May highlights

 Life is occurring at such a fast pace.  Here it's already slipping into June and there are more items on my agenda that are checked off, WIPs, or scheduled for the near future.  

Gutter system still not finished but think I may have a proper resolution of the drain pipe areas to check it off.  The driveway needed resealing so that's scheduled.  As well as the landscape blocks that have setting on 2 pallets for the past 7 years I think, are also on my calendar figuring that by the end on this month those will be used into my landscape vision and done. 

My gardens are planted, the only bits left are the urns and pots that I scatter about on the stairs, gardens and driveway.  A few are  realized but hoping today is "that day" for completion.  lol  Separation paperwork is still in the works as I've been waiting for Wayne to complete his responsibilities.  Change the ownership on the life insurances and to remove my name from his time share.  I still need those legal proofs to close that life's chapter lasting 48.5 years.   And as for my WIP- " 99 Spools on the BED" I found what I believe will work for those borders and finishing bits.  Auditioning many fabrics in my studio and ideas that became an inkling only to be discarded.  When going to Saratoga Springs for my Asthma Specialist's appointment, (I now get to see him annually- YEAH!!) made time to stop by my favorite Quilt shop, Adirondack Quilts and found the finishing gems.  Share  pics and thoughts on another blog post at another time.   

So Hello June, looking forward to the days to come.  

TTFN

Jane

Garden and other bits

My Favorite Mister, (DH) made these older garden trugs into an elevated garden so I was able to transplant the seeds started by moi, cough, cough, sputter, sputter.... into them and we don't have to worry about the furry friends that live in our gardens harvesting these before we do. It's producing wonderfully.

 Gazing toward the above ground pool we have a small selection of flowers and plants that we "over wintered" here in the 45 parallel and/or acquired some fresh ones at the local nurseries while keeping Co-Vid 19 protocol.

The view towards the right shows where the hot tub, umbrellas and more gardens continue.   Both DH and I can't be in the sun so shading is our best only option.  Thus early mornings in the gardens are timely.

Don't mind all those bags of mulch please, they are waiting for us between the heat/sun, humidity and rain, we'll get to them.   We're a 1/4 of the way done, only 75 bags more to go.  We hit a terrific price and took advantage.   This patio area we constructed ourselves around 20 years ago.  Actually it was on Labor Day weekend or should I say   L* A* B* O* R*     D* A* Y*   week-  bust!  Exhausting work but worth it and it's lasted beautifully.   Now the cedar deck, don't look too closely as that'll be another chore that needs repair when we can afford it and decide the best plan of attack.


The following are some of the lilies that are shining throughout the "island garden" .

Be still my heart!

       

     

     

"Honeysuckle Grotto" is the photo just above on the left with the cobalt garden seat, where I'll sip my tea and rest a spell after I've pulled at least 100 weeds then resume.  After I get an area weeded out, then the mulch is applied.  

So far the lilacs, peonies, daffodils, hyacinths, poppies, some tulips, Missouri Primroses, coral bells, Lady's Mantle, etc...    have shown their glory.  Currently it's lilies with hints of the daisy styled flowers like- ruddebeckia, daisies, along with bee balm and cone flowers and such  coming out shortly.  

    

The fruit trees look good so far.  Crispin' Apple, plum and 2 pear trees all have a small bit of fruit coming.   The kiwi vine on the arbor left a bit to be desired this year and had a late start with our weather/winter  though it still provides some shade for after noon reading in the hammock chair- A birthday gift from 5 years or so, I'll actually snooze a bit and not loose my page!  lol

And the lower raised bed garden with vine plants (squashes and cucumbers) , potatoes, tomatoes, tomatillos, raspberries....  Would you believe we couldn't find any squash seeds when the garden was planted but finally found some a couple of weeks afterwards so I used the seed starting module in the Aero garden to get them farther along.  Not sure what I think of it yet as some things did wicked good and others not so.  Could be the the germination factor of the seed packages as their dates were good but some pods from the company came up with nothing too.  But I'll share more about that on another post regarding those experiments.


Then our higher raised bed garden which is easier to maintain (harvest and weed).

