Good Things Coming...

Today, I'll just say our good news involves my little sister, Jan. We're working on a few things today, but there are some collaborations coming, too. More soon!

 

Monday Visitors...

Di and Tom arrived to help us out on Monday. Tom is a tree removal expert, and came to take the dead branches out of our apple tree, and remove some volunteer saplings that were way too close to our new porch and pole barn foundation. 

I got a chance to visit with Di, and they brought their two doggers along. Look who came to say 'Hi"! Grace, Di's corgi. This little girl has a tail, very unlike Tag's little "nub", and she's much smaller and dainty. It was so wonderful to see all of them, but I only took this one photo. I added a vignette edge to hide someone's leg in the background. lol (I didn't think they'd appreciate having it in the shot.)

All in all, it was a perfect day for outdoor work, and we're very grateful that we had the help...and the visit. We're already looking forward to next time - no work involved.

Just One More...

My two eldest nieces.

Just one more post about the weekend, that is. It really was wonderful to be able to spend the better portion of two days with my nieces (two of whom are also my Goddaughters). There was so much silliness, happiness, and a few tears, too. 

These two ladies are the daughters of the sister I lost in 2023. It's impossible to spend time together with them and not reminisce about happier times with their mom. In doing so, we keep her memory alive, so I wholeheartedly encourage it.

Goddaughter #1 and #2 - Jen and "Jorj"

We went to the roller rink on Saturday and everyone laced up skates with the obvious except of yours truly. I did take a few short videos to share with the kids, but I wasn't going to put my body at risk. Sister, Jan has always been a great skater, so she brought her own roller skates and hit the rink. She looked great, too!

Aunties with two of Jen's three kids.

Naturally, we took lots of photos, but I've only chosen the ones that are representative of the family members who hung out together for a bit. Although the group gathering continued through Sunday, I let the kids all visit while I stayed home. I knew I'd be working yesterday, today and Friday, so I opted to stay put and get some rest. 

We're all looking forward to doing this again very soon. In the meantime, I'm going to focus on creating a dedicated guest room at the farmhouse for the next time they're in the area!

More ATCs...

Brynwood Needleworks -Jan and Dawn's ATCs

I received two more Artist Trading Cards in the mail yesterday. One was from my sister, Jan and the other from Dawn, who is also participating. These are both mixed media (our theme this month), using paper, findings and some fabric. I'm intrigued by the different techniques used.

I don't work again until Friday, so I'm going to start work on mine. I've been mulling over ideas, and think I now know my direction. I'll share my progress tomorrow. This should be fun!

Preparing Our Goodbyes...

 

It snowed again yesterday. Some of the white stuff is still on the ground, and it's perfect for our family's mood these days. My nieces are troopers, in spite of the soul-crushing weight of their grief. Her aunties are helping where we can, but there are some pains only a mother can soothe, and theirs is gone now. I'm sharing this photo today because it seems to be a quiet, warm scene for the end of a hard day.

 

I worked all day pulling photos from albums, as well as my online photos that will be mounted onto picture boards for her memorial service in about ten days. My sisters are doing the same so we'll have quite a collection when we get together to do the boards. 

 

I'm also responsible for the large photograph that will be framed to sit above her urn during the church service. We all agreed on a beautiful, happy photo I snapped of her on one of her visits to Florida when we lived there. It's been hard here, too - which is a massive understatement.

I have to run to town to get more photo paper first thing,  and I need to get her large photo image to a printer for framing. After I print the last of the images I've pulled, I'm going to sit down and stitch. I need to sit down and stitch. My mind can only concentrate on one thing when I put needle and thread to fabric...and that's what I'm working on. It's time for a little rest, and that's the best way to rest I know.

I've been trying to leave replies to comments over the past week, but regardless of the time I sit down to type, I frequently get a message that my reply has "failed to post". If you haven't seen a reply from me yet, that's why. I want you to know I've read every single message, and again you've warmed my heart. Thank you. I promise I'll get replies posted as soon as Blogger allows. I'll just keep trying at various times until it takes them. 

