Dinners Out

It has been a lucky week around here.
We have been invited out for dinner twice already and once again tomorrow.
It is really nice to spend the day doing all the busy stuff we love to do in this glorious weather and then be treated to great friends and food.
(Not to mention no cooking and cleanup)

The other day we got to visit with friends I rarely see.

It is wonderful to be able to just pick up where we left off even though it has been almost a year since we have last seen each other.

That is true friendship.

Their son and our girls always get along great.

It is amazing though how you notice the passage of time when you haven't seen a child for awhile.

It makes me feel so old.

Our kids had so much fun playing in a boys world.

I think this train set, which took up the whole floor, was the best fun of all.

I always feel it is mandatory to bring something when going out for dinner.

I usually bake up a dessert, or bread and fresh butter or create a beautiful salad. But tomorrow we were told to just bring ourselves.

Nice, and it gives me an excuse to create something to give.

I decided that I would make a hostess gift to pass along, but seeings as our host is a man I came up with a little gift that I thought would be fitting.

Kinda cute heh?

I really think every bathroom should have these so guests won't feel that subtle awkwardness when trying to decide which of the towels are to dry their hands on. In these situations I often opt for my pants.

I mean you never know what was dried with that particular towel.

Okay enough said about that.

Last night K had a special sleep over at her Nana and Papa's.

Her chance to be on her own and be treated like a diva.

She soaks every minute of it up, and I don't blame her.

On their morning rounds, they went to a garage sale on their way back home and I guess K had her heart set on these old dolls.

They all came in a basket, each one with a lovely handmade dress.

The dolls are very old and a little freakish looking up close, but they are a neat addition to any girls collection.

I too lucked out because I can copy the patterns off the clothes so and make more.

Or Lucky dolls I guess.

Now K has the garage sale..ing bug.

First thing in the morning we are off to find some new treasures.

That's my girl.

Out with the Radiowaves

I have always been disgusted with microwaves and have never found it to be of any use.

I don't see any merits to owning one that would justify it's value, except to melt butter.

It's whole existance breeds a culture that is contrary to all my moral beliefs and food values.

Ours was purchased in my nesting days when I wasn't sure what to expect and wanted to cover all my bases.

It has sat on it's post unplugged and rarely used since.

Yesterday we finally made the decision to vacate the beast and I am so relieved.

In a home that is measured in square inches, not feet , this contraption was taking up prime real estate.

Now in it's spot, I have my beloved recipe books and my collection of aprons nicely displayed and easily accessible.

Yes I am an avid apron collector and maker of as well.

I love the nostalgic feel and motherly appeal they offer, with a bit of sass of course.

So on my mission to live a organically wholesome life full of love, health, and fun, this is yet another step in the direction I feel we all need to be going.

Now if I could only figure out a viable solution for the cell phone!!!.........

OH LUCY!!!!

I am so in love with this dress that was given to me by my great friend next door.

She was cleaning out her closet and invited me to catch anything I wanted that she was throwing out.

Now I just need a place to wear it to.

Somehow the grocery store doesn't seem fitting.

I see red lipstick, a great pair of heels and a funky hairdo to top this off.

Some day.

Once again we spent the day outside enjoying mother natures glory.

We did art in the park this afternoon and made some fun paper bag kites.

Of course climbing trees and swinging was just as fun.

I realized after I posted yesterday that the photos I took of my fairy house were not an adequate portrayal of my piece of work.

I failed in my attempt to display it authentically amongst the garden.

I felt that it need better representation and these pictures do it a bit more justice.

Bare with me.

This craft inspired me to resurrect an old dollhouse I got from the auction in Cumberland years ago.

I really miss the auction, it's ambiance and the smell of old things.

I found so many treasures there and it is a place of my youth I will always fondly remember.

The doll house, named Jenny's Cottage, is such an old, odd thing, full of smelly old carpets and interesting nooks and cranny's.

It needs lots of work, but the structure is great to start from.

I am excited to see where this will end up.

Fairies In Wonderland

I have always been in love with the idea of fairies.

I used to imagine them playing in the forest behind the house where I grew up.

No I am not losing my mind (yet).

I really do love the tales and lore about the mysterious little mystical beings.

I have picture books and stories that have become treasures to me and now my girls.

It doesn't get more girly than that.

And today, for no reason in particular, I started a project that came to me years ago.

I have always wanted to build a fairy house.

Made of sticks and twigs and earthy stuff.

I grabbed a basket and ventured around the yard.

Then I began with no real idea in mind, letting the materials be the guide and Voila...a home that any fairy could be proud of.

I had an idea while I was gathering supplies, to make hanging vases and fill them with the splendor from our yard.

The girls and I roamed the yard and it didn't take long to have enough flora and fauna to fill 6 mason jars that I tied ribbon around and nailed to the walls.

A quick, easy and a nice touch to boring exterior walls.

Afterwards I brought out some embroidery hoops and assorted stuff for the girls to work on in the sunshine.

As they didn't even come inside today it was a break of sorts.

I love how they sit so intently doing these.

