Monday, May 31, 2010

Remember . . .


And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
~Lee Greenwood




A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. ~Joseph Campbell




Memorial Day 2010 more Marching and flag planting, Marching with Boy Scouts marching in the Middle school band. IT is very hot and we try not to melt. In the cemetery it is quiet and we hear words to remember that those that have gone before us have gone with a purpose, to make our Country Free and give us opportunities that much of the world still struggles for. They have gone out to be peacemakers to live by example and to do the right thing. They are good citizens. They have given up families, jobs and lived in less than adequate surroundings to do these things and more. If you see an armed service member- say Thank you. We see and hear about all those that are in Combat but behind each of them are 100's more providing support, taking care of the injured, trying to make better equipment or improve communication so very many things that all come together to make the soldiers job as easy as it can be, Is that ever an easy job? So today, pause and quietly give thanks. It is because of those that have gone before us that we can honor them in this way.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Were going to the zoo, zoo,zoo

You come too, too,too were going to the Zoo, zoo, zoo

For a spontaneous 24 hour International adventure we took off for the Toronto ZOO in Scarborough, Ontario approximately 3 hours away depending on getting over the border.


Yoda reaches down to pet the Sting Rays - this was a fun and memorable event. Especially when we were feeding them and got soaked by being splashed by Sting Rays.


This is in front of Darwin's Pond- all fish you see are in the same family but changes due to in breeding. It was cool to see so many fish in one place.


My personal Favorite was this big guy, he had a grooming session and then he took a nap.


Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree, merry, merry king of the bush is he , laugh kookaburra laugh kookaburra gay your life must be. . . .






A mold of the Gorilla's Hand . . . I think he needed a manicure. Remarkably looking like our hands.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Take Time to Unwind




At times, each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.
Maya Angelou


I think that unwinding and taking time to do so is very difficult for most of us in Todays world. We unfortunately are rushed from one thing to the next with little time to stop and ponder or plan for down time. In my house there is always laundry/ dishwasher, homework, etc.. to do and while it is fine to often let them sit to stop and read to a child or some other small task , they are still there they will not go away and they are important to complete.

How do I unwind?

Knitting
In the garden
Tea
Good book
Creating anything
letter writing
music
Quiet time and space
walking

How do the kids unwind?
Books
Movie watching
Tea
Bike riding
brushing the dog
time outside
Imaginary Play


How do you unwind?

Another Favorite is just time outside . . . any where
Also quick getaways- a picnic in the park, day trip or even afternoon trip.

Friday, May 28, 2010

yum yum Small Vanilla Bean Scones


Small Vanilla Bean Scones

Mom's quilt

last week I went to lunch with the "Common Threads" - This is a Quilt Top that my mom made with fabric I gave her-( the Zinnia's). It is her own pattern design. She has always said that he Friend Ruth grew the best Zinnia's. I know she- Ruth painted them very well. I love Zinnia's especially to make bouquets with. I however do not seem to grow them well. My dad has them 3-4 feet high and lots of blooms- just like his really big Tomato's but I think it is that he fertilizes regularly and I do not. It may be that he just has the right touch, he has always had an amazing garden. I just loved this fabric, so much color and realistic quality to it.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Edna's Tag along


This is our answer for now to " but I want to be where you are!" from Edna. We live on a 55-70 mph road, being an old home it is close to the road. She is usually on a tether line but she cannot get everywhere while on it. We do go walking daily where she can be off leash. So for her desire to be where we are while we are in the yard, this old no longer used "yard scooter" is the answer. She cannot run fast but she can be independent.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Spring Plants and Planting.