Thanksgiving will be here before I know it, and we're spending some time with our elder son and his family over the weekend. We're sharing the cooking, which will certainly lighten the load, and my spirits. The actual day, though, Handsome and I will celebrate together here at the farmhouse. I'm enjoying reading what you're planning, too, so feel free to share. 

I'll close for now. I'm going to have my morning cuppa, take care of the barn girls, and then I'll be off on my errand. The sooner I'm out, the sooner I can get back and finish my assigned task for the memorial service.

Healing...

 

I'm not sure there's ever a good time for a surgery, but right now I'm looking at a garden, filled with ripening tomatoes and squash blossoms and I have to wonder what I was thinking? My blog has been on auto-pilot for the past few days, so that's why you haven't had responses to your comments since Monday.

Handsome and I left home on Tuesday morning at 5 am for a 6:45 check-in time at the hospital in Green Bay, and I had Surgery #8 related to what Handsome refers to as The Troubles. My doctor said everything went perfectly, and now we wait to see how I heal. You see, he recently called me "an enigma" because any one of Surgeries #3-7 (not all performed by him) should have worked and didn't. I did everything I was told to do by the professionals, yet my body said, "Wait a sec. I have a different idea." I'm praying that this time will be the last time, and that my body will heal as it should, and The Troubles will be over.

 

We're both grateful to my little sister, Jan, who came down on Monday to spend the night and next day tending dogs and cats so we needn't worry about how long they were kenneled, or if they'd get fed. She took care of all that for us, and really eased our minds. Thanks, JJ. xoxo

It's been a long three years since this began and I'm ready to move on from it. Right now, I'm sore with a long incision across my "bikini line" (something I haven't actually worn in decades) and a line of stitches and staples to hold things in place until they can be removed in a couple weeks. I have a five pound lifting restriction for the next twelve weeks, and I'm going to follow that to the letter. Handsome is currently bagging tomatoes for the freezer, and I'll get to them when I get to them. It looks like I'll have to cancel my booth for the September show, and possibly the one in November as well. I'm really bummed about that development.

For now, I'm sore whether I stand, sit or am prone. Coughing can send me into fits of pain, and I spend a lot of time being coddled. I don't mind that, but you must know by now that it's not my usual modus operandi.

I promise to share the facts of how I got to this point at a later date, but for now, I'm going to beg your indulgence and head back to bed. I've been reading your comments, but it's impossible to respond from my phone, so I'll sit at my computer tomorrow and answer as many as I can from this week. I have read them all, so I apologize for leaving you hanging. I love and miss you and will be back soon.

Happy At Home…

Yesterday, as I sat drinking morning coffee with my little sister, she gave this gift to me. Isn't it beautiful? It's a Mason Cash tray made in England. You may remember that one of my dear blog friends gifted me with a woodland scene (owls) mixing bowl last year, and this piece coordinates with it!

Right now, my biggest decision is whether or not to keep it in my studio or in the kitchen. Of course, I'll see it daily whether it's in one place or the other. 

Another thing that immediately occurred to me is that this design would make a beautiful piece of needlework, wouldn't it? 

I have a list of tasks to accomplish today, but just had to take a moment to share my latest lovely piece - a gift of heart from my dear sister. Thank, JJ. xoxo

Making Art…

 

I’m at my youngest sister, Jan’s as I write my post. I’ve been here since Wednesday after leaving Larsen and the Sewcial Sisters. 

I’m leaving later this morning to go back home, but I wanted you to see what I created when we played in her studio yesterday. 

The prompt for this project was to paint bubbles. I decided to (try to) make mine look like they were in water. I called this one “Seafoam”.

Jan’s prompt for my second piece was “Invisible Friend”. She came up with this fun faerie idea looking into a secret world. This was my version. I named my piece “Nebula”. (Yes. I’m a Guardians of the Galaxy fan.)  

