Happy July!

I missed wishing you all a Happy 4th of July, but, today, I'll wish you a happy July instead! Our flag was flying proudly yesterday, as always, and we're keeping busy as these days grow increasingly warmer. The potted flowers in front have never been prettier than this year, I can't take any credit, all I did was set them into the pots. Recently, we've had additional heartbreak where our nesting bluebirds are concerned. For the second time this year we've lost two families of fledglings to black snakes! Both times the reptile attackers have been removed, permanently. I am at the point where I want to simply take the nesting box down, as I feel responsible for them even coming here and setting up housekeeping at all. Mr. Goodneedle wants to persevere and has been doing research on new pole baffles and more effective deterrents than those we've been employing. We've learned that snakes are one of the most common predators; this is all new to us after twenty years of blissfully watching our bluebird friends arrive, raise their families and launch those scruffy little bluebird babies out on their own without so much as a care in the world. If any of you have any sure-fire solutions to this situation please let us know! Nature, for all its beauty and wonder, can also be so cruel.

The new laundry space is ready, at long last, for countertops! The folks from the stone place are coming out this afternoon to measure and "template" the top for the quartzite that we've selected. The room should be completed in two weeks. We've installed the new washer and dryer; there's so much more technology than I've been accustomed to from a major appliance! They're bluetooth compatible (I get a message on my phone when the clothes are dry!) and have many other handy features, ones that I never even would have thought of! The washing machine has a reservoir for the detergent that is filled for 40+ loads. The soap is dispensed based on the weight of the load. There's been a LOT to learn, it's all good.

I've begun quilting on "The Workout" quilt (pattern from Wonderful Curves Sampler Quilt Block Book). It's been a long time since I've feathered a wreath. 

This arrived in the mail last week! I had pre-ordered a copy back in January and almost forgotten about it until the amount hit my credit card. Oh, yeah. 😉 It's everything that I hoped it would be, and more! The premise of the book is to use up the scraps that you have on hand and includes a system for organizing those leftovers from other quilts so that they're ready for any of the patterns published here. 

From the last fat quarter bundle that I purchased I had little to no leftovers whatsoever! Believe it or not, I pieced quilt #1, quilt #2, bound those block boards (#3) and pieced these minis for doll quilts (#4) all from one bundle (plus the background) of fat quarters. Now I can start all over again, creating new  quilts and more scraps! Just like the title of the book above: Scrapiness Is Happiness; it really, truly is! 

This is proof that the above was a really, really good fat quarter bundle- 

good clear down to those last too-small-to-use strings and threads!

Life is Good!

Turning Pages from Here to There

We've only just returned from a road trip to visit family. I have been so very far behind in my reading that I gladly grabbed the seat time to catch up. I finished Good Hope Road (which, incidentally, I had begun in February!), this was a sweet story of a young woman and an odd assortment of townspeople that chronicled the aftermath of a natural disaster and concluded on a hopeful note. I completed a second book on this trip too, My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She's Sorry. These were both wonderful reads; I just love Backman. I had read his Bear Town the summer before last and have another of his, Britt-Marie Was Here, on reserve at the local library when it comes in. My Grandmother... was such an imaginative tale, it completely swept me up and carried me along for the ride, it's one I won't soon forget. With any luck, I hope to return to *D.E.A.R. time in the afternoons this summer. My biggest problem is that there's too much to do and not enough time to get it all done... anyone else? 😉 What's on your reading list?

* Drop Everything And Read

Life is Good!

