Have Tractor will Move Gravel

I can't believe how warm it is for this time of year.  It drops down in the evening but it has been in the upper teens or even into the 20's this week.  Still lots of rain though.  We keep getting a large puddle right were I park the car so I either wade or put on rain boots and then change in the vehicle.  We were thinking about getting a load of gravel to bring up the level and have it slant away from the house but finances have put that on hold.  Good thing because today I had another idea.  There is a high spot in another part of the driveway and, now we have a tractor, I suggested to hubby that the gravel from the high spot could be moved to the low.  Simple idea and it has worked.  Of course, it took quite a bit of time to do what I thought would be just a few minutes.  However, it is done and we are supposed to get more rain so will see what happens.
I was in Huntsville shopping today and when I got home I found I had another speaker for my stereo system.  I wanted another that was near the sewing table as I can't always hear my music without turning it up a lot which, of course, means husband has to turn up the television.  We keep the connecting door between my studio and the main part of the house open so the heat circulates.  Naturally, sound also navigates from one area to another.
I spent the rest of the day working on my scrappy quilt.  I have almost finished the small pieces.  I have another quilt I want to get at but am plugging away getting this finished first.  It is hard disciplining yourself to do one quilt at a time.  I do usually have a few on the go at the same time-and I do now, but am trying not to start anymore until at least one of the others are finished.
Blessings,

Something to Crow About

It was quite warm today but hubby and I got some yard work done to prepare for winter.  I checked back blogs and noticed that last year our first snow fall was Oct. 22.  It didn't stay though. We were into Nov. before we got anything that stayed on the ground.  I am hoping for a little later this year although I am looking forward to the winter season.
I had to replant some of my spring bulbs today as the squirrels dug them up.  I have added a bit more soil and then topped it with some branches.  If that doesn't work, I will spread chicken wire over the top.
I got back to work on my Trail Mix quilt this afternoon but first we did a bit of a shift around.  I got a nice little electric fireplace in the spring to add a bit of warm to my studio on the minus 30 days.  The problem was trying to find somewhere to put it.  It isn't big but it needed to be out of the way but also where it could plug directly into an outlet.  We finally placed it against the wall under my sewing table.  As this is where I spend the majority of my time and it is also near the cutting table, long arm frame and computer desk it should work out perfectly.
I will also be able to see the artificial flames when sitting in the chair near the window where I do my reading and hand quilting.  Therefore, I think we have another problem solved.
We picked up a new rooster on Saturday.  The hens were fighting a lot especially with the new younger ones and a rooster usually keeps them all in line.  He is six months old and just learning to crow.  We have missed that sound.
Blessings,

Fiction Friday-Just a Quilt

In Jenna's family, it was just called The Quilt.  It was the first one made by their mother and some of the squares were crooked, many of the seams didn't meet and the fabric was odds and ends of material left over from the clothes she had made for the children.  They all knew that it might not win any prizes but they loved it.
The quilt had comforted them when they were ill, cuddled them on cold nights, been superman's cape, a Scout's tent and a security blanket when life shook its fist.  As each of the children grew up and left home, he or she had asked if they could take the quilt.  Mother had always said 'no'.  It belonged to the whole family and it wouldn't be fair to the other's if one were to claim it.
Jenna was the youngest.  The quilt had been part of her life since the day she was born.  By the time she was old enough to join the older children in their games, the quilt was showing signs of age.  The stitches had started to break, many of the squares were all but gone but Jenna loved it as much as the others.  She thought that as she was last one to leave home  her mother might give her the quilt but, she too, was denied and given the same reason.  "But Mom", she argued, "there is no one left at home to miss it."  "Your Father and I are still here, Jenna" , her mother replied softly.
"I'm sorry, Mom.  That was insensitive of me.  Of course you are still here.  I hope you and Daddy get to enjoy the quilt for many years together."
No more was said about the quilt and as each child got busy with their lives, it slowly was forgotten.  Their parents grew older, children were born and grew.  The family tried to get together as often as possible but it was getting harder.   And then their father became ill.  Hospital visits drew everyone into the family circle once again, first to worry and then to celebrate.  However, even though he had recovered he was still going to need on going assistance.  Their parents decided it was time for them to sell the family home and  move into a senior's facility.  "I would like everyone to gather for one last Thanksgiving at home this year" , their mother announced. 
Everyone agreed and each family offered to bring something for the feast so no one had to do all the work.
The day was one that everyone would always remember.  The weather was unexpectedly warm so the children were able to play outside.  All the men were chased out doors as well so the women were able to move freely around the kitchen and dining room.  Extra tables had been moved into the room for the children and high chairs for the babies were tucked into every available space.
After the meal, when everyone was sitting on the couch, chairs or floor, the mother asked for quiet.  "Your Dad and I are so thankful to see you all here.  We are a blessed family and have so many wonderful memories.  Before everyone falls asleep on the floor, I have something to give to you.  As you know, we have gone through a difficult time but it was made easier by all of you.  I have long wondered how we were going to divide the little we have amongst all of you but I did come up with one solution.  Does anyone remember the quilt?"  There was laughter and responses of 'yes' and 'of course'.  ""Don't tell me you still have it', Jenna asked?  "Oh yes, sort of."  She picked up a pile of packages from behind the couch and gave one to each of her children.  As they removed the paper, she added.  "There wasn't much left of that old quilt so I took it apart and made a new one for each of you from the good pieces.  There wasn't enough fabric, of course, so I added some  from one of your father's shirts, some of my aprons and other odds and ends that you might recognize."
There was a lot of exclamations as one found a piece of a football jersey, another a bit of a prom dress. The history of the quilt was explained to other family members and each of the grandchildren had a turn being wrapped in the warm of the new family blanket.  "Now each of you have a quilt of your own.  I hope that in the years to come they will be loved to pieces just as was the original.  For that, of course, is the purpose of a quilt."

