The cold is all anybody can talk about, isn’t it? No, we aren’t getting the snow and ice that the lower states are in line for but even right now Mason City (us) is the coldest spot in the state at 10 below and wind chill of 41 below. All schools are closed tomorrow.
I’ve been thinking about our project and I honestly think I’ve found it – and I’m wondering if it wouldn’t be easier if I just made the pattern available for $5 and SASE so you’ll have it in front of you. I’m going to work on mine so you can see it before you order – give me a couple days. Then there will be no posts to follow and no timetable – you’ll have the pattern and you can complete it as you wish.
Yes, there’s another storybook I could write – Keeper, A Love Story. My very good boy is laying right under my sewing table as I write this.
Okay, I’m now a songwriter. I sing this to Barney every time I go to the barn, to the tune of My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean.
My Barney lives down by the barnyard
My Barney lives down by the pond
My Barney lives down with the chickens
Dear God keep him safe from all harm.
Yes, I know how goofy this is. Haha! Barney likes it!
Tonight I’m sewing the borders and it’s so rewarding – I can’t wait to start a new project.
Reader photos
Stay warm!
❤️ Sharon L, Dana Point, CA
It’s amazing to me, reading your weather updates. Here in South Australia – the driest state in the driest continent – today we are at the beginning of a 5-day heatwave, with extreme or catastrophic fire danger warnings. Here on the south coast, with a possible sea breeze later in the day, we’re heading for 42C or 107F. There are some places forecast up to 47C/116F, all with huge winds. But we also have to be prepared for power outages, and we’re staying inside to sew, too. I will venture out only to top up the bird baths and water dishes on the verandas.
And I laughed out loud at the bobbin comment 😃
Stay warm/cool and safe.
Pauline in South Australia
Pauline – you have your own set of dangers – different from ours but just as important. Wow! 107! And we’re 12 below right now. Fire must be a terrifying possibility at all times. And it’s nice to know you’re taking care of the birds – they need a way to cool off, too! Thanks for this weather report, Pauline!
I packed my car from retreat in Elk Horn, IA to the tune of -10. Thought I was still in Alaska but the sad part I had none of my gear from living there. It was COLD! My car didn’t much like it either but started.
Singing is good for the soul. Keep it up!
Fran – I’m glad you’re home! You can sew this weekend from the warmth and comfort of your own home!!!
Mary we made it to SF and back! It was cold but we dressed for it. The main reason I wanted to go was my thumb has been keeping awake. Crazy how one small joint can do that, but it is! So I went to the hand specialist and he gave me a cortisone shot in it! Sure hope it helps!
I really had to laugh when you wrote you sing on the way to the barn! And that barny meets you! That is so cool! He is a handsome cat too.
All the quilt stores in the area closed because of the cold!
Joy – I understand joints keeping one awake – my shoulders scream at me. Barney is such a great cat – if I thought he’d be happier in the house I’d put him in a carrier and move him. As long as he’s got a heat lamp, I think he’s fine. Please, Dear God, keep the power on!
Mary! It is a sunny and cold day out here on the tundra in SWMinnesota! I am sewing up my blocks , have 2 more to do then the sashing starts for all 12 blocks. It can be hard to stay on track sometimes. I tend to look ahead too much thinking about the next project. I loved reading about singing to our animals! They sense our true happiness as well. Very special. I love reading the back and forth comments from you and your readers, and I shall get my order and envelope ready for your next pattern offer. Let us know on the postage for the pattern! Back to cutting out fabric this one is from a block of the month pattern from 2004. I put these in my other Mary Engelbreit quilts as well. Keep warm everyone! (I was going to add that when I get a pedicure O bring my own polish as well).
Cynthia – you get lots done!! I, too, enjoy chatting with my readers – I think we’re all great friends. And yes, I will continue singing!
Great post!
I really like Pamels’s husband’s quilt! That was a lot of work. As I looked at it closer I could see that he had a pattern when placing all those squares. He did a fabulous job. The border really adds to it. I can’t imagine any man making such a beautiful quilt. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Love seeing the pictures of the cats/kittens.
It was -10* here this morning, but the sun is shining, and I don’t think it is going to get as cold and windy as they predicted earlier. We aren’t suppose to get any snow from this storm. I feel bad for those in the south that are getting ice. That is the worst. Everyone be careful out there.
Mary, are you singing this to the tune of “my Bonnie lies over ocean?” I’m also musician/organist/pianist at my church since I was 14. And I still work part time as a court reporter. I love reading about all your adventures and all your perseverance getting through adversities! Thanks so much!
Lynn
I love your Barney song! And lol-ed at the cat meme. I’m currently at Road to California in Ontario CA and the weather is good – just a little rainy. The quilts are stunning – so many talented people!
