Another beautiful day yesterday although there is a certain coolness in the air in the mornings now. It is time to start pulling some plants from the garden. The Hollyhocks are finished so I'll try to yank them out today to put into the compost bin. Sone insect has been at that for the second year in a row so I think I'll wait a couple of years before I replant them. I've seeds from last year and I'm sure they'll be viable when I decide to use them. We are still getting good feeds from the yellow beans. I just love them; nothing better than having freshly picked produce for supper. The other night we had some tomatoes from ED and they were delicious ! I did manage to make a couple of apple pies which are tasty even though it was the worst pastry I had ever made. With the leftover pastry I made cheese straws using a sharp aged cheddar and some parmesan .
Gardening has been hit and miss with my knee, but hopefully by next summer I can dig in and do some redesign. I've lots of ideas in my head and they will work, as long as my knee works ! My perennials badly need dividing, but I am waiting till ED designs her garden and figures out where she is going to plunk them in.
We did a little bit of shopping yesterday which I absolutely hate. Thank goodness for Handicap Parking. I did manage to find what I needed so I am all set ! Different kind of back to school shopping........Oh wait I'm not starting school this year ! In my lifetime as a teacher in another province and as an Educational Assistant in this province, I have started school in September 44 times counting my own school years ! That's a long time ! I started teaching when I was 19 after one and a half years of University and one year spent at McDonald College of McGill University. Looking back back at how young I was I wonder how I did it !
I wonder how I did a lot of things; working three jobs when unemployment hit our family ; directing a Youth Choir at church when I had no training; making quilts when I've had no sewing lessons and trying to maintain a healthy family life with all my children- all four of them, with no extended family around to help. The worry, stress and yes, even sadness, never ends. I remember one of my children saying something extremely cruel about one of my sisters who relationship has not been good with all of her family and I said ' No, I could never do that ! My mother taught me to be better than that ! " I find as I grow older I remember more and more of my mother. Often I'll say to myself, " Mom would be proud of me for doing that, or How pleased she would be !" Funny that, how these thoughts follow you all your life. Will my children remember me fondly ? Will they remember what I have tried to teach them ? Will they know that I have loved theme no matter what ? That loyalty and truth are paramount ? I wonder.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Almost Finished
It is a beautiful sunny here, with just a touch of wind. There was quite the lightening show last night and some heavy rain. We've had a lot of rain this summer that's for sure.
The yellow beans are almost finished, but I picked enough for a good feed with supper. Hubby has professed to NOT liking yellow beans, but he ate more than half the other night! I was shocked so tonight I'll double the amount to cook. I sprinkled some of the fennel's fine leaves over my beans and it was delicious.
As we were already in town on Sunday we stopped in at President's Wholesale, picking up a full boneless pork tenderloin and a 24 pound piece of beef. I cut the tenderloin into several small roasts; just enough for the two of us, and the rest into chops. After I had cut 4 roasts from the beef, hubby cut the rest into steaks with the bits frozen for beef stew. We had one roast on Sunday with a fennel, apple and celery salad. Both were delicious, but the best part was the corn we picked up. Scrumptious ! Tonight we're having a couple of those steaks, yellow beans, salad and we'll split the last corn. If I get my butt in gear, I may make an apple pie to use up the last of the wrinkled apples. Hopefully the pastry will roll better than it did when I made the Saskatoon pies.
I have two more yoyos to sew and then the centre blocks for my quilt are done and can be stored away till I have finished the other 5 quilts. We'll be making a trip into town to pick up enough thread for me to do the job.
ED bought blinds last week and hubby has been installing them. One blind was missed being cut, so after work he'll get it installed and the job will be complete. From the pictures, they look very smart. I may go over and have a look tonight.
DIL brought the Stephen King novel " Under the Dome " . I have enjoyed the series, although I am not usually a King fan, only enjoying his book " The Stand" It is such a big book I'll have to prop it on a table to read it.
All right, better get to my sewing, just two more..............
The yellow beans are almost finished, but I picked enough for a good feed with supper. Hubby has professed to NOT liking yellow beans, but he ate more than half the other night! I was shocked so tonight I'll double the amount to cook. I sprinkled some of the fennel's fine leaves over my beans and it was delicious.
