Photography

,

Taking it Easy

,

We've been busy with late summer activities around home - freezing, canning, and the like.We were thrilled when B came home Thursday with a canoe strapped to his pick up. (You gotta love Craigslist.) This means that miss P can go out on the water with us! The three of us tried it out yesterday morning.I was fascinated with the reflections of the clouds in the still water.I took lots of pictures; it's good to do that every once in a while.It was a fun morning outing and made returning to a kitchen table full of tomatoes to process a bit easier.We may go out again tomorrow morning!Also, I thought I should share with you something else that is making my home chores a little more tolerable. Earlier in the summer my twenty something year old vacuum cleaner croaked. It had already been repaired several times by B and there was just no saving it this time. So, I got a NEW vacuum, a Sebo K2 Canister Vacuum . It was pricey but oh, so worth it. I just love using it. Miss P likes it because it is QUIET and has a telescoping wand that she can adjust to her height. She likes to vacuum with it and use the dusting wand. I like that it is light weight and the exhaust comes out through a filter band around the whole vacuum and not from one single spot. This is especially nice when using the vacuum on the stairs because it doesn't blow the dust that you haven't gotten to yet. It also meets HEPA standards which is nice for the asthmatics in the house.  My neighbor has the big sister to this model which has an attachment for cleaning carpets. She had given me a demo of her new vacuum about a week before mine died. I was glad she had told me about her vacuum so I thought I should share with you. Yeah, we like them THAT much.How are you making your chores more fun or easier to manage?

Accidental Design

I happened to pause while quilting and glance at the thread cone on the machine and noticed this pretty design. The diameter of the thread left on the cone and the length of the color pattern on the thread combined to make a really interesting pattern. It usually looks like random color on the cone.I had to pause for a photoshoot.Now, back to sewing.

,

Thoughtful Sunday

,

(Photo taken at sunrise on Wind Rock - near Blacksburg, Virginia)

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature -- the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”― Rachel Carson 

, ,

An Afternoon on the Pocomoke

, ,

Last week while on spring break, we went to Virginia and visited B's mom. After a couple of days there we went to eastern Maryland had an afternoon canoe trip on the Pocomoke River. I took many pictures but have boiled the trip down to a reasonable number to share with you.It was a great afternoon but I wish I had worn sunscreen and a hat.

Outside

Since it's not so bitter cold this winter I'm trying to get out more. This weekend we walked up to the park and saw a rafter of turkeys. (Did you know that was the collective name for a group of turkeys?)It was really snowy while we were out. My glasses were covered and I had to take them off and put them in my pocket for the walk home. It was blizzardy - but just while we were walking home.Today it was warmish and sunny. The fresh air felt good.I would probably get more exercise if I left my camera at home but taking the camera along makes it more fun!Also, it has been so warm lately that I've started pondering what new things I want to plant in the garden this year. My neighbor had some really good cucumbers last year that I'd like to try.Are you planning your garden yet? Are you going to try to grow something different or new to you? 

A Little BLing

D made us these tiny origami initial ornaments last year. I love them. He also made an "M" and a "P". I thought these two should be next to each other on the tree this year.I'm enjoying a little quiet time and working on some secret knitting while the recipients are away. One of my projects is driving me a little nutty at the moment. Let's just say that I have started over FOUR times.

Instagram Photos

Narrow hand appliquéd bias strips. 1/16” quilting lines not going over the appliqué. I’m about a month in on the quilting and ALMOST finished. Whoop! Quilted with Invisalign on top and Decobob in the bobbin. Threads by @wo
This summer we watched my two oldest grand kids one day a week. Towards the end of the summer they started making projects on their own in the sewing room. They made lots of little projects from my scrap basket including pillow cases and tiny quilts
Here’s the layout with all but one block done. I’ll finish that last block when I get more of the baby poop green/mustard fabric. I put out the call and the internet provided! This top will be finished soon! This is a remake of an 1870s
I’m finally getting around to putting these stars together. I made the stars a few years ago and have been on the hunt for the perfect setting fabrics. These @carolynfriedlander prints are the perfect match for the 1800s reproduction prints in