We’ve had a great time together, and we’re already planning to do this again soon. I enjoyed my wee vacation, but I’m looking forward to being back home. Time to drive. See you tomorrow. 

Sewing Day...

 

My youngest sister came to visit on Saturday with the intention of learning how to sew a cute dress to wear on her upcoming vacation. While New Look sewing patterns are supposed to be beginner friendly, this one had a few directions that even took me off guard. 

She chose the fabric because her favorite color is yellow, and this fabric had yellow flowers. However, it was also a stretch fabric and lightweight, making it more difficult for a beginner. I taught her how to lay out the pattern pieces, and then we set about the assembly.

I'll just cut to the chase here. She asked me to sew it together for her, and in the interest of time, I agreed. She watched and helped every step of the way, but because of the wonky instructions, I ended up removing stitches twice. I finished the hem (which she wanted short for hot weather) at about 7 pm.

We had a great time together, laughed a lot over video clips shared from Instagram, and enjoyed a cup or two of tea. It was a lovely day, and when all was said and done, she went home with this sweet dress, and I sat down with a sore paw. No Sunday stitching for me. I took the rest of the weekend off, and likely won't be stitching again until mid-week. It's okay, though. I have a list of tasks I want to finish before next weekend.

Handsome's last concert is Sunday, and then he'll be heading home with Carly. We can't wait! I want to make sure there's a hot meal, fresh bread, and a clean home for him to return to. I will be stitching though, as soon as I'm comfortable doing so. I'll keep you posted. Here's to a productive week for all of us!

Coming Soon...

New Fabrics Heading To The Shop This Week

I'm sorting fabrics again, and this is just a sampling of some of the yardage that will be heading to my Etsy shop very soon.

My sister, Di came over on Monday, asking that I do my second least favorite task in the entire crafting world for her. Of course, I sucked it up and said "yes". She came out to the farmhouse with tracing fabric and a pattern that she wants to sew for her farmer's market booths. She's going to be making aprons for children and adults, so there were multiple parts and pieces to trace onto her stabilizer-type fabric.

I stood at my cutting table (and then moved down to the kitchen island), tracing all the lines, pattern marks and information onto each piece while we visited. It was great spending the time with her, and she really was grateful, but I was gassed by the time we were finished. 

(BTW-My least favorite task is cutting out pattern pieces prior to sewing garments - or anything really - together.)

I hugged her and said I'd see her later in the week, grabbed my cuppa, and put my feet up for a while. Once I'd rested a bit, Tag told you how we went on a short hike. It was a beautiful day for it, and I was glad to have done it - the favor for my sister and the walk.

I'm working on pulling together all our tax documents this week, but I'm going to list up fabric when I take breaks from the bookwork. I'll start with a few of these today, and add more as the week progresses. Who knows? You might find something you can't live without! 

Have a great day!

January DeClutter Goal Reached...

January Accomplished!

 

Goal: 22 Items • Actual: 53 Items

Last year, I pulled a number of bolts of fabric that were coming out of my studio - one way or the other. They were first previewed by a friend for trade and/or donations. These were bolts that weren't chosen. 

My second option was to list them for sale, but after stumbling over them in my fabric studio for nearly three months, I decided to give them to another worthy cause. My younger sister has taken to quilting! Just before Thanksgiving, she came to visit me so that I could give her some pointers. She ended up creating seven beautiful quilts for her grandchildren. Now she has the "bug", and I want to help fuel her new interest.

Before she left the farmhouse yesterday, we loaded 45 bolts of fabric into the back of her vehicle. She was thrilled to have all that fabric, and she said her head was just swimming with ideas for new creations...from napkins to quilts. She couldn't have been more grateful, and I was happy to regain the floor space.

I also pulled a few items from my closet (with more planned for February), and some duplicate kitchen tools are now in a donation box that I'll add to until the box is full. Then, I'll be taking that to St. Vincent de Paul to benefit others.