In, and Under, the Weather

Since my last post was about winter storm Izzy, I thought it appropriate to continue the weather theme. This time, though, is my report from crawling out on the other side after being under the weather. Suffice it to say that there's been a LOT of reading done over the last few days, I hadn't the energy for anything else. Each one of these reads were good; very good. The Children's Blizzard is one of historical fiction, dealing with the blizzard of the Great Plains in January of 1888, happening unexpectedly on a relatively warm day. Someone who happens to read this blog emailed a few weeks ago to tell me that her grandfather lived through this event! This is a brutal retelling of the occurrence and its aftermath; made even more so when one realizes that it actually occurred, this one will stay with me. The character development in both Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe and Stars of Alabama is rich and compelling. Interestingly, and completely coincidental, is the fact that I read these back to back and they both take place in small towns in Alabama. I recommend all three for great writing and pure escapism. Hopefully I'll be back soon with more from the sewing space, just when I thought there was light at the end of the tunnel, recovery-wise, Mr. G. has managed to come down with the same thing that I have. 

It's a good thing we have nowhere to go, 

we couldn't if we tried.

Life is Good! 

Reading Report

I have been one of the most sporadic bloggers lately, I know that! There are projects afoot and subjects, loads of them, to talk about, that's not the problem; I have no excuses. I hope to post more regularly; the weather's changing and I'm squirreling away books to read in front of the fireplace as the days become shorter and colder. I'd completely gotten away from the D.E.A.R. routine this summer, just got busy with a variety of other things; I really did miss it.

These two were completed in October. I can't say that either one of these were my favorites, but they were both compelling reads, not books that I ever considered abandoning by any means, I was eager to finish them both. What's currently parked beside your reading chair? I have a few "to read" lists in progress and, like the bushy tailed hoarder above, I'm already laying in my supply for the months to come. If you can add suggestions to my list, I'm all ears.

Life is Good!

Late August Wrap-Up

I had a friend ask me the other day of I was ever going to post again; that's how long it's been since I've updated here! Sheesh. It's not that I haven't been doing anything, that would be the simplest explanation; actually, the exact opposite is the case. I'm going to bring the blog up to date, but it will take several posts to accomplish that. At last post, I was pulling blocks-of-the-month out of the stash closet (it just keeps giving... ) and setting them together. I'll pick back up there. This one was called The Chain Gang, it's been aging, like a fine wine, since 2010. Out of the bin and into the light: two blocks needed to bring it to a respectable size. I decided on a straight set and sashed it with a gray fabric that I had left over from another, different, (more recent) block-of-the-month. I found some bright grunge fabrics to use as the cornerstones so that the "chains" would remain unbroken. I had to order more Kona black to finish up the borders after the blocks were completed.

"The Chain Gang" ~ 56" X 72"

So, here we are, eleven years later~ finally at the flimsy stage. Another one to add to the ever-growing "to be quilted" queue! After all these years I've decided to not waste anymore time on this one, even to think of a clever name for it. It will simply be called The Chain Gang, as it was titled originally. 

One more late-August update, our baby turned 41 years old; he graciously hosted us at HIS house this year to celebrate! As the month wound down we've been treated to an absolute abundance of fresh tomatoes from the garden of friends. I needed to find a way to use them up quickly. I found this quick and easy recipe for homemade soup.

Fresh and colorful tomatoes before (l) and after (r) oven roasting. 

This tomato soup is smooth, flavorful and delicious. If you're looking for a use for extra tomatoes you might want to give this recipe a try!

I was able to get in some reading time in August; these two books held my attention for a few weeks. I'm already onto a new book for September which I'm loving, I'll report on that in a future post. I can't say that I particularly enjoyed Picoult's novel, it was a little over the top for me. Berg's "The Confession Club" was a fun and diversionary story which I liked very much; a friend had recommended it to me and I'm so glad that she did!

Elmer the elephant made his way down off the shelf and onto my cutting table while I was stitching up the  last blocks of The Chain Gang. He's good company, sewing is always more fun with friends! Stay tuned, I have lots more to show and tell. I can't believe that we're rocketing our way toward Labor Day already! 

Happy September!

Life is Good!

A Quick Escape

I'm back! Are these the largest doors that you've ever seen? They might be for me, where to do you think that these doors lead?  What's behind them? Think of animals marching two by two. Yes, Mr. Goodneedle and I made a winter escape to Kentucky and the Ark!

