Step By Step

  

Spring is arriving, step by step... I'm ready!  I wish I could say it was a steady and gradual shift into spring, but that's not the case. One day we'll have beautiful almost-summerlike days and the next we're plunged back into a day that's cold and blustery, winter still has a grip. 

I've dug out my wintered-over geraniums and potted them up to enjoy the warmer, sunnmy days and get a head start. This year I am also trying my hand at pre-sprouting the dahlia tubers. I hadn't ever done that before but after watching a few youtube videos, and feeling fairly confident that I can succeed, I'm giving that a go. Wish me luck. 

We gathered for the funeral of Phyllis, our dear DIL's mother, on Saturday. I believe that it was one of the most beautiful, music-filled, personal send-offs that I have ever attended. I  am truly blessed to have known her, she was a lovely and accomplished woman in every sense. The service was held at a Methodist church, this hung in the Fellowship Hall there. I am well-acquainted with this style of watercolor quilts and wallhangings. Remember when these were all the rage in the 1990's? I just know that Phyllis would have directed my attention to this when we entered the room, had she been there. She is deeply missed already.

I'm plugging away, on schedule with week #2 of the R,W & B Scrappy QAL through RedRainbootsHandmade and her Sparklers quilt constructed from the strips received in the recent scrappy swap. I am appreciating the relaxed pace of this quilt-along and enjoying the process fully; one step at a time. Stay tuned; this beauty lives up to its name!🎇

And so, after a sedentary winter I have decided to kick my walking regimen into full gear. Sunday's progress as shown above is pitiful, somehow I contracted a short term (thank goodness!) stomach bug. But, yesterday I was feeling great again and back to hiking the neighbohood hills. It's all good. 

Oh, and Augie has a new friend. 

Life is Good!

Wedges Gone Wild!

I know, it's been a while. I'm still here... still sewing up a storm. If you recall, from a former post, my latest obsession was the wedge block. Well, I'm still at it with this strip pieced variation. These wedges appear to be spinning out of control! This 16 block small wall quilt measures 28" square right now, I have plans for borders; we'll see how this progresses. Now, back to the scrappy Kaleidoscope block quilt that I was working on before these strips took over! 

Spring is arriving around here in fits and starts. I'm enjoying the longer daylight hours and the warmer daytime temperatures for sure. I dug out my bare-root geraniums that were wintering over in cardboard boxes in the basement and potted them up last week. They're sitting outside and acclimating to new pots and fresh soil, at this time it looks like five out of six have survived to live another season, not bad. 

Spring break from school included some time here with the grands. Lynnleigh is working on her embroidery stitches with her companion who's always eager to share a seat with anyone who settles in.

I finished up this cross stitch last week, "Strawberry Basket" from Notforgotten Farm.; I'm unsure how I'll finish it right now; but, it's checked off the list and I've begun another pinkeep, a smaller one, from Summer House Stiche Works.

In between time: sourdough breadmaking continues, these variations on the theme took over the kitchen last week. I end up giving bread to friends and neighbors as Mr. G and I can't possibly eat all the bread that my ever-demanding starter requires!  I'll be turning my attention outdoors for the next few days as the perennial garden is beginning to show signs of bright green life and needs a bit of cleaning up. 

What's taking up your time and energy these days?

Life is Good!