Edmonton Ho

We are in a motel just outside Winnipeg.  The trip has been relatively uneventful except for an impaired transport driver and having to take turns doing everything because of the dog.
Heidi has been relatively well behaved and has adapted to having a new 'home' each night fairly well.
As long as both of us are in sight, she is okay.  Of course she has been getting more than her usual share of treats and fussing so I am sure that has helped.
Will try to post something a few times a week.
Much cooler weather here and rain is forecast.  I hope that we get some in the backwoods as our garden needs it.
blessings

Blackflies

I have mentioned blackflies a few times and it occurred to me yesterday that perhaps you have never seen one.  Here is a photo of a blackfly ready to attack.  They fly around in hordes like kamakaze pilots and nothing seems to deter them.

After a few seasons, you get used to them but, when they are really bad you feel like a prisoner in your home.  Fortunately, this year has been better than the last two, partly, I think, because it is warmer and less rainy.

Just in case you think that living in the backwoods has caused me to lose my mind; this is acutally a wild tom turkey.  He and a couple of females wandered through yesterday and he wanted to make sure we knew that the women belonged to him!

This might be my last regular post until we return from our holidays.  I am taking my lap top so will write something when I have internet access.  If you are on the road this weekend, please remember that a few seconds of rushing can result in a lifetime of pain.  Take your time, enjoy the scenery, relax.  A bad day travelling is better than a good day being attacked by a blackfly!!

blessings

Wall Hangings and a Bad Dog

Here is the wall hanging that I have been working on.  I freehand stitched music symbols on the white and meandered on the black.  I think it has turned out alright.
We just got back from a quick trip to Huntsville to buy some stuff for our trip.  When we got home and in the house, we saw that the dog have eaten the top from one of my sandals and much of one moccasin.
She used to chew everything in sight when a pup but hasn't done that in a long time.  We are going to have to put her back in her house again when we go out.
To add insult to injury, one of our reasons for the trip was to get a supply of dog food and treats!  She won't be getting any of the latter for a bit.
Blessings

Restless Night

Yesterday evening, Heidi spotted something outside which sent her into a frenzy.  We had a hard time getting her settled down.  Roger even took her outside so she could see that what ever had caused her to sound an alarm had been frightened off.  She continued to be 'on guard' all night and periodically would let off one warning yap. 
It is so nice to be protected by a small, furious watchfluff but it is even nicer to be able to enjoy a restful night.
I am just finishing a wall hanging for a lady-think I told you about it.  It consists of four handpainted blocks  which I have joined with black sparkly fabric.  It is quite effective and I am pleased with the look.  I am even going to do the binding in the same fabric so the main focus is the blocks.  I will post a photo when finished.
I have a pair of black dress pants that are too short.  I am seriously considering adding the black glitter to the hem.  Should keep people's eyes away from my ever thickening middle!
Hot day today with a high UV so we will probably be indoors for most of it.  The gazebo will be a welcome spot as it catches the breeze.  I can hand stitch the quilt binding in there.
Blessings

Holidays

We will be leaving for our trip to Edmonton a week today.  I am getting the last of my sewing jobs finished, car has been serviced and we will do some shopping on Thursday.  Monday is packing and getting the house cleaned.
There is always so much preperation to do whether you are going camping for the weekend or taking a trip to another country.  The anticipation of the holiday gets you through it all but I often wonder why more people, ourselves included, don't holiday at (or closer to) home.
I mentioned in a previous post that our community is taking part in a First Impressions exchange with another village.  The idea being to record your reactions to various aspects-schools, shopping, industry etc.  Last night we had a meeting where our group put together the reports for presentation to the other community.
The experience has helped me see our home differently and thinking that it would be a good exercise for everyone to pretend to be tourists in their own community.  If you have public transit, use it.  Take it to the downtown area, walk to the tourism center and pick up some brochures.  Check out your hiking trails, museum (very few residents have been to their own museum or art gallery) and any other attractions. Pick a place to eat just by looking at the exterior.  Look at real estate ads and pick out a house that meets your requirements.  If possible, pretend you are someone who is moving to your community and go to look at the home.  Is there a school, church, park, shopping close by.
You may even want to book into a motel and continue to explore the next day but even if you just spend a few hours, you will gain a new appreciation for your home.  Or, you may see some areas that need changing (if you had been in a wheelchair would you have been able to enjoy the same things) and become the voice that makes a difference.
Your holiday at home could have far reaching results or just give a day of relaxation.  In either case, you won't have had to do a lot of preperation, or spend vast sums of money.
Of course, if your grandchildren or other family members live in another province, you are still going to have to take that trip so I better continue to get ready.
blessings

Viva La Difference

Elaine responded to my last blog by sharing some of her rural experiences.  She mentioned hearing the gobble of wild turkeys and the stillness of the leaves.  They had been getting a lot of wind so she was enjoying the calm.
This morning our trees are also peaceful.  I am sure they are soaking in the warmth of the morning sun as it makes its way past the canopy of leaves. Our Heidi is outside and barking at something no-one else can see; we suspect a squirrel is waving its bushy tail at her.
Have you ever wondered what the world would be like with skinny tailed squirrels, grey leaves, grey snow, soundless rain, mute birds, scentless flowers, cuddleless babies and small puppies?  We are surrounded with a myriad of wonderful things that we rarely notice or appreciate. They are all given to us because we are loved.
Blessings

Restaurants

We had a new restaurant open up here in the backwoods which has given us some excitement.  This has followed closely behind Tim Horton's making us a destination place for all coffee lovers so we are starting to feel quite cosmopolitan.  Little things  make a huge difference in a small community; public washrooms, signage,  nice restaurants.  Urbanites might not notice a new street bench but it can be the main topic of conversation for a week in a rural area.  Especially if the rural area is very hilly!
Being aware of small changes is one of the nice things about living in the country.  In the city, there is so much going on that little things like a flower growing through the sidewalk, or a fresh coat of paint on a neighbours house is overlooked.
It may sound 'quaint' but I can look out my studio window for long periods of time just watching the trees bending in the wind. Sometimes they are all still and then a few leaves will start to move, followed by a couple of the smaller trees and, as though they were following a conductor's baton, the rest start to join in. Not high drama, perhaps, but I prefer it to watching drug deals or vehicle collisions.
Blessings.