Mail Day

My driveway got plowed out this morning so I went in to the village to get mail and a few things at the grocery store.  My mail box was full as I hadn't been in all week.  I got a bumper crop of magazines; my husband's farming one,  2 quilt ones and a Canadian magazine.  I also got 2 newspapers, a cheque and the usual assortment of bills.
This infrequent mail forays is another contrast between my previous urban life and now.  When we lived in Edmonton, I used to watch for the letter carrier every day and get miffed if she was late.  I liked living in an area where we got morning delivery so my wait was shorter. I used to look on the letter carrier as a daily Santa bringing me little surprises.  The fact that those surprises were usually bills or advertisements for stores where I wouldn't shop didn't seem to matter.
Now that we live here in the backwoods, I go to pick up the mail 2 or 3 times a week.  The odd thing about this decreased interest is that I get more parcels and, therefore, should be checking more frequently.  This is especially so as the greatest proportion of these parcels contain quilting supplies.
Of course, one of the main reasons I check the mail less frequently is that it is less convenient.  In the city, I only had to reach out my front door while here, I have to get dressed, explain to the dog that I am only going to be a few minutes, clean off the car (in the winter) and drive the 10 kilometers into the village.
I think, however, that the real reason that I am no longer a mail junkie is that it no longer has the same importance.  My life doesn't need anything to make it more interesting or enjoyable.  Packages are nice but not as enjoyable as waking up to the sound of a loon.  If we got mail delivery on our road, I probably would check each day but that would be more for exercise than the need to know what had arrived.
Blessings,

Another Snowfall

The Beauty of Winter

It has been snowing since yesterday afternoon and, because it is fairly warm, it is the type that sticks to everything including the satellite dish.
I went out first thing to clean it off and had to wade through snow that came past my knees.  I wasn't able to get it all and more has accumulated since so I will leave it.  I am not that interested in watching television.
I have just finished all the other chores; feeding chickens, bring in and cleaning the eggs and filling the wood box.  These are usually the things my husband does but as he is at his mother's I have taken over.  I am going to spend the rest of the day inside quilting and drinking tea.  Our poor little dog is feeling quite abandoned with her 'Daddy' away and me being out the past three days.  As intelligent as they are, they simply don't understand that someone will be back soon.
Today would have been my mother's 98th birthday.  She passed away three years ago this August and I am still noting her special days.
Blessings,

Signs of Spring

This should be my last busy day for this week.  Yesterday, I spent the day in the village helping with our first Family Day Funfest.  In Alberta, Ontario and some other provinces, this is a day off for most workers.  In theory, it is to be spent with the family. We had games, horse and sleigh ride, bonfire, food and fun.  the weather was superb and I am sure I got a good dose of vitamin D.
Today, I am off to Huntsville for a pre op test which should be fairly quick.  I need to buy some dog food and a couple of other things but I can't be away to long as our wee Heidi  will be running around with crossed legs.
My husband is away today taking his mother in for a regular treatment so I am doing chicken detail and getting in the wood myself.  I have always enjoyed being on my own but the last few years, I prefer my husband's presence.
When I went out to get the eggs, I notice the squirrels are more active and there are a lot more birds making themselves heard throughout the bush.  I am not sure if these are definite signs of spring but there are an indication it is getting closer.
If anyone is interested in reading more about my adventures here in the backwoods, I have a monthly column in the Quilt Pattern Magazine (www.quiltpatternmagazine.com).  this is an on line magazine with a very reasonable subscription prize for which you receive 13 issues and access to the on line newsletter which includes chats, patterns etc.
Blessings,