As we were already in town on Sunday we stopped in at President's Wholesale, picking up a full boneless pork tenderloin and a 24 pound piece of beef. I cut the tenderloin into several small roasts; just enough for the two of us, and the rest into chops. After I had cut 4 roasts from the beef, hubby cut the rest into steaks with the bits frozen for beef stew. We had one roast on Sunday with a fennel, apple and celery salad. Both were delicious, but the best part was the corn we picked up. Scrumptious ! Tonight we're having a couple of those steaks, yellow beans, salad and we'll split the last corn. If I get my butt in gear, I may make an apple pie to use up the last of the wrinkled apples. Hopefully the pastry will roll better than it did when I made the Saskatoon pies.
I have two more yoyos to sew and then the centre blocks for my quilt are done and can be stored away till I have finished the other 5 quilts. We'll be making a trip into town to pick up enough thread for me to do the job.
ED bought blinds last week and hubby has been installing them. One blind was missed being cut, so after work he'll get it installed and the job will be complete. From the pictures, they look very smart. I may go over and have a look tonight.
DIL brought the Stephen King novel " Under the Dome " . I have enjoyed the series, although I am not usually a King fan, only enjoying his book " The Stand" It is such a big book I'll have to prop it on a table to read it.
All right, better get to my sewing, just two more..............
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Where Do the Days Go ?
Time is just flying by ! I can't even remember what I did the last few days, aside from the usual cooking, cleaning and sewing. This morning Liam is here as his mom and aunt go car hunting. ES is working and then I think they are moving the last of their big furniture to their new place today. Or it could be tomorrow.
Last night I went with ED as company as she chose window coverings for her new home. I was just there for company so I just stood and sat around. Before we left, she asked me if it was going to rain so I checked Environment Canada whose site said 30 %. So she left her windows open, not all 18 thank goodness. Later in the evening as we were driving we could actually see 2 systems moving in so a phone call was to Hubby who ran over and closed them. The blinds she was able to bring home( others have to be cut) fit perfectly. Hubby has the stepladder all ready positioned to take over this afternoon to help put them up.
I did manage to finish the afghan. The pattern is Nostalgique Quilt. I have used it to make many, many baby afghans that we give as gifts to the first born of staff members. Sometimes I use different colous, others like this cream one are all one colour. My girlfriend owned a wool and fabric shop so she gives me the wool, I knit and the gifts have been from both of us. This amazing woman is climbing Mount Kilamanjaaro with her two children . I am waiting to hear from her when she is back in civilization.
When we were in Washington State we visited quite a few'antique shops'. Aside from seeing so many " antiques" from our childhood, I saw a cone of wool selling for $24 ! My goodness I have had and have hundreds of dollars sitting in my sewing closet. Liam still likes to have his baby afghan around him to cuddle with. ( A dangling participle but I don't care ! ) I can hardly wait to tell her how much the spools are selling for ! )
The trailer is back andhopefully the problem with the lights has been solved. It was nerve wracking travelling back from Oregon with no lefthand turn signal. We bought a new tarp to cover the trailer as I do not want to spend so much time scrubbing the sap from the tree. It is the only place we can park the trailer so it is cover it or chop down the tree !
This week I have been heartened to see ES and Dil try hard to strengthen their relationship. The counsellor they have now seems to be very good and is actually giving directions. The last one would just nod and agree with both of them even if they had opposing views ! I believe the counsellor has given her strength. Hopefully her mom and dad will respect her and not try again to sabotage the relationship. At least truth has been spoken .
Next week is going to be busy as loose ends will be finished up, items will be ticked off and we will be ready.
Last night I went with ED as company as she chose window coverings for her new home. I was just there for company so I just stood and sat around. Before we left, she asked me if it was going to rain so I checked Environment Canada whose site said 30 %. So she left her windows open, not all 18 thank goodness. Later in the evening as we were driving we could actually see 2 systems moving in so a phone call was to Hubby who ran over and closed them. The blinds she was able to bring home( others have to be cut) fit perfectly. Hubby has the stepladder all ready positioned to take over this afternoon to help put them up.
