It's beginning to feel like ...

a mini Santa's workshop here.  Today was the day to sew together recently stitched (and 2 not so recent) cross stitch ornaments.  Eight sewn and stuffed and ready to be trimmed.  The only hiccup was the sewing machine.  I'm down to the last ornament the bobbin needs a refill, of course.  That done and the machine re-threaded and of course there was an issue .....many words, many times undoing, redoing and finally it was good to go.  This is a Brother machine and overall is great, especially being a featherweight.  I still miss my old Singer.  Heavy as it was ......   Currently it's stored in the garage along with a 'new to me' machine that was put out for claim in the garbage room.
So early in 2015 I'll tend to having them serviced.

Last night overnight and early this morning heavy winds and rain.  Apparently another storm is due overnight with more wind.  Bring on the candles.  As much as I enjoy real candles we have adapted to using the battery operated tea lights.  Definitely an advantage with our grandsons.

stay warm and dry!

Saturday morning

Another very early start this am.   DH has already left for work. And I'm ready for my second cup of coffee.

Rain is hitting the windows, definitely a soggy day ahead.  It's still very dark outside.  Too early to put out the bird feeders.  So long as I remember to keep  to the bird schedule ...otherwise there are a lot of bird complaints when the feeders are hung, especially from the hummingbirds.  Who could have imagined something so small could make such noise!

This afternoon we hope to put up the outdoor lights, at least on the patio area.  We have a long covered patio  so there are many options for decorating.  Directly adjacent  is a large hedge, trees and garden area.   Let's see how far the lights go.

I just realized how silent it is in here right now ...... so let there be Christmas music ....  much better!

It's too easy to get caught up in the stresses of December and forget the simple pleasures.  Light twinkling, music playing and a warm fire going.  Add good company, comfort food and a glass of wine.

Wishing everyone a good weekend.

Come December

I'm finally back to the keyboard....call it blogger's block, akin to writers block, it's been a long gap since my last post.  In that time I have been productive with projects: knitting, stitching, crochet and sewing.  It is amazing the stored stash in the closet....now being put to good use.

My new role to homemaker/retired person has come about with ease.  It is a new life for sure.  And there is no lack of things to fill each day.  Home baked bread is a regular part of each week.  It's been fun trying recipes.  And home made soups are great, especially during this cold snap.

The family stuff hasn't changed a lot.  I'm grateful to be able to be nearby for my parents.  Health issues have been hard on both of them. We're thankful to have them.  Our grandsons are growing and doing well.   Both boys are on the Autism Spectrum.  All words are treasured.

DH and I celebrated our 25th Anniversary in November. Where did the time go? Our celebrating was low key as we had a wonderful holiday in the summer.  Now he says "We're going for Gold".

Since our loss of Quincy the beginning of the year, we have yet to make the decision to add a new canine to our household.  We've come close but it's not time yet.  So for now we enjoy the outdoor birds that visit.  Hummingbirds are the newest addition.  Anna's Hummingbirds stay all winter.  We have two feeders set up for them.

Come December, I'm grateful for:

1.  Sharing a life with DH.
2.  Family and friends.
3.  Plenty of crafty stash.  lol
4.  Simple pleasures.

How about you.  What are you grateful for?

till next time .....

Welcome August

I can't believe it's been a month since I last posted.

July was packed full, away time and home time.   The away time was a trip to Italy and a cruise.  I'm still working through photos and will get some posted.  Our time away was wonderful, so much to see, so much history to take in and really so little time to fit in all our "to do's".

Home time has been catching up with family.  In two weeks it seems our grandsons have sprouted up! It is nice to be home.

I've been on a quest to find a dwarf fig tree.  No luck on the dwarf figs, at least not locally.  I've now two young trees, a brown Turkey and a green fig.  The plan is to maintain them in containers (as I've since read that the brown Turkey can spread roots akin to mint, curly willow, etc.).  The rhubarb plant purchased this spring is growing well.  It is a work in progress and hopefully by next year we will have a bit more of our own 'home grown' items.

