A Mixed Weekend...

Lake Winnebago Shoreline

 

Handsome and I had a busy weekend. On Saturday, my dear friend, Laura, came to visit. I've known her since grade school, and when I had my needlework shop, she was my shop manager. I couldn't count how long we've been friends, but I'm sure you'll understand the fact that we have so many shared memories and experiences.

Tag and Laura

She drove down from the northeast part of the state and we spent the entire afternoon together, drinking tea and catching up. As you can see, that fickle Corgi jumped right up into the chair with her, and spent the entire time cuddling. Laura loved the attention. I just shook my head.

 

 

Wood Stove For Farmhouse Decor

 

After she left, Shelly and Andy came down with a new flea find for me. They brought a ittle wood stove for me! It's no longer suitable for actually burning anything, but will be perfect with a plant in the firebox. I think it needs geraniums! I'll show you again once they're planted.

 

 

 

Sunday morning, Handsome and I went to town to pick up some "girl supplies" for Bella (sigh), and then had brunch together. As we turned up our road to the farmhouse, I noticed a sandhill crane in the field. We usually see them standing on their long legs, but this one looked to be in a nesting position...too early for this time of year (and they don't nest in open farm fields either).

I was concerned, so we backed up the truck and I walked far enough into the field to see that she was injured and dragging herself by her wings. Both legs were straight out the back and she couldn't get up. I don't know how long she'd been there, but she wasn't there when we left home. She was obviously in pain.

I immediately contacted our local game warden, who arrived within twenty minutes. He got closer to inspect the bird, and we agreed that rehabbing a crane with two badly broken legs would likely be impossible. He decided to end her suffering. I asked him if I could see her after she died. He said I could.

As he walked across the field again, the cranes (about two dozen gathered in the opposite field) started calling. It was almost like they were saying goodbye. (I know this is attributing human actions to animals, but the timing was so coincidental.) The crane passed quickly, and the warden motioned for me to approach her. 

 

I wanted to touch her, and silently honor her as I had read Native Americans might. I admired and stroked her beautiful plumage, regretting her passing. I then thanked the warden, who picked her up and took her with him. I was sad at her passing, but grateful that she was no longer in pain. I went back home with tears in my eyes.

 

Handsome and I left home again about two hours later to attend an afternoon concert. It was the last of the winter series, and it was filled with fabulous music. He's really looking forward to playing with them again this summer.

We finished our Sunday date with dinner at a restaurant on the south shore of Lake Winnebago. Even though the weather had turned colder and grayer, it was still a nice dinner with a great view of the lake. 

 

Brynwood Strawberry Rose Sachets

 

This week, I've got a number of new commissions to work on. I'll be sewing a few projects, and making some new silk ribbon embroidered strawberries. It's going to be a fun week!

Victorian Cross Stitch Kits - Elizabeth Bradley...

Before I ever learned to quilt, I spent many happy hours working on
cross stitch. After I opened my needlework shop, Stitches in Wisconsin
I attended more than a few needlework markets and discovered these kits.

They are cross stitch executed in wools on printed canvas, and the
technique is called "Victorian Cross Stitch". The kits are designed by
Elizabeth Bradley from the UK. (She also sells through stockists in America.)

When I attended market, Elizabeth could be found stitching at a frame in her
booth while her gregarious husband, Nick greeted shopkeepers and took orders.
It was difficult to ignore all the beautiful wool pieces they brought with them.
I couldn't resist their quality and detail, so I chose many of the kits for my shop. 

When we moved to Florida, I decided to work on my first kit, "Daisy".

It took six diligent weeks to complete, to the exclusion of all else.

Although I haven't had it framed (which is my intent), I take it out from

time to time and admire the vibrant colors on the black ground wools.

Using the black, as with quilting, really pops the colors in the flowers.

"Lily"

In addition to the "Daisy" kit, I also selected a few other personal favorites.

The finished designed are 16" square on 20" square canvased and come complete

with printed pattern, printed canvas, wools and needles in a box showing the full 

color design on the cover...ready to stitch! Exquisite kits from start to finish.

"Hollyhock"

Of course, "Hollyhock" would have to be one of my choices!

"Sunflower Basket"

"Sunflower Basket", because it reminded me of Mom Grace, and

"Magnolia"

"Magnolia".

All the kits are perfect for taking on our travels, and this one reminds me 

of the heady, fragrant blossoms on the specimen tree in our front yard.

When pulling the link for Elizabeth's American website, I found that

there is now a "Geranium" kit, too. (sigh) I may have to add it to my 

collection. If you'd like to look at her designs, this is a link to kits like mine.

Oh, and here's the link so you can see the "Geranium" kit.

It's gorgeous, isn't it?

This is the last of my "auto pilot" posts. Thanks for being so patient with me.

I'll be back tomorrow to tell you a bit about my short hiaitus.

Geraniums On Top...

I completed my scissor keep yesterday afternoon and am very pleased with how it turned out. The applique' was really quite easy. It was applying the binding around all those curves that proved to be the challenge.

I think it's a good thing when you can face and overcome a challenge from time to time. Keeps a girl on her toes, don't you think? I'll do that much better on the next one.

Now to choose my next little project...

Let Summer Begin...

 

Memorial Weekend has always marked the 

un-official beginning of Summer for midwesterners.

There are flowers that always come to mind...

Geraniums

Chickory

and

Queen Anne's Lace  

Enjoy your holiday weekend and take time to remember

those brave men and women who sacrificed so much for our freedoms.

Don't forget to take time to smell the flowers, too!

Spiders In The Holidome...

I spent the day cutting, arranging and designing the christening gown,
but have not yet started sewing. I promise progress photos tomorrow.

Today, I share a photograph of some of the beautiful little buds
from my huge spider plant (which resides outside in the Holidome)
and the pink geranium bud from the plant that sits in front of it.

(Come on...You thought I meant
"creepy crawly spiders" in my title, didn't you?)

I hope your Sunday is spent doing something you love...