Mary, thank you to you and your readers for sending birthday cards to Esther. Steve talks to her on the phone every night and Friday evening she told him that on Wednesday she got a birthday card in the mail. Thursday she got two more cards in the mail and Friday she got 14 cards. He said-do you know why you’re getting all of those cards? She said-no, but it is wonderful! He told her it was because I read an online blog and the writer of the blog (Mary) likes for her readers to send cards to special people. And that I had sent a request for her to receive cards. She said to tell me and Mary thank you-that she has enjoyed each and every one of them.
We had lunch with her today and she showed us her cards after we ate. She has a total of 67 cards from 12 different states. She has looked at them many times and had me read each one of them to her today. She said she will be looking at them every day clear until Christmas 😂. Thank you again!
Cindy
And how can I express my appreciation to all of you who sent cards? It takes time and energy – choose the card, pay for the card, write the card, address the envelope, stamp it and get it to the mailbox – and you don’t even know the person you’re sending it to!! But when you read how much Esther has enjoyed receiving the cards, isn’t it just the best feeling? And aren’t you glad you sent a card? Thank you so much. As they always say, “It takes a village!”
During the night we got 3” of rain. Becky, too, so they’ve had over 5” in 2 days! Turn off the faucet!
And there’s a little boy named Elliot whose grandma reads the blog and he asks every day what Hazel’s been up to so now Hazel will be included in every post.
And a reader asked about the chickens. I have one special hen who hides in the pasture under the hay rack. I figured out why. One of the black hens picks on her and I think the rooster chases her down, too. Her back is missing feathers and she just looks beat up which I hate.
This is a 6” block and I wanted to explain what I’m doing. I bought small amounts of quite a few pastels and medium brights to make my log cabin quilt but I won’t need it all so I thought I’d cut a strip of each to make these simple blocks. I like to sew easy stuff so it remains fun. I made this the first time in red and white. Maybe it came from a book???
With that said I want to start talking about log cabin quilts – I’ve made so many but to locate them all would take me hours so I’ll show you the pattern covers of several.
Here’s the first one – it was a quilt as you go and the tag says I started it on January 1, 1982 and finished it in August 20, 1982 – my first New Years project. It’s seen a lot of use.
This one is called Cotton In the Cabin and pattern is available for $5 and SASE. Set on point with narrow sashing it measures 42 x 52.
This Basic Log Cabin #629 is what I’ll use with the pastels and mediums. Measures 34 x 40 or until that pile of fabric is used up. Pattern is $5 and SASE. I don’t know if I still have this or not.
Log Cabin Blue Jeans #304 is a quilt-as-you-go using denim strips and leftover print strips. Measures 60 x 80. Pattern $5 and SASE. I can’t believe I would have gotten rid of this one but I can’t find it so……?
This quilt from a long ago catalog is also log cabin pieced in a courthouse steps design. I’ve loved this quilt for years – why don’t I make it???
This all started with Connie’s log cabin quilt given to her grandson who’s going to take it camping. 😊
Reader quilts and more
I worked on my plants a lot today – the squirrels have nearly destroyed several of my favorites.
Probably only 4-5 weeks left outside – then I’ll be living in a greenhouse because I’m going to install grow lights on a timer.
Hazel says, “Good Night, Elliot!”
One more time: patterns are $5.00 each and a SASE, cash or check only. Mail to Mary ETHERINGTON, 2345 Palm Ave, Garner, IA. 50438
Everyone loves seeing and hearing about Hazel. We need to see a picture of Elliott, how cute that he wants to hear what Hazel is up to. The picture of her falling asleep in her crate is precious.
Your poor chicken reminds me of one I had that was picked on by all the chickens and the rooster. I tried to make her a fenced off area in the chicken house but everyone must have worked together to free her so they were at it again. Then I decided I would keep her in the barn with the horses and donkeys but she went back to the chicken house and yard. I finally lost the fight and she passed, most likely from the other birds. Made me so upset and mad at all the chickens! Wish I knew why they bully one chicken like that. I hope you have better luck with your girl.