I'm feeling pretty good about now. My fabric studio is pure chaos, so I'm going to continue pulling fabrics for preview, sale, and donation. I'm going to pull notions, as well. I think February is going to be busy, but I'm excited to think about how fabulous my creative spaces will be once this is done.

Some Assembly Required...

Brynwood Needleworks - Bag Making Components

The fabric I've been waiting for arrived Monday, so I spent today preparing it, along with a few others for my current bag projects. These will become BW Nocturne Travel Bags, and I'll be creating BW Ensemble Hobo bags to match. I pulled all the hardware I'll need, and put my new custom zipper pulls on the zipper tapes. I'm going to add key fobs, featuring my Brynwood logo hardware, too.

 

The bird fabric (on the top of the fabric pile) was a request from my sister, Di - a belated Christmas gift, and one of the batiks is for a good friend. We did a little bartering. The map fabric and the other turtle batik will be for my shop when they're finished.

I still have to cut out linings and coordinating cork accents, after I get home from my PT appointment this morning. I'm expecting to start sewing on Friday, and will have everything finished over the weekend. I've missed my bag making, so this is going to be fun! 

Bag Maker by day.

Needlewoman by night.

Life is Good!

 

Riding An Emotional Rollercoaster...

Brynwood Needleworks - My Sister, Di and Ceri - Ceri's "Gotcha Day"

 

I was at home, waiting to hear from Handsome that he'd accomplished his "benchmarks" so he could come home. The telephone rang, and the ringtone identified it as my sister, Diana. I could tell from her voice that she was upset, so I asked if she was alright. She wasn't.

 

You may remember one of Tag's 2013 posts HERE, when we told you about our trip from Sarasota, FL to Wisconsin with this sweet, little, rescued Corgi. When we were asked if we knew someone who might be interested in this pup (who'd lived on the street for who-knows-how-long), I immediately thought of my sister. She said she absolutely wanted this dog, and set the wheels in motion for us to deliver her to Wisconsin.

We picked her up and took her home to live with us (still living in Florida then) until our annual summer trip north in the Airstream,. Di called to tell me she'd chosen the name, "Ceri", asking us to use it for the few weeks the pup be with us, so she could get used to hearing it. Read the post in the link to see their first meeting, while I fast forward to yesterday.

 

Wracked with tears and a broken voice, Diana told me that Ceri died in her arms yesterday. No symptoms. No warning. No indication that there was anything wrong. Ceri chose National Pet Day to cross over The Rainbow Bridge, and this little dog who, aside from when Diana had to go to work, was always with, and devoted to my sister. Their love knew no bounds.

 

I know Ceri will let Diana know she'll always be near - even though Di won't be able to reach out and touch her. She'll come to Di in her dreams (as my Bannor has done with me), but that won't ease the pain of this loss. I know nothing I could say would ease her deep grief, but the depth of her grief is a reflection of the deep, deep love she had for this little dog. (I'll never forget how you all reached out to me when I unexpectedly lost Fezzik ten years ago. That loss will still bring me to tears when I think about him, and today I felt it all over again.) I cried with her, and when I disconnected our call, I cried some more.

Handsome called, and told me when we could expect he'd be released from the hospital. I pulled myself together and told him I'd be there for all his discharge instructions. I went from crying my heart out for my sister's loss, to ecstatic that my dear husband could come home. I actually felt a tinge of guilt.

I cuddled Tag (which he reacts to in typical "boy" fashion), and took him along to get Handsome. We were back home by late afternoon and we got Handsome settled in. Once he was comfy, I sat down to check the comments on yesterday's post. Thanks to everyone who weighed in on my table runner project. 

 

Here's what I'm going to do. Yes, I'm going to add a bumblebee. I'm going to add more stitching to my butterfly, and (thanks, Marcy) I'm going to lengthen the antennae on the butterfly, too! When I look again with new eyes, I agree those additions will really complete my piece. I'm going to add all your suggestions today. I think after the past couple of days, I need more than a little needle dancing.