Where Did the Time Go

Computers, useful as they are, can be a great source of time fritterers.  I can sit down to do my e mail, branch off to check out a suggested web site or you tube video and surfacemuch later to discover an hour has passed. 
I used to spend a good bit of time playing a couple of computer games-Free Cell and Spider Solitaire but now I have also added jigsaw puzzles into my time.  I discovered a site that lets you choose from a list of puzzles and a myriad of shapes and piece numbers.  If I am busy, I will do the classic cut 48 piece.  If it is one of the 'picutes of the day' that I don't really like, I will use the 20 piece option.  Obviously, I don't have a personal 'just don't do it' option.
I really like the scenic ones and will often choose the most difficult cut and then do it again it a different one.  Dogs and cats are another favourite.
I sometimes wonder how I manage to get anything done in a day.  The solution to that is making lists.  I try to write down the things that have to be accomplished the next day.  I also try to give myself a challenge such as no puzzles until the housework is done. " Aww, Mom, none of the other retirees have to do that!"
So, here it it almost noon.  I have done a bit of housework, have started a loaf of pumpernickel bread in the bread maker for my husband.  I need to get the flowers put together for church so I can take them tomorrow and pick out another quilt to finish.  I did complete the one I was restoring yesterday so I am making head way.
The local committee I chair has organized a Family Day event for the community this Monday so I have a few extra things to get done this weekend. Tuesday I have to go to Huntsville for a medical test and another week will be off and running.
Blessings,

A Surprise for Kitty

Surprised Kitty

This is one of the items I finished.  I made this wall hanging ages ago but never liked the quilting.  I finally picked it all out and redid it.  I am not sure you can see it in the photo; which isn't very good, but I have done a freehand vine all around the applique pieces. Check out the cat's left foot for a little surprise.
The scarf bow is a tube of fabric bound at the center point and stitched to the neck.  It just flops loose like a regular bow.
I have been out with my husband getting a lesson in caring for the chickens as that will be my job next week while he is busy with family stuff.   We are getting some more snow which is making it safer to walk.  A mild winter is nice but it usually results in a lot more icy driveways.
Blessings,

Batting Sale

I have had a number of people contact me for more information about the batting that was on sale.  The company, as mentioned, is Connecting Threads www.connectingthreads.com and the batting that I purchased is Hobbs heirloom Queen size.  Please remember that the sale ends on the 20th so if you are interested, don't delay. They also have thread, fabric, book etc.
I am making great progress in getting all my quilts finished.  I completed one quilt and 2 wall hangings so far.  The quilt only needed binding and I actually just serged around the edges.  I am giving it to a family member for their children to use as a floor blanket. It was one that I used to practise my frame quilting so it certainly wasn't decorative.
I have started the second block of my chicken block of the month.  It is applique and I am using the back basting method.  They are fun to do as I am using crazy colours and the pieces are all fairly large.
I hope everyone had a nice Valentine's.  I have two friends who also have birthdays on that day.
Back to the quilt pile.  I am going to do the binding on the one that I restored for a woman in the village next.
Blessings,

Monday a Day Late

Tuesday is my Monday.  Today is the day I tidy up from the weekend and catch up on the things I didn't have time for.  I generally get laundry done on Saturdays to take advantage of the cheaper hydro rates and do the major house work.  However, as I am out on Monday (quilt group) the beginning of the week stuff gets delayed a day.
Today, I have to change the speakers on my computer.  The current ones have quite working but, fortunately, I have others that I bought and didn't use.  The computer is saying that the audio is working so I am hoping that it is just the speakers.
I had printer problems earlier.  I was using it when I got a paper jam.  Fixed that, hooked everything up again and it wouldn't work.  Printer said it wasn't connected to the internet.  Checked the connections, everything was fine so I just left it for a day.  Monday, it worked without problem.  Sometimes I think all electronics are unionized and they just decide to go on strike for a while.
If you are in need of some batting, Connecting Threads has a really good sale.  Their queen sized batts are under $14.00 with very reasonable shipping price.  Sale ends on the 20th of this month so you might want to check it out right away.  I've ordered 4 and hope these will help me complete all the tops I have waiting to be quilted.
Do you and your special someone do anything special for Valentine's?  We don't.  I will probably stick a candle on the table for supper and am making apple crisp for dessert as that is my husband's favourite.  He is out chopping wood to keep us warm so I consider that a practical act of love.
He thought we should watch Ghost this evening but I prefer not to as I cry so hard I get a headache.  (Aren't I a romantic?!)
Blessings,