My Retreat Quilt

Virtual Retreat Quilt
Buttoned Up
by
Isobel Meekins

 

The retreat, both virtual and real, is over.  Those that were gathered at Capon Springs in Virginia are on their way home while those of us who were retreating from their home are thinking of them.

 

This was the first virtual quilt retreat that I've attended and there are a number of reasons why I would do it again.  It was held over four days so  those us who had to deal with day to day situations were still able to be involved even if it wasn't every day all the time.  This is a big plus for me (as I am sure it is for many others) as weekends, if they are held then, already have scheduled activities.  I do my laundry on Saturday because of the cheaper hydro rates.  On Sunday, I go to church and we often have company after.

I also liked that this retreat was held in conjunction with a real one so we were able to see the food, the participants working, completed projects etc. just as though we were there. Not everyone is able to go to a physical location for a number of reasons so a virtual one includes everyone in the fun.

 

This retreat was sponsored by The Quilt Pattern Magazine (http://www.quiltpatternmagazine.com) and was another of the activities they hold for subscribers.  The publishers of this magazine really go out of their way to make their supporters feel they are part of the TQPM family.

 

The pattern for this quilt was given to all attendees.  I am thinking that I might hand quilt it but will let it hang on the wall where I can look at it and think about it for a while. There were also a number of door prizes.  I won one much to my surprise.  I figured it was for the person who wrote the longest posts.

I am sure my husband is glad to have me mentally back home.  He is a wonderfully understanding man so I didn't push it by expecting him to provide me with meals and take came of the household chores while I was 'at retreat'.

 

Blessings,

 

Spiritual Mice?

Well, I thought I would have the virtual retreat quilt top done today.  Last night, I worked until nine.  I knew I was getting tired so I just made sections but didn't sew them together in case my thinking wasn't as clear as I thought it was.  Turned out, I was correct.  I had some parts put together wrong so, out came the stitch ripper.  I have got to the point where I am now adding borders, which, fingers and eyes crossed should be done tomorrow. 
I mentioned a while ago that we had had a mouse problem.  We seem to have it solved but are still finding remnants of their residence.  Their chosen food was from a bag of bird seed that I was storing in the sun room until the winter and we have found it everywhere.  Today, I found another spot.  I have a reference Bible on the book shelves by the computer and when I picked it up to check something, outpoured the seeds. Who knew mice had a spiritual bent?

