catching up the days

In between raindrops and wind gusts last week we took a drive to South Surrey to deliver a Christmas remembrance for my parents.  December marks Mom's birthday, Christmas of course and their anniversary.  The Christmas greens basket is simple (we've been warned by staff that anything too nice disappears). 

The cemetery is expanding so we couldn't park anywhere close due to equipment and vehicles in the way.  As it was DH had trouble getting through the walkway to deliver the basket.   I waited in the car taking in the vista of old trees and watched an eagle swoop down and around before flying back to a grove of tall trees.
 

Sunday lunches with Vanessa and our grandsons are always fun.  This past Sunday Vanessa pulled out a project bag and proceeded to crochet.  It warmed my heart to see that she has kept up with some sort of hand work, something passed along from one generation to another.  My Mom didn't get much opportunity for handwork.  She did some embroidery as did my grandmother.   Simple traditions.
An added bonus was the bag was one I'd made for her, so nice to see it being used and likewise a knitted purse also in use.    In that moment as tempted as I was to reach for my camera, I didn't.  Instead I just sat and watched.  Simple pleasures to warm the heart, mine at least.

The view to the south often looks like this.  The tree branches serve as a watchtower for the hummers.

Earlier this morning to the south east this view and then it was gone as we're now back to rain and wind.

On rainy days   it's easy to spot a hummer perched in the trunk of the lilac tree.

This morning's finish, Santa's Helper by Mosey n me.   There is something about sheep.


till next time....

counting down the days

Here I sit, it's December...already.....since my last blog post in early November, has it been that long???    What have I been doing???

Hand spun wool knitted up now  a cowl and fingerless mitts.  The pattern is a one skein infinity cowl.   As I worked with two colors I omitted the twist at the seam and tried to make an overlap with the colors.

Hand spinning on my Jenkins spindles...pure bliss.  And not to forget cross stitching...

The outdoor lights are up across the patio.   In the evening (actually early afternoon ) when the lights come on, it looks like this.

The hummer is more concerned of the nearby chickadee than the string of lights sharing space close to the feeder.

Our tree is up awaiting the decorations, maybe later today.  Cards have been mailed.  Outgoing mail seems to be working  but incoming...ever so slow.   I thought I did ok ordering online early  lol  a few items are in the system somewhere.    Eventually parcels will arrive. 

Cold weather is perfect for making soups, stews and trying new recipes...

Sweet Potato and Feta Pide.  A bit of time spent waiting on the dough to rise.   I did change up the ingredients a bit other than the sweet potato as I had items in the fridge to use up.  The recipe is a keeper.

As busy as December is, take a moment to give thanks....for the gifts that you don't find under the tree......

to family and friends near and far,

for a roof over your head and food on the table, 

and for special memories of those no longer with us.

till next time

29 and counting

Yes, 29 years married today.   A low key day at home for us and that's just fine.  Last month we had the opportunity to cruise to LA and back via a cruise.   That's more than enough an anniversary gift.

This was one of the views we enjoyed.  San Francisco, Pier 39, the harbor, the barking of sea lions, maneuvers overhead by the pelican fleet, Alcatraz and of course the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance.

Even though we returned home early October both DH and I managed to catch colds.   More so one of us caught a cold and then shared.  And so went the rest of October.  here we are the calendar page turned and the clocks back an hour, welcome November.

Recent wind and rain storms have left most tree bare.  The last of the leaves on the Japanese Maple turned this lovely orange brown.

 

This time of the it seems the hummers are a bit willing to linger for a photo or two.  Rainy days are the best while they sit in either the fig tree or the lilac.

For the September October Challenge with the Ravelry  Jenkins spindle group, a finish.   The cowl is soft and warm. 

Now it's time to get busy with knitting (and other projects)  Dare I say the countdown is on.

till next time...

sailing through September

It's been almost a month since I last posted on my blog.   My goodness the time has flown by.

I have kept busy with way too much time hand spinning,  one turtle led to another and another.

 

These are  four are part of my September/October challenge.

This one is an add on to my recipe (above).

These are just for fun.

