Who can complain about temperatures in the high 30’s even though it’s very foggy? I’m just glad not to be dealing with frozen water buckets! Christmas Day was very calm here – when I got home from church I had a nap – I didn’t sleep well – afraid I might oversleep and it was imperative I be at church around 8:30.
I am working on a project that I actually started last winter and have been able to remain interested even tho I start and stop. It’s a medallion so it’s easy to pull it out and do one round and then stop again.
Reader photos
My old faithful
Yesterday we made three laps on the wilderness trail on this ancient golf cart. It lives outside and never fails to start even in the winter!
Thank you, Barbara Yarnell, for the sweet pillow – did you make it? If so, your workmanship is impeccable.
Christmas is done for another year – I’m no longer accepting Christmas decorating photos. I just want to put all my Christmas stuff away and get back to normal, whatever that is.
Seems like I have to read a lot of comments before I can add mine. Like a conversation. I have a small tee on the coffe table that I leave up year round. All my Christmas stuff is packed away in the garage and I haven’t gotten it out in five years. I remember when my first husband and I lived on campus and would take a discarded tree from a fraternity house and make it our own. We stayed on campus in married student housing for three years. Thinking about the times when koolaid and popcorn was all we had for a gathering of friends. We couldn’t afford alcohol or beer. It was better like that. Good old days. 1972-1975
Carolyn – hmmm. I assumed a new comment was added to the top of the list. But you know me and technology – what do I know?
This morning it wasn’t raining or windy so I quickly took down my outside decorations. There’s still a wreath on the door. It’s earlier than normal but it’s supposed to be mostly rainy for the next little while. The inside decorations can be taken down as time allows. I’d rather be sewing or quilting!
Yes, normal is just a setting on the dryer!! Otherwise nothing is normal for anyone any more…Mary, thank God you keep us off the streets and watching for your wonderful Blog each morning. It keeps me on the straight and narrow and I laugh often sitting her by myself early in the mornin’ Like most of you we try to get our trees up, decorated and all the rest in order for two or three days. Everyone leaves and some yrs. I have left my tree up til Feb.1st as I enjoy the calm and pretty lights in the evening. This yr, us has to come down soon as my DH is having back surg and our dog tore his CC-ligament and is having surg on 1/7. I’m not sure how I can handle both of them and I’m an old nurse with back problems of my own. The dog can’t go out without being on a leash. Breaks my heart to see them in pain. Happy New Year to all, we’ll get thro this with each other’s support. Mary, how are you healing? Takes a long time to get thro what you went through!!! God bless your good heart, we all love you dearly.
Arlene – oh, I’m really just fine!! My very first dog ruptured her ACL and it was miserable keeping her quiet for all that healing time. Hank just went through this last summer, too, and it’s heartbreaking to watch. You need somebody to help you!!!
Well darn. I was going to send a photo of our Christmas tree with FOUR ornaments on it!! My husband is the tree decorator, but he ran out of time and energy so I put a bird on I bought for him and a Cardinal I bought for me and two from a friend. Pitiful. I do love the tree with just the lights because I grew up pruning and planting Christmas trees. It was my parents’ hobby and we kids helped. We sold trees to Buffalo and New York city and from our porch. It was a great learning experience.
I like reading your blog on the computer when I can b/c i can click on the X’s on the ads more easily.
Our Christmas was most of the family, but the oldest grandson had a bad cold and did not want to share so we really missed him. It is going to be in the 60’s tomorrow so we may start taking down some of the outside lights. I love to have them up through cold, icy, snowy, dreary January, but….
I am hoping to quilt alllll of January. Might cook a few meals, but hoping to quilt a lot.
Your golf cart is wonderful for inside the fence travel, Mary. The dogs look interested in the path.
Take care.
Diane, my aunt and uncle who live in Batavia (up near thruway) drive every year to a family tree farm south of them called Wester something or other and cut down their Christmas tree. Have ever only had huge real trees and they decorate with expensive crystal ornaments so go for the sturdy trees. I saw a picture of their tree on Christmas Eve when we were together and I give them so much credit as they are 78 years old but love their tree. I think it was $70 to cut their own. The ones already cut were $100. Think back to the price when you helped your family and compare it to today.
HI Kathy, Bless them for still having a live tree. We are 74 and 75, but our trees have gotten shorter over the years! I’ll bet my parents knew of that tree farm b/c they belonged to the New York State Christmas tree growers. We paid $65.00 for ours this year. My dad would be happy!
The trees we sold “on the stump” usually went for $1.25 to the professionals from Buffalo and New York City. The trees we sold from the porch were around $2.00 to $3.50. We always had some in the $2.00 range for some less fortunate people. I learned a very good lesson from those trees. I thought we should give the trees to the less fortunate, but my dad taught me that there is dignity is being able to provide for one’s family and we could price some trees at a lower price. One family in particular became very close to my parents and would often stop by to help out if needed since all of us kids lived far away. My dad hired the kids to do jobs that he could no longer do. Win/win.
