On Sunday Becky and I went to Minneapolis to visit IKEA and then on to Bachman’s Garden Center. I just knew how much Reed would love Bachman’s so we invited him along. I get so carried away in the moment that I forget to take pictures when we’re shopping but here’s one with Reed and Becky trying out some chairs in IKEA.
I bought a couple rugs, some fabric, some small gifts and enjoyed looking at everything. Becky bought a little rolling cart to put her painting supplies in. I have one with all my plant paraphernalia in and it rolls to the area I’m working at. Great little cart!
Then we went to the Garden Center – what’s NOT to like about wandering through a greenhouse admiring plants?
I bought spruce tops and a couple Charlie Brown trees. They had so much Christmas greenery! I know I’m going to regret buying more.
Reed is a patient shopper and very careful about sticking close otherwise I would never agree to take him along. After Bachman’s we ate at Red Lobster on our way home. Got home by 7:30 Sunday night – we weren’t gone even 12 hours making it the perfect day trip.
So since it’s now time to decorate for Christmas, the pumpkins had to go. They had thawed out again and most were soft and collapsing. I put some in the grove for the rabbits and squirrels.
I also left a few by the bird feeders – maybe the squirrels would eat the pumpkins instead of the sunflower seeds?
The rest went to the barnyard for the chickens, geese and goats.
So that’s the end of pumpkin season for another year. Winter is coming and it’s time to get feed in the feedroom to last us until spring. This is how corn and oats are delivered. The chute goes in the window of the feedroom and the auger delivers it and then we put the window back in to keep it all dry and edible.
Here’s what two ton of feed looks like in the feedroom. That’s a lot of corn and oats, isn’t it?
The dogs love jumping in the corn as they search for mice in every corner.
I finished another quilt for the book and today I will bind it and write the directions. Remember last year when we made Split Squares from our book Sew Charming? Here’s a Christmas runner I made as a gift for some good friends. It has straight line quilting, of course!
That’s all the news up to date – it’s a rainy, drizzly day! I wont be raking leaves!
Your table runner is beautiful. Very simple with lovely fabric. Swoon………
I love that you take Reed on outings. Every child should have a non-parent adult who shares their interests. It is 80 degrees here and I’m trying to get the dirt in my flowerbeds turned over before the rain moves in.
I live “in the big city” and really appreciate your stories of life on the farm. I was particularly touched by the story of putting out the pumpkins for the rabbits and squirrels and how much Reed seems to enjoy activities that we usually do not associate with children. My son would whine and complain no end if I took him to Ikea and a plant nursery. Kudos to Reed!
Reed is a lucky little boy to have a special friend to spend time with! Sounds like you all had a great day! The table runner is very pretty and reminds me that it won’t be long till Christmas is here.
Reed is so lucky and so are you! Love the table runner and the straight stitching.
Reds and lights–perfect:) Your straight line quilting idea has been so helpful:) Thank you. Your Sunday sounds like a perfect day. How is the goat who lost the horn? Still doing okay? Enjoy your day; it’s sunny and almost 48 here in Central Ohio.
Diane – Alfalfa seems like he doesn’t even miss that horn but there a stub of soft issue where the horn was and if he bumped that hard enough, I’m sure it would be painful and bleed. I’m keeping my eye on him.
Your split squares comment reminds me of why I started receiving your emails. I signed up when I was reading about those quilts. I have been enjoying your farm life, quilts, and a forecast of the weather to come. What you experience often arrives in Indiana a day or two later. Have an enjoyable Thanksgiving!
Here off the grid in Idaho at about 5800 ft. we got 5″ of snow last night. Our Brutus with snow plow cleared the 2/3 mile to hiway 93 early. Pepper went along to help clear our road in the opposite direction. She is growing and wears herself out playing outside, chewing on wood and chasing snow as it falls.
Your runner will be a very welcomed gift; so lovely, Mary. Thanks for the picture!
How nice that Reed accompanied you two on the big outing. So much to see and enjoy.
Interesting to see your feed delivery.
This is early snow compared to when we moved in last year. Guess the Farmers’ Almanac prediction is right..cold winter! At least we are better prepared with warmer clothes and plenty of fire wood.
Launa – so much snow already! I’ll bet your fireplace is going making it so cozy. Hugs to Pepper!!
So enjoyable, your report! Reed is such a trooper and he enjoys wherever you take him. Love your idea for the spent pumpkins and seeing the feed delivery. Gotta take care of the critters in winter! I so enjoyed making my Christmas quilt last year and will put it out on my table after Thanksgiving! By the way, Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Reed is going to make a fine husband! My husband’s grandmother took him shopping and to garage sales when he was growing up! He is the most patient shopper; never rushes and always carries the bags! My mother was so impressed! You are teaching him well Mary and not just shopping but helping him with the chickens and garden too!
Love the Christmas runner with the split squares and straight line stitching. That is such a great pattern! Wow, lots of feed – probably will be all gone come spring. What a wonderful place you have an what fun to take Reed along on your day trip – how wonderful for him and for you as well.
I absolutely love the red runner. I know I’d have all the fabrics for it. Is the pattern somewhere? I anxiously wait every day for your postings. Thanks!
Pam – the complete pattern is in our book Sew Charming but the basic measurements are 5″ x 5″ squares and strips 1-1/4″ x 5″.
Thanks!
I love reading your posts and enjoying your animals!! Can’t wait for your new book!
You had a fun week-end looks like. I enjoyed all the photos. Ikea is an amazing place to shop. I have only been there twice as we have to travel all the way to Portland….a four or five hour trip.
I am working on a Christmas runner that is a lot like yours except mine is just squares without the band running through the squares. Need to work on it yet today.
If I knew the days trip ended at Red Lobster, I might enjoy shopping as well. LOL
It sounds like all of you had a lot of fun. Love the table runner.