And to show that I really do make something....one skein of my Blender Board mix that was spun during the TDF  is now a carry bag.  I finished sewing the side seams this morning. At this moment it's a cozy spot for my camera but it's destined to be an on the go bag for a spindle and roving.

Here are my spindles. Aegean, Swan and the newest member, Delight.

With the arrival of September, it feels and looks like fall.   We've had rain  (and more rain).  Thankfully the grass is once again green.  For the most part the air quality has improved.    Parts of BC (including Whistler) and Alberta have already had snow.  

    

And out our window.  

Welcome Fall!

till next time.

It almost feels like...

Fall!!!

The skies are somewhat clearer, mind you the air quality advisory that was lifted is back in place again.  We've had some rain.  And the best of all, temperatures are back where they should be!  Bliss on the patio and in the house not an ac to be heard.

This is the last of my sheep stitching (for now).   One sheep lead to another and another.  I'm done now.

Noah, Nate and trains.   Some toys never get old.

Thoughtful moment.

And when you think it's safe to take a slice of apple, think again.... I do see what you're doing.

 and no matter what happens in a day,

laughter is the best medicine!

Out of focus, yes a bit.  All the same, we're definitely in the moment!

How wonderful to be 10 (well one of us).

A new school year begins next week. New discoveries and adventures await.

Likewise for the older type too.  The  Jenkins Yarn Tools spindle group (Ravelry) has posted a new group challenge called September/October:  Recipe Challenge.  It looks like fun!   Definitely a good way to keep up practice on my spindle so I've signed up.  

So long Summer of 2018.    September is calling.

August continues.... orange air

From my kitchen window the morning skies continue to look like this.......

and the skies are devoid of clouds and color,

hardly a bird to be seen or heard......

With more indoor time, little projects done.  It's a great way to use up fabric and they're fun to stitch.  What is about sheep??

and a dog....

  

                    

The boys of summer 2018, separate and together.

As yet no new spinning to report as my left hand still has carpal tunnel issues.  The wrist support has helped.  In the meantime I've been sorting and clearing in my craft area.  And yes, it is getting easier to let it go.

Local markets have a bounty of fresh produce this time of year.  Cauliflower is very reasonable and each head is huge.  Online I found two recipes that appealed.  Cauliflower tabbouleh salad (will make this again for sure)  and Cilantro Cauliflower rice (dinner tonight).  The next one to try is a savory zucchini galette, later this week once the temperatures cools a bit.  I've been using a Starfrit manual food processor to rice cauliflower.

Back to basics (again) I found simple solutions for shower/tub cleaner.  White vinegar and dish soap, add essential oil if you like for fragrance  and most important a decent spray bottle.  I won't be going back to store bought any time soon.  

Wildlife encounters zero so far this week.   Last week it was the skunk on the patio....cute as it was it's a no thank you to the visit and letting loose because the dog barked at you.....it left before I got a photo.

pretty in pink

till next time....

(ps  more sheep coming  and sunflowers too)

oh happy day.....

Today we have a weather reprieve...cool air  16 C and actual clouds in the sky!!  And indoors, not a fan or ac to be heard.  The  quiet is pure bliss.

We've had too many days of this.

DH and I have discussed (again) what our options are to better insulate our home to offset the heat.  Our portable ac units do a good job within limits.  I cringe a bit at the thought of the next hydro bill.
Long term we need to improve our lot as this shift in weather isn't going away any time soon.

Meanwhile, with staying indoors I have managed a bit of sewing.  Two mug rugs finished. Fabric for a carry bag cut out and ready to sew.

This stitching was completed in June.  Finally found a suitable frame.

And Sully, what is a fellow to do when the room feels cold....move to shelter under the computer desk and nap in comfort.

A recent outdoor critter sighting, a Northern Flicker.   And thankfully no more squirrels! 

And without further adieu, meet the new girl in the house.....

Last Friday I responded to a local ad for this wheel.  Monday morning we drove to Richmond to meet the seller and her husband.   Both Vicki and her husband spin and weave.  After spending some time chatting and admiring their wheels, this Kiwi 2 came home with us.   I'm thrilled!!

that's it from from my corner....