Suffice to say there is a list of never ending chores to complete and much to repair for these 2 acres of land, but I am extremely thankful.   Besides the weeding and mulching, I need to string up some deterrent for the deer where our blueberry bushes are.  Crossing fingers that some holographic -reflective tape will be enough to scare/keep them away.   I witnessed them last year scraping all berries with leaves off the bushes and still had too much going on to fix it then. 
Especially with the grocery distributions going a bit hay wire this corona virus year, the "price gouging" that seems evident to us and just knowing that we'll be producing more of our own food and with putting them up (as Grandma used to say) to last through out the year.

TTFN,
Jane



Editing this info paraphrased from an article about day lilies - scientific name,  Hemerocallis: in the Lake Champlain Weekly Vol 21, Issue 1 written by  Dr. Dr. Leonard Perry, Horticulture Professor Emeritus at UVM

• More than 38,000 registered varieties with 15,00 +/- in production
• Inside center is called the "Throat"
• Zone between the throat and flower color is different then it's called eyed or banded
• If the edges of the flower are a different color then it's called "picotee"
• The midrib may be a different color or spotted  or "dusted" over by another color
• The difference of appearance and description is typically inferred by their petals formations, ie: rounded, triangular, star shaped, ruffled or doubled if there are more than the 3 petals and 3 colored sepals (false petals that look like the petals)
• Lilies arise from bulbs and flowers from a main stalk while day lilies (origins in Asia) have thick storage roots with the later having their own scientific family Hemerocallidaceae
• Some of the best single color cultivars for Northern Gardens are:  Frances Fay, Mary Todd, Stella de Oro (all yellow varieties); Barbara Mitchell, Fairy Tale (pink colored); Bess Ross, Apple Tart, Red Rum (red);Gentle Shepherd, Guardian Angel (near white); Prairie Blue Eyes (lavender); Bertie Ferris, Ruffled Apricot (orange); 
• Multicolored varieties are: Custard Candy (peach w/yellow throat and red eye zone and ruffled edge); Fooled Me (golden w/ red eye and ruffled edge); both being popular newer bi-color cultivars in our region
• There are three seasons: early, mid-season and late

August is a Blurrrr rrrrr .....

Time seems so very short for me lately.  My best intentions to blog regularly are falling short so I am taking my lead from  Dana over at the Red Barn Co. blog to just give some highlights of some of the happenings that have been going on these past few weeks.   My start for these Bloggy bullets are being posted for my own sanity and journal. 

Met up with Mom in Glens Falls at the Hyde Collection for a Georgia O'Keefe exhibit.  NICE!
The exhibit consisted mainly of her works created when she lived in the Lake George area with the Stieglitz family. The series of Jack-in-the-pulpit really showed her development and interest as an artist.

My favorites were the Chestnut Grey, 1924

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and

 



          Starlight Night, Lake George, 1922                    

 

 

One of Mom's favorites was the Trees in Autumn, 1920-1921.

 

 

Many family gatherings have happened with siblings and cousins.  Our annual picnic was hosted by Doug, my brother and his girlfriend, Lyn.  Thanks so much you two, it was fun gathering especially with all the cousins and most of our siblings and their families in attendance.    But there were others gatherings and connections happening for a couple of weeks.  With Mom staying here,some came by to visit have a bite or relax in the pool.  Pizza parties at another sister's home and gathering at the camp on Lake Champlain with campfires and water sports.

Then the Dale Chihuly exhibit at Montreal's Museum for Fine Art was utterly spectacular.  Mom and I finally were able to go last week after a couple of failed attempts.  Flu, museum closed for example, etc....    Would you believe I didn't take my camera!   These photos of images I took at home via news clippings and post cards.  If you are interested I can give you their names and  forward the credits but just don't have time for all that now.  My regrets.




Le soleil / The Sun
 



Plafond persan d'Oklahoma / Oklahoma Persian Ceiling



Lustre du Mercato del Pesce di Rialto / Mercato del Pesce de Rialto Chandelier
aka; Orange Hornet Chandelier





Mille Fiori / One thousand Flowers

Mom the green black striped stylized leaf that you loved are on the left just behind those red columns.
This picture does not do it justice. These glass lengths were 7 to 18 feet tall.

