Gusts up to 60 mph in North Central Iowa today and tomorrow morning we’ll be the coldest spot in the state with a wind chill of -1. Spring left in a hurry.
It was almost dangerous to drive but I went to Menards today to get perlite, succulent soil and rooting powder. I have many plants to divide and cuttings to be rooted and planted. So fun! I’m already planning my tables of plants outside in May and looking into some raised beds to try a few vegetables. I doubt there will any grass to mow, sadly.
I’m sorry to say I’m still coughing and one of my prescriptions has finished. All the coughing results in a headache.
I started one block tonight – so detailed and hard to follow the diagram but here’s my first block – Hazel.
I’ll try Keeper and Hank next.
Hank might be Fluffybun’s only friend.
Ooh, Hazel in fabric!!
As for FB – we only need one true friend.
You are a dynamo – the pencil quilt is so fun! Even when I’ll, you still have so much energy!
Rolled my left ankle on Wednesday. I’m using my rolling desk chair to get around. My dog Sparky is afraid of the noise on the wood floors, and so I have lost my best friend for the time being. I have a crib quilt binding to hand stitch, but I certainly wish that I had a hand piecing project ready to go. Just like you, I abhor binding.
Here’s to speedy recoveries for us both!
Jan – oh dear! Your ankle! At least I can still get around. I have a cough and I think all the meds make me a bit dizzy and fuzzy – more so than usual! Ha!
Hope your cough is getting better. It’s terrible not being able to do and go where you want because of a cough. There was a lot less coughing at my church this Sunday compared to last. Maybe everyone is starting to feel better. Our nine day dog sitting job will be done in a couple of hours. Our dog will be so happy.
Hope the cough goes away soon. My daughter has one, too. We need warm spring weather. The wind was wild here yesterday. We had a little snow during the night. I am ready to start some seeds. I did buy some zinnia and cactus seeds. I tried the cactus seeds before with minimal luck. Hazel’s block is wonderful. Just finished my panel project from my Guild. My panel was Van Gogh’s Irises in Arles. I made a project folder, notions bag and needle book from the fabric. Some of the panels were a real challenge. Hope everyone has a good ady tomorrow.
So sorry you are still coughing. My husband had pneumonia several years ago, & I remember it took forever to get rid of the cough. So hang in there!! I love Elizabeth Hartmann patterns, I have several, but just haven’t gotten around to making any of them yet. Your Hazel block turned out great!! You are inspiring me to maybe try the dog park pattern, I have had enough dogs in my life, so maybe I could make a whole quilt out of blocks that look like the dogs I have had!!
Don’t know if Hank has been accepted by Fluffy Bun but he hasn’t been clawed to death by the cat, yet……… It does take time.
Seems like almost everybody is having a cough problem. My neighbor just found out she has some sort of something in her lungs. Do you have a humidifier? Time and lots of cough drops may be your only hope? Maybe the secret is to keep from coughing as it aggravates your throat making you cough more.
The temp extreme is very interesting. We had 14 below and 2 days later it was 50 above. Jet Stream moved. It has been in the 50-60’s this week, but supposed to be 20s and 30’s next week. Have to look at the thermometer and the flag to see what to wear.
Did anybody see the planets last night? Don’t know if we had clouds but didn’t see anything around sundown. I checked every 15 minutes and nothing and gave it up. Went out about 9 and there they were! The four of them looked just like the pictures!!! Doesn’t it just boggle the mind to imagine just how big a place we are living in?
I may have to get the Dog Park pattern. It would be good for the pediatric quilts.
Take care everybody. Spring isn’t far away, I think, although we’ve had some big storms in May and June!!
Betty in Rapid City
Betty – I didn’t see the planets – I didn’t even bother to look, I guess. I think my cough is actually better tonight after a nap this afternoon. We had a wind chill this morning below zero after temps in the 50’s yesterday but the wind was brutal. Yes, it does boggle my mind to think about the size of our universe!
I wish I could help you with binding. I don’t mind it at all. It is sort of Zen to me, I guess. I love the dog blocks. Hazel is perfect! My son had the most horrible cough I have ever personally heard for a couple of months. He actually ran off the road while driving, it was so bad. Thank goodness he was not in traffic and it was a grassy median and no damage to him or the car.
Turned out he had pneumonia, as someone else has mentioned. I hope you feel better soon, or as has also been mentioned, another trip to your doctor might be necessary. Love you!
Brenda – I will definitely go back to the dr if I’m not better next week. I think my fingers are just too arthritic to hold the needle and what kind of thimble do you use? I can’t find one that stays on!
I think the last day of Feb. is a “mite” early to be thinking spring! My birthday in March 30 and it was always a toss up if we’d have snow or sleet or both. I don’t ever recall celebrating a birthday ON my birthday. Hank is so sweet and FluffyBun really needs a friend.
I love the Elizabeth Hartman patterns, they are like jigsaw puzzles for quilters! I have found, for me, a design wall is an absolute necessity. I think next up for me is the Fab Farm. I have declared this year to be “farm quilts.” Sorting fabric, I found I had a LOT of farm related fabrics. Time to use them. Apparently, the “inside” Iowa farm girl is not as dormant as I imagined!
