a week later

And life carries on.

In between some very grey days there has been sunshine and beautiful skies.  Overnight temperatures still stay in the single digits, heck sometimes the daytime temperatures are not much higher.

It's one way or the other....either beautiful sunrises like this.









Or dark southern skies like this.

A recent stitching finish, front and back of a small pillow.

And a stitched exchange gift received from Angela in Italy.  Beautiful stitching!

I'm not sure when the postage stamps left the parcel but thank goodness the parcel was delivered.

This is the mango seed.  It took up most of the width of the small pot.  The seedling below took about two weeks to sprout.

The hummers still visit daily.  Of recent, it's more so morning/afternoon visits.  So picture taking opportunities are slim.

 

My Valentine's stitched mailart is completed and is enroute the recipient.   As soon as I know it's been received I'll post pictures.

Making bread has fallen off the radar during the past week or so.  This afternoon I have a 2 loaf recipe of Amish white bread underway.  It's a hand mix recipe.  The results have been very good.


And I leave you with this, a taste of spring to come.

and when you least expect it...

This week my Mom finally went to the Dr. and after tests/x-rays is now on meds.  It will be a slow process for her to feel better.  There are still many concerns.  Thus far my Dad is doing ok.

Thursday morning, quite early in fact, I put the computer on to check in and first read the news that Target is closing in Canada.  It is a blow as my DH is one of the 17,600 that will be out of work soon. In trying to access our situation I did a quick recap of the monthly/yearly things to take care of and to be prepared for.  As well, I read what information was available (not much really) so by the time DH got up and before he turned on the TV  I was able to break the news to him.    It wasn't totally unexpected but the magnitude of all stores closing hadn't been talked about at all.  He works with a great group of people.   It has been a great ride during the past two years.

Other than the washer going, the house is quiet.  It is my time to regain perspective.   DH is at work. There might be more information today as to the future.

So truly it is time to Keep Calm and Carry on.

In the big picture, things will work out.  It's like starting a new blank page  ...except we thought we were on a page and I was quite happy with it, thank you very much.

That being said, life continues  .......the outdoor birds continue to visit, spring bulbs are poking up out of the soil.  Two neighbors have snowdrops is bloom in their gardens.  The primulas that were purchased last week (at .99 each they add so much color for so little spent) are doing well.

I've finished a half granny crochet blanket.  Three stitching projects are ready to be sewn.

A mango seed I planted has sprouted.  I doubt that I will ever see mango's growing ......but I didn't think it would sprout either.

And the two vanilla persimmons on the counter, their time has come.  They are ripe enough to use for Vanilla persimmon bread.  First time trying persimmons so it will be interesting.

First post of the New Year

December felt like a whirlwind....most enjoyable but just busy.  Christmas Day was so much fun and lunch went off without a hitch.  New Year's Eve was a quiet evening at home.  We had champagne (gift from our anniversary) and a cheese fondue.

New projects are underway.   Another half granny square blanket is almost finished and a small 2015 stitching piece.   Pictures to follow.  I've signed up for a stitched mailart exchange.

new year, new beginnings.......

Last of 2014 and looking ahead to 2015

With the last days of December, 2014 and a New Year just around the corner it is only fitting to take a look back and share a bit of the year with you.   Lots of pictures, just saying....

January was bittersweet.  We loved Quincy and letting him go was the hardest.

His favorite pose should a camera be pointed his way .........unless there was a statement to be made.

As the months moved along and after much discussion/planning I decided to leave my job.  It has been a big change but a good one.  

It's given time to:

Finish this blanket that my daughter started  a long time ago.

 
Rediscovered yarn in my stash.   The lap blankets at the left were done with Noro yarn.  It's wonderful to knit with.  Those blankets have since been given to my parents.  The crochet blanket in a new addition for us.


And we traveled this past summer.  Let's say it celebrated birthdays and our 25th anniversary (in November).  Venice is one of my favorite places.  We were fortunate to have the opportunity to spend a short stay in both Venice and Rome along with a cruise that included Greece and Turkey.