During this time I've managed some stitching.  A summer themed biscornu is on it's way as part of an exchange.  Once received I'll post a picture.    The stitching/bag at the top of my blog became a camera bag.  Not much knitting or crochet happening yet.  

My new non work days still need some planning.  It's very easy not to get things done...too much computer time.

And with that I will sign off.

Till next time....

Happy Canada Day

Wishing everyone a wonderful day!

where is summer??

One week of summer and we've yet to really have much warmth.  The weatherman keeps promising warmer weather......sigh

A few months ago, after much talking/discussion with DH, I decided to give my notice to my employer. My last day was June 13th.   It feels like forgetting what I knew and remembering what I forgot.  Over the years there have been so many things that have had to stay on the back burner and now, new doors are opening. It is time for me to focus on my family.  Time spent is priceless.

The past two weeks have been very different.  I'm rediscovering cooking, starting from scratch, everything fresh and not so many 'rushed dinner's to prepare.  Mind you it's is a work in progress.  My "to do" list is a bit shorter too, well I can dream can't I?  At least it is a start.

One of the first projects that I completed was finishing a crochet blanket that my daughter started. Some of the squares needed to be squared up (sure made it easier for joining).  I had some yarn that matched and made a reasonable border.  I think she's pleased with the finished piece.

The remembering what I forgot, OMG, my stash of stitching, knitting and crafts, how nice to rediscover them!  Even the sewing machine that has sat idle, I'm already thinking about  new projects.

Enjoy the sweet days of summer!

Happy Easter!

So everything is ready ...and then the phone call, one of the grandsons is sick and plans will have to be postponed till next weekend.  It happens for sure and I guess it's our turn.  My daughter is not amused by the change of plans.  I understand how she feels and reminded her of all the times she got sick when she was young ...   The treats in the plastic eggs will keep just fine till next weekend for a belated Easter egg hunt.  With any luck it might be dry by then.

In my wisdom, I did most of the cooking yesterday afternoon/evening.  So the fridge is very full and likewise the freezer... no worry of menu planning this week!

And next weekend we will try it all again.

Happy Easter everyone!

April at last

It is Spring on the west coast...sunshine, rain, flowers blooming, rain  and sometimes more rain. And in between the raindrops, time for pictures.

 Both recent stitching projects have reached their destinations.  Happy Spring went to Char for the SNS2 Easter/Spring Exchange.

Boulderneigh sheep went to Michelle.

And this little fellow...had a lot to say!

till next time.

almost out of March

And what happened to March....is is Spring in this corner of the world, still soggy mind you.  There are blooms and blossoms everywhere, yellows, pinks, whites, purples.  Just wonderful!

Finally a couple of completed projects to share.  There are two more stitching projects in the works and due to be mailed this week.  Once I know they've been received I'll post pictures.

The knitted hat was my second time using double ended needles.   So one day, I'll graduate to making socks...one day, maybe.  The stitching, purely for pleasure.  The simple things is destined to be a pillow cover and the Eiffel Tower perhaps on a craft bag.

 

and that's it for now.

February chills

The upside is beautiful sunshine today but my goodness it is cold and the wind has picked up.  The forecast continues this way all week.

Today is an extra day off.   It's the family taxi day.  I'll drop DH to work later today and then take my Dad to a medical appt.   For me, it's bonus time to stitch and maybe a coffee while waiting at the appointment.  It's all good.

During these cold snaps as our windows are older, we use sheets of rigid insulation.  They fit perfectly, in the windows and are easy to store when not in use.  Likewise during summer heat waves they help out a lot.  And they're not expensive.

One new recipe tested this week, from allrecipes.com, Italian baked pork chops.  Very easy to do and ready in 25 minutes.  And from Cooking Light  2014 recipe calender, baked shrimp with tomatoes. Very good.   Both recipes are keepers.

We have a small visitor at present, a ladybug.  I found it on the living room drape, I guess it found it's way indoors to escape the cold.  Well I did put it back outside in a planter by the patio door  but in checking a few hours later it was roaming around the dirt.  The dirt was so cold to the touch...so relented and put it in the flower pots by the kitchen window.  So far it's staying put and probably quite warm and cozy.  For the moment, the ladybug can stay.

that's it for now.