Love the blog this morning. We had well needed rain yesterday but nothing like what you have had. Blessings to all
Linda – I didn’t get that explained well – there are actually two hens and the one I showed hangs out with the rooster all the time. I have tried to isolate chickens before and it just doesn’t work. I did put her in a separate pen but I went down at 10 pm and she was still pacing – running back and forth by the gate wanting out so I let her out. I’m going to try the cape again – I’ll make a bigger one maybe but won’t it hurt under her wings? And how are you doing??
Today’s post – what a wonderful way to brighten my day. And I so look forward to seeing Hazel everyday! I have always been a fan of hers. When you said your mother’s name was Hazel, it reminded me that I had an aunt Hazel who was one of my favorite aunts. Oh, that poor chicken. Maybe someone should adopt her. And I love the bright colors of the 6 in blocks. Makes me want to start one of my own. I have not as yet sent a card to Esther, but I will. I am a card collector, so I will try to remember to send her an occasional card from my collection, as well. Her mother’s life stories and hers are amazing. I, too, will go back a look at all the great photos from today. They are just beautiful. And, ah, the hungry squirrels! I bought a beautiful potted plant with the most colorful flowers (not sure what they were). They were on my front porch and the squirrels ate it down to the soil. I did not know before that they would do that. I thought they just liked nuts. Add that to all the million other things that I don’t know! Thanks for all you do!
Brenda – to save my favorite plants that they favor, I move them to the entry … every night. Sigh. They don’t touch the Hoya plants, the other succulents, pencil trees, cacti, Rick rack plant or pregnant onion but they are deadly on anything in the Jade family.
such a fun filled post!
zinnias? that yellow rose is beautiful!!!
biscuit is adorable! (hazel as always)
sharon’s quilt and flowers, love it !!
and safe hiding for the poor chicken girl.
Several comments on zinnias. They are easy to grow. I occasionally buy seeds, but most years I save the seeds from the plants and plant them the following year.
I have the Log Cabin Blue Jean pattern in the Country Threads book-Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without. I started the pattern several years ago and seeing this made me dig it out. Since I cleaned my sewing room last winter, it wasn’t an easy find-it’s true-clean your sewing room and you’ll never find anything. Ha! I have 28 blocks made and need to finish it at some point.
As always, the photos are great. There was a picture drawn by a child in one of Esther’s cards. Did Elliot draw it? It made the card even more special. Hazel looks like she has had a full day and is ready for a very long serene sleep.
I enjoyed reading the update on your chickens; sorry that one poor hen is being bullied.
Love log cabin quilts, and your pictures are great, very inspirational. I have only made 1 log cabin, probably the 2nd or 3rd quilt I made, red and white baby quilt. I do have plans to make another one “someday”, just as soon as I work that far down the list.
Zinnias are a favorite flower, so bright and colorful and easy to grow.
I’m right there with Elliot – I need my daily Hazel fix 🤣
Log cabins are so beautiful and I seem to gravitate towards them and anything with stars! I wonder if others seem to lean towards a certain type of pattern?
Kelli, I too seem to gravitate mostly towards a Star pattern as well. Scrappy is by far my favorite style of quilt. I’ve been saying so long I need to break out of my pattern and just sew an improv quilt with various stars blocks I have.
I’m so glad Esther is enjoying her cards. It’s a good idea to send cards!
We always love pictures of Hazel! She’s something. Quite a character!! Glad Elliot is enjoying the blog. Reminds me of how w much you enjoy your many dog pictures (antique)
Oh those squirrels have been busy at your place. Every now and then a squirrel visits my bird feeder hanging by the kitchen window. He climbs on the windowsill to get close. I’m amazed how big he is. I used red pepper bird seed cylinders and he usually does not come back.Ha
When I first learned to quilt, some of my first blocks were log cabin. I made so many pillows with the quilt-as-you-go technique. Learned from Georgia Bonesteel books.
Love the red and white quilts!