Marlene – you’re right – I’m sure there’s more snow/sleet in our future. I have a 20” piece of cardboard covered with batting to lay out the block pieces – I couldn’t do it without it.
Yesterday I saw the Elizabeth Hartman dog park pattern and really liked it. I’ve made a few of her quilts and now this morning I open your email and you have started it. I’m debating ordering the book. I think I would use that pattern a lot. Really like your Hazel block. Hope your cough stops soon. Headaches from a cough are horrible.
Teresa – I haven’t started the next dog block yet – still some binding to do but if I don’t push myself I think I won’t get so impatient to finish – all the blocks are very detailed as you know. I’ve had the booklet for quite awhile and haven’t had the nerve to jump in. Ha!
Hi Mary,
My husband and I have used a prescription pill Benzonatate to stop coughing and it really works. So sorry you’re dealing with that. I love the Hazel block!
I second Benzonatate, had severe bronchitis 2 yrs ago with horrible cough for about 2 months & that was the only thing that helped. Worth a call to get script for it. Pat Williams
Pat – that’s what he prescribed for me and I think it’s working
Linette – that’s one of the prescriptions I got and I’m taking faithfully.
I don’t know, Mary. That look Fluffybun is giving Hank doesn’t look all that friendly.
Nice job on Hazel’s block. I’ve bought a couple of Elizabeth Hartmann patterns, they’re so cute. But I haven’t yet had time, courage, or inspiration to actually start one. I look forward to seeing your progress.
Sharon – well, the dog. Locks are certainly challenging – so many little pieces but I’ll try another one. I’m going to make the blocks of dogs I know so Molly, Penny, Finn, Ivy, keeper, Hank –
Love the Hazel block! Hank and Fluffy Bun are too cute together. I hope your cough gets better soon. We have snow today after having 56 degrees yesterday. Sigh….. I have a couple of EH patterns but not the dog one. We have cats and two of our boys and their wives have cats, too. Thus, I own cat patterns. LOL
Mary, lots of cough drops. Sometimes the wind stirs up crud that causes irritation. Rain may help too. I’ve noticed the lint from fabric is starting to affect my nose!!😢😡☹️
Your talent to capture the perfect picture of the critters around the farm is amazing. I could never be that fast.
Your Hazel block is full of patience. How can you not like binding, but have enough patience to make an entire quilt requiring that much patience for every block? You are a kookolotta!! But we loooove you.
What a fun word, Jo! KOOKOLOTTA
What does it mean?
Jo – and tonite I’m trying to finish the binding on the pencil quilt but I think it’s because my fingers can’t grip the needle and I bet I have 50 different thimbles and now fit good. Sometimes patience is just desire to do something. And about the pictures – my phone is always, but always, in my pocket. I never have to stage a picture. And if I’d buy the new IPhone I’d have an even better camera – but ……
Mary…I’m so sorry…I forgot it’s your arthritis that makes hand work so hard for you. I’m truly sorry.
Susan, kookolotta is a made up term of endearment for someone (best friend) or something (pet) you love dearly.
I love that photo of Hank and FluffyBun. He seems so sweet to her and she is listening to his thoughts.
Sorry about the cough. If it continues I would seek better care. So many here have it and it’s pneumonia and a stubborn one.
What a sweet picture of Hank and Fluffybun. I thought the same thing another reader thought…maybe Fluffybun could live with Hank. Too bad Hank’s mom is allergic to cats.
The Dog Park pattern is cute and the Hazel block came out perfect. I made Elizabeth Hartman’s Lloyd and Lola Llama for my granddaughter and Dogs in Sweaters for my great nephew. The patterns are detailed but come out so cute.
Oh what a heart warming site to see Fluffybun and Hank! Next thing she will be cuddling with him. Yes, the wind was so awful yesterday. I braved it and went to town for a few things. Jay went along….needed to get out too! Actually, at about sunset the wind had started to die a little. This morning i get up and it is only 14*. On Friday morning it was 41*. Weird weather!
We have three grandchildren with birthdays in Feb and March—all in the same family! So tonight we are celebrating and invited to their house for the party. I am bringing a mandarin orange Lettuce salad. It is very refreshing! I think it will pass the no junk food. The Joseph, 21 year old has been getting rid of all the junk food in their house. Our son (the dad) thinks it’s funny. He said the only thing that has survived is honey nut cheerios and he didn’t think that would survive for long! Joseph is big into weight lifting and exercises! It will be yummy smoked food!!
Have a good Saturday and Sunday!! Hope you are able to go to church Mary!
Joy – I am going to church! My whole week is messed up when I don’t go. I’ll take lots of cough medicine and drops. The choir is singing so it’s just me for that – I have to be there. And we’re having a baptism. Cold here, too – chickens can stay in the barn today
I love the dog park pattern & the Hazel block looks perfect. Can’t wait to see Keeper & Hank. I made the Elizabeth Hartman greenhouse pattern & you’re right. Lots of little pieces but it turned out great. Yesterday we finally got a chance to take a big walk. There is still ice in the woods so we had to be careful but it was so nice to walk in the sunshine. When I read about your weather I know to get ready for when those conditions to blow into PA.
