Loose Ends

I feel like a ball of yard that has got too many ends and knots.  My radio station is off the air, the printer is telling me that it is not connected to the computer and my head feels like it belongs to someone else.  I took a pill last night to relax the muscles in my neck and it has over relaxed all of me.  I hate that feeling. It should be wearing off soon but, in the meantime, I don't want to do anything that requires thinking or dexterity.
We are getting some more snow which is covering up the ice in the driveway.  It is easier-and safer, walking when you can see where the non slippery bits are.
I have to go to Huntsville again today for another doctor's appointment.  I an going to buy Heidi a different kind of treat while I am there.  We always get her the natural nibblies from the bulk store but there is one kind that she doesn't like.  Of course, that is the one I bought last time.  My brother's two dogs will eat anything so they get all Heidi's cast offs. 
I have started working on another scrappy top.  This one is called Brick's and Stones and I got the pattern from one of the free sites-Fat Cat Patterns, I think.    The top I had been working on has joined all the others in my Finish Up or Else tote.  I am just waiting for the batting I order to arrive and then I can get at them.
Blessings,

Organizing is Organized

Yesterday, I finished sorting through the last of my craft supplies and scraps.  Crafts and notions are now in labelled drawers and bins except for one container.  I am not sure what or where to put that stuff yet.  I guess I need a box marked Misc. for it.
My scraps have been sorted into two piles-strips and everything else.  All the strips were gathered together and put in a bag to be given to young woman I am teaching to quilt. No cries of horror please; I still have two other bins of sorted strips!
The other scraps are now going to be cut into bricks (3.5 X 6.5) and squares (5X5).  I am tired of doing strips although I do have a couple of IWTMT (I want to make that) patterns that use them.  I am sure I already have enough to make them.  If not, I can cut more.
In the midst of all this sorting, I have mislaid some border strips for a top I was finishing.  No, they aren't in the give away bag.  I checked that one first.  I think they may be in the tote of tops to be finished.  I put the fabric needed to complete each with them so the strips may have been included.
Quite a bit cooler here today but the sun is shining brilliantly.  I felt so housebound yesterday that I dashed outside for the afternoon walk and forgot my gloves.  It was warm enough that I didn't need them but I wasn't able to play 'chase the snowball' with the dog.
Getting a hair cut today and continue to work on the quilt room.
Blessings,

My Husband's Talent

Sunsets Glow

Midnight Colour

Gnome Forest Visitor

Thought you might like to see some of my husband's work.  The gnome is a recent addition as he has only started carving since he got a work shed.  Norman (the gnome) is awaiting the arrival of his lady friend who is currently not quite herself and feeling a bit wooden.

Blessings,

Good Neighbours

With all the melting and refreezing we have had the past few weeks, our road and parking area was getting pretty slippery.  We were debating on going for a walk on Saturday and thinking that it was best to stay in where it was safe when we heard the sound of an engine.  It got louder until our neighbour showed up with his backhoe and a load of sand which he spread around for us.
We are very fortunate to have good neighbours.  We all watch out for each other and no one needs to ask twice for help.  Skills are traded as are utility trailers and other items. When you need to pay for a service, you get value for your money.  Or at least, we always have.  It is wise to do business that way especially in a small community.  Everyone knows who everyone is and if someone is good but pricey you will know about it.  The same is true if a person does shoddy work. 
We are also fortunate in having most services in this area even though there is a small population.  Some of the costs are higher because the stores don't have the advantage of bulk purchase pricing  but the difference is offset by the price of fuel.
Life is good.
blessings,

News

I have some news to share.  I have mentioned over the past few months that I was writing articles for the Quilt Pattern Magazine (www.quiltpatternmagazine.com).  The issue with my first article is now out.  After re reading my article, I looked through the rest of the magazine.  It is a quality publication.  Lots of articles, patterns, and free stuff-including a block of month which I have joined.  They also have a newsletter which you can check to get an idea of what the magazine in about.
I got another newsletter in my 'in box' this mornign and wish I hadn't read it.  The Quilting Gallery (www.quiltinggallery.com) is running a series by Pat Sloan on getting your sewing area; whether kitchen table or special room, organized.  I do a periodic clean out, clean up but they usually end up with a give up.  There is one area, however, that I have purposely ignored.  The room's closet is the dark hole where things that have no other home get shoved-and I do mean shoved.  I guess I need to discover what is in there before I can do anything else.  Perhaps when I have cleaned that area, I may find that I have more room to store more stuff.  Do I have the courage, energy, desire?  I will let you know next week.
Blessings,

A Martin Or....?

We have a snow machine trail just north of our property which runs across the road.  I have often looked at it while taking the dog for a walk and thought how lovely it looked.  I was reluctant, however, to go on it on my own.  On Tuesday, when our little family went out for our exercise, I asked my husband if we could go on the trail.  (As it was a week day, I thought we would be unlikely to get in the way of the legitimate users).  We didn't go to far along it but, as it went through the bush, it was a lovely walk.  As we were looking at the various tracks, my husband spotted a small creature in a tree.  It had a tiny kitten-like face and was peering at us from behind a sturdy branch.
 We could only see its little face and weren't sure, at first, just what it was but we decided it was probably a martin.  Definitely not a fisher as they are larger and certainly not as cute.  We turned back at that point as we didn't want to stress the creature.  We looked back after a few steps and it was still sitting there watching us.
Another, less welcome sight, was the snow melting from the base of the trees.  That is an indication the sap is starting to flow.  We are hoping that the weather cools down for a few weeks as it is too early to start making maple syrup just now. 
Blessings,

Quilt Top Done

Scrappers Scrappy

Finished this top yesterday and have started the borders.  This quilt is another version of the Scrappers Scrappy that is on my web site. I changed the center slightly and purposely chose fabrics  that would make those blocks stand out.  I think it has made a very striking quilt.  The other borders are going to be  burgundy on either side of black.  I will be selling the completed quilt on my web site as well.
My husband says that his fingers will be famous around the world as he always has the job of holding the quilts so I can photograph them.
We just got back from a trip into the village where we got the mail, picked up a couple of items and went for lunch.  It was a nice treat to do that together.  I don't know why it is a treat to go to a restaurant for a meal and not when you have the same thing at home.  Well, I know why it is for the woman but my husband thinks it is also.
It is damp here in the backwoods today.  Some of the snow has melted and the driveway is slushy.  If the temperature drops I will have the skating rink I have been wanting.
blessings,