Hogmanay

This beauty was a gift from my friend K - a hand painted wooden snowflake  (front and back) ...

I hope all of you made lots of good memories this holiday season.
My fella and I had the flu for two weeks and only just now feel like we will survive - it's been wicked.  Perhaps made worse by the fact that we haven't had the flu for 20 years - seriously - so we were out of practice.  Fortunately, we weren't expecting company for Christmas nor were we going anywhere.  I had planned to leave the shortbread baking till the week before Christmas since baked goods were disappearing quickly - consequently there was no shortbread for Christmas - a first in my entire life (and I'm no spring chicken).  On the bright side we'll celebrate Hogmanay, Scottish New Year, with shortbread, bubbly  and all the other goodies we missed. ^^

If I have not replied to your recent comments kindly excuse me for the rudeness.   

from me and mine to you and yours,

 Happy New Year,

 and lang may your lum reak!

 

what if ...

I was looking through an old cross stitch ornaments magazine

 when I spotted this cutie and I couldn't resist ...

Merry Christmas!

"what if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store -
 what  if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more" 
 

winter solstice ...

Some warm winter wishes to celebrate the

 winter solstice .....

( a Lucie Heaton design)

 

winter is not a season, it's a celebration

this is it ....

This is it - I won't show you any more Christmas cards ...  ^^

The top one is a design by Aliolka - I love her quirky designs - the lady who will receive this used to raise sheep on their farm.

The other is a La Comtesse design - I love stitching the European Robin - it's for a married couple and one of them is facing serious health issues just now.

I made both envelopes from gift wrap - for the previous cards that I shared the envelopes were made with parchment paper and brown paper (no pix) - I like all of them.

no matter what you do,
someone always knew you would

foxy ladies ...

These felt ornaments were fun to make ...

One of the foxes is for me and one isn't. ^^   The tree is an  Attic Heirlooms design and the fox is by Michelle Palmer.

We're having a spell of mild, sunny weather and it's delightful! 

 

we are like snowflakes -

all different in our own way

another card ..

This a card for another neighbour ...

I used pale grey parchment paper for the card and ribbon under the cross stitch piece (an Alita design) - everything is attached with double sided sticky tape - I love that stuff!  ^^  I haven't made the envelope for it yet - I'll likely use some Christmas wrapping paper or brown paper for that.

in a world where you can be anything ...

be kind

reversible ...

In my stash of WIPs I had two cute pieces the right size for candle mats so I put them together to make a reversible one.  The embroidered side reminded me of my friend K so I emailed her with a photo of it and asked if she would like it - she said yes (well, she could hardly say no could she?).  ^^   So once the mail is moving again I'll send it to her. 

This side has been grunged/antiqued and I'm not sure of the origin of the design - it could be a combination of designs.

Sunshine has been conspicuously lacking this autumn so when the weather man promised us 3 days of sunshine for over the weekend I was looking forward to it.  Hmmph, we had 3 days of fog instead - it was mild and the hoar frost was very pretty but really .....

your speed doesn't matter,

forward is forward 

winter ...

This one says winter to me - reminds me of a ski chalet -

 it's a freebie from Maryse ...

 Speaking of winter ... it snowed all day today and there is more in the forecast for the weekend - no worry about whether or not there will be a white Christmas.  In my lifetime I have only experienced one Christmas without snow -  it was a balmy 20C and I enjoyed it. 

 

 it's not what you look at that matters,

it's what you see 

too cute ...

This is just too cute - it's a freebie from Danybrod .....

this one is from Durene Jones (also a freebie) - there is one for each season ...

I forgot to share these poppies ...

 this is a card for a neighbour ...

 and this one is in honour of  Esther the Wonder Pig- I follow her on Facebook - her story is a heartwarming one - she always makes me smile - I love her to bits ^^ ...

only an open heart can catch a dream

finished these ...

I stitched these ages ago - they've been a work in progress (WIP) since I had to decide on the end use.  This is what I came up with - mini quilt or candle mat - I like versatility.  ^^  The top one is a design I found online with no credit to the designer.  The other is a Theodora Cleave design that I stitched in variegated red (DMC) - I really like her designs and have stitched quite a few of them. (The fabric is aged although it looks wrinkled in the photos.)

listen and silent are spelled with the same letters

made some ...

