Recovering

Thank you for your good wishes and prayers following my surgery.  You learn so much about yourself when you go through these procedures.  I had the right side of my thyroid removed.  I didn't know there were two and one can do the job of both-nice of God to give us a spare. I didn't know about all the other things that were around the thyroid and how I could be affected if they were damaged during surgery.
Everything has gone well.  I am recovering nicely apart from no energy and usual slow recovery from anesthesia and pain killers. 
I really haven't felt like quilting or doing much else except sleep or stare into space until this morning.  My husband took me into the village yesterday while he was going for the mail and I popped in to see our quilt group.  That was my big excitement for the day but I felt that I had put in a 12 hour work shift.  That step, small as it was, encouraged me to think about doing the binding on a small quilt the next day.  Got ready to do that this morning and the hydro went out.  So, I had another couple of hours of doing nothing.
Hope everyone is enjoying their March break.  With the unseasonable warmth,  some people are able to get out golfing.  I don't think I will put my winter clothing away yet but it is nice to do without a layer or two.
Blessings,

Last Storm?

The tornadoes that created such havoc in the United States swept through our area with high winds and snow.  The video that I have included shows our 80 foot trees behaving like a tiny sapling.  Some of the areas around us had power outages and our nephew's barn was lifted from its base but we got through without problem.  I did fill up some containers with water just in case but it wasn't needed.  Today, the sun is shining brightly and the only reminder of the storm is the snow which is still packed onto the tree trunks.  Tomorrow it is going to be plus nine.  I may not be posting for a day or so as I go for my surgery tomorrow.  I am just in and out again but may not feel up to writing until the anesthesia fully wears off.

Blessings,

A Blank Mind.

I really don't have anything much to share with you today.  When I wrote a weekly column for a newspaper in Orillia and this happened, I used to write about having nothing to say!  Not a trick you can do very often but it is rather fun.  Instead of submitting you to reading that, I would like to let you know how much I appreciate you.
I read a saying once that said "You aren't a leader if no-one is following.  You are merely going for a walk."  I feel that if no-one is reading what I write then I cannot call myself a writer.  I am only a diarist (not sure if that is a word), someone that puts down words for their own pleasure or purpose.
Knowing that you are reading my words makes me look for at least one interesting thing in my day.  Finding that topic also helps me to realize that my life is pretty good.  Therefore, you are helping me appreciate my life which, in turn, keeps me healthy and happy.
I try to use correct grammar (without sounding too stiff) and spelling when I write and that also has a side benefit for me.  I write for a few publications and the ability to write well is similar to physically flexible; if you don't use the muscles they atrophy.  If a writer doesn't continually write, the ability to do so withers.
I would also like to thank those of you who take the time to comment.  Your words are often the fuel I need to keep going. 
And so, dear readers, I am sending you all a virtual hug along with my appreciation.  I am so glad I am not just walking alone.
Blessings,

February Funky

Here is my latest Funky Chicken from www.fatcatpatterns.com block of the month.  I just printed the March block this morning.  These make a nice break from working on the Baltimore Album blocks that I am appliqueing.  I am enjoying just picking out crazy fabrics for the chickens and making them as funky as a "well into her 60's" person can.    Of course, I think my generation invented 'funky' along with many other things that make life interesting!  Where would we have been without rock and roll, poodle, mini, or maxi skirts, afro and beehive hair dos or the Volkswagen beetle?

Would you like to go to a quilt show and learn from acclaimed teachers, see the latest innovations and fabrics without cost or leaving your home?  Here is the link to register.   http://inspiredtoquiltexpo.com.  The expo starts Mar. 7th and finishes on the 10th.  I go for my surgery on the 7th but I hope to still be able to check things out when I get home later in the day-if I am not too zonked out from the anesthesia.  If you register, let me know.  Perhaps we can all meet for lunch on one of the days.

blessings,
                 

A sweet Season

My husband is starting to get ready for maple syrup season.  We still have so much snow that the first step is to trample that down and make a trail so he can work.  Trees have to be measured to ensure they are big enough and then the tapping begins.  The sap isn't running yet but Roger thinks it may start next week.  He has to wait until the snow melts a bit otherwise if he taps and the melt happens, he may be standing on tippy toes to do the gathering.
Once everything starts, he is going to be very busy but he really enjoys it.  Each year he buys a few more supplies so the process gets a bit easier and we have more end product. 
I am baking tomorrow and, in addition to the bread, I am making a large stew, a casserole and some cookies.  I like to have a supply of food started so it is just a matter of heating up the food.  Our operation is small but it is still labour intensive.  I am also going in for day surgery next week so I would like to have some baking done before then. 
Now I guess I better get at the quilt I am trying to finish so I can get the pattern posted.  I also have a couple of articles to write and send but that will have to wait until Friday,
Blessings,

Shopping Day

My husband got home late Sunday morning.  Both the dog and I were delighted to see him.  First thing to be done was get the television back in operation as I did something wrong.  I am not a big TV person but there is one music channel that I do like to have on.
We are back to normal again and today went to Huntsville to do our shopping.  I am glad we were able to fuel up as the news reports say that some areas are paying $140 per liter.  It cost us under $128.00 which is still outrageous.  Fuel is one of the few things that increases in price when more people buy it.  I don't understand the logic of that but I guess it doesn't matter because whether or not I understand, approve or think it is all a form of blackmail, there isn't a great deal I can do.  I am thankful I have fuel efficient vehicle and we try to combine trips to further reduce costs.
I worked on another of my scrap quilts at quilt group yesterday but now I don't think I like the designer's layout.  I am going to put the blocks on my design wall and see if I can come up with something that is a bit more pleasing. I finished my funky chicken block of the month and now have to wait until the first of March until the next one is posted. 
Off to the doctor's tomorrow for another pre op test.  Be glad when it is all over.  I took this photo a while ago just after a snow storm.  I think it is an interesting mix of silver trees and black clouds.

Blessings,

Colour Contrasts.

We are getting another snow fall.  It seems as though it is going to be the type of grey day that even the most dedicated lover of winter finds discouraging.  As an antidote; just in case you are experiencing the same weather, I have posted a nice spring photo.  Birch trees has such a lovely airy appearance that it is impossible not to smile when you look at them.  We don't have many on our property but the ones we do are mostly amongst the evergreens on the other side of the pond.  The white branches stand out like a March break vacationer in Bermuda. My sister has quite a few on her property and this is one of them.
I think our nature demands some contrasts in colour to be happy.  I love black and white quilts but black and red are even more pleasing.
Most of Ontario seems to be getting some nasty weather so if you are on the roads, please be careful.  Remember that rushing may only get you into the ditch-or a collision-quicker than the person you passed.
Blessings,