February Book List & Eagle

 Well, it was February - really cold, lots of snow and I proceeded to injure my back so I was down for a few days - a great time to read!!  So I did!

My reading list for the month basically included a lot of my old favorite authors:

Riviera Gold by Laurie R King (I love her Sherlock Homes and Mary Russell books - although several of her stand alone books are great) 

Lost and Found by Jayne Ann Krantz (another favorite author. This book is from her Fogg Lake Trilogy)

Aunt Dimity Vampire Hunter by Nancy Atherton (Part of my all time favorite Fantasy series.)

Journey of the Pharaohs by Clive Cussler (I have yet to go wrong with a Clive Cussler Story)

Mystery of the Minster by Susannah Gregory (Medieval mystery at it's best)

The Crown Jewel by Charles Veley (book 4 in the Lucy and Sherlock Series)

The Palace Guard by Charlotte MacLeod (book 3 in the Bittershorn & Kittering series - so much fun to read)

Nighthawk by Clive Cussler (More Cussler - I just can't stay away from him.)

I have searched all winter long for an Eagle.  They normally roost here in December and early to Mid January, but this year I saw nothing.  I realize I probable wasn't out and about as much because of the Pandemic, but I've always seen them around the church and on the road to town, but not this year.  Finally, my friend and I were driving to Kewanee a couple of weeks ago and one flew across the road ahead of us.  Of course no Camera!!  Then last Wednesday Hubby and I were pulling out of the driveway and one flew over our house!!  Of course no Camera!!  Later that same day we saw one flying over the road as we drove downtown.  Then yesterday driving home from Bible Class I saw 3 in the field at the end of the road.  Of Course no Camera!!  So I drove home, grabbed my camera and the big telephoto lens and hurried back - and guess what!! They were still there.  Got some good, some so so shots and some real duds, but at least I saw them - now if only I'd see a robin!!

Anyway here is a sampling of what I captured!!

Week 23 Bible Sampler Block

 Well today started off pretty well.  My Back wasn't aching, It wasn't snowing and the temperature was above 0 F.  Then I tried to cook my eggs for breakfast and accidently turned the wrong burner on - that wouldn't have been so bad except there was a plastic coffee container (full of garbage) sitting on that burner.  I walked away to do something else - and guess what - I came back to melted plastic, a kitchen full of smoke and fumes and a disaster to clean up.  Thankfully it hadn't ignited yet - just melted.  Thank goodness for windows that open and stove fans that work and all is well!!  I did get my eggs cooked, my coffee made and my breakfast into me.  Just please don't tell my husband!!

I have completed block 23 of my Bible Sampler Block.  The story for today is entitled Treasures From the Egyptians taken from Exodus 3:8B - 22.  The Lord tells Moses that when the people are ready to leave Egypt they are to ask for gifts from the people, gold, silver fine cloth and clothing.   

The title of this block is Bright Jewel.  I had an interesting time as the pattern is either for paper-piecing or templates.  I don't like templates and while I like paper-piecing it just wasn't what I wanted for this block.  It is  6 1/2" block and the units turn out to be an unusual number so I had to figure all the measurements and put them together.  It actually was fun and not as difficult as I thought - 4 Quarter Square Triangles made into 4 square in a square and sashed with a corner stone.  Was pleased with the result.

Snowy Saturday

 Third Snow storm this week!  I've really had enough!  We don't normally get this much snow in an entire season - we've had it in a week - this is the 5th storm in the last 3 weeks or so - But I am grateful for a warm house - plenty of food - warm blankets and a loving husband to help keep me warm.  It is supposed to get very very cold this week and I'm also grateful I don't have to go out anywhere before possibly Thursday.  I would love to go to church tonight but with the snow and the blowing and drifting it really isn't safe so I will get it online in the morning.  

I did accomplish a lot today.  Finished the quilting on the center medallion of my Stars around the Garden quilt.  Will start working on the first border tomorrow - it shouldn't take nearly as long to quilt it - famous last words. 

 I have been fighting with a quilt called Taos.  I have misplaced the Part 6 pattern - that wasn't so horrible I could work around that, but then I last of the diamonds for the center Medallion wouldn't come out right - one side was the correct size - the other side was 1/2 " too long - no idea what was wrong.  I had already ripped these things out twice and recut some of them and just had enough.  I packed the entire thing away.  I will get the rest of the monthly patterns and hopefully I will find the missing one and someday in the future I will go back to it.  For now I have so much that needs quilted or needs pieced that is actually fun to keep me busy for quite a while.