I did manage to finish the afghan. The pattern is Nostalgique Quilt. I have used it to make many, many baby afghans that we give as gifts to the first born of staff members. Sometimes I use different colous, others like this cream one are all one colour. My girlfriend owned a wool and fabric shop so she gives me the wool, I knit and the gifts have been from both of us. This amazing woman is climbing Mount Kilamanjaaro with her two children . I am waiting to hear from her when she is back in civilization.
The trailer is back andhopefully the problem with the lights has been solved. It was nerve wracking travelling back from Oregon with no lefthand turn signal. We bought a new tarp to cover the trailer as I do not want to spend so much time scrubbing the sap from the tree. It is the only place we can park the trailer so it is cover it or chop down the tree !
This week I have been heartened to see ES and Dil try hard to strengthen their relationship. The counsellor they have now seems to be very good and is actually giving directions. The last one would just nod and agree with both of them even if they had opposing views ! I believe the counsellor has given her strength. Hopefully her mom and dad will respect her and not try again to sabotage the relationship. At least truth has been spoken .
Next week is going to be busy as loose ends will be finished up, items will be ticked off and we will be ready.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Another Day Closer
Surprisingly enough, I have slept well the last two nights. Almost 8 hours ! That is amazing for me as I usually sleep 5 or 6 hours even though I take three medications for pain relief and insomnia.The small fan we bought for the trailer is now up in the bedroom and it does a very good job of keeping us cool. Certainly better than the ceiling fan.
To add to the betrayal we have had in the last couple of weeks, yesterday we had a possible heart attack, which then became a possible brain tumour to stress and now to a minor stroke ! Talk about family drama ! Every member of our nuclear family is dealing with such stressful situations. I am hoping that some of the situations are resolved as healing is so much quicker without added stress. I fear that one situation will continue on its destructive path and that will be a great loss for everyone.
Today phone calls have to be made to ensure we will be able to pick up the equipment that I will need. I will try and finish my knitting project. It has been progressing very slowly because of the 'interruptions' of family problems. Next week will be very busy doing the last minute shopping and organization.
As I mull over and worry, I came across this quote which is so apropos ;
Those who do not value loyalty can never appreciate the cost of betrayal.
To add to the betrayal we have had in the last couple of weeks, yesterday we had a possible heart attack, which then became a possible brain tumour to stress and now to a minor stroke ! Talk about family drama ! Every member of our nuclear family is dealing with such stressful situations. I am hoping that some of the situations are resolved as healing is so much quicker without added stress. I fear that one situation will continue on its destructive path and that will be a great loss for everyone.
Today phone calls have to be made to ensure we will be able to pick up the equipment that I will need. I will try and finish my knitting project. It has been progressing very slowly because of the 'interruptions' of family problems. Next week will be very busy doing the last minute shopping and organization.
As I mull over and worry, I came across this quote which is so apropos ;
Those who do not value loyalty can never appreciate the cost of betrayal.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
A Blur
Because of a lack of sleep, the last couple of days have been a blur. It was after 2 last night before I fell asleep and then the neighbour's dog again woke me up at 6:30. He barked for 12 minutes when I decided to get the ipad out and tape him.... of course by the time I did that, he stopped ! So I really am in a bit of a fog today.
Yesterday was long, but very well organized. I wish I had brought a book to read while we waited for the various professionals. But everything is good to go except I wonder if I am ??? I am hoping with all my heart that there will be peace. There is such a fine line between acceptance and rejection. I hope for the best.....But my heart is heavy.
So today I will try to keep myself busy doing a little light housework and hopefully finish the baby afghan. There are yellow beans to pick and some cucumbers to check up on. Roses need trimming and some hollyhocks need to be yanked out. How much will get done is a mystery as exhaustion has set in.
But life goes on
Yesterday was long, but very well organized. I wish I had brought a book to read while we waited for the various professionals. But everything is good to go except I wonder if I am ??? I am hoping with all my heart that there will be peace. There is such a fine line between acceptance and rejection. I hope for the best.....But my heart is heavy.