Many pieces were shown and each seemingly more intriguing than the next. 



Barques de Flotters et d'Ikebana / Float and Ikebana Boats

  

My favorite was the boats with floats.

A more detailed glimpse of it.  I would love to make a wall hanging depicting this memory using batiks. 

 

We'll see......

 

 

Creativity wise some bits have been completed.

 

1. The 10 minute quilt top is a flimsy, I'll be using a brown minkee dot fabric for the backing.   
2. I picked up a vanilla colored minkee backing at Joann's in Vt when we went to Shelburne Museum for the Velda Newman Exhibit.  The minkee is for the camper quilt which only has one border more to go.   Need to commit to how this will be bordered so it's on the fence but will be done for the quilt show in October 2013!
3. The Serpentine bracelet from a class I took with Trudy in August is completed.
4. The 2  smaller  "Happy Birthday" 10 minute runners are done and just in time for lil' miss turning 8 on the 10th.
5. Another 2 Kumihimo bracelets have been finished.  One matte black with amber and metallic bits and the other one is a medium matte green with Magatama iridescent glass beads.    It's another attempt of mine at playing with the orientation and textures, sizes and colors with in these bracelets.  Can you tell I find braiding them fun?
6. Lil' Miss also finished another project of hers.  The 10 minute table runner in fabrics that look lovely with that quilt I made for her earlier this year.  This was the first project she started when she joined in the cupcake kids sewing circle.  The first two dates they met we were away camping.  The second project was this advent calendar panel where she had to fold, press and stitch to create the pockets.  I'll be doing the quilting and attach the binding but she will be hand sewing it on.  The photo to the right is of the circle while they worked on this project.
7. She and I also finished her name tag which a guild member kindly and selflessly embroidered per the childrens' orders from her cupcake kids sewing circle.
 















Kumihimo with Magatama glass



Kumihimo



Serpentine bracelet















 

Mom was staying here for a couple of weeks at the beginning of the month and I enjoyed having her visit.  She continues to amaze me with how much she gets done but I realize she just keeps keepin at it until it's done.  I am more fluctuating with other family members goings on and will allow myself to be put on the bottom of my list.  I am correcting that and realize I have many years to compensate for it.  I even told Mom I need about 6 months to myself just to catch my breath and catch up with my interests.   As if that will ever happen!  I can only imagine that if or when it does, I probably won't like it and will feel like everyone is ignoring me and will be lonely!  Ah balance that's what I'll cultivate and meditate on. 

 

Speaking of that, a friend and I were able to attend 4 nightly lectures for Intuitive Tools brought locally by Dr. Gail Myers in a 5 week time frame.  Despite all that was happening on my home front at the time, the time I took for this was my solace and a quiet time to appreciate all the blessings I have.  Very comforting and surreal in it's affect.  Can you say Synchronistic!

 

Our daugher gave birth to a kidney stone and had to have emergency surgery this past Friday.  Brought her to the ER Thursday night and was there until 2:30am when the ER admitted her.  The stone 7mm x 4mm x 5mm was lasered then  removed since it was too large for her to pass on her own. 

The grand children were here and I helped out with any transportation needed since her significant other doesn't have a license yet.  Hopefully in August 2014 that will be changed so she and I will get some help in that department.  With DH not driving because of his health and RJ not driving because of poor judgement on his behalf many years ago, any errands, appointments and such fall to the females of the family.  Since she was out of commission from surgery all the errands fell to me.  Luckily the good Lord blessed me with adaptability without being to biotchy!   LOL  And I am trying to be humble here too.

 

 

Our gardens continue to bloom and we are grateful.

Rose Mallow, Hibiscus

Purple morning glory, another one is blue!

 

Some of the lilies and other perennials

 

Burgundy Bee balms and dwarf cotton candy pink bee balm, the bright red ones I didn't capture in their peak.

Delphinium and hollyhock finally survived a winter and bloomed.  Yippee!!!
The secret, they don't like mulch around their feet, who knew!