PS Today is our 55th anniversary:) Celebrate tomorrow.
happy anniversary. that’s a good long time. blessings, patti in florida
Diane – congratulations! 55 years is a long married life – I hope you’re having a really big celebration!
barbara in mo. thanks for the compliments. here is the link to the hidden log cabin i’ll be working on. i had to pull the link and copy it. Hidden Log Cabin | Jelly Roll Quilt Pattern | Layer Cake Quilt Pattern | Log Cabin Quilt Pattern (youtube.com)
i hope you enjoy it. she uses a jelly roll or a layer cake or just strips. i have bunches of jelly rolls (from eons ago). the one i’m cutting is called ‘posh’ from moda. we’ll see how far along i get. still need to clean before my friend gets here. patti in florida
Thanks Patti, I’ll go watch that! Rarely do I ever buy a pattern anymore with Pinterest and YouTube around.
Good morning Mary! And everyone! Nice you can ride the ‘old golfcart’ through the wilderness with the dogs! The warm weather has melted what snow we did have. We had a very quiet Christmas. No one wanted us to join their get togethers…. Actually, we called and said we are sick and hacking and snotty and we are not coming. Ha! They don’t want the crud, what ever it is! Yesterday, we went to pickup Jays eyedrops and got a few necessities and Some pizza. I did sew for about an hour yesterday. This fog alone will get a person down! I don’t think we are suppose to see sunshine for days! Hmmm. Is it sunny in Florida Patti?
Colleen I laughed at the only Normal is a setting in the dryer and I didn’t think my dryer even has a Normal! I don’t think anything is normal
Our Michigan family bought a hog at the sale barn on Monday evening and started butchering it that evening. So Tuesday afternoon they were busy making sausage. They had sold 25 lbs of sausage and they kept the rest. They have 5 children … takes a lot of food! The hog cost them about $150.. that’s a lot of cheap sausage. She also makes some pork burgers and pork roasts on the smoker.
Have a good day and stay healthy!
joy, it is a bit overcast but mostly sunny here. weather is 67 at 10:45 am. was sunnier yesterday. but we do expect to see it fully sunny before day is over. i need the sun for my mood. if i could send you some, i certainly would. patti in florida
The only setting on any appliance I have that says ‘Normal’ is on my dishwasher! Larry has been ill since November 26th with a terrible pain near his right shoulder. Bedridden type ill; he has now had a couple of days that he is feeling better. He is going to the chiropractor, maybe he will see a massage therapist too. So, I could use a ‘normal’ setting around here in our daily life soon. Happy New Year is just around the corner. I did not get much sewing done, caring for him and worrying took up a lot of my time. Gearing up to start a couple projects next week!
I would love to put all the Christmas decorations away but it seems like we just put them up. We will wait until after New Years and then it can be gone. Every year I try to get rid of a few more things. This year I am having my grown children take the large ornaments that they or their children have made that do not fit on our small, four foot table top tree. They all have large trees that they can now use them on.
I love the picture of Keeper on the chair. I wish everyone a happy and healthy new year!
Foggy and warm here too, for the last couple days. Sounds like the warmer temperatures will be around for a few days.
I’m getting back to doing some sewing this morning. I want to make a duvet cover out of a couple flannel sheets so, that may be my tomorrow project. I want to sew something fun today.
Christmas decorations will be up for a little while yet. Tradition is to keep them up until Epiphany. We also put our tree up kinda late so, I want to enjoy it a little longer.
Yes, life as a quilter–Just pretty normal!
We have dense fog again this morning. Not seen the sun for days and so much fog. I have not seen this much dense fog since I lived on the coast of AK. It does not bother me at all. But hope it lifts some before I drive into Council. Bluffs. It’s retreat prep time so need some goods! Then on Monday I drive north.
Been in my sewing room a lot. Cleaning and rearranging mostly done now. I have half the 12 blocks that need applique sewed down done. It’s so boring! I am disliking it! A couple of backings were made for tops but who knows when the quilting will get done. Finished up one quilt completely that’s been languishing for maybe a yr. Mary, loved your little quilt. I love how the border just made it pop.
Putting away and sending some to thrift store Christmas decorations. I kind of miss it tho. Probably won’t finish this chore until after retreat.
Good morning…just want you to know I check your blog about nothing every morning first thing. It’s about life . Your dogs and cats have their best life running,playing and just being what they were meant to be. For the last 20 years we’ve lived in communities with leash laws. Dogs weren’t meant to live that. I’m so happy to see Hazel digging and being just what she is meant to be.
Saw an interesting picture on ?? Facebook ,I think. They put slow cooker filled with water on low in the chicken shed so their water wouldn’t freeze. Thought of you when I read that. Hmmmmm?
Thank you for being you . Love your blog,stay healthy, keep posting.
Sharon,in Florida
Sharon – I’ve seen that idea, too, about the crockpot but not to worry, we have heated pails and bowls. It’s only when I leave a pail in the field for the geese that I have a frozen one. Yes, I feel sorry for dogs who live in town and that’s why I make my fenced acreage available to some friends’ dogs who love to visit.
Well Colleen’s comment was the best answer to life!