Love seeing those zinnias, such a great flower with strong stems. When we lived in TN they would come up every year and be abundant. Now in Wisconsin they are and annual and don’t return unless I spread some seed. I love making the log cabin block and there are so many varieties to choose from. So glad that Esther is enjoying all the cards, kindness matters. I for one will enjoy seeing more of Hazel, like Eliot. Its cooling off here and I’m so glad. We had a full day of rain yesterday and the yards are looking better.
People like Esther are the reason I try to send cards whenever you post about it. Made my heart sing. It’s a small act of kindness.
Elliot and Hazel–love it. I have a greatgrandson just under a yr old named Elliot. I had thought that name was long lost. And Hazel–that’s an old name too.
I am off to NE tomorrow for a 4 day retreat. So there has been no sewing. 67 here this morning and will try for a walk in a few min.
The pics were great today! And love the chit chat.
Fran – FYI – my mom’s name was Hazel and I didn’t want us to stop using her name so now we call it out a hundred times a day at least! Ha! Have fun at your retreat!!
I love log cabin quilts, zinnias, and animals! Love all your photos! Sadly, my zinnias have contracted leaf spot and had to be pulled out of my flower bed. I read that zinnias should not be planted in that same spot for two years. Makes me sad. Although Houston, Texas to the northeast of us have had a lot of rain (maybe not as much as y’all), we have had none. All the vegetation and wildlife are suffering. You know it’s hot and dry when you see a blue Jay sitting with its beak open, and the squirrels are drinking from the bird baths! And I have to be careful when walking the dog because of all the big cracks in our gumbo soil.
Not to mention the snakes. My friends dog lost his leg due to a rattlesnake bite. He was protecting her. Still sad though.
Yes it’s hot here down in Iola near college station. Kids are all back in college and schools.
Sherry/texas
Sherry,
No rattlesnakes near me, but I have chased a few water snakes back to my tiny pond. Saw a juvenile rat snake last week, and use a broom to chase a water moccasin off the driveway.
Paula – wow, you’ve got me beat! I don’t think I could chase a snake.
Hi Mary, my mom always said I asked a lot of odd questions so here’s one. Do you suppose there are any lakes in the US named Short Lake? Love the Zinnias and all your plants. I have an Abraham Lincoln Log Cabin pattern so in a little while, I hope to start it (maybe with you). My great great Uncle died on July 3rd, 1863 with the New York 136th at Gettysburg. The quilts today are so pretty! I love to go back and look at them. I am happy to see Esther and family and I love that Elliot “reads” the blog with grandma😸😸. Squeak and Buddy say hi.
Diane – show me what an Abraham Lincoln Log Cabin quilt looks like
Love the mention of Eliot on enjoying the adventures of Hazel.
Love the photos of quilts.
Love the nature and wildlife (including the chickens)
Thank you, Mary. Elliott was tickled to see Hazel and his name mentioned. He’s been kind of morose this week as school starts for him Monday. Too much fun at Grandma’s house this summer.
I love zinnias but always forget to plant them in the spring. Too busy with the garden and veggies I guess.
Love your log cabins and have all those patterns. Maybe I should make one when I have time. Who am I kidding – no time. lol
Diana – I hope school is fun for him – but it will never match Grandma’s house, will it?
Like Elliot I love seeing Hazel and hearing of her adventures! I so appreciate all of the quilt photos because they are such a great inspiration. My favorite quilts are log cabin ones. Do you know the pattern for the first quilt shown under “readers quilts”? Your blog is my daily dose of great ideas for quilts. Thanks for posting!
Hi Mary, long time reader and 1st time poster here. I just read about your poor chicken getting bullied and wondered if you would like to try putting Vicks on her. Yes, the Vapo rub Vicks. It won’t harm your chicken but it will deter anything else from coming too close to her. Mum always carried a jar of Vicks in her pocket for this same reason.
Denise – will Vicks burn her skin? Sounds like it could be painful. I ordered little “capes” that fit under the wings but they’re way too small and I could make a bigger one but would that also hurt her? Vicks! I’ll be darned.
