Sales

We have had a heavy rainfall this morning and it is supposed to get steadily colder as the day goes on which is going to make for a nasty drive home for commuters.
I am snug in my backwoods rug with the stove going, gentle music on the radio and my Internet working.  We are planning on going to an area craft sale tomorrow if the roads are okay.  If not, we will stay home.
I finally figured out what I am going to do for the corner blocks on a pattern.  Seems a simple enough situation but because the border is pieced and the way the colours lined up, I just couldn't decide.  I finally picked one of the blocks from the pattern and used it.  Perfect. Often when I come up with a design, it seems so simple that I wonder if anyone will find it interesting enough to do.  However, when I start working out the details, I have the opposite reaction.  I hope to get this top done today and ready for the frame.  I also need to do some baking as my husband is running out of munchies.  Will probably do that this afternoon.
Is anyone taking advantage of the grey Thursday, black Friday or cyber Monday sales?  I looked at a few things on line but there wasn't anything that tempted me to spend.  Things I would like but not enough to put it on a credit card.  So, I guess I saved a lot of money!
My cactus plants are blooming.  This is the first time since we moved here and they are covered in beautiful red blooms.
Hope all is well in your part of your world.
Blessings,

More Fowl Stories

If those of you living in other countries heard a loud cheer this morning, it wasn't because of a sports team wining a game.  We received e mail notification this morning that Craftsy is, once again, shipping to Canada.  They are one of my favourite souces of fabric and books as well as patterns (the few that I buy). I was disappointed when they decided not to ship north. 
Whatever the reason for the decision-monetary, probably-we are now able to once again spend our hard earned loonies (slang for a dollar coin) on their products.
It is gradually getting colder here in the backwoods.  We are having to feed the woodstove more frequently and bare arms aren't as comfortable.  It is still above freezing but that is supposed to change by the weekend.
We are starting to take care of the final details of our trip to England.  I am going to book a motel for the night before today and will be getting my dress for the wedding started on Monday.  I am taking advantage of the large table space at quilt group to cut the fabric.  After that, all we have to do is pack and show the lady who is going to be looking after the house and chickens where everything is.
Once this month is finished, I am sure the time will go quickly so I don't want to leave anything to the last minute.  Any available time has a habit of filling up in a twinkle.  And now I am going to have a look at the specials that Craftsy is promoting.
Blessings,

Running Afowl.

It is a foggy day in the backwoods today but, thankfully, that is outside.  My head has cleared up as has all the flu symptoms and I am getting things done.  I have started editing my book so am on the home stretch for getting it published.  Still have a couple more patterns to do but one is almost finished.
I thought, yesterday that I might have to buy another printer.  I was part way through printing the book,  as I prefer reading on paper than a screen, and I got a paper jam.  Of course, I did what you are not to do and just pulled out the sheet.  It was intact so I thought I was alright.  Nope.  Spent the rest of the evening searching for non existent bits of paper.  I even disassembled some of the printer, used my little hand vacuum, wiped what I could see all without success.  While I was doing this, the ink cartridges didn't move from its position part way across the carriage.  I figured they were stuck and as I wasn't risking anything by 'encouraging' them.  I gave them a push, they moved and the error message went out.  Voila.
This morning I had to put everything back in place around the printer stand (I will really be glad when I have the extra room in my new studio) and finished the printing.
We have been having some problems with one of our chickens.  She keeps escaping the fenced in area.  She avoided detection the first time and spent the night outside which, if chicken are able to reason, should have cured her wandering problem.  It didn't, however, and Roger has been busy trying to find all her escape areas.  As she is one of the ones not laying at the moment, her days may be numbered!
Happy Thanksgiving to all the American readers.  I have been getting Black Friday sales information on my computer all week.
Blessings,

The Flu?

Hope everyone had a good weekend.  My husband and I both had some sort of intestinal upset.  he was quite sick and in bed on Wednesday and Thursday.  I was feeling somewhat smug as I looked after him because I was healthy. We were scheduled to go to Orillia on Saturday to get our photos taken and, by Friday evening, it did look as though we would make it.  Not on Saturday.  I got sick.  Felt a bit better Sunday and then worse on Monday.  Today I think I am over it.  I hope.  I have a lot of work to do. 
That being the case, I hope you will understand if this is just a short note.  I am trying really hard to get my book ready for the beginning of December and I still have things to do for our trip to England.
By the way, here we nearly at the end of November, and I saw a robin yesterday!
Blessings,

My Retreat

It is still pretty dreary outside.  A spot of sunshine would be nice to add a bit of zip to the day.  However, a dreary day when you are retired and living your dream is still better than a sunny day working. 
There was a picture on the news this morning of a retreat and it showed this gorgeous view from a picture window where a man was lounging.  For a moment, I felt envious and then remembered, I have basically the same view from all my windows.
One of my favourite spots in my new quilt room is going to be my corner where I hand sew.  It will be my very own little retreat area.

My retreat Area

Even now, with the construction material all around, I like to go, sit on the rocker and just contemplate.

View from the Window


As you can see, the scene right now is pretty drab but it will be beautiful when we have a snowfall and, believe me, you will be getting to see the photos then.  You know what I am like with winter photography!
Another busy weekend ahead so I guess I better get started on my work.
Blessings,

Run Henny Penny.

My husband is feeling much better so I am able to get some more things done today.  I have been working on the last pattern for my book and will give you a peek.  It isn't finished but, as you can see, it is one of those pattern in a pattern ones. The photo doesn't really do it justice but as it is just a tiny peek, I guess that is okay.

Our wee Heidi was a bad dog yesterday.  I went out to gather eggs and put the chickens in for the night when I noticed one was missing.  The black hen is quite adventurous and I guess she decided it wasn't curfew time for her.  She came wandering by, Heidi saw her, she ran, Heidi ran and so did I.  I always put her (dog's) leash on even if we are staying in the yard and this is one of the reasons why.  I was able to step on the trailing lead; it is five feet long, and bring her to a halt.  I think she was just curious but she got a good scolding anyway.  We are trying to teach her to leave the hens alone but it will probably take a few lessons.
Blessings,

A Bit of This and That

It is a bit of a blah day.  My husband is in bed ill with the flu.  He is a bit better than yesterday but still not well enough to let him fend for himself.  I was supposed to go to Orillia and meet my sister for lunch but had to cancel.  She is here from England and I hate to miss the opportunity to see her but life is what it is.  We shall be at her place in just over a month so we can do catch up then.
I am doing a bit of sewing, a bit of quilting and a bit of writing today. I have cut out a blouse to make, want to sew up some pin cushion chickens to give as Christmas gifts.  I have got, monetarily anyway, rather addicted to them.  I also have to finish up my next article for the Quilt Pattern Magazine.  It is due on Tuesday.  I am almost finished that  Just have to add a bit more and do a rewrite.

Here are a couple of pictures to remind you of the summer.  I am looking forward to having snow covered ground to take away the dinginess but, until it happens, I will just look at my photos.
Blessings,