Built in Williamstown in 2016 to Biblical specifications the proportions of this Ark are every bit as awe-inspiring as you might think. There are three enormous decks to the ship which lead you through the "Ark Encounter", an incredibly interesting and personal experience recreating what life would have been like for Noah and his family during the flood, how they existed and how they cared for themselves and the animals.  

It was a unique and special time away. We drove from the ark to visit the Creation Museum in Petersburg, near Cincinnati; we had our first taste of winter weather and snow along the way. Those doors above also represents (to me) something more: a door to exit through, a step outside of this past year filled with quarantining, staying at home and fear. This quick escape was a step forward, in faith. There were NO crowds anywhere (keep in mind, it's January!) and all safety and health protocols were observed.

Compared to typical road trips that we take, this one was laid-back and relaxing. We didn't travel many miles each day and spent a lot of time just watching television and reading in our hotel rooms as we progressed. From the Creation Museum we headed south to Paducah and the National Quilt Museum.

This is what our afternoons and evenings looked like along the way. 

I finished binding a quilt, got reacquainted with counted cross-stich and read these two books. It was an extremely relaxing and luxurious time away, one that had been a very long time coming. But, naturally, all good things must come to an end; on Thursday it was back home and a return to our normal lives; back to laundry, cooking and cleaning. But, Dorothy was right: "there's no place like home!", that is most certainly true, it was wonderful to get away for a quick escape but it's always great to get back home again! 

Life is Good!

Up next: a post from the National Quilt Museum and a review 

of the cute quilt shops that we stopped at along our route.

Monthly D.E.A.R. Report and Something Sweet

Here's my August reading list, these were all good; actually, D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read) time has become one of our favorite hours of each day! I especially enjoyed the historical fiction works: A Well Behaved Woman, The Giver of Stars and The Union Quilters, as that's become my latest favorite genre but the other was a great read too. The Giver of Stars was most interesting to me because it is the second book in two months that I've read on the pack-horse library initiative of the WPA under President Roosevelt to supply rural patrons in the hills of Kentucky with books and reading materials during the 1930's. I've been giving our own local library a vigorous workout, using the library-to-go feature: ordering my books online and then picking them up in a "holding room" outside of the library proper. It works well, I put the title on hold for my local branch and when it comes in I receive an email. I'm super grateful to my daughter to turning me onto this service. The money that I'm saving on buying books can be directed toward fabric purchases; a  definite win-win!

When Lucy Ann was here the week before we made a fabulous, no-bake, freezer dessert: Ice Cream Sandwich Cake. This particular recipe is a new twist on an old-stand by and really is a keeper!

It might just be that repeating chocolate pudding/crushed Oreo layer that puts this one over the top, 

I'm not sure, but I highly recommend this as an easy to prepare and delicious summertime dessert. 

You're welcome!

Life is Good!

Reading Wrap-Up and a Recipe

This is my list of books read for July. We're still thoroughly enjoying our D-E-A-R* time on the porch while we stay at home. Our daughter helped me to reinistate my library card while she was here this past weekend; I have picked up a book already from the local branch and have a hold placed for two more, when they become available. This past months' reads were all good ones, I'm new to Louise Penny and have A Fatal Grace, her next in line after this one, in the queue all ready for this month. What's currently on your reading list or, better yet, on your bedside table?

We enjoyed this recipe over the weekend during family appetizer time, it's a newly discovered one for me, but will be repeated again soon. It could easily be a meal in itself, (which may or may not have happened last night) it's even better reheated! I served ours with Triscuits and Pita Chips but any sturdy crackers would be equally great. Enjoy~

Life is Good!

*= Drop Everything And Read

D.E.A.R. Time

Since we've created the new porch space to enjoy we've added a new element to our daily schedules. No matter what Mr. Goodneedle or I are doing at 4:00 PM  we Drop Everything And Read for an hour. We have really come to enjoy this custom over the past two weeks and we hold each other to it, if I'm busy in the sewing room and might even consider skipping a day he encourages me to leave what I'm doing and come sit down. This is escapism in its most basic form, it's been far too long that I have dedicated time exclusively for reading; and if we ever needed escapism- it's now!

