Baby, It's Cold Outside!...

Emily Duffin Illustrations - Badger

Handsome drove me to work yesterday, and we had a relatively slow day. It was nearly -20º F with the wind chill! Only the bravest dare go out. I mentioned to a few regular customers that either someone is playing with a weather machine, or Mother Nature is off her meds. We all agreed that Mother Nature is probably off her meds!

Aside: Don't you love this illustration? I think it would make a beautiful piece of embroidery, too!

I have to admit, I worry for the opossums and birds. I haven't seen any opossums this year, and frankly, even the birds have been scarce. I have filled feeders for all to enjoy, but they're still mostly full after nearly two weeks. 

Today, we'll again venture out, but I'm happy that the weather will have warmed up a bit. It should actually be in the 20s by mid-afternoon. I just hope the 10-14 mph winds calm down so we don't have the nasty wind chill.

I won't get any crafting done today, but am looking forward to working on a few things tomorrow. I'll tell you all about it in the morning. Until then, please stay warm and do something fun.

Wintertime Cozy...

"Cozy Christmas" Art by Jenn Weissenbacher

The perfect place to be on a cold winter night...tucked in your warm home with a pantry filled with tasty treats. All your neighbors are safe and warm, too. "A gentle fire, a little food, and an immense quiet".  (These are the words I chose for my "Hearth and Home" sampler design - BW-7 HERE. Perhaps I'll make my sampler designs available again in 2025. You can see all my designs by clicking the link in my sidebar.)

Daylight Savings Time...

My favorite saying this time of year is comes from our Native American friends, "Only the white man would cut the bottom off a blanket, sew it to the top, and think they have a longer blanket." Seems most appropriate to me. (Can you tell I'm not a fan of Daylight Savings Time?) 

Oh, well. If you don't want to be late for your appointments over the winter, I guess we all better turn back our clocks - unless you're fortunate to live in one of the few - or only - states that doesn't subscribe to this silliness.

Tuesdays With Tag - Baby, It's Cold Outside...

Me, In All My Frowsy Glory

 Hi, Everybody!

Did you eat too much turkey and fixin's? We had a real nice Thanksgivin' and even got a little nosh of the cooked bird. Mom and Dad always share just a taste on the holidays. 

So, the big news this week is that we got snow yesterday, and it stuck this time. Every time we looked out the window, there were white flakes flyin' across the landscape. You might understand how that makes me a little apprehensive. I mean, dependin' on how deep it is, it can get "extra chilly" for me.

The Kid's Invadin' My Space

Even though it's cold and snowy outside, we have nice, warm "perches" in the farmhouse. Don't worry about Claudette and Crystal. I've seen their digs, and Mom has set up some comfortable accommodations for them, too. In fact, she's even ordered a dish to keep their food warm until they eat it all. (She got tired of havin' to throw out frozen food that they didn't eat.) They already have a dish that keeps their water from freezin', thanks to Miss Shelly.

Mom covered the new sectional with nice blankets so we can sit on it. She said she doesn't want a scum line from us guys on the sectional fabric, and she can always toss the blankets in the laundry when they look like they need it. (Her comment offended the three of us, but not enough to keep us from sittin' up here.)

I can't jump on this sofa alone like I could on the leather one, so Mom usually helps me up. As soon as I get comfy, The Kid jumps up and curls up on her spot. Boo likes to sit next to Mom on the other end. It's not bad unless Carly starts dreamin'. She yips and spasms until she disrupts the peace and quiet. Nice, huh?

See What I Mean?

So, I enjoy it while I can, and try not to complain. I can always move down toward the corner on the sectional if I want my own space. It works for me.

I've got that groomin' appointment on Thursday afternoon. I'm not lookin' forward to it. I know she's gonna make me look like a dandy. She'll cut off my toes, take off my impressive mane, and put a stoopid bandana that says somethin' like "Ain't I Cute" on it. I won't be able to show my face in public until I can find somethin' nasty to roll in! I hope you're sufficiently sympathetic when you see what I look like next week. 

I think that, between now and then, I'm gonna roll around on the carpets and fur up the place in protest. Maybe someone will get the message. Ya think? Yeah. Me, neither.

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then..."Corgi On, Corgi Strong!" 

Mother Nature's Weathermen...

Wooly Bear Weather Predictions via Instagram

Have you seen any wooly bears yet? I've seen more than a few looking to settle in for the cold weather. It was in the 30s night before last, and in the 40s last night. 

Claudette's sleeping in the little insulated, fleece-lined fabric "igloo" I bought for her, and I've enveloped it in a little quilt, too. She's still sleeping on the front porch, but I'll be moving her into the Compass Barn before too long. I check on her every night before I go to bed, and she's all curled up, purring for me. I think it's her version of "Thanks, Mom!"

Anyway, I've seen two versions of wooly bears so far. Number Two and Number Three. That works for me, if we can expect a moderate or mild winter. So, I'm going to keep looking, and if I've got my phone handy, I'll take a few photos, too.