 

It Was A Great Day...

Brynwood Needleworks - Weekend Booth Setup

 

My youngest sister helped me work in the booth yesterday, and I really regret I didn't get a photo with her beautiful self with me! She took this one, so we had a record of how the booth looked before we got any customers.

We were busy all day, and sales were better than last year! I even had customers who purchased last year, come back for more. I think that's the best validation for what I do. We drove back to the farmhouse last night "happy, happy".  

I like how our small booth looked, but think when I go back next year, there will be fewer tables and more vertical displays. I've got some great ideas from other bagmakers and how they set up their booths, and I'll take that to heart next year. I'm also thinking about adding another venue around the same time.

I took Posey, thinking she might want to move to a new home, but (happily) she came back home with me. As it was, she brought a lot of people into my booth, giving me the opportunity to spread the word about cork - and add a few sales at the same time.

I've found two of my designs that aren't selling as much as they used to, so I think I'm going to mark them down for closeout, to make room for new designs in the coming months. I'll be discounting  them in my Etsy shop in the next day or so. You'll have to check my shop to see which ones I'll closeout (I'll put it in the title), if you're interested in a good (and even better price point) idea for gift-giving. 

Handsome is having cataract surgery this morning, so I'll be working on my Etsy shop while I wait. New things will be photographed and listed after we get back home. I think I'll take it easy - no sewing - for the next few days. Instead, I'll be planning for a family Thanksgiving, and be grateful for all the blessings in my life...including you!

Tag will be back tomorrow. Who knows what he's got planned for this week, but I'm sure he'll be his usual irreverent self! Come back to check. See you again on Wednesday!

Another Class...

Brynwood Needleworks - Sheboygan Hard Rolls and Brat Buns

 

It was a busy day yesterday. Much of the day was spent with our heating serviceman, Dave, at the farmhouse. We're trying to pin down why two of our upstairs steam radiators aren't working, and so far, we're they're baffled. Dave had to check back to the office twice, and he may be back again today to take another shot at the issue.

While that was going on, I was making more bread. A loaf went up to Andy and Shelly's house, while the other will be a gift for another special someone. My plan is to deliver it today.

Then, I met up with my sister, Diana, for another bread making class at the Fond du Lac tech college in the evening. We signed up to learn how to make Sheboygan hard rolls and brat buns. We had a great time! Not only did we learn how to make them, but our instructor, Sue Horvath, also had us give them the ultimate taste test.

Brynwood Needleworks - An "Oostburger" and Herb Roast Potatoes

We also made herb-crusted roast red potatoes, hamburgers and brats on the grill, and a homemade roast tomato ketchup. After our rolls were all baked and cooled, we all sat down for a Q & A over our meals.

 

Sue and our other instructor, Tom Endejan, are really fabulous teachers. Not only do they share their knowledge for bread making (and more treats), they are also most generous with their knowledge of streamlining, cost savings, and other helpful hints. Then, to top it all off with a big, juicy cherry, they feed us! Diana and I are already planning our next class!

 

I'm getting down to the wire now to get ready to travel tomorrow. It's going to be a busy, busy day here at the farmhouse. Diana will be heading back to Minnesota (and her husband, Tom) while I prepare to see my own dear husband tomorrow. 

 

I'll be back to give you one more pre-trip post. My Saturday post will be from sunny, sw Florida. I think, just in time, too. I saw a weather report forecasting snow (SNOW?) for Saturday. I just added filling all the bird and 'possum feeders to my list of things to accomplish today. I'd better get after it.

See you Friday!

 

Coming Together Nicely...

Brynwood Needleworks - Embroidery Progress

 

I thought you might like to see the progress I'm making on my special embroidery project. I got this far yesterday, before I left to have dinner with my sister, nephew and his family. It was a fun way to spend a Friday night (in Handsome and Bella's absence). Yes. Tag went along, too. He loves those little girls (my great-nieces)!