I did complete block 21 for my Bible Sampler Quilt:

It is Children of Israel, both the study and the title of the block.  The scripture is Exodus 1:1-11.

January Reading List

 I am a voracious reader but lately I have not been very good at getting my reading list onto my blog - so I'm going to try to do better - once a month posting what I have been reading that month.  Because it has been such a dark, cold icky month, the list is pretty long.

So here goes for January:

Paradox by Catherine Coulter - This is one of her FBI series with Savage and Sherlock.  I really like this series of books and this one was as engrossing and addicting as all the others.

The Plot is Murder by V.M. Burns - This was a new author for me and it was an OK book - don't know if I'll read anymore or not.

Darling Dahlias & the Voodoo Lily by Susan Wittig Albert - She is one of my favorite authors and I have read all the Darling Dahlias and China Bayles books and also the ones she wrote with her husband as Robin Paige - great stories and excellent research.

Squeeze Me by Carl Hiaasen - Another dark humor, irreverent look at our society.  I enjoy his books - but only about 1 or 2 a year.

Game of Bones by Carolyn Haines - Another in the series with heroines Sarah Booth Delaney and her partner Tinkie.  Great read as always from this author.

Missing Memories - Carol Dean Jones - Another in the Quilting Cozy series with Heroine Sarah.  It is a fun easy read - I've enjoyed all of them so far.

A Visitation of Angels by Carolyn Haines - Another of Carolyn Haines series - this one called Pluto's Snitch.  This is the 4th in the series and they are always a gripping rather scary read but enjoyable.

Firelines by Susan Wittig Albert - This is the Third in a trilogy called Pecan Springs Enterprise.  Enjoyed all three as they are a continuous story with a satisfying conclusion.

Christmas Crisis by Hope Callahan - This is an installment in her Garden Girls Series and these are so much fun.  Always a mystery to solve - not always a murder.  Basically good clean fun.

Eternity Ring by Patricia Wentworth  - Patricia always delivers a rousing mystery and one I usually don't actually figure out before the end.  These are old books, but well worth the read.

The Withdrawing Room by Charlotte McCloud - This is the second in the Max Bittershorn and Sara Kelling Series.  Always fun to read and worth the time for a second, third or fourth look.

Word and Scripture for the Year

 After much prayer I found the word I am to live by this year.  My word is HOPE.  Hope for my life, my family, our country, the future.  

My verse for the year is Isaiah 40:31 - to remind me that my hope is always in the Lord and all by strength and ability comes directly from Him.

Icy January

 It has been an icy January so far.  Two massive Ice storms and days on end of fog, but thankfully it has not been terribly cold.  Cold enough to keep the ice and snow around but not cold enough to freeze your toes off.  Of course I would love one of those Januarys where it is 65 and sunny and you can go walking in your shirtsleeves - but those are few and far between.  

This was taken in the fog the morning after the second ice storm.  It was foggy for three days.

This was taken out my back door the following day.  The trees are covered still with ice and Hoarfrost.  It was one of the most beautiful sights I had seen in the neighborhood.  It turned foggy again later that day and we haven't seen the sun since. 
 

I am learning to take my beauty where I can find it this last year - sometimes it is hard to come by.  

My block of the week (#17) for The Bible Sampler Quilt is Jacob's Ladder - the story of Jacob's Struggle with God in the wilderness.  

I made it using the Wing Clipper II from Studio 180 and one other ruler from her collection.  Making flying Geese with precision piecing is just not my thing - they always come out wonky and look terrible.  The story of Jacob's Ladder is in Genesis 28: 10-15.  The name of the block is also called Jacob's Ladder.

My first completed project of 2021 is a Snowflake wall hanging.

I like to hang small quilts beside my front door - a long narrow one on the left and a square one on the right.  For winter I had a Snowman for the left but nothing for the right so I used the old tried and true method of making snowflakes from grade school, traced it on fusable and appliqued it to the square.  