I hope everyone stays warm and safe – this storm looks like a monster.
Christine -:oh, please send some pics and give us a report! It’s very cold but we’re ready for it. Honestly tho I’ve never had my barn get so cold with a heater running!!
I love your Barney song! The low last night was -26 with a -42 windchill here in northern Minnesota by Lake Superior. I can tell it’s really cold by how the snow sounds underfoot. It goes from crunching to squeaking. It would be a good day to throw boiling water in the air outside. Poof! And it disappears into the air.
Holly – I’ve seen that water trick online – have you ever tried it?
Yes, many times. It’s fun to do. I whoop every time! There’s a lot of sea smoke on Lake Superior with these extreme low temps. It’s such a fascinating phenomenon. The lake is so much warmer than the frigid air that it steams and sometimes even makes steam devils. It makes low clouds over the lake and is really beautiful.
I feed feral cats, and I too have a song to share. Here goes, most of you will know the tune:
Jesus loves the little kitties, all the kitties of the world
Gray and yellow, black and white
They are precious in His sight
Jesus loves the little kitties of the world
May God bless all the kitties and all of you who love them.
Wanda in WTX
Wanda – I LOVE IT!!!! And I’m going to start singing it, too – thank you soooo much for caring enough to feed those kitties.
Wonderful quilt Pamela’s husband made! It’s so fun to be goofy with our beloved pets—love the song, Mary!
Ahhh, sweet Barney! I love your singing for him, so precious 😻! Yes,God, please keep him safe from all harm.
About to leave for Texarkana to pick up Darrell’s quilt. I know the quilter will be happy to see his reaction.
Only rain so far today but turning to freezing rain in morning. I hope everyone stays safe and warm, hugs!🤗
Love that last picture about cats…I’ve seen it a few times before, but still crack up everytime when I read “then seven it is!” That’s how I feel about Australian Shepherd dogs. We only meant to have one, then we ended up with two. Those were fun, crazy years. When the second one crossed the Rainbow Bridge, we said we were done with having pets. Then, about three years later, I was perusing local shelter/rescue websites (why was I even doing that, LOL??) and I saw this very sad Aussie face. The story of how we got her is too long to share, but suffice it to say that she is ours and we are hers. Everybody is very happy. I might never want seven Aussies, but two or three would be fun if I was twenty years younger.
In west Michigan, we were a balmy -2 degrees this morning – Even the Aussie would not stay outside for long and she adores the snow and cold weather. Stay warm, everyone! -Suzanne in Michigan
Dory picture and the bobbin comment made me laugh out loud! Looking forward to the blog project pattern. But, like the Dory cartoon, I’ve got projects in mind, but “OH LOOK A NEW PATTERN!!” 🙂
JAN,
I’m with you. Laughed at Dory. It’s like “squirrel”. I see another pattern I need even thought I have all of these patterns and ideas already waiting for me.
I hope everyone stays warm & safe during this latest weather event. I remember snows from my childhood with huge drifts everywhere & the struggles to make it to the barn to milk the cows & feed all the animals. It was just a part of life & there were no dramatics. Just get the job done. I love the idea of offering a pattern for sale. I know I’m old but I like having a written pattern in front of my eyes. Barney is a handsome man & he deserves a song!
Dee & Kelli – so exciting to hear of you loving snow – I also LOVE snow, like a kid in a candy store – substitute snowstorm:)!!!
Kelli where in N E Ohio do you live? I live just across the state line from Youngstown, Ohio.
Mary, I am looking forward to your project/pattern, have envelopes ready to order. So sad that I missed out on the bullseye quilt along, hadn’t found your blog yet.
Prayers for safety for everyone, power staying on to keep warm & sew, sew sew :)!
Joy – you can order the Bullseye pattern for $5 anytime.
Thank you Mary, great to know, will order with the group project 🙂 – separate envelopes. Thank you for ALL you do to keep the blog going – so interesting & connects so many around the world. Prayers for you!
Oh I absolutely love your song for Barney!!!!! And I’m sure he loves the recognition every morning! I live in Saint Croix Falls and it was -25 this morning without wind chill factored in. My poor dogs. My lab loves to go outside no matter what snd the other three are smaller and hate it. Hoping you stay warm and safe in walking to the barn! Can’t wait for the pattern to drop!!
Barney is a lucky cat as you serenade him in the Barn.
My microphone was inadvertently on when I was cuddling with my dog, and it went into my text to my sister, I was saying something like oh baby baby and I looked??and it took me a minute to realize I was talking to the dog!!!