So today I will try to keep myself busy doing a little light housework and hopefully finish the baby afghan. There are yellow beans to pick and some cucumbers to check up on. Roses need trimming and some hollyhocks need to be yanked out. How much will get done is a mystery as exhaustion has set in.
But life goes on
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Beautiful Weather
We're having absolutely beautiful weather today. Hopefully it stays clear so we can catch a glimpse of some of the meteors tonight. That;s presuming that I can stay up that late although the days are getting shorter.
Yesterday we went into WEM and I picked up two pairs of crocs. I feel better now with new footwear and a new hairdo. Afterwards we dropped into the Liquidation Superstore to pick up a tarp[ they had none !] and happened to see a carton with the chinawear we had bought a couple of months ago. We were thrilled as they had had none the last time Steve went in. One of the mugs had a small chip which is no big deal as really, who needs 8 mugs. However when we pointed it out to the casher, we got a further discount of over 28% ! Not bad !
This morning I finished layering the last 3 quilts. I know I won't finish all of them while I am recuperating from the operation, but I also know that I wouldn't be able to get down on the floor like I've had to to layer, spray and pin. So I now have all my projects lined up for the next while.
Yesterday we went into WEM and I picked up two pairs of crocs. I feel better now with new footwear and a new hairdo. Afterwards we dropped into the Liquidation Superstore to pick up a tarp[ they had none !] and happened to see a carton with the chinawear we had bought a couple of months ago. We were thrilled as they had had none the last time Steve went in. One of the mugs had a small chip which is no big deal as really, who needs 8 mugs. However when we pointed it out to the casher, we got a further discount of over 28% ! Not bad !
This morning I finished layering the last 3 quilts. I know I won't finish all of them while I am recuperating from the operation, but I also know that I wouldn't be able to get down on the floor like I've had to to layer, spray and pin. So I now have all my projects lined up for the next while.
Friday, August 9, 2013
An Early Morn
I've been awake since 4am and finally got up just before 5. Don't know why I can't sleep; worry about the operation, worrying about my family. I don't like discord and when my children are not happy, it affects me and my heart hurts.
Since I couldn't sleep, I decided I might as well get some things done. I've figured out the backing to L's quilt. I need to iron and trim the fitted twin sheet which I ripped the elastic yesterday afternoon. I've done up the supper dishes and swept and washed the kitchen floor. A little rest and I'll tackle the downstairs bathroom.
Wednesday I had my dental appointment and I passed ! LOL I'm allowed a cleaning 2-3 weeks before the operation and mine was 19 days so I should be all right. Blood tests, x-rays, and ecg were all done on Tuesday. I'll reread the Hip and Knee replacement ' bible' to make sure I have everything ready for Mondays preop.
I picked up some spray adhesive to use on the quilts. I used Frugal Queen's method yesterday to layer up Q and O's quilts. When I made the 3 other 9 patch quilts I wasn't pleased with the backings as I quilted but they should be better done this way. I hope to get the other 3 layered up on Saturday. I'm not quite sure if the grandkids quilts will go home with them, or whether I will keep them here for sleepovers. I'm not sure if the parents really like the colour combinations or appreciate the hours of work that go into them. YS likes his which is so rich looking with the upholstery material. I know Steve likes his.
Today I want to finish sewing together the baby afghan and then knit the borders. Then I might play around with some lace I found in the downstairs sewing closet and some lace doilies that I had inherited. Who uses doilies anymore ? I had seen a scarf made with similar materials so I'll see what I can come up with !
And hopefully we can make it into WEM to the Croc store to pick up a new pair( possible more ) for me. It infuriates me when some people make fun of crocs. When you have bad feet and a bum knee they are the easiest shoes to walk in. They are light and easy to slip on. Wearing regular shoes, even runners, causes me a great deal of pain and sometimes I'd like to slap the faces of those who mock Crocs ! Especially those with a superior attitude. The 'devil' in me wishes that they endure chronic pain and have to wear them sometime !
ED brought over her local organic produce and left some new potatoes and a cucumber. They were delicious with our ham supper. I picked a few yellow beans which I love ! Tonight we will have a small pork roast. Depending how I feel after walking in the mall, I might make up a bath of oatcakes and maybe even some raspberry muffins.