I have no idea what my next completed project will be - even after spending last year trying to clear out my UFO's - I still seem to have more that I should have.  I guess this year I will try to avoid starting too many new projects and work on completing the ones I already have going.  

Winter is upon us!

 We had our very first real winter storm of the season - with the Storm Warnings, the snow, the sleet and the icing on the cake was the freezing rain!!

Depending on exactly where you were you got from 3 to 12 inches of snow.  We got about three and then a heavy coating of ice.  Personally I would rather have just the snow or preferably just rain, but thankfully I don't have to go out today at all.  Took the trash out to the can earlier (just outside the garage door) and was thankful I didn't have to go any farther as it was covered in ice.  The plow did come down the road in the night so it is good and we could get out if we had too.  He will probably come back through again this afternoon and pass again.

I finished block 16 of my Bible Sampler Quilt.  The Story is Abraham and Sarah's Visitors, when they receive the visit from the Angel of the Lord and two angels to announce the pending birth of Isaac.  A meal is cooked and served to the visitors.  The story is in Genesis 18:1-8.

 The title of the block is Hearth and Home.

Bible Sampler Block 14

 Block 14 of the Bible Sampler block is Bod Blesses Abram from Genesis 12:1-2.  God tells Abram to leave his home, country and family, and go to a new country that God would show him.  And God would bless him and make him a great nation. I don't know about you, but that would take a lot of faith and trust and God did reward Abram for it.  

The Block is called House.

Bible Sampler Block 13

 Block 13 of The Bible Sampler Quilt is called Everlasting Promise based on Genesis 8:20 - 22.  The story of God's promise to never destroy the earth again by flood.  He set the rainbow in the sky so we would be reminded of his promise each time it appears.  

The name of the block is Night and Day - that is also part of the promise - night and day will continue until Christ comes again.

Bible Sampler Quilt Block 12

 The 12th block of the Bible Sampler Quilt is based on the Story Dry Land Appears from Genesis 8: 8-12, after the Flood that lasted close to 200 days - for us that is nearly 8 months - not including the forty days it rained.  Can you imagine 240 days stuck in the house with your parents, siblings, and their spouses for that long.  Well maybe some on you can with the pandemic quarantines!  Add all the animals into the mix and it would have been a difficult time - and you couldn't go out and walk down the road and take a drive in your car!

Imagine how exciting when the waters started to go down and they could actually see land in places.  I would have been doing a happy dance.

The name of the block is Dove in the Window   I paper-pieced the block so it wasn't too difficult to do  just two wide Y seams.  I'll be back next week for block 13.

Bible Quilt Block 11

 The 11th block in the Bible Sample Quilt is the story of the World Wide Flood taken from Genesis 8:1-7. We've had some pretty horrendous storms here and I loved through Hurricane Gloria back in the 1980's in New England so I do know about rain and wind and even Tornados but this storm took the cake.  Noah had to built an ark for his family to survive - him and all the life on earth.

This block is called Open Window.  Despite my aversion to diamonds and Y seams this block went together pretty easily.  

Veteran's Day Family Tribute

 On this Veterans Day I wanted to pay homage to and Thank all the members of my family how have served and are serving in the armed forced for our country.  

First on the list is my Grandfather William Edmond Doutt.  He was 17 when he joined the Army in 1898 to serve in the Spanish American War.  He served in Puerto Rico as a Wagon Driver until he was severely injured and spent 6 month in the Hospital in San Juan.  He married my Grandmother in 1899 and they had 11 Children.  

Next is my Brother David.  He served in the Air Force during the 60 as an Airframe Mechanic.  

My husband, David, served in the Airforce as an electronic technician during the late 60's and early 70's.  We were married when he got back stateside.

My Brother Wayne and his Wife Sharyn both served in the Army during the late 1980's and early 1990's  both were sent to the first Gulf War.  They married while they were in the Army and were stationed around the world.

My Nephew Matthew Served in the Army in the 2010's and is now Going to College.

My Grandson Trevor is currently serving with the Marines.  We are very proud of him.

Thank you to all of you for your service and your sacrifices of time and talent to keep us all safe.    

Bible Sampler Block 08

 Block Number 8 in my Bible Sampler Quilt is The Curse.  This is taken from Genesis 3:10-13, 16-19.  It is the result of the disobedience.  We all have to suffer the consequences of our actions - even though there are those who would like to do away with consequences - it cannot be done.  We have to live with them for the rest of our earthly life.  Jesus takes away the eternal punishment when you accept Him as your Lord and Savior, but that does not remove the consequence of your actions in this life.  

