Another duplicate day in North Iowa – sunny skies, temps in the 70’s, light wind – and we do the same thing every day.
The bittersweet vine – which never produces berries – has gotten out of control and blocked the steps to the haymow and I decided today was the day I’d do something about that.
We’ll haul it to the burn pile in the big trailer.
And then there’s Mortie – Barney actually licked his head when we were in the barn today so I think that will be ok. I fed Tim who popped his head out of his box when I went into the woodshed.
Millie has forgiven me –
I got this Iowa fabric in the mail today from Susan in AL. I have had this fabric in the past but this will be such a nice back. Thank you, Susan!!!!
Good thing it was fabric and not something breakable.
The Aces swept the Mercury – it’s been a boring series. Just wait till next year when the Fever is in the finals.
And so it goes at the blog about nothing.
Love the red quilt you showed. Some nice readers of your blog shared the name of it. If you offer the pattern for sale I will be interested or share what book pattern is in.
Mortie is so cute and she seems to feel right at home now.
That was a lot of work cutting down that vine. Hope you are feeling good after that hard work.
Would like some beautiful blue skies here in Northern Arizona like you have. We have had rain for 3 days and more rain expected.
Lorraine – I need to clean up my only pattern sheet and then it will be for sale
Loved reading your blog today, like I always do. We have bittersweet here, but it doesn’t go crazy like your plant does. Enjoy the beautiful days while they are here because we know winter is coming. LOL
Really enjoyed reading the comments today. We’re picking up half a beef this coming Tuesday which we paid $920 for ($3.75/pound)- not counting the cutting/wrapping cost. The people who raise them live in the John Day, OR area (about three hours from here) and they want to retire from the business. I sure hope it’s not too soon! The meat is so much better than store bought. I wonder if our prices are comparable to the ones mentioned?
After beautiful fall weather, we’ve got rain in the forecast today and tomorrow with quite a bit lower temperatures. Will need to think about bringing some plants inside soon. Thankfully, I have one of those pot movers like you have Mary. It’s a life (and back) saver!
Tina – the pot mover is the best helper I have. Becky used it last week and was amazed – I told her I couldn’t move these plants around without it. This year I have finally used too big a pot to fit on the mover. I’m going to find a permanent spot for that cactus and never worry about it again – ugh.
Like many, I faithfully read what you share Mary, but rarely comment. Love this blog about nothing because of your words, precious photos, and the comments from readers. Shedding light on high beef prices, dairy and other current issues in the agricultural community helps the uneducated like me understand why. I never did share my sewing story, so now’s better than never!… Every home in the 50’s had a sewing machine and mine was no exception – Mom bought a brand new Singer Slant Needle 300 series, which is still in the family. Because it was so new, she hesitated to let me have my way with it. So while the parents were fishing in MN that fall, the sitter didn’t know that the machine was off limits and I had free rein – every day after school I sewed something. I made a blouse and skirt for myself and was so proud!. Looking back I recall it was plain white blouse and hideous blue and white striped with floral sprays in between, for the pleated skirt. Regardless, it was my creation and I was so proud. Learned techniques while sewing for my Barbie – also still w/me today in a drawer somewhere. Ultimately earned a master’s in Home Economics and Clothing Construction which took me to the local community college where i taught for a few years before our first child came along. Been sewing ever since. Now it’s mostly items that don’t need fitting – quilts for charity, bags/pouches/purses and such. When our granddaughter came along in the past couple years, I pulled out a pattern that I used for her Mom, and started sewing knit play clothes – so easy on the serger. It’s been a lovely ride! – Blessings to all – Barb – first in NW Indiana, then to Calif, and now in Tucson😊
Barb – I loved your sewing story! I’ll bet your mom was surprised when she got home from that fishing trip to see you wearing new clothes – that you made yourself!!! Such a great beginning – and thanks for enjoying the blog about nothing!
Mom’s comment was…”and I suppose you sewed on that machine every chance you got…”. And I just shook my head yes!
Barbara – oh, what a great story!!!
Pattern is Feng Shui by Janine Burke, Designs by jb
I check in on you every day and this is the first time I have had an answer for you. Can’t wait to see what you make.
Brenda
My days are pretty mundane and probably boring to some people. I just enjoy being home most of the time. Yesterday we went to Pella to a couple Thrift Stores, and then ate at Culver’s which is a treat for us. I spend most of my days in my sewing room. Our church quilting group is making Christmas lap quilts (for wheelchairs) for one of the nursing homes in our hometown. We have done this for the past several years. I have probably put together at least 20 tops, maybe more. We need to have 50 and like to have them done by the first of December so the residents can enjoy them. We have ladies that tie the quilts, so they are a part of the process, as most of them do not sew. It is a fun project. We meet once a week for 2 hours.
