going to that tomorrow morning (think I mentioned this yesterday).  I was planning on meeting a friend there or dropping over for a cup of tea later.  She called me this morning to let me know I had the date wrong.  It is next weekend.  This wouldn't be a big deal except I am the person who writes the column for our newspaper that tells of the coming events.  I had wrote about the exchange including the correct dates but apparently I don't read what I write.
So, now that I have tomorrow free, my husband and I are going to go for a drive and enjoy the weather.
I suppose this is all part of the aging process so I had better get used to not knowing what I am doing.  As long as my clothes all get put on in the correct order I guess I can live with it.
There is only a couple of days left to take advantage of the notion sale at Sisters Quilting Expo.  The book sale starts next week.
Speaking of which, my sister has ordered a quilting book.  She is just taking up quilting and I am thrilled.  Our youngest sister does hand quilting but she is not as addicted to the craft as I am.  I am looking forward to getting Helen thoroughly indoctrinated. She already has a good eye for colour and composition as she does photography so I am sure she will be a wonderful quilter. Perhaps one day, we three sisters will be hunched around a quilting frame sharing stories and stitching! Bliss.
Blessings,

Bits and Pieces

Are you a note maker?  I am always jotting phone numbers, e mail address, things I need to buy, appointments etc. on bits of paper.  I also note the name of a book or author I might want to read, CD's to buy and quilt ideas.  These pieces of paper can be found anywhere although usually on the kitchen table, in my purse, a coat pocket or beside the computer.  They are never, however, where they should be.
I have a doctor's appointment in June and it is one of the ones that get booked weeks in advance so, of course, you write it on a calender or day timer.  I have been trying to find where I wrote the date and time for the past week.  One would assume it would be on a calender but I looked all every one of them without success.
I could, however, tell you my brother's previous cell phone number or the address of somewhere that I was going although, as I didn't note the community, I don't know where it might be.
I do keep a small notebook beside the computer and that has been invaluable.  I am able to leaf back through the pages to find web addresses, forgotten passwords and so on.  The appointment isn't in it either.
I phoned the doctor's office this morning and got the information I needed.  It is now written on the calendar beside the computer.
Blessings,

My Favourite Scene



Roger and Heidi enjoying a break

 I promise today to not mention politics, the election or the royal wedding.  There isn't a ban, however, on quilting, fabric, the weather or my little dog.
I have been sorting through my clothes today.  This happens twice a year as I store ones seasons wardrobe and getting out the new.  I use this as an opportunity to get rid of anything that I didn't wear, that is stained or no longer fits.  I also weed out non-age appropriate clothing.  This is just my opinion but I think that as you say good bye to youth, you should also reconsider wearing short shorts, mini skirts and brief bathing suits.  If you are very trim, you may get away with  the youthful look but, and again, in my opinion, a bikini and varicose veins isn't the best fashion statement.  I find that I now feel more comfortable in blouses rather than T shirts when I go out.  Mind you, I still enjoy my T's at home.  I have almost 2 dozen of the things.
The side benefit of getting rid of clothes is that you have more room for new.  We quilters use the same principle with fabric.  I have been trying to make quilts with just the fabric I have on hand.  I've lessened the stash somewhat but my purchases (restrained though they may be) and birthday fabric has filled up a few bare spots.  Fabricland is holding another of their dratted 50% off sales so I have to go and take advantage of that.  I really like their line of M'Liss fabrics so will focus on them this time.
This photo shows one of my favourite scenes.  My husband was just taking a break from chopping wood and having an apple and cup of tea.  Our little Heidi loves sitting with him and looking down the road.  Sometimes, she will pop up on a chair beside him but her usual position is just as you see her in the picture. She loves being with Roger.
I think we are supposed to get rain showers later today so before that happens, I want to get some garlic and potatoes planted.
If you haven't already entered my contest, you still have time.  You may also want to check out the May Madness sale on a number of products at: www.sistersquiltingexpo.com
Blessings,

The Wedding

If you are not a Royalist or a sentimentalist, you may want to skip today's blog.  In which case, I wish you a good weekend and we will see you again next week.
This morning, my husband an I joined the millions of others around the world to watch Prince William and Katherine's wedding.  We had planned a nice English breakfast but ended up having scones with jam which was our mid day menus.  It was too early to eat much and we both wanted to watch the television.  I am rather tired now as we got up earlier than usual but I am still glad we did.  It was quite an event.
Like many women, I was interested in seeing what hats the women where going to wear and, of course, the dress.  I think it-the dress, was less elaborate than I thought it might be.  It was, however, lovely and really suited her.
I also enjoyed listening to the commentators and the interviews with the various spectators.  The average person's reaction really adds to the fun.  The wedding service itself and all the pageantry was wonderful. the Queen as was forecast did wear a bright yellow which made her visible amidst all the other colours.  I believe her clothes are chosen with that in mind.  She is aware that people want to see her no matter what else is going on. 
I kept thinking of Katherine's parents while watching.  What an astounding day it must have been for them.  Their little girl that they had watched grow up and hoped would marry a nice young man and be happy was becoming part of the royal family.  I think they conducted themselves with dignity and they deserve credit for adapting themselves.  Mrs. Middleton, unlike the mother of most brides, did not get to have a central part in the proceedings.  And now, when in public, she will have to curtsy to her daughter!  I expect that not in her wildest dreams did she ever expect that day to happen.
Ah, well, back to my scrub board.
Blessings ,

A Few More Hours

Are you going to be watching The Wedding?  We will be taping it and then watching after we get up.  We will be having an English breakfast, lunch and supper.  We have English muffins, I've made scones and bought sausages.  I also have my scarf with the union jack and a hat.I also have a huge union jack flag outside but that is always there as befitting my English birth. 
We have, of course, been watching all the news reports.  It is nice to have something to take your mind off the election mud slinging but, I think, everyone just likes to have a small part in an historic event.  With all the wars, weather destruction and general unhappiness in the world, the wedding has provided us all with something pleasant. 
I have been a royalist for as long as I can remember. I watched the Queen's coronation on television and had a scrap book of photos of her and the rest of the royal family.  Someone stole it  and, although that was years ago, it still irritates me.  I have seen the Queen on a number of occasions , Prince Philip once but none of the younger family members.  Perhaps I will have a chance to see Prince William and Katherine during their Canadian visit this summer.
Blessings