This afternoon I had an appointment at our municipal office as I have volunteered to be a Deputy Returning Officer for the election.  I have been a scrutineer and a municipal politician but never a DRO.  It is quite a bit of responsibility but I like politics and have absolutely no intention of being a politician again so this is a way I can contribute.
On the way back from the training session, I stopped in to visit my friend who had brought all the fabric to our quilt group meeting and, you guessed it, came home with another load.  This is dressmaking fabric so I will be busy later making some additions to my fall wardrobe.  Busy, busy.
Blessings,

Addition to my Stash

Have you ever been on a Virtual Quilt Retreat?  It is a cheaper, easier version of the really thing which can still be a lot of fun.  The principle idea is that you stay at home (although I think it would be even more fun if you got together with a friend) quilt and participate in on line activities such as chats and games.  There is usually door prizes, sharing of photos and what is being ate.  It can also involve everyone working on the same quilt pattern.
I am in the middle of a VR right now and I will tell you more about it tomorrow when I expect to have, at least, the top of my quilt finished.  The retreat started on Sunday with the sharing of the pattern and I have been working on it as frequently as possible.
I am enjoying the experience although I think it would be even more fun if my husband got into the spirit of the thing and served my meals and did the housework!

The weather has been lovely; sunny and not too cold.  I took Heidi for a walk and listened to the water gurgle along the side of the road.  We have had so much rain this year that the ditches are still running.

We had a great day at quilt group yesterday.  One of our members brought the stash that had belonged to a family members to share with us.  It filled eight banquet tables.  We each took what we wanted and then filled four totes with the left overs.  These are being donated to a group that makes cuddle quilts for cancer patients.  I haven't really looked at what I brought home yet as I didn't want to get distracted from my quilting.  I do, however, have an idea of what I want to make from some of it.  Here is a photo of what I brought home.
Blessings,

Fiction Friday

It is very windy today and the hydro has already flickered once so, although I was going to leave it until later, here is todays story.  You will notice that it is a continuation from last week although it can still be read as a stand alone.


When Adele opened the parcel that had been sent from her mother's solicitor, she laughed  in delight. The multi-coloured fabrics tumbling over the kitchen table each held a special memory. A love of quilting had been the one thing she alone shared with her mother and the hours the two spent pouring over designs, choosing fabric, cutting and sewing were precious.  It might have been petty but she knew that it was something she could do that her sister couldn't.  Morgan excelled at everything.  She was prettier, smarter and everyone loved her.  Adele wasn't any of those things.  When people described her, they said she was 'pleasant' looking.  She never failed a class but she had to work hard to maintain a passing mark.  Morgan, of course, never studied.  She was able to quickly and easily comprehend a task and then remember it.  If well meaning family members and friends hadn't always compared the two sisters, they would probably have continued the loving and sharing relationship they enjoyed when they were little.  But, even the most forgiving and easy going person can get tired of hearing the virtues of another.
Adele had to admit, however, that it was her hours of study which had led to quilting.  She had been sitting at kitchen table working out a math problem when her mother had come in and asked her help. She wanted to know how much fabric she would need to make twelve blocks each containing four same sized squares.  Adele worked it out and then the conversation turned to what her mother was making and how it was done.  This led to further discussion which, in term developed into a passion.  It was only many years later that Adele wondered why her mother needed help with that simple problem when she had been quilting for many years.  By then it didn't matter whether it had been an excuse to get her involved or whether her mother had just had one of those foggy brain moments.
Mother and daughter worked on many quilts together and separately since that day. Adele had even won ribbons at the local fair.  She went on retreats and shop hops with her mother never minding that she was usually the youngest in the group. The memory of those times continued to help her get through the days since her mother's sudden death.
She picked up a square of dark red fabric and brushed it gently.  It was a civil war reproduction fabric; one of her favourites.  She had used it in a quilt for her nephew, Morgan's son, when he got married.  It was then she saw her mother's letter.
"My Dear Adele, thank you for all the wonderful hours sharing my love of quilting.  I know you will remember these fabrics.  These, as well as all my other quilting supplies are yours to do with as you wish.  However, I would like you to use this material for a special project.  I have sent Morgan some blocks but, of course, as you know, she won't know what to do with them.  This is just a suggestion but it would make me happy to know you will help her.  If you do, I would like the fabric in this package to be added to the quilt.  I have given her enough blocks that you could share and make something for each of you.  This, too, is just as suggestion".
Adele laughed again.  This time her mother's loving deviousness was obvious but, as before, Adele didn't mind. She and Morgan were both adults and it was high time they both started acting like it.  When the phone rang, she knew who it was and, smiling, picked it up.