So sorry that you’re still coughing. Try some old fashioned remedies, if you can find them. The picture of Hank and Fluffybun is too sweet. Your dog quilt looks adorable for a dog lover.
Absolutely LOVE the Hazel block! It turned out beautifully – can’t wait to see Hank and Keeper next 🐾🐶
So sorry your still coughing – these drastic temp changes create havoc with illnesses
We had 57 just a few days ago then this morning woke up to 20’s and snow – crazy 😝
The Hazel block is so cute! Elizabeth Hartman does such cute quilts. I’m sorry you can’t get rid of the cough—such a pain. I have friend going through the same thing and she just doesn’t feel like going anywhere. We also got the wind yesterday—DH nearly got blown across the parking lot at Starbucks—but it was warm! Today, not so much—wind chill in the 20’s and snow flurries.
Oh Mary I chuckled seeing your new project. Elizabeth has such a following and one of our local quilt shops has a group of gals who meet to sew her quilts. Big display of all her patterns and I was in awe of how many there are. I just bought my daughter the farm animals pattern for her birthday as she has done them before and that particular one she will do in florals.I hope all the blocks are as adorable as Hazels is.
FB and Hank seem to be gazing into each others faces so affectionately. Gorgeous photo.
Thanks for the wind! We got it last night but not as strong as your gusts.
Kathy – I just couldn’t wait to start the dog blocks but today I have to go back to binding as well as more tops are waiting for the longarm. I also want to stop and take down my winter quilts. I’ll send you a pic of one I just hung.
Mary – I wish I had just one ounce of your color sense! You are amazing how you can pull fabrics from your stash and balance them all out so perfectly.
I had to ahhhh at the picture of Hank and Fluffybuns. What a sweet guy to make friends.
We had wind yesterday too. Reached the 40s but, the wind chill made it feel so much colder. The bottom dropped out this morning and it’s only 7 right now.
The dog quilt is coming out so cute. Can’t wait to see it finished. Fussy but worth it, I’m sure.
I’m working on decluttering a couple spaces but, my problem, I can’t pass up a good thrift store. I’m being way more selective after cleaning a few days. Even left one store with nothing! Still fun to browse.
Love love love the Hazel block. Just as cute as she is. The picture of Hank and FB is adorable. We are getting some warm weather but unfortunately we are also getting rain. Oh well. I’m hopeing our snow will last until the middle of March as My niece and family are visiting from Florida and we would love it if her little boy could play in snow. A lingering cough is no fun. I bet(hope) your doctor would prescribe a refill.
Warmer temps here in NW Nebr. We had terrible winds last week that melted all the snow.
Glad to see you stated your Dog Park quilt. Hazel is so cute in fabric. I started the Fab Farm by Eliz Hartman yesterday got the background fabric cut up, waiting on the animal fab to show up. My quilt project for the winter. Take care cl
Oh Mary your hazel block is just darling. Don’t give up on the blocks. I made the Elizabeth Hartman quilt and became addicted to her patterns! They are fussy but so worth it. I make them as donation quilts. And kids just love them. Keep on keepin on😊
Block Hazel looks very cute! Sorry to hear you are still coughing. I coughed for a good two weeks, now in week three and doing much better. It will improve! Here in the Netherlands the first signs of spring are starting to appear: snowdrops and now the early crocuses. Had a couple of bizarrely warm days last week, immediately followed by biting cold, but birds are starting to sing and the longer daylight is really nice.
Sorry to hear you are still coughing.
I love the dog quilt you are working on. Hazel’s block is great! Can’t wait to see the others.
Don’t get blown away tomorrow. That’s really windy. We had a beautiful spring day today. I’m sending it your way.
Hazel, cute! Love it.
Ohh, maybe FB should go home and live with Hank???
Lindah – wouldn’t that be perfect? Hank’s mom is allergic to cats.🙁
Sorry you are still coughing. I guess our spring weather is leaving, but it was fun for a few days.
I love the Hazel block—so cute.
Since Hank likes Fluffybun, maybe she can go live at his house. 😳
Have a great weekend! 🥰
Blocks depicting Hazel, Keeper, and Hank are off to a great start. This pattern was designed with you in mind for sure.
So sorry to hear that you are still coughing! I think you should call the doctor back. Sometimes they only give a mild antibiotic or lesser things to try and assume it will get better. Headaches are NO fun!
A local guild had a show today. I love this show because they have a “Grandmother’s Attic” hallway. It’s like Trash or Treasures and you never know what you will find! I got a couple of children’s panels, a couple of books, and a bag of fabrics to use in scrappy quilts. Great fun!
That sounds like a blast!
When I go to a class or a retreat or some gathering of quilters, I love to visit with each table and see everyone’s box of sewing supplies. Their collection of notions needed to sew with is such fun to see. How the embroidery floss is organized. Pin and needle cushions, measuring rulers and markers….”basic sewing supplies”. How many scissors they bring.
How sweet to see Fluffybun has found a friend in Hank. He’s quite the gentleman isn’t he