Weeds...

 

I've added a new reference book to my needlework library. It's A Golden - Weeds. It's a reference guide to "the pest plants of the United States that invade lawns, gardens, fields, and roadsides." I guess one man's weed is another man's treasure. I love and promote them in our yard.

Let me explain. When the weather is so dry that the grass dies off, the weeds grow up and show off their natural finery. Chickory, Queen Anne's Lace, mullein, English daisies, sorrel and more are all considered weeds in this book, yet it wouldn't be summer in Wisconsin without them. In fact, many of them have medicinal properties and were used as poultices, teas, and other remedies by native Americans and settlers. There's much we could learn from them.

 

I saw this for sale online - paying a few dollars more than the $1.95 cover price - and wanted it to add to my needlework library as a reference guide for flower and plant embroideries.

 

While the copy is less than favorable to each plant, the illustrations are accurate and I'll be able to build upon them for my projects. I chose the mullein page because we also have these magnificent plants in the surrounding farmlands, and occasionally on the edges of our fields. They're highly prized for medicinal value, so I actually seek them out when I'm walking or driving. It's sad to see that it - and many other beneficial plants - were, and still are considered undesirables.

This small book nearly fits in the palm of my hand, so it will tuck nicely into my sewing basket when needed. It's 160 pages long, so there are a lot of illustrations to draw from. I'll look forward to paging through it for inspiration as I work on my Autumn Strawberry Sachet.

I'm having lunch with my almost sister-in-law/sister-by-choice, Deb (Mom Grace's daughter) today. When I get back I'll sit down to my frogs again. I'm working as I'm able toward completion. My self-imposed deadline is Saturday so I can package them up to mail out on Monday. I'm quite sure I'll make it on time. I think now I'll make my morning cuppa and sit down at the needlework frame for a bit before I have to leave. See you tomorrow!

Happy Tired...

Brynwood Needleworks - Band Concert - Beginning of Concert

 

You'll remember that I write these blog posts the night before they go live. I'm confessing now that it's been a long day, and I'm happy tired.

This busy day, I baked sour dough bread (from my own starter); took Tag to the vet (he'll be okay); and went to Handsome's last summer concert of the season.

Tag got good news, in that he doesn't have a torn ACL, just some muscle soreness. He's been prescribed a pain-killer to help with his discomfort. Prior to leaving, Handsome and I watched him eat dinner and then just go right back to his kennel. That told us, he was really uncomfortable so he went to his safe space.

After being poked and prodded, and having his leg manipulated by the vet, I was really happy to know that nothing is damaged. It's likely he's just sore from overextending himself. His activity has been limited to leash walking whenever he's outside and no running.

Brynwood Needleworks - Sis and Jim

 

I met up with Sis and her long-time partner, Jim so we could sit together at the concert. Sis (Deb) and I meet up whenever Handsome plays, and we love that we get a chance to visit, too. She hates having her photograph taken (like mother, Mom Grace, like daughter). I told her there needs to be a record that she existed, so happy or not, I was taking a picture. You can see I won that debate!

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Last Applause Of The Summer Season

The concerts this year are only an hour long, with no intermissions. By the time they were finished, and the band trailer loaded with all the chairs, etc. it was well and truly dark. 

When we got home, I made an easy dinner, and afterward came upstairs to write my post. I must be tired, because it's all I can do to stay awake. So, before I make a big mistake here, I'm going to close down for the night. I'll get some extra rest today, and be back, good as new tomorrow.

Tuesdays With Tag - Restin'...

Me With Mom's Sis

Hi, Everybody!   I'm takin' today off.   

This picture was from when Mom's Sis visited us. I'm crazy about her, and have to be right next to her whenever she comes over. All the sad stuff on the television these days, I figured you might like somethin' cute to look at for a change. 

 

All our friends and loved ones are okay in Florida, but we were worried about them the whole time that stoopid Irma was makin' her way through the state. We're tired. Sorry to disappoint, but...

 

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then...  

"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".

 

A Day Of Abundance...

Amish Waste Container

Sis came out to the farmhouse yesterday. She had things she wanted to give me, and a request to deliver. It was also a chance to show off how much work I've done since her last visit when I first got back here.

When I celebrated Easter with her and her partner, Jim, I saw her gorgeous oak waste container. It has a tip out front that conceals and contains a waste basket for her kitchen. I told her how much I loved it and she told me it was a gift from Jim, handcrafted by the Amish, near where I used to live. She told me that he could pick one up for me next time he goes back to the area. (I told her that I would pay for it up front, or reimburse him when he brought it. Deal!)

Amish Waste Container In Our Farm Pantry

As luck would have it, he and his sister went back last weekend and picked up one of them for me. He and Sis delivered it to me yesterday. I knew exactly where I wanted it to go in the pantry, and I placed one of our cutting boards on top of it. It fits in perfectly, don't you think?

Chair Caned By Mom

This was a gift I knew was coming, but receiving it was an emotional event. This is likely one of the last chairs that Mom caned, and now it belongs to me. It's a gorgeous chair, and knowing that Mom's hands restored it to its original glory makes it more beautiful to me.

Chair Carving Detail

Even the little bit of carving is perfect. Nothing over the top. Just lovely, understated and quiet...just like Mom. I'll treasure it always.

Caned Footstool

As Mom got older, it was more difficult for her to comfortably cane chairs. Jim made these sweet little stools, and then she was able to cane them on her lap while sitting. This was also one of the last pieces she caned. I'll find just the perfect place for it, too, but for now, I'll keep it near the chair.

Handcrafted Bird Feeder

Jim has been busy since Easter, too. He pulled out this great bird feeder to give to us. He made this especially for us at the farm.

Handcrafted Bird Feeder

 

I knew Jim is a talented woodworker. I've seen projects he's created for Sis, including her garden shed and back porch, so I shouldn't have been surprised to see this whimsical, bearded gent who will reside in our garden. It's so much fun, and so well made!

 

It was so nice to have Sis and Jim here, and all these gifts were bonus. There was one more thing...a gift with my name on it in Mom's handwriting. I'll tell you about that another day. This is more than enough for today.

 

It's the weekend again (already). Make it a good one, my friend.