The sun is rising and I'll try to make it through my list !
Since I couldn't sleep, I decided I might as well get some things done. I've figured out the backing to L's quilt. I need to iron and trim the fitted twin sheet which I ripped the elastic yesterday afternoon. I've done up the supper dishes and swept and washed the kitchen floor. A little rest and I'll tackle the downstairs bathroom.
Wednesday I had my dental appointment and I passed ! LOL I'm allowed a cleaning 2-3 weeks before the operation and mine was 19 days so I should be all right. Blood tests, x-rays, and ecg were all done on Tuesday. I'll reread the Hip and Knee replacement ' bible' to make sure I have everything ready for Mondays preop.
I picked up some spray adhesive to use on the quilts. I used Frugal Queen's method yesterday to layer up Q and O's quilts. When I made the 3 other 9 patch quilts I wasn't pleased with the backings as I quilted but they should be better done this way. I hope to get the other 3 layered up on Saturday. I'm not quite sure if the grandkids quilts will go home with them, or whether I will keep them here for sleepovers. I'm not sure if the parents really like the colour combinations or appreciate the hours of work that go into them. YS likes his which is so rich looking with the upholstery material. I know Steve likes his.
Today I want to finish sewing together the baby afghan and then knit the borders. Then I might play around with some lace I found in the downstairs sewing closet and some lace doilies that I had inherited. Who uses doilies anymore ? I had seen a scarf made with similar materials so I'll see what I can come up with !
And hopefully we can make it into WEM to the Croc store to pick up a new pair( possible more ) for me. It infuriates me when some people make fun of crocs. When you have bad feet and a bum knee they are the easiest shoes to walk in. They are light and easy to slip on. Wearing regular shoes, even runners, causes me a great deal of pain and sometimes I'd like to slap the faces of those who mock Crocs ! Especially those with a superior attitude. The 'devil' in me wishes that they endure chronic pain and have to wear them sometime !
ED brought over her local organic produce and left some new potatoes and a cucumber. They were delicious with our ham supper. I picked a few yellow beans which I love ! Tonight we will have a small pork roast. Depending how I feel after walking in the mall, I might make up a bath of oatcakes and maybe even some raspberry muffins.
The sun is rising and I'll try to make it through my list !
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Ticking them off !
Since we've been home, I've had a list of things to do ......and I'm ticking them off as I go !
1. Steve's quilt is finished
2.Haircut was done yesterday .Now I no longer look like a Banshee. I didn't want to scare the doctors and nurses in the hospital after my knee operation. First time I have had a male hairstylist as my usual 'April" was away o holiday. I am quite pleased with the cut.
3. Blood tests done, ECG done.
4. X- rays done. Why they need another x-ray of the knee I don't know. IF it was bad enough to warrant a knee replacement in February, it's still bad enough in August. There is no miracle to make it better !
5. Dental exam today.
6. Spray Fabric adhesive bought. I've never used it before with my quilts, but we'll see if it make the job easier. I'm going to iron Owen's quilt top and the backing today, use the spray and it should be ready to hand quilt.
1. Steve's quilt is finished
2.Haircut was done yesterday .Now I no longer look like a Banshee. I didn't want to scare the doctors and nurses in the hospital after my knee operation. First time I have had a male hairstylist as my usual 'April" was away o holiday. I am quite pleased with the cut.
3. Blood tests done, ECG done.
4. X- rays done. Why they need another x-ray of the knee I don't know. IF it was bad enough to warrant a knee replacement in February, it's still bad enough in August. There is no miracle to make it better !
5. Dental exam today.
6. Spray Fabric adhesive bought. I've never used it before with my quilts, but we'll see if it make the job easier. I'm going to iron Owen's quilt top and the backing today, use the spray and it should be ready to hand quilt.
