catching up

Canada Day has come and gone.   It was cool and wet, not much of a feeling of summer and definitely no patio time.

Yesterday grandson # 1 turned 10.  Just where did the time go??  The party was held in their back yard...lots of kids, lots of food and no rain (well mostly).

Today, our weekly family  lunch here.....hey didn't we see you yesterday?? 

The Tour de France started yesterday.  As the coverage comes on at 2 am we taped it to watch later in the evening.  And so began the Tour de Fleece.  I signed up with two groups.  My experience with my drop spindle...well I'm definitely a newbie.  So no great expectations, just try and find my spinning groove.....

Here's progress to date:

Day zero, getting started with my Jenkins spindle.  The egg cup is working as a spinning base.

 Day 1 Trial and error.  The drafting still presents challenges.  So much to learn......

This is my accumulated stash.  I don't think there will be any concern of running out at my snail's pace.   It's all about finding my way with the wool.

Somewhere along the way while the Tour is on I will try my wheel as well. While on our road trip yesterday I'd planned to pick up an Ashford maintenance kit.  Turns out that my route was altered due to a local festival in Abbotsford and I couldn't get near the shop.  Another time.

I plan to try my day 2 spinning a bit later this evening.  I've started a journal to track the ups and downs of the wool twists.  Photos will be a record.  Maybe one day I can look back and appreciate all of this. 

And I realize that my Swan Turkish spindle needs a friend.  Fingers crossed that a Jenkins will come available to buy.

meanwhile wishing everyone a good week!

Happy Canada Day!

While out west it's cool and damp, to the east that is sweltering in a heat wave and all points in between.....it is our day to celebrate our country. 

Spread kindness, share a smile ....and respect our diversity.

Wishing everyone a wonderful day and weekend!

make it Monday

Some time back I found a recipe called English Muffin toasting bread  on the King Arthur flour site.

I've made it many times and now double the recipe to have one loaf ahead in the freezer.  Definitely a keeper.

Next an crust less egg white quiche.   Select your fillings, herbs, spices, cheeses and layer in a greased pan then pour in the egg whites and bake.  There are numerous recipes online.

that's it for now

summer time

my blogging break wasn't planned, just happened  and it's not like I don't sit at the computer...


here's where I've been ......

Oh I know this patio is a mix of old and new but it works.   Beyond the hedge is the real world and inside is our bliss.

Recent additions.  

And that's about it for now, next post more of what I've been working on and plans for the summer.

I did sign up for the Tour de Fleece.   I've actually been trying my spinning wheel. Row by Row starts today.  This year's theme is Sew Musical.

till next time.....

that April showers bringing ...

At the moment, rain and wind.  Someone keeps hitting the repeat button, welcome to April.

Yesterday went from rain showers to monsoon rain and then by early afternoon, sunshine and blue skies  and even warmth.  Patio time was a welcome change from indoors.  Way up in the sky two eagles glided the upper currents.   They are so beautiful to watch.

Earth bound, Sully comfy in his spot.  Of course it's better with a buddy.

 The clouds patterns overhead were amazing.  It was hard to capture the rainbow within.

 

Rainbow colors here too.  The fragrance is wonderful.

More signs of spring.

A mailart stitching project for an exchange is well underway.  On my needles, the start of another capelet.  This one for me.  Sewing projects are waiting in the wings.   

Enjoy your day, enjoy your week.  

Share a smile, it's free.

Happy Easter

This Easter was special.  There was laughter, chocolate, happy moments shared with family.

Lots of eggs to hunt for and surprises inside.  For the boys it was more about finding eggs than actually eating chocolate...

Nate was quite happy to take care of the Easter bags too.  It was 'most important' to make sure everything was coming home.

Capelet 2 done and received.   This time a lighter weight yarn perfect for spring.

Lots of love.

 

Happy Easter 2018!

rain drops, puddles ...oh it's Spring

Spring is here ....but someone forgot to mention this to Mother Nature.  It continues cool, windy, a bit of sunshine, snow, hail ...  well you get the picture, a bit of everything going on.  Wacky weather.

A bit of spring colors to brighten the patio.

These days watching the ever changing cloud formations is amazing.  Here and then gone.

Sunshine after a snow, this little fellow must have been cold.  The Anna's hummingbirds have managed another winter.

While trying to take a photo  I was being watched from above.  All this as I was too close to the feeder.

And the non feathered flyers...the drone on the left came from somewhere in the complex.  

I have been doing something other than taking pictures.  A  knit capelet for my daughter.   The rib pattern is an easy repeat, just wide as it's knit flat and then joined.    A second capelet is well underway too.

Yesterday I finally made it to my sewing room and made these.  Easter bags for our grandsons.  The best part was working from stash.  

Sully






seriously, you're going to take my picture?

then you're going to get a good licking

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter!

till next time.

Spring forward

Is anyone else ready for Spring???  It feels like it's been a long winter.  Maybe its due to a lack of outdoor time, patio time ...and warmth. 

Shaking off that sluggish feeling started with moving flower pots/tubs on the patio and pondering this year's garden  .....  Finding ladybugs in residence, pure bliss.

Indoors, a much needed purge in my closet.  The items removed were bundled up and delivered to the thrift store.  Extra space in the closet, priceless.

Since my last post there have been finishes....

off the qsnap, now to decide on a finish either a pillow or frame

  
eco dyed fabric with applique pieces and hand stitches

a gift stitched for a friend, remembering a parent.

Monday was sunny and warm and yes real patio time.   A pair of eagles stayed in view.  Smaller birds flitted about.  The hummers still hold court on 'their' patio.  And then there was a ladybug on the trellis...... I watched as it walked up, down and around a spindle, sometimes twice.  There didn't seem to be a sense of reaching the end of the line with no where to go, simply adjusting the route and carry on.
Maybe this applies to us 'simply adjust the route and carry on'.

think Spring!!

makes a day worthwhile

Our winter skyline tends to be blahs of grey, monochrome and 'nothing to report here'  but every once in a while we are blessed with color and light

and  this .........

definitely makes a day worth while.