I also do the bulletin for our church every week, so this morning I went to the church to get it printed and ready for tomorrow. Went to HyVee afterwards and bought a couple pork roasts as they were on sale. I would love to have beef, but have a hard time paying the price they are asking for any of it. Our daughter gave us some ground beef as they had a steer butchered last year, so that really helps. At our age, that is a wonderful Christmas gift for us. We don’t need anything else.
As always, I also enjoy this blog so much and read all the comments, and click on the ads everytime I go back and read the new comments. Thank you, Mary for doing this for us.
Enjoy these nice fall days we are having right now.
The pattern is The 42 Yard Dash. I love that pattern.
Lori – thank you….and several others who restored my memory!!
Quilt name I believe is 42 Yard Dash, a Country Threads pattern. I can mail you a copy if you like since it’s your pattern.
Pat – thank you! I have such great readers – I don’t remember but you guys do! I’m going to look for it before I ask you to mail it.
I am in love with Mortie! I have 4 yellow cats and the youngest one looks just like Mortie. Such a sweet face! I also have a black cat, gray tabby and a calico. All rescues. After years of love they are still skiddish around everyone but my husband and I. I hope I outlive them all because no one else would want them.
I love your blog about nothing Mary! Thank you for keeping on with it. 🥰
Gayle – this is a very big worry for me – what will happen to my pets if I were to die? That’s why I swore I didn’t want any more young cats or dogs. And now I have Mortie.
I am so in love with Morty. That little face gets me every time you post a picture. I’m not even a cat love, but that little mite has captured my heart. He’s so lucky to have you.
Hi Mary,
Years ago, I planted one bittersweet plant, and it never had berries, I later learned that you need a male and a female plant to produce berries. Now they have a plant that actually has both those properties in one plant. When I had mine planted next to the garage it would grow into the garage through the cracks in the concrete floor! I still love it.
Lori – yes, I’m aware that I would need an opposite sex plant. It’s such a vigorous grower that it becomes a nuisance. Next year I will trim throughout the summer so I don’t have this huge job again. And I didn’t wear gloves so my hands are raw with scrapes and scratches. Stupid, I know.
Mary, I would have done exactly the same thing LOL I know that I will never get around to a focused weeding effort, so I pull a couple of weeds whenever I’m outside walking around. I know that some have thorns and that I’m allergic to nearly all of them, but I NEVER LEARN.
In the South, we have these stunning trees called Crepe Myrtles. They bloom vigorously { I’m using your word because it’s so descriptive, and I doubt that I will find another opportunity today 🙂 } in late summer when everything else has given up due to the heat. Except. They grow almost as fast as kudzu vines, and you really have to keep up with trimming to keep them in a nice shape and a manageable size. People get tired of the work, but not the blossoms, and will cut them back almost to the main trunk; the Southern Living magazine gardening expert calls it “Crepe Murder”.
I’m happy to see that the persistent little package made its way to you, in spite of the USPS best effort to lose it or crush its little spirit LOL
Susan – I was so worried when I saw the condition of the box I even shook it to see if something was broken. I always like to find my county on the Iowa fabric and yes, I will enjoy using this quite large piece as a back. Thanks for thinking of me – my readers are the absolute best!!
How cute is the picture of Morty and the needle punch pattern. If you make it, maybe you can attach the picture to the back. So Cute!!!
Jane in St Mary’s IA is right on with beef prices. After hearing how bad it is, my husband called his cousin who has bought, raised & sold beef for his entire life like his father. Last week he bought 56 feeder calves at a price of $106,000(nearly $1900. each). Now he has to corral them & feed them until they are marketable size and hope none die. He told us no one wants to go through the time & work so there is an extreme shortage of feeder cattle and also with dairy in America. Our county used to be loaded with dairy herd’s but we can’t think of one now. Another sad change.
On the brighter side and with the weather so nice, we went to an apple orchard and bought some great apples – darn. Now I have to start making apple crisp etc.
It looks like another great weekend weatherwise.
My yard has been taken over by bittersweet. My neighbor next door was warned to get rid of it but she kept it because “it was so pretty”. Now the whole neighborhood is infected. It travels underground and by birds.
Our last cat was a ginger cat named Harvey. I’m enjoying seeing Morty in your wonderful blog about nothing.
Suzanne – oh no! Can you kill it with Roundup? The neighborhood should pay her a visit for causing such a nuisance for everybody. It is a vigorous grower, for sure, but I will be proactive next year!