Barney’s song is so sweet! Pamela’s husband’s quilt is wonderful! I love those thrift store finds & I think we all know someone “without thread in their bobbin” . Here in SE PA, north of the Blue Mtn., after -0 temps, the past few day, it’s 27* now but we’re bracing for that massive snowstorm. Predictions are 14″-20+” with temps remaining frigid for the next week. I LOVE snow – “snow day/sew day”…but only if the power remains on. We are rural on a well that won’t pump without power, so we’re filling containers with water for flushing and bought bottled water & stacked more wood for the fireplace where we can cook. I’m moving the bird feeders closer to the house. I’ll put a boot tray (for birdseed) and move the heated bird bath to the front porch for the birds. After the sidewalks are cleared, I scatter fine cracked corn instead of salt. Fine cracked corn provides traction for walking but it doesn’t affect plants or harm birds (I read an article that salt is toxic to birds) AND the birds will clean up after the snow melts! I use a pitcher of fine corn to scatter in front as I walk out the long driveway to the mailbox. Stay warm and safe everyone!
Ann – such a great idea using the cracked corn and I know exactly what you mean – our water is the same and I have buckets filled in the basement – just in case. It was -16 air temp when I got up and I’m going to sew all day if I can. I have a heated waterer as well and it’s very popular. I will keep the birds well fed this weekend – they need suet to stay warm!
And I thought I was the only barn singer! I guess because I need to sing while I work because I can’t whistle anymore. I sing a variety of old songs, especially Oh Little Playmate, because I grew up with dad singing those little songs to us. I don’t make up lyrics , I just insert one of my critters names. The dogs get excited and Norman and Albert look at me like I’m nuts.
Your blog was great today. I need to copy and print the picture of all the cats and who God wants ME to have 7! I’m well on my way with four and with my retirement I don’t think I can afford more! I could keep tract of how much I spend for cat food and litter for a year but I don’t want to be that shocked. And if I added in vet bills I would need to look for a job.
I’ve got to bundle up and go see Albert and Norman. My thermometer says its around -5 and the news is saying its between -25 to -30 with windchill. That hurts!
Please bless everyone and keep them safe and warm.
Linda – I knew we were soulmates – singing in the barn! Barney can hear me coming and runs to greet me. Guess he’s used to it by now.
Don’t add up all the cat costs, for heavens sakes! It will just distress you and really, are you going to change anything? No.
Our temp is 16 below air temp – other than checking the barn, I’m staying in today.
The Playmate song! My grandma used to sing this during car trips and you’ve brought back a lovely memory, thank you! I made up a song for my cat, to the tune of Soldier Boy, but used Special Boy instead. I guess we animal lovers know where it’s at.
Fun post today, Mary. The quilt by the husband is gorgeous—see I forgot the name in five seconds🙀🙀. My mom, who was tone deaf, sang a little made up song to me when I was sick.. All of the Thrift finds are really neat and I love all the sayings. My husband laughed outloud at no thread in the bobbin😹😹. Books and Cats—YES! Cold here, too, and snow coming/-possibly 1” or 4” or 8” or 12” in our area. Maybe we get to pick!! Stay safe and warm everyone.
The things we do for our pets. I just love it!
I just got up at 7:15 am. And it is -17* with windchill if -26.
Loved your Barney song and he is so pretty. Keeper and Mortie are so pretty and special.
We have appointments in SF today. Ugh. Of all days.
Joy – minus 16….and I cancelled my drs appt because I didn’t want to go out. I know Rick won’t step out the door. I’ll have to go to the barn soon and sing to Barney
I totally sang the Barney song! It’s a good song! Cold here this morning too. The dog didn’t dawdle when he went out. Schools are cancelled. It’s a good day to sew. Stay warm everyone!
Love your song for Bwrney! Every morning my dog Beau and I have this little “ritual” – after we r he goes out dor his business, i make a cup of coffee ans we snuggle in bed. He has a to sit right in front of me on my lap and I sing a song about what a good boy he is (i just made it up 🤣) and while I’m singing he gets a good ear and body massage. Crazy I know but its special.
Kudos to Pamela’s husband – His quilt is beautiful.
Love the joke about people who don’t have thread in their bobbin- I’ve know a few along the way 🤣
Looking for to the pattern!
Happy Friday and stay safe everyone!
Kelli – I love your morning ritual with Beau – I’m envisioning a dog the size of Keeper on your lap! Obviously Beau is a small dog. Haha!
I’m good with ordering a $5 pattern from you that we can all sew together at our pace. It’s always fun to see our people’s selection of fabrics for projects.
We just watched the Today morning show with Mendoza interview and it was so fun seeing his little brother become an impromptu host. He’s going to remember this day for his whole life. Suppose to be supporting his brother’s interview and got a chance to be seen on the morning show.
Barney is a beautiful cat and your voice singing must be reassuring to him that he’s gonna be fed!
