Aliens

I have no idea what happened to the blog I posted yesterday.  It isn't in drafts or in previous posts.  I will have to see if I can find it and try to re publish. Perhaps aliens stole it.

We had some rain last night and early today and the bush has been transformed.  Yesterday, the trees were showing buds and today we have leaves.  As you can see by the photo, there are dozens of shades of green from the pale leaves to the deep evergreen.
The rain can be such a rejuvenating force but the same drops that bring the seeds to life can also cause devastation.  Like you, I am following the news of the floods in Manitoba.  How dreadful it is for those who are probably going to lose their homes and their livelihood so others can be spared the same fate.
We are going to feel the repercussions of this for some time to come.
Yesterday (just in case I can't locate the blog) I welcomed another member and mentioned about the contest I am running.  I have started getting some blocks but there is still lots of time. (Check out my web page-http://arkangelcreations.org for information)  However, you only have another day to take advantage of this weeks sale at Sister's Quilting Expo.  This week all patterns have been reduced including mine.
Blessings,

Trilliums and Motorcycles

It is quite warm today and the black flies are starting to bite-not much yet but just as a reminder that they are there.  We are starting to get a lot of flowers popping up here in the backwoods.  We went for a walk after supper and I was amazed at how many colours there were.  The trillium's with their deep purple heads were the most noticeable but, if you walked slowly, you could also see the tiny pastel dogwood, some  pink lady slippers and a bright yellow star shaped flower whose name I don't know.  I am going to have to get a book so I can identify all the wild flowers as well as the various trees.
There is a tree on my sister's property that looks as though it might be a crabapple so we will have to keep an eye on it.  I don't recall seeing any fruit on it last year but, as it is quite old and neglected, it might only have a few.
We sat down by the pond after the walk and listened to the tiny frogs peep and watched the water ripple from the slight breeze.  My dear husband has been working to clear away some of the brush and set up benches so we can enjoy the area.
Today, I got some more of the garden planted.  We are supposed to have rain tonight and tomorrow so that will be welcome.
Dear One went for a ride with a couple of friends yesterday and today the bike isn't working.  He tried to jump start it by rolling down our driveway but that didn't work.  Of course, we then had the problem of getting it back up the hill.  I always feel bad that I am not strong enough to be much use but I did have a good idea that enabled us to load the bike on a trailer and truck it back to the house.
After all that, I think I am going to stay in the house and quilt.  I need to get the wall hanging done before the end of the month and I really should be getting more patterns on the web page.
Welcome to our new member.  When you have some time, you might want to look through past posts and see the free blocks.  I also am running a contest on my web page.  The link is: http://arkangelcreations.org.  In addition, there is  a month long sale at Sisters Quilting Expo.  She carries my patterns and they are on sale this week.
Blessings,

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,