In case you're still wondering, I'm stitching a robin (the daddy, as both parents take turns), feeding a nest-full of babies. I've drawn this image, and it will be the centerpiece of my work, when finished.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - My Sunny Stitching Spot

I have an efficient setup - in the kitchen, actually - seated next to a window that looks out onto my bird feeders. Appropriate, don't you think? It's really conducive to relaxed and productive needle dancing.

This morning, I'm meeting my sister and Kathy D. for another bread making class at the technical college. My sister, Diana, came down from Minnesota to take the class with me, and I found out when Kathy and I were together, that she's taking the class, too! It's going to be another fun morning.

When I get back home, I'll be settling back in to stitch some more. I'd like to try to finish this by the beginning of next week, as I have much more to do to complete this piece. I'll share more on Monday.

A Weekend of Happy and Sad and More Happy...

Brynwood Needleworks - Milwaukee Symphony At St. Josaphat Basilica

 

The weekend began with a trip to Milwaukee for dinner and a Milwaukee Symphony concert. Late Saturday afternoon, I drove to Mequon, with a dear friend, for an early dinner at The Chancery. Our meal was delicious, and "just enough", considering we were going to be listening to an evening of music.

From The Chancery, we headed through downtown Milwaukee to St. Josaphat Basilica, which was this concert's venue. I'd never been there before, and I have to say, it was a magnificent place to listen to the program, which was a performance of Vivaldi's Four Seasons, and two other pieces (one of which is a new favorite Ricard Wagner's Siegfried's Idyll).

You know how people in my generation hear the William Tell Overture and immediately think of the old television show "The Lone Ranger"? (No judgment here. I do, too.) Well, I happen to have that sort of experience when I hear the first movement of the Four Seasons. 

You see, when I first opened my needlework shop here in Wisconsin, I bought radio time to advertise the opening of the shop. I also continued that radio advertising for some time after. The music I chose behind the voice over? Yep. The first movement of the Four Seasons. Even after all these years, I can't hear that piece of music without also hearing the male voice begin to announce "Stitches...". I wonder if it's the same for any of my customers who heard those same ads? hmmm

I took photographs of the Basilica prior to the start of the concert, but was happy to turn off my cell phone to simply sit back and enjoy every single second of the performance. I was swept away by the music, and when it was time (all too quickly) to turn for home, the trip seemed short because we talked about the entire drive. I wish Handsome had been here, too, and when we discussed it, he said the same thing. It was a fabulous evening of friends and music.

Brynwood Needleworks - Critter Update

Every evening, I stop to look out the window to see if Fuzzy Butt has returned to the feeder. I've been keeping him fed since I returned from Florida, and he really likes the kitten food I added to the mix. 

So, I was pleasantly surprised to sit on the floor and watch as he brought another opossum to the feeder Friday and Saturday night. You can see the two of them in the photo with the arrows. I apologize for the poor quality, as I took that photo through the window.

Fuzzy had been to the feeder about four times (while I was awake) on previous nights, so I just got in the habit of looking out the windows whenever I went from the living/dining room to the kitchen. Can you imagine my surprise when I looked out to see a great, furry raccoon at the feeder? 

And, when I saw him, I noticed that Fuzzy was under the feeder roof trying to scare off the raccoon, who wouldn't have it. The raccoon would just back off, reach in and grab a mitt-ful of kitten food, and then stand back to eat it.When the raccoon finally ambled off, Fuzzy stayed there, eating like he wanted to completely empty the feeder to keep it away from the new, neighborhood bandit. I stayed there for at least forty five minutes watching it all play out, before Tag and I finally headed up to bed.

My youngest sister came to visit on Sunday, and after she was inside, she said, "Donnie, I think your 'possum was hit by a car." I was stunned. I asked, "Where?" and she told me that she'd seen it past our intersection, but on our road. I grabbed her keys and drove down to it. 