The other name for this block is Adam's Refuge.  More Y seams which I'm thankfully getting better at!

Bible Sampler Block 07

 The Seventh Block of the Bible Sampler Quilt is Adam and Eve disobey.  It was a pretty basic block - 4 patches and V- blocks.  I used a V-block tool to get those blocks more or less correct.  The Bible Reference is Genesis 3:7-9

Name of the actual block is Garden Walk.

Bible Sampler Block 06

 Block 6 of the Bible Sampler Quilt is The Garden of Eden.  I have made this block several times for other quilts and there is nothing earthshattering in it.  It is 4 Squares in a Square and Sashing between  it was an easy break for a couple of other ones I've done

Scripture for this block is Genesis 2:15-18, 21-23.  The Block is actually titled Garden of Eden.  

The Derecho

 For those of you who don't know what a Derecho is - it is basically a wind storm usually coming out of a thunderstorm but it is not a tornado.  These are straight line winds that can top 100 miles an hour - basically hurricane force winds but there is little or no changing direction with them.  We had one back in 2008 - Check Here for Pictures - we thankfully didn't take any damage but our power was out for 4 days.  This time the power was out about 12 hours but our cell service was out - apparently a tower out in Iowa went down and it was a domino effect that took out the towers for that provider.  We don't seem to realize how dependent we've become on Electricity and communications and when things don't work we are totally lost.  

The parts of the tree the wind took down

This branch of the tree embedded itself in the ground,  narrowly missing the siding and the basement window.  

 

It was quiet and cooler today - but the heat will be back tomorrow.  Will be working of a couple of quilts that I want to get completed.  Was working on the last borders of one when the storm hit yesterday.  

One more set of National Day Quilt blocks
National Kitten Day July 10
National Paper Bag Day July 12
National Lollipop Day July 20
National Pennsylvania Day - July 20

I was born and spent my first 17 years in Pennsylvania so I just had to include that day in my quilt.  I also added the little tiny town where I lived then.  

I have been doing a lot of reading this past 6 months.  Some of my reads include 

Skeleton Coast & Dark Watch by Clive Cussler

Patchwork Connections by Carol Dean Jones

Walk the Wire by David Baldacci

Dangerous Minds by Janet Evanovich

Ties that Bind by Marie Bostwich

Close Up by Amanda Quick

The Spy Mistress by Jennifer Chiaverini

The Corpse Wore Tartan by Kaitlyn Dunnett

Plus several more by Clive Cussler, Carol Dean Jones, Janet Evanovich and Marie Bostwich.  There are some more but my mind has gone blank on them.  My complete listing of books I have read starts Here I am addicted to reading and Quilting so the list is long.

New Month - nothing new

I don't know where the time has gone.  I seems like the days drag by with no where to go and nothing much to do, but all of a sudden the month is over and we have started a new one.  But then I look back and I really did get a lot of things done, it just doesn't seem like it at the time.  I've been working on several UFO's from as much as 10 years ago.  Just started 2 new quilts, one for my husband and one for my granddaughter, and still working on my National Day Quilt.  

Went out to do some Letterboxing the other day.  It was a beautiful day, sunny, not too hot and perfect for getting out.  Went to riverside cemetery to look for two Letterboxes and took my camera thinking I would do a little photo shoot while I was there.  Well I couldn't find the Letterboxes - that's ok - frequently the boxes have gone missing or I miss read the directions.  So I decided to take some pictures and found I forgot to replace the dead battery in my camera.  But it was not a total loss - I got out of the neighborhood, without having a Drs appointment, got some fresh air and sunshine and some exercise to boot.  

I have been designing my own National Day blocks and have been having a lot of fun doing it.  I don't of course do all the days - just the ones that interest me and I can think of a block to depict it.  

This group of blocks is from June
National Train Day June 10
National Egg Day June 3
National Donald Duck Day June 9
National Camera Day June 29

This group of blocks is from July
National Teddy Bear Picnic Day July 10
National Yellow Pig Day July 12
National Thread the Needle Day July 25
Independence Day July 4

I've completed two Quilts of Valor and an Old UFO from 8 or 10 years ago that I titled Hearts and Flowers.  It was stuck in a drawer partially quilted and basically forgotten.  It is now finished and probably will go in the charity quilt pile.  