Here is Steve's quilt top
Monday, August 5, 2013
Productive Day
The weather was just as I like it ! Not too hot, not too cold ! I love the low 20's ; the house does't get stifling hot so the oven can be on and it is pleasant to work outdoors. Steve reseeded some parts of the lawn . The previous day he had trimmed the Mayday to let sunshine in and to lessen the number of Mayday berries that fall onto the patio. The tree does give some nice shade and is quite the privacy wall, but I would never choose to plant another one. While pretty in spring with the white blossoms, I hate the berries.
I finished Steve's quilt top. I need to find some fabric spray to hold the layers together and then I'll start on O's quilt. He was the first one to ask for his own 9 patch. Course I couldn't make him one without making quilts for Q and L. I have enough hand quilting to keep me busy for a long time !
ED went to a u pick and came home with 20 pounds of two different kinds of raspberries. They are delicious. I froze two trays in my freezer as I had room. I then bagged them up and popped them back into the freezer. Later on today we will make jam, or rather ED will make jam and I'll just supervise. I may even bake some bread because how delicious is freshly baked bread with homemade jam !
Supper will be easy tonight as we had a delicious baked spiral ham for supper last night. I am not a huge meat eater, but I sure do love ham.Sometime this week we will need to get some groceries. I used the last of the cabbage to make some coleslaw last night. I only have a handful of carrots in the vegetable crisper.There was very little to feed the worms in the 'wormery' or to add to the compost this morning !
I gathered a few more flowers to put into the flower press Steve made. Later on in the week I'll pick a few more and then I think I am done. I have a list of things I need to get done this week, especially a hair cut ! but none can be done until tomorrow. I might just venture down into the basement and see if I can organize the paint cans to see what we'll keep and what we'll bring to recycling. We have several small propane cans from camping that have to go to the depot so I might as well have a 'full load'.
Once the watering has been done, I'll be out in the garden weeding. Our first yellow beans are almost ready for picking.
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Busy Saturday
It is so good to be home, but once the foot hits the door step, my mind goes into high gear. Lists start to form in my mind. There is so much that I need to have done before my knee surgery on August 26th.
I worked on Steve's 9 patch jean quilt. I finished cutting out the sashing early yesterday morning. I would sew one strip together, go fill a watering can from the rain barrel and while that was filling, sweep up the mess of cones from the squirrel. ( He had decided to move into our garden shed and made a nest in it. We had cleaned out most of the nest and supply of cones before holidays but a final sweep and patch is needed)Then I'd empty the can on plants and pots, go back in and sew another strip; rinse and repeat ! I should finish the horizontal sashing on the quilt today and then will have 5 quilt tops ready to hand sew while I recuperate.
Friday might I showed Sharon how to operate the sewing machine I gave to her one Christmas. I gave her a few odds and ends of material and thread so she could just practice winding the bobbin and threading the needle. All can be thrown away after she practices. After I sorted and organized all my material and thread, I filled a bag of odds and ends for her to take home. I'm sure they groan and cringe each time there is a bag at the door to put in their car ! Neither of my girls sew, knit or do cross stitch, so I am happy that Sharon is interested. I've 'gifted' her with a garbage bag full of wool that I had been given last summer and she has diligently worked through it. I kept enough wool from the three bags I'd been given to knit 52 eared winter hats with a snowflake pattern. Some were kept as gifts, but I donated 30 to a Christmas charity.
I can't watch tv without something in my hands. I'm just finishing up a baby afghan using the Nostalgic Quilt pattern. I bring knitting and hand sewing while we travel as Steve does all the driving with the trailer. Once I finish that, I'll either start hand quilting one 9 patch, or I'll hand sew the centre square on my yo yo quilt, Decisions, decisions !
My grandmother was a seamstress and my mother hated sewing as she had spent her childhood ripping seams as my grandmother refashioned new clothes from old. I had only two years of Home Ed as it was called in elementary school in Quebec, way back then. In High School, we were streamed and I ended taking Latin and Physics !
My mother had cut out and sewn 1792 yo-yos( yes, I counted !) when she died, I said I would make a quilt for each of her great grandchildren. Well, she died in 1993 and the yoyos stayed in the sewing cupboard until 2006 when my first grandchild was born. So a girl friend showed me how to sew a block as you go; sewing the top , batting and back all at once. Since then I've sewn 22 yoyo quilts, one even travelling to Dundee Scotland ! I have one left for me ! done in red, black and gray. And the yoyos are gone, done, finished !
