A Pink Ruler. Yuk.

I finally got a good nights sleep thanks to a little blue pill-sounds like a song from the 60's.
We were in Orillia for most of the day; husband visiting his mother and me at a quilter's get together. Four ladies and I met at a restaurant for lunch, a small exchange and show and tell.  We then, naturally, went to a quilt store and bought a few things that we weren't able to live without.
We all belong to the same on line group so it is nice to meet in person and get to know each other a bit better.

I had to buy another Add a Quarter ruler (CM Designs).  I lost my 1" X 6" a while ago and needed to replace it for use on a foundation pieced project.  I got the pink one this time.  I don't like pink so I thought the irritating colour would  help me see where it is easier.

A quilting friend was mentioning recently that she has been having trouble getting motivated.  I was going through the same thing for a few days.  I would do a bit of work and then go on to doing something else.  Since I started my new design though, I feel rejuvenated again.  I may get that poor quilt that has been sitting, neglected, on the frame finished tomorrow.
Blessings,

A Fowl Purchase

I didn't sleep again last night so am still not getting anything  done.  I did, mentally, design a quilt pattern while I was laying there and have tried it out in EQ so my sleeplessness did have one benefit.
It is lovely and cool today and I would really like to be finishing up the quilt in my frame.  Not a good idea though ass I am sure I would do something backwards.
Tomorrow, we are off to Orillia so I can meet with some quilting ladies and husband will visit with his mother.
He ordered more laying hens today to replace those taken by the varmints.  We don't pick them up until Sept. but I know we will need them.  We haven't been able to supply those who normally depend on us for their nice farm fresh eggs.
Blessings,

A New Acquisition

It is been so hot today that I didn't have the energy to do much of anything.  Combine that with a restless night and I've spent much of the day just laying around.  My husband, however, has been busy doing chores and going to Huntsville to buy some fuel, a new battery and some other needed supplies for his newest acquisition.
He has been hoping to buy a tractor for quite a while but the cost had put the purchase in the 'some day' file.  Recently, he has been fixing up his motorcycle to sell in order to raise some money.  At quilt group yesterday, one of the ladies, who is selling her home, mentioned she had a tractor for sale.   The price was in our range so we went out in the evening to have a look and bought it.  Husband is pleased and I am happy for him. We will be picking it up later this week and then he will need to learn how to operate it and install the accessories.
The tractor will be used to pulling downed trees from the bush, some snow removal and, I am sure, many other things.  We won't be able to do all the snow plowing with it but should be able to move the lighter amounts which will help cut down on the cost.  We can add a blower to it later.
So, a happy day in the back woods.
Blessings,

Almaguin Highland's-the Better Choice.

Sorry for the missed posting yesterday.  I was busy from morn to night and didn't get a chance to share anything.
Another lady from our local quilt group and I took our turn staffing the Arts and Crafts Center in the village.  this was our first time and didn't really know what to expect.  We both took some hand work to do and we did get it done but it was busier than we thought it would be.  The store is on the street that leads to the river walk so there was quite a bit of foot traffic going by and stopping in.  Most of the people were from southern Ontario but one lady was visiting from Peru.  Her daughter lives in the same community as my brother but has a cottage near our village.  I thought that was somewhat unusual because her area, the Muskoka's, is known to be one of the great tourism areas in Ontario.  The Almaguin Highlands (my area) is, however, less busy and cheaper which is why, I imagine, she has a cottage here.
In the evening, my two quilting students came over for another lesson.  I really enjoy teaching so even though I was tired, fun and they are both great ladies. 
Today, however, I am taking it easy.  I did a bit of weed removal in the vegetable garden, minimal housework tidy up and will spend the rest of the day in my studio.
I have had a pattern accepted by the Quilt Pattern Magazine (this is the one that publishes my monthly column).  It is just a simple one but, if you subscribe to the magazine, I hope you will enjoy it.  It is a great seasonal or gift idea.
I have almost finished my first cup of tea for the day so I think I will cut the binding for my little runner and get that sewn on.
Blessings,

Recall Inconvenience

I was hoping to have a mini video for you today but my USB cord for the camera seems to have a problem.  It think there may be a loose wire as, if I hold the cord a certain way, it works.  The problem is that if I jiggle just a small bit, it all cancels.  The cord shouldn't be expensive to replace.  I hope.
Last evening, we sat outside around our new fire pit.  Husband cut a metal barrel in half and buried it part way into the ground and now we have a place to have a bit of a bonfire.  It was nice sitting watching the flames, dodging the drifting smoke and seeing the stars start to appear one by one. 
I don't find it easy sitting and doing nothing for any length of time but I know hubby enjoys it so I managed a half hour or so.  If having the fire is going to be a regular thing, I will have to find some knitting to do.
I took my car in this afternoon to get the ignition done.  This was one of those recalls that have been so frequent lately.  It is the inconvenience of it all that irks me.  Not only did I have to keep my ignition key off the ring that held  everything else (and have to worry about losing it) but it took 4 hours of my time getting the work done.  That plus the fuel to drive to the community where the car was getting serviced. And sitting waiting and waiting.
I guess I should count my blessings and be glad it wasn't worse.  Now that I am back home, I will do that.
Blessings,

Undiscovered Almaguin

Yesterday, our local group, the Village Quilter's worked on charity projects.  Some did individual items but a number of us shared the task of assembling blocks of various sizes.  It was rather like putting together a jigsaw without benefit of a picture.  The majority of blocks were of buildings: barn, school etc. with fly geese, tree and pin wheel sections interspersed amongst them.  The choice of strips to even out the block sizes led to some interesting comments.  My view was that if you ignored good sense it was easier. 
We did get the top done before we finished for the day and, to our surprise, it looks quite good.  I will post a photo when we have it completed.  I am sure that who ever receives it will find it a fun and interesting covering.
It is raining again today so we are stuck inside.  I have finished a small table runner and just have to add the binding.  I will get that done later.  I also have to prepare the background for a block to be hand appliqued.  I want to take that with me on Thursday when I will be helping to staff our art center.
The Community and Visitor's Guide that I helped produce is now in the tourism areas.  If you are in central Ont. (Barrie to North Bay) area, keep an eye out for it.
Blessings,

Ants in the Feeder

Friday is my afternoon to myself.  Hubby is off playing euchre and I can puddle around at whatever I want.  Of course, that doesn't mean I am doing anything different than what I usually do.  I have been working at the quilt that is on the frame.  I am using a different quilting pattern and I am doing it for our local quilt group, the Burk's falls Village Quilter's, so am taking a great deal of care and time.  The top was made with batik fabrics so is very colourful.  I am using a variegated purple on the top and mid grey on the bottom to blend with the backing.  It is coming along nicely with no thread or tension issues.
I had to move the hummingbird feeder earlier as the ants were getting into it.  It is now hanging from the clothesline (had to get the laundry in first) so if any ants want to get into it, they have a long walk.
Hubby got started on sealing the roof to prevent a repeat of the roof leaks of last winter.  I have heard, variously, that it will be an easier season this time, shorter and less snow and that it will be the same as last year.  I expect it will be one or the other.  My dear one is trying to make sure we are prepared. 
I would like to get a decent battery or solar operated radio.  It is nice to be able to get weather reports when the hydro goes out as a result of a storm.
Have a great and safe weekend,
blessings,