Hearts and Flowers completed July 2020

This was a Thimbleberries quilt from years ago - I'm just so glad it is done and out of the sewing room.  

We did get the floor in the bedroom finished - it looks so beautiful I'll post a picture when we get the baseboard up.  We have hung the two doors but don't have the casings in yet so there is still a lot of work to do - but it looks soooooo much better.  

Got to go get the pizza dough started for dinner.  

I'm excited

I am so excited!!  I actually finished the piecing on my Circles of Life quilt top.  I bought the pattern about 10 years ago and started working on it.  It is paper pieced and rather tedious with rainbow colors and small pieces and eventually it ended up on the UFO pile as other things came up that seemed more important.  During this Quarantine I decided to pull it out and work on it.  I was determined to get the top completed.  After the first day of working on it I was fully aware of why it had gone in the UFO pile in the first place - but I was determined, and I finished it!!

Circles of Life

While I love the quilt and look forward to getting at the quilting - I will NEVER attempt another one.  It was an interesting challenge but I think now I will move on the another challenge - like the Mariner's Star UFO that is sitting in it's own tub - then again maybe something simpler. 

I have in the mean time been working on other projects like my National Days quilt blocks:

These are Memorial Day May 30
National Maritime Day May 22
Mother's Day 2nd Sunday of May
National Prayer Day 1st Friday of May

These are Nation Nap Day March 9
National Let's Laugh Day March 19
National Little Red Wagon Day March 25
National Pencil Day March 30

 This has been such a fun project, I'm looking forward to more of them.

I continue to make the cards - July has many family birthdays so I may be really busy with just cards. 

This is one I made for a family birthday this month.

It also helps with the getting a lot of sewing done that it has been rainy and cold.  The other morning I woke up to This:

It was dark, gloomy and pouring rain.  The water was flooded over the road and running down between the houses - it had overwhelmed the underground drainage tiles.  We've had a few really nice days, but now it is pouring rain again.  I know that in a couple of weeks we will be complaining that it is dry and the farmers will be whining that we need rain.  It is either feast or famine in the Mid-West.

I'm planning on going out to lunch for the first time since early March.  Of course we can't eat indoors - we have to do phone ordering and curbside pick-up but we can eat on the dining patio.  But at least we can get out and do something fun.

I continue to read - a lot:

Tie Died by Carol Dean Jones

A Wee Christmas Homicide by Kaitlyn Dunnett

Prologue to Murder by Lauren Ellis

The Corpse wore Tartan by Kaitlyn Dunnett 

Corsair by Clive Cussler

As you can see I've been enjoying Kaitlyn Dunnett's Series and I love Clive Cussler.  Carol Dean Jones in a new one - she is writing a Quilting series and I enjoyed the first one so I will try another one.  

Hope all are well and happy.  Remember to treat others and you want to be treated, think before you speak and consider the consequences before you act.

Living under Stay at Home Order Part 5

There are days when everything seems relatively normal and there are days when I feel like the entire world has fallen apart and nothing will ever be normal again.  I usually recover from that fairly quickly.  But I haven's been out to do my regular things - quilt clubs, aerobics, Quilt shop hops, lunch with my granddaughter and friends, quilt shows, church, Bible Study all the things that gave my live routine.  Now I have trouble remembering what day it is and even what time it is.  That is the hardest part is the lack of the usual routine.

I am managing  the last few days have been really nice and we did get all the yard work caught up, and also got both decks scrubbed down.  Yesterday we went for a walk down to the creek.  I was surprised that I could easily walk that far.  Since my knee surgery I have had trouble walking distances - but I guess cleaning the yard and scrubbing decks helps!!  I did find some wonderful flowers while I was out. 

The Violets brought back so many memories from when I was a girl.  We lived in an very rural setting and there were woods behind our house.  Every spring the floor of the wooded hillside looked like this.  I would spend hours picking violets and brought home large bouquets to my Mom.  Those were really good memories.

Another sure sign that the world is continuing to move forward are these gorgeous Daffodils from my neighbor's yard - actually they were closer to the ditch by the road - but it doesn't make them any less beautiful and  sign of hope.

