I'm Home.....

My Mum, sister and brother in law and I have just returned from a two week vacation to visit a cousin in North West Louisiana. We had a nice time with her and her family. We then travelled to New Orleans and drove along the coast to Florida. Making our way north, we drove through the Smoky Mountains to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and then home.

It is so nice to get away from the cold weather and not having to wear a coat. I would like to think that we have brought the sunny warmer weather home with us.

Yesterday was so warm I worked in my garden, it was nice to get dirt under my finger nails again. There are signs of Spring everywhere, see the photos of my wind flowers, violets, daffodils and crocus. This morning a noticed a robin had started to build her nest in my honeysuckle.

Now I need to get in front of my sewing machine, I have blocks to make for my next guild meeting, finish the binding on my Granddaughters quilt, start the quilt for my guest bedroom, finish two wall hangings, finish my Indian Orange Peel quilt. I bought more fabric while on vacation, as if I needed it, it was a bargain, so how could I pass that up. With all those UFO's, the windows to clean, the lawn should need it's first cut soon, I have two cars that need a good clean, and the list goes on and on, can we make the days a little longer so that I can get this all done.!!

Finishing UFO's

Finally, some time to do a bit of quilting, so I have decided that before any new projects were going through my sewing machine, two UFO's were to be completed and given to their intended receiver. One finished (the birth announcement wall hanging) and the second (crib quilt) which I am hoping will be done by Sunday. Both projects are for my Great grandson, Ethan.

The cross stitch wedding sampler for my nephew, Jeff and his wife Cindy is finished and framed, ready to give to them in August, when they are having a family get together to celebrate their quiet July 2nd. wedding. When all completed I will post photo's.

Gill, from "That British Woman" asked me to post a photo of my pond. The "pond" is small, just the right size for our back garden. About 16 years ago, my two sons in law dug the hole, installed the liner, rocks and waterfall. The soil from the hole created a rock garden around it. All of the water lilies have finished blooming, I had five this year. At the present time the flowers in the garden are past their prime, next year I might plant some portulaca, SP? for some summer colour. The last photo shows my "duck" topiary, it hides the electric connection for the pump and filter. During the Winter we place a heater in the water to keep the fish alive. The white lines you can see over the pond is fishing line. Quite regularly we have a visiting heron looking for its dinner, this keeps it out of the water and is not too noticeable.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Patricia

Not much quilting done.....

......as I have been busy in my garden. Have to keep weeding, don't want them to get the best of me. The maple tree bonsai I started from a seed five years ago, it is now about 18 inches high. Now I don't really know much about bonsai, however, I am surprised that it looks as good as it does, even if I do say so myself. Just wish I could get the leaves to come in a bit smaller. The secret is getting enough nerve to dig it up and cut off some of the roots and re-pot it. The honeysuckle and roses have a lovely fragrance, I can really smell it today, as the air is quite heavy and sultry. Enjoy the flowers currently in bloom in my world.
Dd2, granddaughter5 and I went to Shedden on Sat. for their Rosy Rhubarb, village wide yard sale. Dd2 saw a number of items she would like to take home but the $$ were out of her price range. A beautiful antique buffet $1800.00 !!! Gd5 was looking longingly at some Barbie dolls and accessories, so Grandma could not resist spending $3.00 for the huge tub full of stuff.
On Sunday, OH and I went to the Rosy Rhubarb car show, even though it looked like rain. Thankfully not a drop fell on us, OH would not like anything to spoil the shine on his "baby".
I am thinking about starting some hand piecing for the Summer months, something that I can do sitting outside, as I hate being in during the nice weather. Been looking at English Paper Piecing and making Grandmothers Flower Garden pattern.

Patricia