And here I thought you were having such an exciting life, Mary! Cats arriving on your doorstep, fighting the good fight against invasive vines, and savoring those beautiful October skies. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
Mundane is having to do cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping. The only mundane chore I don’t mind is laundry. Jack is busy chewing a ball. I’m up early as I had to pick up the grand while Momma works. Not enough tea yet to be interactive so Jack will have to wait until I have another cuppa before I’m playing.
DebMac – my Mortie is your Jack – she wants my attention and her canned food the instant I see her in the morning so I’m trying hard not to let her get into that schedule.
Mary, You surely are a cat magnet! Little Mortie is so cute posing in front of his punch needle likeness. I resurrected an old skill to make a cross stitch angel for a friend who is recovering from surgery. I didn’t enjoy it as much as quilting. Maybe because I worked on it while watching sports & I had to pay close attention to my stitches & not the games. My sister-in -law had a parakeet named Jerry after her ornery old uncle. Then she adopted a gray tabby & named her Lillian after Jerrys wife. Tom is always doing bettle with our bittersweet vine that always threatens to engulf our driveway. Love those pics of your barn.
Dea – I am so glad I mentioned the bittersweet so I know others have also had to deal with it. If it had berries I’d probably be ok with it.
Little Mortie has the prettiest face! I just love cats. This week we hung the new exhibit at The Quilters’ Hall of Fame—Kim Diehl! Her quilts are beautiful in pictures but spectacular in person! The director and I hung the exhibit—just us up and down ladders all day. I’m still feeling the effects. Another friend was there but she had a stroke in July and certainly can’t climb ladders! She is a professional quilt pattern editor and sews quilts for fabric companies, often the models for the free patterns on fabric manufacturing sites, mainly Moda. She knows tons of people in the industry and she’s the one who talked to Kim and got us the exhibit. It’s up until December 13th so if you’re close enough to get here, come see it!
Sue – I wish Connie could see it – she loves Kim Diehl! Up and down a ladder would do me in but I’ll bet the exhibit is fabulous.
Your kitties are so awesome! I’m glad Millie forgave you! Does she feel better? That Mortie is SO photogenic! Such a beautiful cat! I’m so happy Mortie is accept by the bunch. And Tim is probably secretly keeping an eye on the going’s on. Heehee.
Suppose to get windy…and maybe rain tomorrow? Would be nice to settle some dust and fire danger!
Oh what shall we have to eat today???
Joy – now cooking is most definitely a mu dance job – I hate it. I think we’ll grill tonight because the grill is on the west side of the house and the wind is coming from the east. Keep us posted about Jay’s eye – I just know how happy he is to be back farming – I so wish Rick could help his friends. Did I tell you that Farmer Tim had asked me to help him this fall since they were missing a driver but I declined – I’d be so afraid I’d make a mistake.
Mary, I used to help haul in that fall, bring it to the elevator or to our bin and unload it! The kids would ride with me. My favorite tractor was a RED 1486. Jay traded it for a green one. By that time the sons were helping and I said they can have my job. I’ll cook. That big equipment and wagons scare me!
I always tease Jay, I won’t help because he traded my favorite tractor.
Warms my heart that all the kitties are getting along. And proof that miracles do happen with your little girl returning! The last pics of Mortie looking at the orange punch needle kitty are hysterical! Kitties and pups….the world is a better place with them in it,
Your barn is so beautiful! Your quilt shop must have been a gem in the country!! I love quilt shops that are out of the way and in different spots then just a strip mall. I read your blog every day, but rarely commented, now that I know how to click the ads, I’m adding some comments.
I’ve always wanted a female orange cat, maybe someday. We currently have 4 inside cats. We can’t adopt anymore until they have all passed because when we adopted one of them, she had the herpesvirus, it’s like a bad cold in cats. It is spread very easily amongst cats, so they have all been infected. They periodically get really sick and lethargic. Other than that you would never know they are sick. The vet told us that ‘one’ of the times one of them get sick, they will probably pass because they just don’t have the energy to fight off that episode. Our current cats are 16, 15 and two at 10, so we are doing really good and love each day with them.
It’s yard work here today and some quilting tonight. I’m putting together a Smith Mountain Morning quilt by Bonnie Hunter. It has 28 pieces each in 2 different 9″ blocks. I was really happy to get all 81 blocks together. It’s looking so good on the design wall. It is a gift for a friend.
Diane O – can’t wait to see your quilt for a friend. We were known as Iowa’s Only Quilt Shop In A Chicken Coop. Some days I wish we were still open but most days I’m grateful we’re not.