A few years ago I had read a quilting block in which the author showed how to do a patch a day for a 9 patch quilt. it was the first time I actually followed a pattern. I made 3 one summer for my daughters and myself. My eldest grandson would wrap himself up in mine when he stayed for a sleepover. He asked if I would make him one. well you can't make one for one grandchild without making for the others. Then my youngest son thought he'd like one and then my husband who was feeling left out ! So there you go , 31 quilts . And I don't 'like' sewing as I am not precise.
I worked on Steve's 9 patch jean quilt. I finished cutting out the sashing early yesterday morning. I would sew one strip together, go fill a watering can from the rain barrel and while that was filling, sweep up the mess of cones from the squirrel. ( He had decided to move into our garden shed and made a nest in it. We had cleaned out most of the nest and supply of cones before holidays but a final sweep and patch is needed)Then I'd empty the can on plants and pots, go back in and sew another strip; rinse and repeat ! I should finish the horizontal sashing on the quilt today and then will have 5 quilt tops ready to hand sew while I recuperate.
Friday might I showed Sharon how to operate the sewing machine I gave to her one Christmas. I gave her a few odds and ends of material and thread so she could just practice winding the bobbin and threading the needle. All can be thrown away after she practices. After I sorted and organized all my material and thread, I filled a bag of odds and ends for her to take home. I'm sure they groan and cringe each time there is a bag at the door to put in their car ! Neither of my girls sew, knit or do cross stitch, so I am happy that Sharon is interested. I've 'gifted' her with a garbage bag full of wool that I had been given last summer and she has diligently worked through it. I kept enough wool from the three bags I'd been given to knit 52 eared winter hats with a snowflake pattern. Some were kept as gifts, but I donated 30 to a Christmas charity.
I can't watch tv without something in my hands. I'm just finishing up a baby afghan using the Nostalgic Quilt pattern. I bring knitting and hand sewing while we travel as Steve does all the driving with the trailer. Once I finish that, I'll either start hand quilting one 9 patch, or I'll hand sew the centre square on my yo yo quilt, Decisions, decisions !
My grandmother was a seamstress and my mother hated sewing as she had spent her childhood ripping seams as my grandmother refashioned new clothes from old. I had only two years of Home Ed as it was called in elementary school in Quebec, way back then. In High School, we were streamed and I ended taking Latin and Physics !
My mother had cut out and sewn 1792 yo-yos( yes, I counted !) when she died, I said I would make a quilt for each of her great grandchildren. Well, she died in 1993 and the yoyos stayed in the sewing cupboard until 2006 when my first grandchild was born. So a girl friend showed me how to sew a block as you go; sewing the top , batting and back all at once. Since then I've sewn 22 yoyo quilts, one even travelling to Dundee Scotland ! I have one left for me ! done in red, black and gray. And the yoyos are gone, done, finished !
A few years ago I had read a quilting block in which the author showed how to do a patch a day for a 9 patch quilt. it was the first time I actually followed a pattern. I made 3 one summer for my daughters and myself. My eldest grandson would wrap himself up in mine when he stayed for a sleepover. He asked if I would make him one. well you can't make one for one grandchild without making for the others. Then my youngest son thought he'd like one and then my husband who was feeling left out ! So there you go , 31 quilts . And I don't 'like' sewing as I am not precise.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
We're Home
We're home after travelling 4 536 km. Phew ! We were tired ! Even after seeing such diverse and beautiful scenery we were glad to pull into the driveway and park the trailer.We drove all the way from Astoria OR without a lefthand turn single ! The trailer will go back on Tuesday - for the third time- to see if they can figure out the problem. Fortunately most of our turns were right hand turns !
It was cold on the Oregon Coast which was a shock tot eh system after the boiling temperatures in Washington. One night as we were out walking, we could even see our breath ! The visit to the Tillamook Cheese Factory was wonderful. We can't comprehend 1.7 million pounds of milk arriving daily ! That's a lot of milk. They make 167 000 pounds of cheese daily ! That's a lot of cheese, but what good cheese! I could have bought so much though the trouble is, I would have eaten it all. We sampled cheeses after our tour and treated ourselves to some delicious ice cream. The football team in Tillamook are called The Cheesemakers ! Wonder how their football cheers sound.