I knelt down on our rarely-used road (there are only six houses the whole length of it), and I was on the shoulder. He hadn't been dead long, and was still warm. I picked him up, not really knowing until then, whether or not it was a female or male. I wanted to make sure there weren't any babies in the pouch in case they needed to go to a wildlife rescue, as is often the case with hit females. Of course, there was no pouch on a male.

I gently moved him off the road, and went back to the house, but it really bothered me (I was crying when I got home), so it wasn't long before I went back down the road with a towel in my hands, wrapped Fuzzy Butt up (yes, it was him), and brought him back to the farm.

I carried his lifeless body up the hill to where I buried the baby raccoon last year. I couldn't dig a new grave because the ground is still frozen, so I placed him on the marker stones for the baby raccoon and covered him with all the broken sticks and branches I could find. When I was finished I slowly walked back down the hill, and went to spend the rest of the day with my sister.

Brynwood Needleworks - Eldest and Youngest Sisters

I'm sure I've told you that I'm the eldest of six. She's my youngest sister, and there are 12 years between us. I look at this photo it warms my heart, as I see that we squinch our noses the same way when we smile. We share the same laugh lines around our eyes and our mouths, and it's easy to tell we're sisters.

 

We were actually celebrating her "extended" Birthday (which was in February). We just hadn't had a chance to get together sooner. We had lunch, ate Birthday cake, and had a great time visiting until late afternoon when she had to leave.  

 

She's vice-prez of her younger son's lacrosse team, so she had to drive from the farmhouse to Green Bay for a board meeting. She actually stayed a little longer than she planned, but it was so nice to have her here. It was a happy end to a day that had some sadness, too.

 

She helped me see (through tears), that while the little 'possum was gone, I'd made him comfortable and happy through the winter by giving him a sheltered, safe place to get out of the weather and eat. That brings me a measure of comfort. 

 

After she left, I moved the feeder over to the other side of the yard, and away from the house. The critters can eat over there in peace, and while I'll know they've come because there will be empty feeders, maybe I won't get so attached to them. (We'll see about that part, but I'm going to try.)

 

It seems the older I get, the more these things seem to bother me. When I get sad, I'll just try to remember the good parts, and not the sad. Perhaps that the way we should look at life every day, isn't it? 

 

Thanks for reading all the way through my wordy post today. Don't forget to enter my giveaway, linked through the button at the top of my sidebar. I'll be adding more prizes during the week. Of course, Tag will be here tomorrow. Who knows what he's going to talk about? He never tells me until the last minute, so we'll have to see together on Tuesday. As for me, I'll be back on Wednesday to let you know what I'm working on.

Beautiful Weekend...

Oldest and Youngest

 

What a perfect fall weekend I had! It began with a visit with my youngest sister. I always enjoy time with her, and this visit was no exception. We had a great time, and of course, memorialized the day with a picture together.

 

Drum Room Painting

Handsome and I also put the final coat of paint on the inside of his ground-level storage room. Now for him to choose carpet and shelving. This room will be climate controlled (and comfortable) for storing and setting up his drums. He'll be setting one kit up to play, and I think he needs a chair or two in case anyone (me! me!) wants to sit and listen while he rehearses.

 

Farmhouse Lavender Jelly

After putting the final coat of paint on the new room, Handsome and I each hopped on one of our yard tractors and mowed our yard. It usually takes one person about three hours, so when we both tackle the task it takes (somehow) less than half the time! It was done in no time flat!

On the way back inside, I noticed that my lavender was full of blossoms (and bees, enjoying them), so I thought there may be enough to share. I worked without disturbing the bees and left plenty for them to enjoy. I quickly had enough blossoms for a "short" recipe for Lavender Jelly, so I went inside.