Hope everyone stays safe and we all have power on throughout the duration of this storm.
Kathy – I wish I’d seen the Mendoza brothers!!! Yes, pray for the power to stay on.
I love the Barney song! My name is Bonnie so when I meet new people I often say I’m Bonnie, like My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean”. It if is a person under the age of 50, I’m often greeted with a blank stare, so I then say “Like Bonnie and Clyde” and they get it. Glad to hear that you remember the song! We are in Gulf Shores, AL where the high today will be 56 but I’m concerned about my friends and family where we live in Illinois as their high will be 4. I hope everyone in the bitter cold areas of the country will be safe.
Love your introduction! 🥰
Barney is such a beautiful cat. Yes, your song is cute too, and I’m sure Barney loves it. My husband feeds our cat every morning. He plays some music on his phone while he brushes the cat. She has long hair and she loves it. She just lays flat out and loves it. She is his cat, not mine. I love her too, but she is his. Ha! Stay warm. We’re expecting ice tomorrow night. No church this Sunday.
Love this about thr cat brushing and music – i can picture it in my mind! 😺
That is a good song Mary,I was singing it in my head as I read it. Lol. I noticed your old tablecloth on ironing board. I love old tablecloths and use some of mine. I’m anxious to see your basket quilt finished. I am in the southern part of Missouri thats expected to have 6-13 inches of snow. I love snow. We hardly ever get any anymore. Plan on sewing if power doesn’t go out.
Oh Dee so glad tonhear there’s another snow lover out there! Everyone in my “sphere” doesn’t like it ❄️🤣and I’m like you- hope to see if the power stays on! Enjoy your stitching!
Dee – I have all my mom’s old tablecloths and use them on my ironing board over top of the wool. It’s easy to take off and wash – after the cats have laid on it.
Had to laugh at your song…because I sang to my late beagles when we lived on 38th Street: “ He’s the boogie woogie beagle boy of 38th Street” They acted like they loved it.
Jamie – haha! I just sang it, too! Isn’t this goofy? I didn’t know everybody sang to their pets and I love it!!
Barney really is handsome …. no wonder you sing to him!
Aww, your Barney song is sweet, Mary.
Take care, all you gals in the deep freeze areas. I cannot imagine that kind of cold.
I hope your power stays on so you can sew-sew-sew. 🙂
Oh Mary, please be careful in that horribly cold and stormy weather, especially going to the barn to take care of your animals. Sending prayers your way for safety and relief from the wintry storm. It is supposed to start snowing here tomorrow and has already gotten colder , but only 1-2 inches of snow for our area. My daughter and I have been doing a beautiful circular wooden hummingbird puzzle on the dining room table since I have not been going to the base to our regular puzzle area. It is 1000 pieces, which we love, but this one does not interlock so we spend a lot of time rearranging pieces as they slip out of their spots. Can’t seem to concentrate on sewing right now, but for now the puzzle is a good diversion for this week.
Jeanne in Co Stay safe and stay warm.
Jeanne – this is great! As good as sewing – something to keep your mind engaged. No puzzles for me – 8 cats!!
Terry, you are jewels for adopting an “older” dog. I think 3 is perfect.
Wowzers it’s cold. We aren’t below zero yet, close tho. I hope everyone’s power stays on.
Great quilt pictures tonight along with fun finds at thrift shops.
Mary, you’re are a wonderful composer. I’m sure Barney enjoys hearing you.
Stay warm
It’s been very cold here for several days, but today was a balmy 46 degrees! (Lancaster PA. I’ve been busy today getting ready for the snowstorm coming this weekend. My daughter heard we could get as much as 27″, which is way, way more than we usually get. All the stores are sold out of ice melt, and the grocery stores have all been swarming. I was sure to get some pasteurized eggs so we can make snow cream.
My husband and I adopted a rescue dog almost five years ago. We were both in our sixties and had never had a dog before. We had no idea how much we could come to love her! And we sure lucked out in the sweet dog we got. The shelter said her family had come upon hard times and couldn’t afford to keep their four dogs anymore. She had very obviously been loved. The vet said she was about three years old. We named her Thelma Lou (like Barney’s girlfriend on Andy Griffith), and she’s pure sweetness. When my husband and I hug each other, she stands on her back legs and puts her front paws up on us to be included in the hug. We didn’t teach her, and were so surprised the first time.
Terry – thank you for rescuing an older pet! She is worth it, isn’t she? So that the family fell on such hard times.
It’s-16 in Owatonna, MN! -41 windchill. I’m done with this! I don’t envy having to go to your barn. I haven’t been out for about 4 days at least. I can walk the halls so can move around. Be careful out there!
Beryl in Owatonna. MN