 

I'm trying to pull at least 50 weeds everyday and it's keeping the gardens in order.  Typically, I'll do that when I place the kettle on first thing in the morning.  It's a great way to greet the day and also gets it done while it's still cool. 

We just picked up a few new plants to get in the garden, some Hydrangeas another ecchinachia. 

 

Lastly, I'll share some shots I took from post cards of the Velda Newman exhibit currently on display at Shelburne museum.  DH and I were able to have a picnic lunch in Vt before attending Velda's exhibit this past weekend.

 

 

It was on my lists of things to do with Mom but she really wanted to reconnect with another sister of mine who was able to get the day off on the planned for day, I gladly accepted to decline the outing which DH and I did this past Sunday.  Because of a banks' grant, Shelburne Museum was an all day free admission.  Figured the crowds would be heavy since it also was the dedication of the Pizzagalli Gallery opening, but thankfully it seemed fine and we thoroughly enjoyed the visit. 

 

 

Sorry just wanted to get some of these bits entered and realize it's heavy on the photos. 

You can see by some of the date time stamps some of the photos were from July 31st

and would you believe there is more I could share, that's how much has been going on.  

Oh well, enough for now and thanks for stopping by

 

 

Jane. 

 

PS:     So much for Bullets!! 

This was quite long and wordy! 

 

 

 

Stash Report #18, 2013

The stash numbers this week continue showing more of the stash getting used, Yippee!  

it also shows more being purchased as well, a Double Yippee!!  

(sometimes there's just nothing better than a little retail therapy!) 

 

With finishing those three pillows and the linings for them all, it pushed it to three yards used for the projects finished this week.  But, I also bought another 6.5 yards while being in Vermont this past Wednesday for DH's appointment.  He's in heart failure and thankfully a heart transplant will be a ways off, we continue to hope and pray that it's even years before he needs one, if at all.  We'll know better after this next procedure and the post procedural appointment.  His Ejection Fracture which is his cardiac output is in the pits,  his current numbers are 10-15, that range is minimal (normal ranges are 52-77).  The Doctor thinks another Ventricular lead for his pacer defibrillator may be a benefit, but can't give any guarantees.  He explained it by saying that with a quad lead attachment of this one Ventricular lead, it will afford the Doctors some ability to further tweak his cardiac output.  AND by replacing this ventricular lead we were hopeful that the lead being replaced was the one on the Medtronics recall list, sadly it 's not.  Anyway, he'll be having that done whenever they schedule it and let us know.    So sewing helps keep me sane whenever I can find the time or should i say make the time.  You can be sure I'll have some handwork ready to take with me while he's in the Hospital out of state.   Sorry for so much information, but my fingers did the talking for me  and I allowed them sometimes you just need to vent.

Now back to my  stash report, with my fabric gain, two yards of the new stuff  has already been sliced up and is currently being used.  I also am taking a Bonnie Hunter class through my guild this week, so I picked up a few items for that.  The rest of my purchase will go for the "For the Birds Blog Hop" that is happening this and next week. Mary from I piece 2 is our cheerleader and this hop is another brainchild of Madamme Samm of Sew We Quilt.  can you just imagine being able to creep into her brain and see how it works?  What a creative and gracious lady!  Her Quilt Diva that she made has been sold and the profits are going for another sewing machine to help out ladies in need.

Oh where does the time go?  Boy, I need to get ready for all of those events and soon!  So, without further adieu, my report is:

Stash In: 6.5 Yards

Stash Out: 3 Yards

YTD In: 54.25 Yards

YTD Used/Out the Door: 34.5 yards

That's a stash gain of 19.75 yards for this year.

 

 

 

Actually I did start A New FO for May yesterday. It wasn't even on my list of 12 for 2013, just something that caught my eye and lit my fuse, opps, I meant lit up my muse.   LOL  Though I've used up 2 yards of a dark brown dimple dot by Gail Kessler from Andover fabrics that was just purchased, I can't consider any of that used for the stash report until the project is finished.  The brown  is just the sashing pieces running through out the quilt. Want a peek? 