I never saw Virginia Bluebells until I moved here - and I used to live a lot closer to Virginia than I do now!!  I think it's just a name.  I love the fact that the buds are pink - a beautiful shade of deep rose pink, but when they bloom they are this lovely blue.  I haven't seen any bluebells for a few years, but the entire hillside was covered yesterday when we walked by the creek. 

I'm still working on my quilting projects, Hue is coming along - I have the center medallion about half quilted and I am finished with the National Day blocks for April - not photographed yet but I will get around to it soon. 

Made more note cards, most of these ones have been sent out also,  want to get a couple more make and then I will have to order some more card bases as I only have about 3 more.  I'll work up an order - there are other things I'll be needing but nothing really urgent.  We are actually hanging in there fairly well.  Hubby does the shopping for groceries - I don't go anywhere - I'm at a much higher risk than he is although his risk factor is up there, but he's being careful and we are trying to eat well and take care of ourselves.  The Governor just put us on Lock Down for an additional 30 days - until the end of May. 

Talked to my daughter yesterday and we decided to hold a huge family Birthday/Anniversary/graduation/Mother's Day/Easter/and possibly 4th of July party when this is all over.  Since this started and before it ends (if it ends on May 30) we have 5 birthdays, 2 anniversaries and 1 graduation in the family.  One of those birthdays is a most important 1st birthday!! 

 

Living Under Stay At Home Order Part 4

It has been a crazy, informative time - There are many good things about the Quarantine and there are many less than good things.  There are things I thought I would miss and don't and things I didn't realize I would miss and do, and things I knew I would miss and I really miss them.  I miss seeing my grand kids and my great grand kids so very much, but then I knew that.  I miss the big family get togethers - you know the ones - they are exhausting and exasperating and so much fun!!  I miss lunch with my girls - daughter, daughter-in-law, and granddaughters - lunch with my friends, & Coffee with my BFF. I miss Church and Bible Study and that Fellowship - but am grateful to my pastor for posting everything on the internet so we can all keep up and keep in touch.  And I miss my quilt gatherings and friends, and I miss the road trips with my quilt buddy.

I've found I have more time to help Hubby with the Spring Yard work - not something I'm thrilled about - I hate yard work - he usually calls me in when he wants something to die - if I tough a growing plant - it dies.  I have two black thumbs - I can only grow Dandelions!  I have more time for cleaning - UGH - not my favorite thing either!!

I've actually been doing laps in my driveway now that the rain has eased off and the temps are back up to something resembling Jacket weather.  I mean would you believe it - we had a couple of 70 degree days and then in one week we had TWO - not one but TWO - snow storms.  Not little flurry things but 4 - 6 inches of wet sticky stuff.

Snow on the Maple bud trying to come out.

The poor Robin in the back tree trying to avoid the snow.

I have also had plenty of time to work on my sewing.  I've been working on a Block of the month called Sophie's Garden - it is part cotton fabric with applique in wool.  I haven't done a lot of work with wool so this is a new challenge.  I also have my second Quilt of Valor  Ready to be quilted, that is going to happen as soon as I get the center of my Hue quilt Quilted.

I've also been working on my National Day Quilt  These ones are all my own design as Angie decided to take a break.  That's okay as I have been having a lot of fun with it.

April Fool's Day
Find a Rainbow Day
National Unicorn Day
Easter Sunday

I have the rest of April's days planned and/or completed but not finished and photographed.

Today I plan to try my had at making a face mask, finishing the center of the Hue Quilt and working on a Challenge put out by my favorite Quilt Shop  The Quilt Box.  Might have to help Hubby clean the front deck if it warms up a bit.

Been doing a lot of reading too mostly by comfortable, familiar authors:

Alien Allure by Hope Callaghan
Broken Bone China by Laura Childs
The Killer of Pilgrims by Susanna Gregory
Emerald by Phyllis Whitney
A Minute to Midnight by David Baldecci
Plaid and Plagiarism by Molly Mcrae

I'm looking forward to many things - a big family birthday party, a road trip to see my great-granddaughter in Chicago - a road trip with my Quilt Buddy/BFF, a Road trip with my Hubby, and a Church with all my church family.

Stay safe and Healthy.