Catching up,

Sorry, I have been remiss in updating the blog. Actually I've been very busy taking workshops at the "Stitch'in Post". I've been working on a long term project - a kaleidoscope quilt (I posted a pic on my Facebook page if you want to see what it looks like. I've also taken three other workshops that included making a purse (called the Mina Bag) and a table runner.

The bag is lined in a green and brown complementary print. When I get the runner finished, I will put up a picture so you can see it as well.

It is beautiful here at this time of year - the aspens are golden and our red maple is a blaze of reds and burnt sienna. Last week Frank and I stopped at the Woodburn Outlets and enjoyed the fantastic display of huge pumpkins - they came in all colors and spectacular shapes. Check out the photo below!

Luke just sent me a photo of Elizabeth and Leilani. They were participants in Leilani's cousin's wedding this month. Aren't they both beautiful!

Frank and I are doing very well. He has been working at organizing his man cave, and I've officially opened my Xmas workshop - I am hoping to make most of my gifts this year! Next week I start training for volunteer work at the "Habitat for Humanity Thrift Store". I am looking forward to the new experience. We've made lots of wonderful new friends and count ourselves as extremely blessed!

The Sun Came Out!

When we woke this morning, the sky was blue, birds were singing, and there was not a cloud in the sky. Believe it or not, we have had hail and rain this past week - a fact that has greatly thwarted my attempts to get a jump start on Sister's relatively short growing season. Today, however, was marvelous and both Frank and I hustled outside to pull weeds, trim limbs, and plant a variety of flowers. When I stepped off the porch, I was excited to see that one of my poppies had bloomed - the very first one of the season!

I purchased a variety of colors from a local nursery - the poppies are a fancy variety and will come back each spring. While I was planting and pulling weeds, Frank was busy cutting back the evergreen shrubs - a task that will require several trips to the dump tomorrow.

While Frank was busy sawing and cutting - I was planting some colorful petunias for the planter box on our deck.

Check out the delphinium - supposedly this plant will attract butterflies and humming birds! So beautiful ...

We finally called it quits around 6:00 pm and ended the day with a long soak in the hot tub. Life certainly is good!

Spring is Busting Out

Well, it's raining, it's pouring ...(can you hear the music?) I am ...Soooooo....in the mood to start my gardening, however, all the old timers here advise me to wait until after memorial day. The nights are still very cold and we frequently drop below freezing. Last week, after a beautiful 70 degree sunny day, I rushed down to Bi-Mart and bought a great big split oak wine barrel; outdoor planting soil; and a bunch of flowering plants. That very afternoon, I set to work creating a huge flower barrel that would greet visitors as they came up our drive. Unfortunately, that night the temperature dropped below freezing and 2/3rds of the plants shriveled and died. One of the plants that I planted (and one that survived) was an artichoke. Can't wait to see how it does.

A few daffodils have sprung up in the garden, and I will have to make a point of planting more bulbs next fall. They are such a happy flower and the yellow color is fantastic!

For now - I am trying to satisfy my desire for color by purchasing bowls of flowers such as the one you see above. To be on the safe side, Frank and I carry them in every night and put them in my heated garage. Isn't it beautiful! I am hoping that we won't have to do this for long.

One other flower that I want to show you - I don't know what it is but it is popping up in our yard and on the forest floor behind our house. If anyone knows what it is, please let me know. So delicate and cute!