Were you wondering what I did with my new sewing machine today.

OK maybe not so much but I did get a couple things done.

Again I cannot bring myself to buy something that I know I can make...for cheaper.

These little bags are a smart idea I snagged from The Green Room, where I sell some of my adult bags.

These saucy little gems are an Eco snack bag.

Too cute, easy to make and easy to use.

I beefed mine up a bit as to not just copy the originals.

I put a little hook handle for drying after washing, or to help carry.

They are fitted with Velcro and lined with organic cotton.

They really help to use up those tiny bits of fabric that are too big to cut for quilting but have no real place...till now.

Does anybody want me to make them some???

I have a new machine that is burning to go.

Today I had the most amazing experience.

I met a elderly couple that took me into their home and sat with me talking endlessly about their lives.

I devoured it.

I am always in awe of the lives people lead and wonder if anyone will sit and listen to me babble when I am old. (Much like blogging today I guess)

The lady has the beginnings of dementia and her husband is an incredible rock for her. I was vaclempt at his devotion and patience.

They have lived lives that I cannot even begin to imagine, immigrating from Germany to Canada in 1956.

Their only child died at 9 days old and with that heartache she couldn't bare to have anymore.

Without any coaxing, E sat on her knee soaking up the kindness and let the lady hug, and nuzzle her.

The lady was in heaven. It was something to watch. Her raw emotions as she struggles with her sanity and reality, yet she still has that primitive mothering instinct.

E could sense the warmth and genuine love.

Before we left, he took cuttings from his huge lilac tree and gave us the lovely bouquet you see above.

I was so elated to have met them and they will be on my weekly visiting rounds, baring sweet treats to share and eager to listen to more.

Today was an amazing day.

Thanks for sharing.

Oh Blog...How Do I Neglect Thee?

I think of you often, as you are never far from my to-do list.

I want to be with you daily but alas I am a busy gal.

Please forgive me.....

It has been a great week.
We have been busy with all the usual goings on, friends, sports, blissful living, gardens, crafts, and food.

What a wonderful life really.

I made the sweetest little skirt for a friends beautiful baby's first birthday and I think she loved it. I know I did.

It would be so much easier if only I wore skirts.

I wonder if it is okay to fall in love with material things.

Why you ask?

Because today I recklessly fell in love.

This morning I started to sew a skirt for a lady friend of mine and my machine flailed and kaput..yup it upped and died.

So I was on a mission, and several sewing deadlines, to acquire a sewing machine.

And that I did.

I have had dreams of being a good sewer,(that word is another one of the English languages faults), that a machine could help me achieve those goals a cheap old second hand one just wouldn't allow.

I have had visions of a machine that would thread it self, self regulate it's stitches and particulars and practically run itself while I am out of the room.

Cheaper than hiring a labourer if I could get my machine to do the dirty work.

Guess What??

My dreams have been answered.

Please do not ask how much it cost, and I won't tell you.

But it would have helped if we won that lottery last week.

Here is what I was able to whip up after dinner.

I think I am justifiably enamoured.

The rest of the day was simply sweet. The girls were full of beans and we laughed so much my guts hurt a bit.

The girls chose to set up a swim center for the afternoon and even though the rain came and went they persisted until dinner.

As I sit here at the end of my day, I am fruitfully reward with some delectable desserts I made today from the fresh rhubarb I traded for some eggs. (Thank you Lou)

I couldn't decide on the crumble cake or the honey ginger raisin compote, so I had a sampling of each.

Yummy.

Good night.

4 Leaf Clovers

Do I really believe in luck?? Silly superstitions and childhood games??

I don't know if I truly do but you won't catch me under a ladder and I always think about it if a black cat crosses my path.

So should I believe that I am in for some luck for finding a four leafed clover today??

Will I be in for a tonne of luck because I found 5.

Yup 5. All in one spot in about 2 minutes.

There they were, waiting to give me some luck.

So I bought some lottery tickets....a lot of them.

Just a note.....I won't be posting tomorrow after I win.

On another topic.

Do you ever look at your child and just gasp in awe of how big, grown up, maturely independant and wonderful they have become.

I had such a moment today, more profoundly than any other time and it all was culminated in this photo of Miss K, on her way to her sparks farewell tea.

She got herself ready and asked that I take her picture, and as she come out the door I felt my jaw drop, literally.

She sure doesn't look 5 years old to me.

I think we may have my hands full. Hee hee hee and I love it.

I admire her flair and sense of style.

She is all about fashion and her hair. Oh goodness, her hair.

It is definitely innate because I do not possess these skills in the slightest.

Victoria Day Weekend Memories

Since I was 6 years old I have taken in the annual May Day parade in Cumberland.

Rain or shine in 28 years I think I have missed only 2.

It hasn't really changed , yet my excitement has wained some.

I remember the build up to the morning of the parade, barely able to contain my excitement.

A short walk, or run, up the street to claim my piece of the sidewalk and wait for the show.