Fellow animal lover here. I live along Lake Superior in Minnesota. Your shop was one of the first quilt shops I ever went to. I loved reading the Goat Gazette and have followed your blog for years.
The red and white quilt looks like Happy Hour by Atkinson Designs
Thank you for sharing your slice of heaven
Hi Mary, Morty is now the number one pet on the blog,is Hazel, s nose out of joint?The red and white quilt looks easy,if you have the variety of reds in the quilt! Iam making an autumn leaf 🍂 block with 30 pieces in a 10 inch block. Can only cope with cutting and sewing one block a day,trying not to get the layout wrong! Sewing Sunday tomorrow, so will pin out the leader and ender blocks l have made and start quilting. Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy
Mortie is adorable, and Barney is just the sweetest cat-love him!
You made quite a difference on the haymow steps; that was a big job.
With our cooler temps, I have been enjoying our porch swing. We were laughing about early in our marriage, we bought a porch swing, and we didn’t even have a porch! 🙄 Fortunately, someone gave us an old swing set frame, so we could have a “yard swing.”
Thanks, Mary 🥰
Jeanie – I have an old porch swing in my storage shed just waiting for the day I can hang it in my house. Just think of watching tv gently pushing the swing with your foot.
I love the Mortie look-a-like punch needle. I’ve been busy freezing ground beef tonight. It was on sale for $4.99 for 20% fat. Usually I buy 7-10% fat ground beef but the price has gone up to $8.99 and $10.99 respectively. So I’ll just mix a pound of the higher fat with the lower fat (which I already have in the freezer) when ready to use ground beef. I’ve noticed cheese prices have gone up now also. I’m surprised that the price of these two products has increased so because they aren’t imported so there aren’t tariffs on them. Does anyone have insight as to why the price hikes?
As a small beef producer in Iowa I can tell you why beef prices are so high….we’re running out of old farmers/cattle ranchers that raise beef! The supply of beef in the USA is at an all time low. It is a costly & timely thing to raise cattle from a calf & get it to the stage of selling for butchering. The younger generation wants instant gratification & raising beef isn’t one of those jobs! We only raise beef…not dairy…but I can only assume that as dairy farmers age out as well….so does the milk/cheese products. It’s all about supply & demand & right now we can’t keep up with the supply part of it. We are fortunate to be able to raise our own & butcher our own but I do realize not everyone has that option. We all wonder where the market is going for the future & in the meantime we will continue to raise & sell cattle like we’ve done for the past 35+ years!
Jane – we are lucky to have friends who offer us quarters – and right now my freezer is still quite supplied.
We sell to our friends as well. They are all so appreciative of what we do. Some days it’s a struggle but at our age….what isn’t!!
I totally agree with you Jane. We are small beef producers. A little younger than you may be (late 50’s). We only have a cow calf operation. We don’t have the space or facilities to finish them. The number of cattle farmers around us is lowering. It will take a while to turn the numbers problem around. The U.S. has the smallest to cow herd since 1951. We are planning on keeping heifers back this year in spite of the high prices because we need to keep our herd numbers up. A heifer calf born in 2025 will have her first calf in 2027 and that calf can be harvested 18+ months later. So that means a heifer calf born in 2025 will produce beef ready for your plate in fall 2028 give or take a few months. There are lots of variables.
Well Marie we are mid 70’s so yes you are a bit younger than us but that hasn’t slowed us down too much! We feed out the steers & possibly a few heifers that we don’t want in the breeding herd so not that many from birth to finish. We do sell bred heifers & bulls from our purebred Simmental herd & those all seem to be in high demand right now. In our neighborhood when we 1st moved here 30+ years ago there was a cattle herd at every farm on our road & surrounding area. Now it’s just us & our son’s herd! That’s a lot of cattle that no longer help supply food. We will keep doing what we do as long as we are able.
I am so in love with your blog. I don’t reply very often, but I am there every day 🙂
Morty has a twin in the punch needle 🙂
I love your bright blue skies, the PNW is in the beginning of “the big dark”, grey skies and misty rain
Glad that you are feeling better
Dorothy in W WA
Dorothy – oh, you could almost embarrass me with praise like that!!! This blog is truly about nothing – we’re all the same generation and by this time most of our lives are pretty mundane. I love to hear what my readers are doing and I can’t convince most of you to join in the conversation. My life is pretty normal but I’d like to think I appreciate that and that my readers feel the same about their lives.
I too have to review “how to load the tool” instructions everytime I start a punch needle project. The weather has been darned near perfect here in North Central Iowa. Enjoy it now because we know whats around the corner!