After all the snow we had last year, a mild or moderate winter would be nice...especially since Handsome is going to stay home from Florida this year. Fingers crossed, okay?

The Sky Was On Fire...

Brynwood Needleworks - Sunset Last Night

Last night's sunset was like seeing the sky on fire. It was so fabulous, I had to share it with you. We've had mostly cloudy days for about two weeks. The sun peeked through on only about two days, and then ducked behind the clouds again. 

 

Yesterday was mostly cloudy, too, but the sun came out for a little bit before it went down behind the hill above the farmhouse. It was so cold and windy all day, that seeing this sunset made up for it. Handsome even helped me fill the birdfeeders (our feathered guests need extra support when it's this cold!), and then we took food down to the Habitat for the opossums, raccoons, and ahem...cats...who visit every night.  I was happy for the help, because I could get back into the house sooner. I got inside just in time to see this sunset and take a picture for you. 

If you live where it gets cold, I hope you're warm and snug inside. If you live when it's warm, don't rub it in! (Florida sure looks like a good idea again right now.) Let's hope tomorrow is sunny and warmer.

 

The Last Blooms...

Brynwood Needleworks - Hollyhocks In The Snow

I think these will be the last blooms for this year, but we're supposed to have warmer weather (into the 50s) toward the weekend and into next week. So, you never know. These are some of the heartiest plants we have and they are in a southern, protected exposure.

Handsome and I will be taking out the screens, and washing windows this weekend. The hollyhocks will be trimmed down for the winter, and the last of the porch decor will be stowed away until next spring. Perhaps we'll have more autumn left to enjoy, but we know winter is right around the corner.

Tuesdays With Tag - Already?...

Brynwood Needleworks - Snowfall Corgi

Hi, Everybody!

I'm coming to you from the Frozen Tundra today.  I'd love to tell you what I really think about this white stuff, but Mom says we're a PG rated blog, and I have to keep my language clean. Let's just say I think it's waaayyy too early to be snowin'!

Brynwood Needleworks - Big, Clumpy Snowflakes

We woke up on Sunday to see these huge, clumpy snowflakes! They were as big as my paw! I had Mom check our calendar again just to make sure it's not really January! At this rate, it's gonna be one monster-long winter! (I have to admit, it is pretty if you don't have to go outside.)

Brynwood Needleworks - Squirrel Hunter

Then there's the Black Dog...who's on constant squirrel patrol. If she sees one, she starts by standin' on the sofa (not really allowed, by the way), followed by a low, menacin' growl. Once she's sufficiently wound up, she starts to barkin', and she's not jokin'. All I can say is it's a really good thing there's a window between her and any squirrel out in the yard.

So, we're hopin' that this current yard cover melts so we can have a couple more days of warmer weather, but we're not holdin' our breath. We have a feelin' our golden autumn has already headed south for the winter. I guess Mom better get our winter sweaters out for the season. At this rate, we're gonna need 'em.

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

"Live Like Someone Left The Gate Open".

 

Farmhouse Renovation - Unplanned...

Brynwood Needleworks - Compass Barn Door (Before)

After working in the yard last Wednesday, we were unable to pull the old garage door down to cover the opening on the Compass Barn. Rats. We'd hoped to limp one more season with the old door, having just completed the porch project, but the door had other ideas.

I went online, did a search for "Garage Doors" in our area and picked one that was nearby. I made a call, and within an hour the owner was in our driveway, taking measurements and giving us a quote. We gave him the go-ahead, and the replacement installation was scheduled for Tuesday.

On Friday, he called to tell us that they cleared the current job earlier than planned, so they'd be here on Monday. He said they'd be here at 8:00 am, and the workmen drove in at 7:59.

Brynwood Needleworks - Compass Barn Door (Removal In Progress)

The guys got right to work removing the old door, which was ready to come down. The fiberglass model had long outlived its usefulness, but it did a good job keeping rain and snow out of the barn. 

Brynwood Needleworks - Compass Barn Door (Old Door Down)

The old door was down within minutes, and the guys set about framing up for the new door. They had taken down all the old tracks and hardware, so they made the new frame to close up the gaps in the original frame, and put up the new tracks.

Side note: If you look through to the opposite side wall of the barn, you can see daylight. When the owner made his initial visit, he asked us if we wanted an insulated door. This picture explains why we giggled, and declined, opting instead for a sturdy, uninsulated, metal door.

Brynwood Needleworks - Compass Barn Door (Bye Bye, Old Door)

They loaded up all the old door parts, and even hauled them away so we wouldn't have to worry about how to do that ourselves.
 

Brynwood Needleworks - Compass Barn Door (After)

In a very short time, we had a brand new door installed in the opening for the Compass Barn, and it really looks great. Even better, it will keep the elements out of the barn, so our machines will be protected, and any visiting opossums will be toasty warm this winter.