 

No, the brown fabric shown is not the dimple dot, this is another brown I'm using on the same project.

A pattern I saw in a magazine which finished at 40"X50" and wouldn't work for a full/queen bed I loved.  The pattern didn't list any other dimensions for it, so I refigured the pattern with my own dimensions to make it similiar to the stacked blocks bsby quilt, but finishing the top section in a 60"x74" before adding any borders.  We'll see when I finish assembling it together how it needs to proceed, it's aWIP now.  

 

I started some of my Spring cleaning, starting with the foyer and Dining Room.  Need to get to that front porch too.  It's so dirty and dusty from these winter months, the siding looks so bad it looks like I'll have to chisel the dirt off.  Since I don't want the cart before the horse, I'll wait to do the windows until DH gets the siding washed.  No since doing a job twice if you can do it once.  I'll have to request that chore higher on his list, perhaps this week.  Even knowing that by doing that, it'll be on my list of chores since he can't do it without me helping.  Can't wait to get the crud off these windows and let the sun shine through.  There's something uplifting to me about clean windows.

 

Looks like Spring has finally decided to arrive in these parts.  

My daffodils are blooming, the hyacinths have bloomed and a forsythia bush is also starting to make it's presence known, but that is all so far.  

 

As for outside work, the list is long.

 

regular sized Jonquils

Multi flowered tete a tete daffodils, so sweet.

Allelulia, first of May,
Outside playing begins that day!

 

 

 

 

I did throw some pansies into the planters on the back deck just to have a bit of color while the temps. are still too risky for the other types of flowers I usually keep in them.  It makes it nicer during our breaks with ice water to rest. 

See all those plants on the bench part?  More outside playing when I know it won't be killed by the frost.  The deals were too good to pass up.  Even though they may die back, I am a gardener at heart and know the efforts will be worth it next year even if that happens. 

What else has been going on?
More playing with the grandchildren. 

Cupcakes turned more into a science experiment with color. 
We only used yellow, red and green with varying intensities and mixing those bits together too.  Just see all those colors. 
Don't look to close though, I wouldn't want you to lose your dinner.  lol 
The kids  loved doing them and eating them too, happy day.

 

 

 

While in a neighboring state for DH's Doctors appointment,  I saw a store sample of a frairie garden.

We picked up the necessary supplies thinking that PGD#1 would love to craft this. 

She's always looking for projects to make or do together. 

 

So I explained the order of how and snipped some of the larger plantings to be individual and smaller sized trees and bushes for her and let her go to town.  She placed the lights on the fence, laid the base layer of plastic vegetation and then played with the best scenerio for the little trees, mushooms and Miss Fairie. 

 

Tried to get a better photo showing the lights, but it wasn't happening.

She did it all by herself.

Isn't it beautiful!

Just Perfect!

Mostly it sits on the coffee table in the Living Room and while it's lit at night, those little lights shine and it's restful.

For the photo, I placed it on the dining room table where there was better lighting.

I really should let her take it home,

but I did ask her to make it for Papi and Meme.

Thankfully, she complied nicely so I will keep it.

Geting off this computer and on to some paperwork  calling my name.

Have a Good night and

Enjoy your week,

Jane


This will be starting soon.....

Tuesday, May 7

http://www.fiberbabble.com

http://Sewincrediblycrazy.blogspot.com

www.SquawkThat.com

http://Scrapatches.blogspot.com

http://Kwiltypleasures.blogspot.com

www.sowingstitches.blogspot.com

www.justquiltit.blogspot.com

http://krislovesfabric.blogspot.com

http://apassionforapplique.blogspot.com

http://dancingmoon-carla.blogspot.com

http://bumbleberrystitchn.wordpress.com

http://Sewandsowfarm.blogspot.com

http://Ipiece2-Mary.blogspot.com

http://sharon-dancingthruthreads.blogspot.com

http://www.iliketoquiltblog.blogspot.com/

http://catsnqlts2.blogspot.com

 