I made some Boursin - it's delicious and a favourite of my fella's ...

1 part butter

2 parts cream cheese

add flavour(s) of choice -

mine is usually garlic, chives,

cracked black pepper

and dried cranberries -

whiz together in food processor

how you treat people tells all

this and that ...

Since Thanksgiving (in Canada) and Remembrance Day have come and gone and with plenty of snow on the ground I finished this fella just in time.   He's a luminary and can be found here.   The Frankenstein I made for Halloween is from the same website.  

Yes, there is plenty of snow on the ground - winter came very early this year.  On the bright side it has put me in the seasonal mood and last evening I watched my first Hallmark Christmas movie of the season although I was disappointed there wasn't Christmas music in it.  

it's time .....

it's time for this ...

we  will remember

 

and to put this away ...

 

 we've had this a few times already but thus far it keeps disappearing

 although there's more on the way ...

anyone who wanders

finds new paths

Halloween .....

There were a few trick or treaters at the door tonight - they all belonged to  neighbours who are grandparents - the children were so polite.  The youngest was two and refused to wear his costume but had decided that knocking on doors and getting treats was ok.  

 

good 'ol summer time .........

In my last post I mentioned we had finally received some rain - that 1/2" ended up being 4" over 5 days and was well received - the weather continued hot and windy and the moisture disappeared very quickly.  This past weekend saw a cold front come through - we arose two mornings to 10C - going from 33C to 10C  is quite a ride.  ^^

This year we harvested our very first zucchini at the cabin - usually they all abort - wasn't sure whether to preserve this one or eat it - nah, it was an easy choice to eat it!  I stirfried it with onions, garlic, mushrooms and chard (fresh from the garden) - yummo!

The buttercup squash is on steroids - one of the vines has taken off through the bush and is heading towards the road - for now we'll let it wander and see how far it goes.  I was surprised at the shape of these squash - then I realized I had purchased buttercup seeds rather than butternut - it's interesting being my age.  ^^

Hum (the hummingbird) is enjoying the scarlet runner bean - it's growing up the side of the verandah about six feet from the hummingbird feeder - it's most enjoyable watching the Hums visit all the flowers and then sit and take a long drink from the feeder. ^^

  

I've been crocheting for Fall - any guesses about what I might be making - they're mini - it's not much of a hint. ^^

rain!!!!!!

RAIN - yessirree we got rain at the cabin!!  Having had just an inch and a quarter of rain since the snow departed it was delightful to awake early this morning to the sound of a decent rain - just checked the rain gauge and it shows a half inch - wow!!  It's been hot and sometimes extremely windy with rain all around us - finally it was our turn.  😊

This is a long weekend in Canada as we celebrate Canada Day on July 1 - here's our jar of fireflies to celebrate the occasion....

 

I read about peony jelly and just had to try it - problem is I have no peonies here but neighbour and friend E does so I got some from him and just in time - the hot, dry weather this year has resulted in early but short lived blooms.   I made this from red peonies and whilst it is very sweet it has a fruity flavour - I'm happy with it....

For several years the Eastern Phoebe has nested in the same spot - this year there were five little ones - my fella had the pleasure of seeing them leave the nest. 

summer should be issued speeding tickets

summer ....

Summer doesn't arrive till the 21st but we've had summer weather all week -

 it's downright hot and we're still waiting for some rain. 

This is another design by  Isobel.

           Green was the silence, wet was the light, the month of June 

trembled like a butterfly -

a blessed midsummer to you all!

the latest info .....

This is the latest information regarding Blogger - it's not good news - now we know where we stand - thanks to Barb for sharing.

Anyway, since I made the jam I haven't been doing much other than tending to the gardens, etc.  My fella replaced one of the decks at the cabin and I was his right hand man - just needs to be stained now - waiting for a calm day with low humidity.  ^^

It seems that our winter began mid March and lasted till late April so what was a gal supposed to do but stitch - so here are some of the pieces I stitched - most of them will be used for cards.

sunsets are proof that endings can be beautiful

jammin' at the cabin .....

