The Wedding

If you are not a Royalist or a sentimentalist, you may want to skip today's blog.  In which case, I wish you a good weekend and we will see you again next week.
This morning, my husband an I joined the millions of others around the world to watch Prince William and Katherine's wedding.  We had planned a nice English breakfast but ended up having scones with jam which was our mid day menus.  It was too early to eat much and we both wanted to watch the television.  I am rather tired now as we got up earlier than usual but I am still glad we did.  It was quite an event.
Like many women, I was interested in seeing what hats the women where going to wear and, of course, the dress.  I think it-the dress, was less elaborate than I thought it might be.  It was, however, lovely and really suited her.
I also enjoyed listening to the commentators and the interviews with the various spectators.  The average person's reaction really adds to the fun.  The wedding service itself and all the pageantry was wonderful. the Queen as was forecast did wear a bright yellow which made her visible amidst all the other colours.  I believe her clothes are chosen with that in mind.  She is aware that people want to see her no matter what else is going on. 
I kept thinking of Katherine's parents while watching.  What an astounding day it must have been for them.  Their little girl that they had watched grow up and hoped would marry a nice young man and be happy was becoming part of the royal family.  I think they conducted themselves with dignity and they deserve credit for adapting themselves.  Mrs. Middleton, unlike the mother of most brides, did not get to have a central part in the proceedings.  And now, when in public, she will have to curtsy to her daughter!  I expect that not in her wildest dreams did she ever expect that day to happen.
Ah, well, back to my scrub board.
Blessings ,

A Few More Hours

Are you going to be watching The Wedding?  We will be taping it and then watching after we get up.  We will be having an English breakfast, lunch and supper.  We have English muffins, I've made scones and bought sausages.  I also have my scarf with the union jack and a hat.I also have a huge union jack flag outside but that is always there as befitting my English birth. 
We have, of course, been watching all the news reports.  It is nice to have something to take your mind off the election mud slinging but, I think, everyone just likes to have a small part in an historic event.  With all the wars, weather destruction and general unhappiness in the world, the wedding has provided us all with something pleasant. 
I have been a royalist for as long as I can remember. I watched the Queen's coronation on television and had a scrap book of photos of her and the rest of the royal family.  Someone stole it  and, although that was years ago, it still irritates me.  I have seen the Queen on a number of occasions , Prince Philip once but none of the younger family members.  Perhaps I will have a chance to see Prince William and Katherine during their Canadian visit this summer.
Blessings

Yard Work Etc

Now that Spring is here, we are starting to get ready for next winter.  Today, I  raked last years detritus from the vegetable gardens and the lawn.  The compost still hasn't completely thawed yet so I can't spread that around but the ground is all ready for it.
My husband has started splitting and piling wood so, when I had finished my work, I have him a hand.  We got a good sized pile stacked before it was time for lunch and the rain started.
Since then, I have been in my quilt room weeding out some of the smaller bits of fabric to cut into strips and adding in my birthday fabric.  I have also gone through the partially finished quilts and labelled them so I know what needs to be done to finish them.  A number of them have been used as practice pieces as I was learning how to use my machine and frame.  Not sure what I will do with them.  The tops are nice but the quilting is rough to say the least.  A couple I will give to the younger members of the family to use as play mats.
We are getting quite a rain storm right now.  I don't think there is going to be a hydro outage but, if it happens, I have a large tote that is full of odd bits of fabric just waiting to be cut up.  I am not sure what I am going to do with all the strips.  How many scrap quilts can one person make or use?
I wish I had been able to get a few bulbs in the garden to take advantage of the rain but I believe it is a bit early yet.  The timing is a bit tricky in this area: you try to get things done before black fly season but also after frost.  I think I will get the garlic bulbs and potatoes in this week though.  Any frost shouldn't bother them.  I can always cover them with all this extra fabric!!!!
Blessings,

Food Nostalgia

It is a rainy, windy day here today.  The Internet has been flickering on and off but the hydro is still with us. I am working on the top of a quilt that I am going to put on my web site so, of course, everything keeps going wrong.  However, there isn't much more to do so I persevere.
We had a busy Easter weekend with dinner at the in-laws on Saturday, brunch at church on Sunday, quilting and ladies group on Monday.  My traditional Easter meal is ham and scalloped potatoes so, as we haven't had them yet, I am making it for supper.
It is funny how we associate certain foods with an event or holiday.  Cinnamon buns remind me of my mother's love, home made granola I associate with my son.  Roast beef for Sunday dinner recalls my English heritage especially if it accompanied by Yorkshire pudding.  Chicken soup is, of course, what you have if you aren't feeling well and stew or hot chocolate is for cold winter days.
Have you started your contest entry yet?  The prize package is valued at approximately $30.00 plus receiving all the entry blocks.  Let me know when you are ready to send it.
Blessings,

Behold The Lamb

My husband and I just got back from decorating the church for Sunday.

This little quilt hangs in the church and depicts the scripture in John which says, "Behold the Lamb that takes away the sin of the world."

The background was made using Ricky Tims method of taking two fabrics, cutting in strips, sewing together, recutting etc.  I took it a step further and added horizontal cuts.

May you all have a blessed and happy Easter.

Quilty on Line Stuff

I have just ordered some products for my machine frame from an on-line store.  As the store is in the States, I am saving because of our dollar and because I didn't have to use my vehicle.  I am irritated that the Canadian stores are not lowering their prices for consumers.  It costs them less to purchase their inventory so they should be passing that on to shoppers.  I don't expect a big discount especially as the fuel prices are so high but a little something to encourage us to spend our dollars in our own country would be nice.
I am afraid that tourism is going to suffer this year unless our government does something to cap fuel cost.
The products I ordered are specifically for my frame so really couldn't have been bought anywhere else but I still feel bad.  I am getting a laser pointer and a new set of clamps that will hold the quilt more securely.  I have also ordered the new True Cut rulers.  The ladies in my local quilt group already got the 24" ruler and now some of them want the 12" one.  This ruler is a real step forward in tools.  It has a ledge that prevents the rotary cutter from slipping and cutting your hand instead of fabric.  It also has cut outs that let you see your fabric better and allows you to mark your fabric. 
While I wait for all this to arrive, I am working on a new quilt pattern.  Should have it ready to sell shortly.
And now, I am going to drag my boots back out of storage and take the dog for a walk.
Blessings,

More Photos

The birds were a little confused this morning as we have got a few more inches of snow. It started last night and, along with some ice pellets, has continued all morning.  A good day to make bread.
These little birds are some of the dozens where were scraping at the ground and gathering around the feeders looking for seeds.  I am glad that I filled them up the other day.  The bars you can see around the feeder is to discourage the deer.
The other photos are from my birthday party.  My husband and I were chatting with the piper while he took a bit of a break.  Heidi just wasn't sure of what to make of it all.  The final picture is some of my family.  My sister, Helen, from England is on the right with my brother and his wife on the left.  The tall fellow in the back is my son.

Blessings,