I have to say that this company (Mid-West Overhead Doors in Fond du Lac, WI) is a true customer service oriented business. 1) Fast response on initial call, 2) Great pricing, 3) Great employees, 4) Great product. We'll highly recommend them to any and all who ask.

Brynwood Needleworks - Front Yard - Saturday

Brynwood Needleworks - Front Yard - Tuesday

You'll remember the photo I shared of our front yard on Saturday. When we woke up yesterday morning, this was the view outside our windows. Reports said we got about three inches of the white stuff. I admit, I laughed out loud.

I remember snowy Halloweens as a kid, but forgot how snow looked in October. By the end of the day, even with warmer temps, we still had snow on the ground.

Brynwood Needleworks - Honeysuckle (Saturday)

Brynwood Needleworks - Honeysuckle (Tuesday)

 

The honeysuckle blossom is under a snowy mantle, too. I think it's pretty either way, but I think I prefer it without the snow. 

 

Bella sees the specialist again today. She's getting around pretty well (even if we had to keep her on a leash because she badly wanted to run in the snow), but we want to make sure everything is healing right, and see how much longer we have to keep her from running. I'll keep you updated on her condition, but from our point of view, she's doing remarkably well.

 

If you've got snow, stay safe and warm. If you're in a warmer climate, please don't rub it in to those who aren't. (wink)

 

Tuesdays With Tag - After-Party Animal...

Brynwood Needleworks - My Cold Parts

 Hi, Everybody!!

We're still gettin' snow, and the ice underneath is makin' life excitin' around here! Good thing I've got four feet. It's a little harder for me to end up on my keester.

Saturday was a fun day all around for me. I got to ride along when Mom went to the Birthday party, and we all know how much I like ridin' in the car! I didn't go into the party, but I was happy to guard the car while she was inside for a little while.

After the party, Mom and I stopped at the store and picked up some ready-made dinner stuff. Mom made arrangements last week that our nephew, Dan and his family, along with Mom's sister (Dan's Mom) to come out after the party and help Mom put up those great kitchen shelves. She wanted to surprise them by feeding them dinner, too. 

So, when they got to the house, Mom had baked chicken, baked ham and rolls (for sammiches), mashed potatoes, and mac and cheese (for the kiddos). They were happy to smell a hot meal when they came in the door, and we all enjoyed dinner together.

Brynwood Needleworks - Two Jumpin' Girls

After the big people got the shelves installed, Mom and I took the little people upstairs. They wanted to see Mom and Dad's bed, and Mom let them jump on it. They were all blurry, gigglin' and jumpin' up and down. We made sure they wouldn't fall off the bed, too. It was really fun.

The 'possum came to eat about three times while they were here, too. We got to look through the windows and show everyone our Fuzzy Butt 'possum. The little girls were so intrigued. They asked if they could go outside and pet it, but we explained that it's a wild animal. They're fun to watch through the window, but critters need space (well, except the one time I ran into him outside and we sniffed each other before he ran off).

It was definitely an excitin' evenin' for me. The little girls were even playin' a chasin' game with me. Mom wondered what the racket was, but it wasn't a racket. We were playin' a game. There's a huge difference, if you ask me. Gigglin', barkin' and running through the house isn't a racket. Right?

Brynwood Needleworks - I'm Bushed!

Mom and I aren't sure what time everyone left, but we didn't stay up too late after they went home. I was still tired by the next day. I decided to take it easy and rest. I want to be ready for the next time they come over. I love little kids - especially girls. I hope those girly girls visit again very soon.

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

"Live Like Someone Left The Gate Open".

 

Enough Already...

Brynwood Needleworks - Let It Snow Door Hanger

 

This piece has been hanging on the back door since last November. It's hung on the door the whole time we were in Florida. It's hung on the door until yesterday.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - February Snow Storm

When Tag and I got up yesterday morning, it had already begun to snow (again). We went outside, and while I shoveled around the "friends and family" door, he frolicked in the yard. He loves the snow.

Brynwood Needleworks - February Snow Storm

It continued to snow until late day. It was windy, making it difficult for the birds, who hung close to the feeders and the shelter of the porch. I especially love when the mourning doves line up on the porch rails, but they're skittish, so just my passing by the windows sends them to flight.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Spring Wreath

We're expecting more snow on the weekend, but I have plans to attend a concert in Milwaukee with Daughter-in-Law #1. I really don't want the weather to ruin our Saturday evening with the Symphony. 

I really don't mind the snow, but I'm not especially anxious to drive in it either. So, I'm thinking, if I take down the "Let It Snow" decor it might send out a new message, right? 

Time to hang up a Spring wreath. Let's see if it helps turn the season from snow to daffodils. Or at the very least, maybe it will push off the bad weather until Tag (he'll stay at our son's house with Son and Grandson in case we need to stay overnight) and I get back home late Saturday or early Sunday. wink

 

Snow Day (Captions Only)...

Winter Closeup On The Farm

Beauty At Every Turn

A View From Our Front Yard - East

One Of The Hickory Trees (right side)

North Wood Lot On Our Property