This is what will be planted but we have had some cold nights so we are in limbo still awaiting frost free and snow free nights- hard to think of snow at this point but anything is possible these days.
This is a new bachelors button from last year it is a lovely grape colored purple in stead of the typical blue. YOu can see all the pollen on the flower - the ants really like these flowers and they do so-so as a cut flower. I usually bring some in for however long they may last.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

On the Needles



This is what is on the needles currently. It will be a hooded jacket with a front zipper. This is the beginning of the back portion. It is made with NORO yarn Kochoran this link is actually to the real Noro site so it is in Japanese but there are lots of American sites with their yarns. They are Noro - the World of Nature. They have the best yarns, both in combos of fibers and in colors and transitions. I have knit with their fibers and patterns before and it is always very enjoyable. Their patterns are easy to follow and well written. They are however not cheap! I have been planning and saving for some time to make another Noro garment. I will post as it progresses. However it will not be near as fast as some of you out there that can finish a sweater in a weeks time. I find a little knitting improves my concentration. Right now that is a much needed thing in our house. this is straight garter stitch which to some might be boring or not challenging enough but for a busy distracted mama much of the time, it is just right for me.

Friday, May 14, 2010

A Life Is Good AWARD from Isobelle go Lightly the Beautiful Goat


1. What would your prefect day consist of?
Hum, does a perfect day really exist? Perfect is such an overrated word.
It would involve a wonderful Breakfast- that is the best meal of the day, me thinks . . . time to be creative and reflective, getting messy with the creative part - never a good day without paint/ink on the hands. It would involve time spent outside, walking, garden, sketch . . . . time to sit quietly read, knit . . . and time spent with those I love.

2. How would you describe yourself if you were an item of clothing?
I have never thought of myself as a piece of clothing. This is interesting to think about.
I think - perhaps a very warm comfortable sweater or some one of a kind handmade something. I really need to give this some more thought.

3. What hobbies are you currently working on?
Quilting, Knitting a hooded zippered Jacket, Dress for my daughter, mixed media, art journal, garden

4. Walking in the woods in wellies or bare foot on the beach?
Definitely walking in Wellies in the woods!!
Beach is ok but definitely not my first choice. Not to interested in all the sun, heat and humidity of the beach. Love the beach early AM or twilight not midday.

5. Have you ever hugged or sang to a tree?

Hugged a tree yes.

6. Growing your own veggies or nipping to the supermarket?
A hybrid of both. We grow peas, beans, Squash, Tomatoes, broccoli, . . . .
but usually buy cukes, asparagus, artichokes, peppers. . . . . .

7. Have you found anyone exciting in your family tree?

Not that I am aware of. My mom & dad go back in England North Hampton and Sheffield
The other Grand parents are England and Holland.
My grandfather used to say we were related to Mary Jemison- the White woman of the Genesee. ( we are not, but it was a great story as a kid)

8. Slap up meal in a posh restaurant or fish 'n' chips from the wrapper?

Fish 'n' chips from the wrapper kinda girl. Cheese 'n' crackers in a wayside park are a favorite meal.

9. Which element do you most resonate with, Earth, Air, Fire or water?

Earth, no desire to fly like Isobelle

10. Do you believe in fairy's?

Most definitely. Many a fairy house built over the years!!

Happy Snowy Mother's Day



One might have thought it was April Fool's day instead of Mothers day 5-9-10 based on the amount of snow we had that morning. It was a cold damp, wet dreary day. Spent the AM picking up boys from a boy Scout Order of the Arrow Ordeal. Such a blustery weekend for that.
Otherwise it was cooking, cleaning an laundry!

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Love Your Mistakes


You will do foolish things,
But do them with enthusiasm.
~Colette


Disturbing this mother goose when we did not know she had goslings was foolish and the papa let us know loud and clear!!!




Tuesday, May 4, 2010


Love the Earth
If the earth were only a few feet in diameter, floating a few feet above a field somewhere, people would come from everywhere to marvel at it, declare it sacred and protect it.
Joe Miller

Monday, May 3, 2010

Spring Picnics

Spring Picnics under the Red Maple in the front yard. watching the clouds go by, taking a cat nap. swating bugs, flys and ants away. Oren the cat and Edna the dog visiting. Lemonade of some type. Yoda was our Grill man on this day. Just being all togehter was the best part. So many days of late we are scattered each off doing and being and the time together is less and less. We truely do cherish the together time as it is fleeting. Hoping for more spring picnics!!

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Blue Bells, Virginia Cowslip



Mertensia Virginica is the Latin name for this pretty spring wildflower. It is a native perennial that prefers sandy creek side areas. After blossoming the foliage yellows and dies away such that you cannot tell it was ever there.