 Back home again there was time for the garden.
The dahlia tubers purchased earlier in the spring yielded beautiful pink blooms.  The hibiscus was a purchase.  And even after the blooms were done, they still looked pretty in this ceramic dish.

And the boys of summer, Nate heading left and Noah right.  Nothing better than a warm day and water to splash in.

The super moons, awesome to look at but my photos never did them justice.

As fall as you can get on one tree.  With mild and dry temperatures this fall our Japanese Maple displayed a beautiful range of color.

And then came the birds.   It has been a pleasure watching them but they are not team players when it comes to getting a photo taken.

And last but not least, hummingbirds.  

 

no , really, we haven't gone to the birds!

  

 This was the year to stitch new Christmas ornament patterns.  I really enjoyed stitching the Santa snow globe.  I ended up making three, with variations.  Two were sent as gifts and one for me.  The red tree above also was sent as a
gift.

It was really nice having stitched ornaments on the tree this year.  We tried to go kid friendly. The green red white garlands are knitted lengths and one garland crocheted in the style of paper garlands that we made at school.

And today, December 30th marks my parents 64th Anniversary.  It's been a long ride for them.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

Some years ago for their anniversary I made a stitched ornament.  Of course it was "safely put away" and when the time came it was never found.   Add to the safe keeping a move or two and now finally, it's done and delivered.  And this year's gift, ordered well in advance I might add, still has not arrived.  Maybe tomorrow, fingers crossed.

And that's a bit of my 2014 in photos.   

I'm thankful for what we have and what we can share.  I'm hopeful for a good year ahead.  

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!  

shortest day, longest night

December 21st, let winter begin.  I'm already dreaming of Spring!  Yes, it is a bit early for that so this is my pre-planning stage.

Amid the hustle and bustle, bad drivers, poor manners and frantic moments there has been time to be still and quiet.   It's taking that deep breathe and exhaling .....and realizing that what does get done for Christmas is just fine and what doesn't (ie should there be more baking, more decorating) won't be missed.  Spending the time together is really what is important.

Thursday afternoon we had the pleasure to attend Noah's Christmas concert.   All kids are the same, lined up on stage ready to start. Until they have met the sights of their families, little eyes search row by row and then a smile and even a wave and then it's time to get the show on.   It was a lot of work for the children and their teachers and so much fun to watch.   It brought back memories of my daughter's concerts and way back to some of my own.

Noah did quite well but didn't last too long on stage.  It wasn't that he didn't know his part or hadn't practiced  but the sensory overload was too much.  He did try and we're proud of him.  After the concert en-route to the car there was a certain amount of complaining and feet dragging ...please understand that routine and consistency are important  for him....bad enough the car was parked elsewhere, it started to rain and the car was a few blocks away.   Part way along the route the dragging feet changed to a soldier high step march.....things really weren't so bad.  Once home he bounced out of the car, checked the outdoor decorations, smiled and headed to the front door.  One last  momentary turn  to us and Noah said "See you Sunday" no prompting, clearly and loudly.   The best present we could receive!

Both boys visited today with their parents.  Everyone was kept busy...big people/little people. Lunch/ play time and Christmas decorations to check out.  Exciting times ahead.

The next few days are going to be a whirlwind of activity.   We're doing a Christmas Day lunch, buffet style.  The kitchen/family room already has the extra serving table set up.  Next up will be the final decorating and setting up the main table.  It will all come together....fingers crossed.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!   And Happy New Year too!

A definite maybe

Making some Peppermint Bark has always been on my to do list.  I found a microwave version for melting the chocolate.  The dark chocolate came out great so onward to the white chocolate....to my dismay, it started to go thick.  I quickly added the oil and peppermint flavoring and stirred like mad.  Ok, it's spreadable and covered the dark chocolate and topped with crushed candy cane...it can't be that bad, right?   It's currently in the fridge getting cold.  Taste testing later.

Second up, Rice Krispie squares, that goodness for the microwave.  This recipe worked great!

Lastly will be Peppermint cookies.  This recipe I found last year and never had a chance to make a batch.  So here goes.

As for the ornaments, only two more to trim and finish and then pictures.  I'm pleased with the results thus far.

From soggy BC, take care......

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....