It's still an all to familiar scene of sirens wailing from various vintage vehicles, tacky floats, community groups marching and local dignitaries in old cars. (Although I seem to remember a few more floats from local businesses.)

Of course notably, and my favorite, the scores of bagpipe bands, blaring away the many tunes that I couldn't name but can hum along to note for note.

It has a certain charm that lacks any originality, yet it conjures up so many memories and I am so eager to share that nostalgia with my kids.

To pass on a tradition that is 121 years old.

Maybe my girls will one day dance in the may pole dance I as once did.

Or get a chance to be a member of the May Queen party as I so wished I could have.

There are new attractions and vendors that have become steadfast over the years, because I do not remember the games, face painting or so many foods to chose from.

I remember sack races, hot dogs and just running around the park and having a blast with every kid in town.

I know my girls had a day to remember today and that makes me feel so warm and fuzzy.

The rest of our weekend was filled up with sun, family and the garden.

I do not think we even saw the inside of our house for more than 1 hour each day.

We ate, rested and visited outdoors all weekend.

My garden has had some serious attention as I have managed to transplant almost everything from the greenhouse into the lovely beds we had ready for them.

This year J lucked onto a roll of road building fabric and we placed it throughout the garden and covered it with mulch.

I sure hope it works.

The girls have discovered a new game of bringing a chicken into the garden. At first they had them on leashes and I so wish I had my camera out then, but as they got comfortable the chickens got to just run around.

E even shared her lunch with one.

I sure hope she didn't eat from the spoon afterwards.

J told the girls that he would build them a swing set next time he was home.

And boy did he deliver.

This will be so fun once it is all completed.

All we need is a new drill bit so the swings can be bolted in.

I got a free moment late one evening and tackled my sewing corner up in our bedroom.

With my sense of urgency and simpl style and J with his impectable patience and trusty tool kit, it received a much needed face lift and re-organization.

Now it is neat, clean and precise.

Hard to believe that I can do so much from such a small space.

But it is my space and that is what really counts.

So, Sewing Sewing..here I come.

I have many projects on the go this week.

A couple of Kasa Bag orders, 2 birthday gifts and a quilt for my grandma.

It is going to be a great week.

Picture of the day.

Uncle S made K this amazing crown from the weeds in the back of Nana's yard last night.

He spent a long time and it is made to last.

K said she felt like a fairy princess.

Oh to be a little girl again.

Score at the Thrift Store

I love a good deal.

But I really love the scavenging for a good deal at the thrift stores.

I feel like I have won when I find something that is super useful or that I have been looking for forever.

I am especially pleased when I find a treasure that brings back memories of my youth.

Or something that is truly vintage hidden in a corner, just waiting for me to buy it.

I revel in other peoples old stuff that they no longer want that inspires me to be creative and crafty.

Today I found all of the above.

Oh how lucky am I.

OK some of you may think..she'd cuckoo!

But I am so delighted I wanted to share just some of it with you.

Of course I put all the funky fabrics and clothes into the wash before I took photos, maybe another day.

I think that it is so interesting to find the quirky retro books and old sewing supplies.

The prices just kill me.

The patterns are a hoot.

I cannot wait to make some of these patterns with the great new fabrics I just got. I'll post whatever I end up making this weekend on Monday.

Happy weekend.

Indulge Me A Little...... Please!

From the moment my eyelids popped open this morning, I knew it was going to be a productive day.

I decided I would tote my camera around to do a "day in the life of" in photos.

I think it worked out quite nicely.

Enjoy.

While outside at 6:30 feeding and letting the animals out, the light in the yard was brilliant.

It was going to be a wonderful day.

My meeting was all that I expected and more. This little gem was outside the waiting room saying Good Morning.

We had brought our turkeys for the K's class to see when we first got them 5 weeks ago. Today I brought them back for the class to revisit and see the growth.

I re-organized a cupbaord I have been meaning to do forever and just love the results.

Some fabric I ordered came in and I am over the moon.

I have a total love affair with material and cannot wait to make something with these.

We had a wonderful visit with friends on their farm this afternoon and enjoyed seeing their newest additions to the farm. Soooo cute.

The afternoon was spent in the yard.
I made these pillow case dresses from a pattern I found eons ago.
I am so thankful because the girls get so grubby in the yard and insist on wearing their best skirts and dresses.
These pacify both our needs and they look incredibly sweet in them.

I planted tonnes of strawberries today.We got a few more from our neighbors farm and so my feild is quite full now. Yummy.


I made a nice soup for supper and some fresh irish oat bread to go with it.

Dining Al fresco brings such a feeling of summer.

With the rhubard we picked up from the farm today, I made a lovely strawberry rhubarb crisp.

We brought some over to our neighbours as our "nice deed of the day" Something I try to do eash day with the girls to encourage thinking of others.

Here's Fritz. He is getting quite big, I just wish he wasn't so shy.

I had some time at the end of the day to sew a few projects up.

I needed to get a sewing fix in and created some bookmarkers with some left over material I adore so much.

I made a wall hanging to fill in a corner that was neglected in the livingroom.
And what would seing be without a few skirts.