You know Mary we love your golf cart cause ours is ole miss dependable too. Only it’s in the barn “hibernating” for the winter cause he doesn’t use it much till yard work again. Right now it’s pick up sticks and throw in the burn barrel.
Across the street at the town highway garage is an area every year they put cinder blocks around for residents to drop off Christmas trees and our town grinds them for free mulch anyone can shovel and use at home. Yesterday one tree got dropped off already but many circumstances can move cleaning up along faster than others. Maybe they are going on a vacation now or surgery or they are over Christmas and need it cleaned up. It cracks me up to look out and see some trees with tinsel glittering on them still.
Hi Mary, yes I made the little pillow. Its a Little Ren Hen pattern that I picked up on my first trip to Iowa a few years ago. Loved the shop, just one room after another and all a little bit different.
Christmas was very quiet here, just me & hubs and Molly-dog. We’ll see the kids and grands next week. Like you, I’m ready to get back to normal too. My longarm is cooperating lately so I’ll have a few pictures to share soon.
Patti, your quilts always inspire me! What you can do with strips and squares is amazing and I love seeing them. What is a hidden log cabin? I’m not familiar with that one but it sure sounds interesting.
Barbara – I’ll post a picture of your sweet pillow – it’s very sweet and so nicely made and stuffed. I wish I knew how to stuff a solid pillow like that. I am a person who can really appreciate the quality of your work.
Thanks Mary, glad you like it. I am my own worst critic and I think most of us are like that.
Barbara,
I look forward to seeing your longarming results. Always interested in the patterns you might choose.
Hi Mary, just had a visit from an old neighbour ,Richard and his 2 sons from Germany. I looked after Richard when he was a baby for a few years and was great friends with his mother. He is a few months older than my son and they have always been best mates. Yes,l too am putting away decorations tom,trying to have a bit of a spring clean,and finish a few quilts Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy
I like that Colleen. My son, daughter in law and granddaughter are leaving tomorrow for the two day drive home. I will miss them. Especially because I got the flu Monday night so missed out on three days with them and Christmas dinner with family. My two boys stepped up and prepared the meal. One family chose not to attend even though I stayed in my bedroom but it was easier to have 17 than 30. Another Christmas family dinner in the books, my favourite dinner to have together as a family and I was sick. I think I was over doing it after my surgery and my resistance was down. Finally had some food today though still not normal yet. Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas, with family or friends or on your own. You are all loved by Him no matter how you celebrate.
Thank you for your blog Mary. I do look forward to it. As soon as I am well all the decorating will be put away. I’m tired of it because I had to have it done before Dec 1st which is a little early for me. Just want my peace and quiet and clean house back.
Teresa – oh no! You had to miss all the fun! Dang. I’ve been sick on Christmas in the past and it feels like I worked so hard decorating – for nothing. I don’t have too many decorations out except the quilts and I hung several over top of the all year round quilts – brilliant, huh? I just have to take down the Christmas ones. Hope you recover very soon!
Thank you Mary. Thursday started feeling better and each day I’ve gotten better. Last night I finally slept the best sleep I’ve had since my surgery. I had my niece who was also sick on Christmas and my son and his partner and my mom for brunch yesterday for my niece and my Christmas meal. It was simple and really fun. We gave her the gifts we had bought for her and she wasn’t expecting anything which is so nice. I’m hoping to start on a donation quilt by the end of the week. We have a challenge for the February meeting for our donation quilts-animals. I think last year which, was a transportation theme, had around 50 quilts we donated to the neonatal unit at the local hospital. Here’s hoping we get at least that many this year.
i tend to agree with colleen. i’m not sure i know anyone who is normal. i know what you mean though. the last while has been stressful for you. you just want to be the way ‘it used to be’. right?
it’s been quiet around here. i did get the last of the 4-patches pressed and squared. have to decide what i’m going to use as an alternate or if i’m just going to go low-volume. but…in the meantime i had planned to do a hidden log cabin with the stashbuster group. i had not cut it yet. also think i’m going to go with a planned light side for it also. had initially thought i would use the hoffman 2.5″ set mr. ed got me for christmas, but i think i’ll end up giving this one away so it can be practice for one for me.
i’ve been trying to learn flickr so i can upload bunches of pictures there. i’ve made so many mistakes. did discover, i think, that i need to do the majority of the editing before uploading. so i’ll have to learn how to delete lots. then once i’m a bit further along, i can organize into years. the biggest issue is finding the info about the quilt. mr. ed took pictures of what is upstairs in one room and in the hope chest. i know my daughter wants one of the ones that came back from my mother’s but i have to have the photos up so she can remember. originally i had all this stuff perfectly on webshots. but they went toes up while i was at my mother’s for months after my dad died. mr. ed got the pictures but no descriptions, just numbers from the camera. egads. it’s crazy. i’ll be on a roll, stop and next time i forget what i remembered. i hope i’m not the only one that happens to. there are a couple of favorite quilts that he did not get pictures of so now i have to figure out where they are.
i want to mention the first reader photo – quilt – it is really really nice. so is your ‘old’ golf cart.
now i’m going to bed. blessings to all, patti in florida
Normal is just a setting on the dryer.