Within an hour, I lifted the finished jars out of their water bath to cool. I now have five small jars of jelly to enjoy or share over the winter. I may be able to make one more small batch after the bees are ready to rest for the winter, but it's okay if I don't. I'll be preparing my garden to sleep under the snow in a few weeks, so the bees still have time to feast among the flowers.

Sunset over Lake Winnebago

 

I took this photograph on my way home from my sister's on Saturday evening. I pulled over to safely take it. It was a perfect day weekend, and I'm happy to have these pictures to remember it.

Dreamstime.com

I hope you had as wonderful a weekend as we did, and that you have a great week ahead, too.

 

A Beautiful Reunion Tea...

Ladies of Stitches: l-r: Jan B., me, Laura I., Beverly R. and Pat Z.

Sunday couldn't have been lovelier or more fun. I hosted a tea with some of my favorite people from the days when I owned my needlework shop, Stitches. Handsome captured a photo of us, standing in front of my original shop sign, now mounted to the side wall of our compass barn.

My youngest sister, Jan was my first shop manager. Beverly (second from the right) was my second shop manager, and dear friend, Laura was my shop manager until the shop closed in the 1990s. Pat was a good customer, who became a better friend, and she's the one who actually worked with Laura, Beverly and our schedules to find a common date for us to all get together.

Laura, Beverly, Pat, and another shop friend who passed away, managed to get together once a year for their own stitching retreat. They've stayed in touch all these years. I'm so grateful to her for really making the day possible. Of course, Jan needed to be there as my first manager, too.

When Jan heard we were having a tea, she couldn't pass up wearing her fascinator on the weekend of the Royal Wedding in England. I loved it, and thought it looked perfect on her. I wish we'd all thought to wear a hat!

Our Tea Confections

Although it isn't shown here, there was, in fact, tea served. The lilacs started opening this weekend, and I managed to find enough blossoms to decorate the table. The aroma of lilacs filled the house.

Table Fare Detail

I went outside to the compass barn this morning and picked enough fresh rhubarb to make a "crisp". I added fresh strawberries, too. Nothing like "farm to table"!!

I served lemonade, garnished with fresh mint from my herb garden, and also put out pound cake slices that acted as a perfect platform for the ladies to test the jam and jellies I put out. There were able to taste test my Sweet Basil, Lavender, and Pomegranate Jellies, as well as Concord Grape Jam.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

 

The strawberries were delicious even before there were dipped in Giardelli Milk Chocolate (with a tablespoon of coconut oil melted with the chocolate). Adding the coconut oil (or shortening) keeps the chocolate from getting crumbly and brittle. (Eat your heart out, Shari's Berries!! lol) After dipping them, I placed them on parchment over our marble board. 

Brynwood Project Totes

As a gift, I gave each of the ladies one of the project totes I'd made. Pat's daughter, Danni was going to join us, but another commitment kept her away. She was missed, but got a tote that I sent home with her mum.

 

(If you see a color/design that you'd like for yourself, just shoot a message to me. I have enough materials to make duplicates of any of them.)

 

Youngest and Oldest Sisters

 

Time really flew. I wore one of my old Stitches t-shirts, and the ladies loved it. They all arrived right around 1 pm. Bev is down in the Madison area. Jan is in the Fox Valley (the other side of the lake to the West of the farm), Laura drove down from a northern port town on Lake Michigan, Pat lives in my hometown, so they all came from various parts of the state. One of us looked at the clock, thinking it was mid-afternoon, only to find it was nearly 6 pm! Time flew as we caught up, shared stories and reminisced about the shop.

 

We wrapped up our visit, with promises to get together again in June. We'll see if we can coordinate dates that work for everyone again, and next time, we'll all bring projects to work on.

 

Before I'd let Jan leave, I had to try on her fascinator. It doesn't really coordinate with a t-shirt and jeans, but I thought it was cute. I reluctantly gave it back to her, and now I'm going to look for one for myself. You never know when you'll be invited to the Queen's for tea and sweets! Perhaps next time, we'll all plan to wear hats. Wouldn't that be fun?