The talk of the town seems to be about blogger and the comment issues since the 25th of May.  I have learned how to receive the comments although they show up as 'no reply' which is no help at all.  I understand blogger is working on this issue and I hope they quickly come up with a fix.  Mind you, I'm surprised that they were reactive rather than proactive.

I thank all of you who left a comment on my last blog post - I won't be replying to your comments this time.  I also thank all of you who looked at my blog post.

I made some jam at the cabin using rhubarb, sugar and jelly powder - so simple and so delicious.  I used the hand blender once the rhubarb was cooked so there was no evidence of rhubarb - for the jam connoisseurs.  ^^

Whilst out walking last evening I came across wildflowers - three days ago there were none other than dandelions and they don't last once picked.  It's so dry the dandelions are quite small - I managed to pick enough leaves to add to the pasta sauce last evening - the bees have certainly been enjoying the flowers.  Even the lady slippers are quite small this year - they look miniature - I've never seen such small ones and they are exquisitely dainty ......

where wildflowers bloom so does hope

2 mm ....

2mm of rain - at the cabin - that's all we've had so far this month!

 

This is a birthday card for a friend who is adventurous in the kitchen and enjoys cooking and baking.

You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough

Chip .....

Since the squirrels were disappeared Chip, the chipmunk,  has free run of the cabin yard - he's friendly, entertaining and gets along with the birds.   Here he is trying out a new feeder - he seems to like it.  ^^

 As you can see the grass is slow to turn green - it's extremely dry here.  And Hum, the ruby throat hummingbird, arrived right on schedule - amazes me every year.

nothing can be done except little by little

pelicans ....

We've opened the cabin and have been keeping busy with restoring order inside and out. My fella decided to rebuild the verandah railing and since there is a garden in front of it I was happy that he decided to prioritize this job - it's still too soon to plant in that location.  I've cleaned up the gardens and planted onions.  We've had some HOT weather - 27C hot - quite unexpected - most enjoyable.  

On a trip to the cabin in April we encountered lots of pelicans on one of the rivers that we have to cross - there are hundreds congregating here - they were still there on this last trip.  In the photo you will see what looks like a circle  of pelicans and we believe this is where the new chicks are being cared for and protected.

There are lots of birds around - many are visiting on their migration north  - they're enjoying our diner and keeping us entertained.  ^^  

a mother's love is like a button ....

it keeps everything together 

May ....

Today is Beltane, an ancient Celtic festival celebrated on May Day and marks the halfway point between spring and summer.  It is a celebration of rebirth, spring and new beginnings.  This is another design by Isobel of the Primitive Hare.

Google has been changing things again - for several weeks I've been unable to leave comments on many blogs - I'm visiting but can't say anything - not sure if the changes are mine or yours.  ^^

We were late getting into the cabin this year - the ice went out 3 weeks later than in 2017- we're happy to be back.  

all things seem possible in May

elusive .....

Spring is elusive this year - it's unusual -  made this - trying to think spring ....

Read a good book - Canadian author, Ami McKay's first novel - loved it ..... 

Made this card to welcome a new neighbour .....

never stop believing in hope

because miracles happen every day

Faberge ....

Have an enjoyable long weekend whether you celebrate Easter or not!

This Faberge egg is a Maria Diaz design.

 to love and be loved

is to feel the sunshine on both sides

ostara ....

Ostara celebrates the birth of spring aka the spring equinox.  This is another design by Isobel .

the happy earth looks at the sky and sings -

may you enjoy a fruitful and blessed spring

oops ...

We've got cherry apple blossoms - oops, used white instead of pink - a bit early for apple blossoms but they look nice ......

These have kept me busy ......

If your comment doesn't receive a reply from me it's because you're a 'no reply' blogger - regrets.

no matter how long the winter -

spring is sure to follow

the tree ....

 This is a new door decoration that I made a while back and forgot to share - if you look closely you'll see a wee grey mouse with a tartan tummy nestled amongst the branches - the flowers are from a pattern by Quilts by Cheri .....

 Here's the February tree - there are a few different ones on it .....

I finally did a finish on this piece - I quite like the sentiment - the 'my' and I' can be changed ...

  
Apparently, I don't have a suitable candle/table mat for February so I crocheted this - it worked up quickly ...

whatever we do in this life

no one gets out alive