Hi Mary, back to the Vicks…… I think it would be just like us rubbing it on our chest and neck area. Maybe if it was just dabbed onto the feathered area where the others seem to pick at the most. Mum and Dad worked a mixed farm and raised lots of chickens in the barns. In all the 100’s and 1000’s that were raised each year, there were always a few that needed Vicks.
Denise – I plan to try this tomorrow!
Hi Mary, let me know if it works for you.
Another great post! Quilts, critters and plants. We have a few hens but no roosters as they chase the grandkids and me. Also, as you mentioned they can be so mean to the hens. We don’t need chicks so it works for us. Central Illinois will be getting some relief from the hot humid days we have had lately. Next week we will be in the 70’s – can’t wait. I’ve been hitting the garden centers and picking up discounted plants. Even this late in the season, there are still beautiful choices to be found. Not much sewing during garden season, but I did make new curtains for my husband’s workshop yesterday. He prefers that people can’t see the tools and vehicles stored there. A nice gentle rain is falling right now so no watering today – yay! Hope everyone has a lovely day.
Bonnie – are you picking up annuals, perennials or house plants? I have to stay away from Walmart so I don’t buy anymore!
What a wonderful post to browse through this morning. I loved all the pictures and will go back a couple more times to admire them. I know you’ve made Elliot’s day with Hazel spottings! And the zinnias speak so much color and happiness whenever I see them.
I have in my UFO pile the beginnings of a courthouse step quilt. And I still need to add strips to the Sea Glass stars blocks I made from Scrap School book. You are nudging me along to finish them! Did you use actual blue Jeans for that quilt? You’ve always made the best looking men’s shirts quilts and those would make good log strips in pastels.
I’m hoping some of your rain comes to our drought area. Brown grass is like walking on hay.
Kathy! I have planned to do the Sea Glass Quilt in a bit for my next project…was this difficult? I have my fabric already.
No it wasn’t hard for me Cynthia and I did enjoy making the center blocks. Then I started cutting my log strips and have them staring at me in the “cutlery storage “ unit I bought at Target. I did mine in pale green, teals and love the star center blocks. I added a touch of light purple to mine whereas Marys shows orange which I loved but many of my sea foam greens had lilac in it so went with that for the accent blocks. I’ll lay out what I’ve done later today and send pictures to Mary.
I hope you’ll work on yours too!! Are you doing it like the book shows?
Mary what a great blog today! I love your red and white quilt. I also really really like the courthouse steps quilt. I keep wanting to make that quilt but don’t really know how to put the colors together for it. And yes I love zinnias. How can you not? BUT mine always seem to get mold.
Jean – why don’t you study that courthouse steps quilt for inspiration on color.
I love that Elliot enjoys seeing Hazel in the blog, that last picture of her! She looks so innocent!! We all know the shenanigans that she can get into but she sure is sweet when she settles down. I am debating finding a new home for my rooster, I love him, but he isn’t slowing down any and my hens are. They’re at least five years old and they hide from him as much as they can. Kinda hard when they’re all shut in the run most of the time. We have too many predators to just let them free range, unfortunately. I’m loving that courthouse steps pattern and as you suggested, I’ve been studying the colors. Such a nice combination. The description says that they used deep reds, mustard and browns, etc. It also says that they didn’t use any batting. To make it resemble an antique quilt. Interesting! Bisquit and his owner, what a great picture! Jan in MA
Jean,
I hope you sew a block together soon. I started three blocks last week. Picked eight light strips, eight medium to dark, They came together more quickly than I thought they would. It will be a great top soon.
The red and white quilt and table topper are stunning. The quilting on the topper mimics the red rick rack zigzag. I enjoyed seeing your log cabin quilts and photos of the patterns, Mary. I’m looking forward to seeing more log cabin quilts. Yup, I think that your area has had enough rain. Maybe you need to start singing “Rain, rain go away. Come again another day.” HEEE HE!!
Great pictures tonight, Flowers, quilts who could want more!