These are my most recent additions. I've finished The Nightingale, am more than halfway through Keeping Faith and half yet to begin Then She Was Gone. If you've been frustrated by recent trips to the grocery store you might consider reading The Nightingale-- you'll rejoice at the abundance on the shelves today, even in light of the current state of the health crisis and an upside-down world. 🙃 Ann, over at straythreads, has posted a reading list to ponder if you are searching to titles to explore. What's new and different at your house during this stay at home time, how are you "escaping"?

Adapting today: I keep a can of Lysol handy and have taken to spraying and wiping down everything that comes in from the outside before I bring it in now.  We can't be too careful- wash your hands 🧼.

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." -Romans 15:4

Life is Good!

Up next: Creeping In

Lent and Leftovers*

During the Sundays of Lent we have not displayed fresh flowers on the altar at church during worship; but, rather, twigs, reeds and branches. As we reflect on our need for  God's forgiveness through the sacrifice of his son on the cross, dried arrangements remind us that in our baptism, our sinful self dies and we anticipate the resurrection that we share with Christ as the celebration of his Resurrection approaches. Our congregation is currently being served by an Interim Pastor who has introduced us to this tradition. The concept is new to me, as long as I can remember I have attended or belonged to churches that have used fresh flowers every Sunday, regardless of the season. This has had a powerful effect on me, as a stark visual reminder of the solemnity of this penitent season leading up to Easter. Is this a tradition that you observe or have heard about? Our mid-week Lenten services concluded last night as we prepare for Holy Week. We have been worshiping on Wednesdays with the service of Holden Evening Prayer. I will miss it.

*Leftovers (small little topic posts):

I made up a big batch of my homemade granola, I do this about every six weeks. This is a breakfast staple for me; a third of a cup of this granola topped with plain, homemade yogurt and berries if we have them. I have been making this granola for the last fifteen years, I got the recipe from a bed and breakfast where we stayed in Occidental, CA. If anyone is interested, let me know, I am happy to share the recipe. 

My porch quilts weren't hanging well outside, they would wave and flop and warp. Mr. Goodneedle created a frame and I attached the April edition with velcro to the frame and will continue to add strips in the corners of these subsequent monthly porch-brighteners. A simple fix with a great result!

Spring has a tight grip now, I believe the winter temps. are behind us. Sapphire blue skies and the emerging green leaves yesterday set off the blooms on the Kwanzan Cherry in the background. This is the site of our future screened-in porch. As of yet, we still don't have a start-date with the builder. 

The first of our Iris in bloom. This plant came from my childhood home at least fifteen years ago, I have divided it already many times. It will be time to divide it up for sharing again soon.  

Yesterday I quilted all afternoon with the windows open. You might think that was to enjoy the fresh air and gentle spring breezes; well, there was that, and the fact that opening the windows acted as a deterrent to allowing the male bluebird of our nesting couple from attacking his reflection in the glass! He did it all day until I turned up the music and cranked out the windows. Today he has calmed down. I checked the nesting box this morning, a nest has been built but as of today we're still empty-nesters. 

Quiltkeemosabe gave me this book yesterday, ways to outwit my nemesis. We'll see. I have had plenty visiting our new feeders in our revamped perennial garden space. 😖  The new plants are coming along slowly, but they are growing and establishing themselves. We have discovered a problem with lack of drainage in the back corner of the bed. I have dug up and potted the Russian Sage for now, while we amend the soil and situation there. I am thinking about planting Cardinal Flower back there and moving the Russian Sage; apparently the Cardinal Flower likes wet soil. I am learning that it's easier for me to be flexible with my layout than to fight the conditions. Time will tell. Now, on to the task at hand-- stopping those pesky seed-stealing rodents with long tails. 😉

Enjoy these lovely spring days!

Life is Good!