Wednesday, May 8

http://sunshinequilting.blogspot.com

http://feltfree-p.blogspot.no

http://busyascanbe.blogspot.com

http://quiltdoodledesigns.blogspot.com

http://buzzingandbumbling.blogspot.com

http://patchouli-moon-studio.blogspot.com

http://ecoughlindesigns.blogspot.com

http://mywhittleadventures.blogspot.com

http://SewMuch2Luv.blogspot.com

www.natilittlethings.blogspot.com

http://justletmequilt.blogspot.com

http://ncweekendquilter.blogspot.com

http://Selinaquilts.blogspot.com

http://saneandcrazy.blogspot.com

http://abis-scrapsoflife.blogspot.com

http://roseprairiequilts.blogspot.com

http://marlarockscrafts.blogspot.com

Thursday, May 9

http://englating.se/wp

http://lauraluvsloons.blogspot.com

http://marjoriesbusycorner.blogspot.ca

http://ruffhaven.blogspot.com

www.pigtalesandquilts.com

http://debbykratovilquilts.blogspot.com

http://why-knot-kwilt.blogspot.com

http://beaquilter.com

http://gwenbru.blogspot.com

http://pccrafty.blogspot.com

http://pumpkinpatchquilter.blogspot.com

http://sherry-blessingsfromournest.blogspot.com

http://zellerwear.blogspot.com

http://crafting365days.blogspot.com.au

http://charlottescreationsanew.blogspot.com

http://Janesquilting.blogspot.com

http://Ipiece2-Mary.blogspot.com Robin Sheaffer

Friday, May 10

http://ssparrowinflight.blogspot.com

http://Hillvalleyquilter.blogspot.se

http://mcsqrd.blogspot.com

http://loveitsewit.blogspot.com

http://piecepeacenc.blogspot.com

http://grammieq.blogspot.com

http://meadowbrook-Kristen.blogspot.com

http://scrapbook-ChickADoodle.blogspot.com

www.craftyshenanigans.blogspot.co.uk

http://Stitchingbythebeach.blogspot.com

www.thebusybeequiltshop.blogspot.com

http://morestarsincomanche.blogspot.com

http://lesquilts.blogspot.ca

http://suebeesworld.blogspot.com

http://mtnmommy2.blogspot.com

www.thatlookslikeitneedsstitches.blogspot.com

http://www.freshcutquilts.com

Monday, May 13

http://www.quiltsmiles.blogspot.com

http://sewdarnquilt.blogspot.com

www.cindycraftycreations.blogspot.com

http://madebymeinred.blogspot.com

http://featheredneststudio.com

http://cmyprims.blogspot.com

http://ukcitycrafter.wordpress.com

www.gracieoliverarts.blogspot.com

http://quilterinthecloset.blogspot.com

http://quilttotheedge.blogspot.com

http://aroundthehomestead.blogspot.com

http://sewpeacetopeace.blogspot.com

www.caliquilter.com/blog/

http://pamela-kieffer.blogspot.com

Tuesday, May 14

http://www.intheboondocks.blogspot.com

http://mychellem.blogspot.com

www.thimblemouseandspouse.blogspot.com

www.quiltingandsewingarts.com

http://Sewgratefulquilts.wordpress.com

www.aquiltingsheep.com

http://tricia-ramblingsofaquilter.blogspot.com

http://sewmanyyarns.blogspot.com

www.moosestashquilting.blogspot.com

http://bethstrand.wordpress.com

http://quiltoo.blogspot.com

http://teatimecreations.blogspot.ca/

http://secretlystitching.blogspot.gr/

 

Wednesday, May 15

http://cariboucrossingchronicles.blogspot.ca

www.notionnanny.blogspot.com

http://crookedgulleyartquilts.blogspot.com

http://Karamino.blogspot.com

http://celticthistlestitches.blogspot.com

www.sewmolliesue.com

http://devotedquilter.blogspot.com

http://mystitchin-n-stuff.blogspot.com

www.quiltscapesqs.com

http://kocanquilt.blogspot.com

http://createinthesticks.blogspot.com

http://terrysquiltingtime.blogspot.com

http://Sewwequilt.com

 

 

Can't wait to see all the creativity these bloggers will share, the projects are always so versatile and it's enjoyable to meet new friends along the way.