KOA's are okay campgrounds however I wouldn't want to stay in one too often. Bathrooms, although clean with plenty of hot water, are sparse and very widely spaced. I noticed these things because of my difficulty walking. The cost of firewood is exorbitant. Because of reading the reviews of one campground, we learned that 2 miles down the road, you get firewood at a very reasonable cost and get 3-4 times the amount of wood. The owners did not realize that their place had been posted on the web !
I learned that though MacDonald's has free wifi, they have horrible coffee, just horrible. We had good coffee and delicious breakfasts in small diners that surprisingly had wifi ! After staying in a campground near Grand Coulee City ( reminded us of the Badlands as we wound our way down to a lake and were surrounded by cliffs) we stopped at a little diner near Spokane. There was a delightful old farmer who talked the whole time, going back to 1847 in his stories. His wife mouthed dementia to me. However we learned a great deal about the area, the crops and what happened to the logging industry !
We saw 3 Bald Eagles, quail, wild turkeys several deer and elk. We had freshly picked cherries and corn. I was lazy and used paper plates most of the time as it was my vacation and who wants to do dishes ! We had 1/2 bottle of wine - such big drinkers ! The prices of coffee were astronomical compared to what we pay in Alberta. There were no bargains in clothes , in the lower end stores or outlets. Granted we didn't do a lot of shopping cause Steve hates it and I can't walk for very long without being in pain.
A few books were read reclining in our chairs by campfire although in Oregon we were glad we bought a lamp and could read in a much warmer trailer . We slept well whether it was 39* C or 9*C.
Now to get organized before my operation; dental visit, lab work and my preop day at the knee clinic !
It was cold on the Oregon Coast which was a shock tot eh system after the boiling temperatures in Washington. One night as we were out walking, we could even see our breath ! The visit to the Tillamook Cheese Factory was wonderful. We can't comprehend 1.7 million pounds of milk arriving daily ! That's a lot of milk. They make 167 000 pounds of cheese daily ! That's a lot of cheese, but what good cheese! I could have bought so much though the trouble is, I would have eaten it all. We sampled cheeses after our tour and treated ourselves to some delicious ice cream. The football team in Tillamook are called The Cheesemakers ! Wonder how their football cheers sound.
KOA's are okay campgrounds however I wouldn't want to stay in one too often. Bathrooms, although clean with plenty of hot water, are sparse and very widely spaced. I noticed these things because of my difficulty walking. The cost of firewood is exorbitant. Because of reading the reviews of one campground, we learned that 2 miles down the road, you get firewood at a very reasonable cost and get 3-4 times the amount of wood. The owners did not realize that their place had been posted on the web !
I learned that though MacDonald's has free wifi, they have horrible coffee, just horrible. We had good coffee and delicious breakfasts in small diners that surprisingly had wifi ! After staying in a campground near Grand Coulee City ( reminded us of the Badlands as we wound our way down to a lake and were surrounded by cliffs) we stopped at a little diner near Spokane. There was a delightful old farmer who talked the whole time, going back to 1847 in his stories. His wife mouthed dementia to me. However we learned a great deal about the area, the crops and what happened to the logging industry !
We saw 3 Bald Eagles, quail, wild turkeys several deer and elk. We had freshly picked cherries and corn. I was lazy and used paper plates most of the time as it was my vacation and who wants to do dishes ! We had 1/2 bottle of wine - such big drinkers ! The prices of coffee were astronomical compared to what we pay in Alberta. There were no bargains in clothes , in the lower end stores or outlets. Granted we didn't do a lot of shopping cause Steve hates it and I can't walk for very long without being in pain.
A few books were read reclining in our chairs by campfire although in Oregon we were glad we bought a lamp and could read in a much warmer trailer . We slept well whether it was 39* C or 9*C.
Now to get organized before my operation; dental visit, lab work and my preop day at the knee clinic !
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