Too many things to count is the way I think about my weekly likes for this Thursday post. I've picked out these to share today.
I love how a close up of this Eastern Yellowjacket revealed an interesting pattern. Nature never disappoints.

Anybody growing Chinese Lanterns?  We had quite the patch at the old farm and I loved bringing them in for a bouquet this time of year.  They always reminded me of pumpkins and autumn.

Overhead, the Canadian maple leaves are still green along our trails.

The result of practicing drawing applique blocks in EQ8: Simple Birds. XXX Annika Continue reading →

This week will be quieter in the garden as rain is in the forecast.

Early evening light gave the Purple Globe Thistle a different look.

It is the last Sunday of August and I'm feeling a little bit sad about that. With the children soon back to school, it is summer ending.  We in Canada adore our summers.
 But it is perhaps the best growing season I've ever shared in and it has revived an old thought of mine that I would like to own a farm. No not one of those mega farms with mile long barns, just a little one with chickens and a small vegetable garden. An old dream of mine. I must renew this talk with Hubby.

 Recently I ...

Truth be told, I am feeling a little tired and cranky this morning.  Too hot as well which may be the source of my problem.  A couple of weeks of heat and humidity that has driven us to turn on the air conditioning later in the day might be the source...the ceiling fans in every room just can't keep up and I've rediscovered that unless you are directly under them, they don't cool you off. I have a wide range of tolerance for heat and cold so if I'm feeling it, then I know it ...

It's 9:15 am and these old hands of mine (with nails still unpolished)

Me in the front garden, August, 2018

Happy Summer! My cheery 2018 Baskets hanging is up on the wall to help us celebrate the season. Appliquing these scrappy blocks was so enjoyable.

Thanks for the comments on the new header. Someone said "you are the chick, Jocelyn." No she looks like a spring chick and believe me, I am no spring chicken! Was I ever a chick? No don't think so...I was always told I was born old. My mother has also told me I was a walking health book from the time I started taking Health as a subject in school. When smoking was the rage, she said there was no way they would have gotten away with smoking, not with me in the house.
But little chick is ...

Early morning warmth, the first of the season, led me outside early and down to the pond with my camera.  I had in mind to look for the small flock of ravens that hangs out to the left around the little wetland area.  Sure enough five of them were there moving about on the ground with their hobbled, hoppy way of walking. I thought I was soundless, but of course, wasn't and before I even adjusted the camera, they took off filling the air with mad squawks. I  wonder what is their intention there every morning or perhaps they ...

At our last meeting the BRMQG folks talked about making quilt postcards. Maybe they are fabric postcards. Either way, I enjoyed the presentation. There was a lot going on, especially since we passed around a stack of, oh, 50ish. 

They were meant to be inspiration. I supposed they were, because the very next day I made these two. They will eventually be mailed (yes, postal service, if you please) to the little granddaughters in Rayne. I have no doubt they will be a hit as anything that arrives through the mail and meant for either one of them is a ...

I've spent more time outside lately it seems than in. I've been raking, scrubbing, sweeping and replanting. It feels good to be moving and though I have a slightly sore shoulder and scratches on my hands, I'm thankful to have the strength to do these things.  As well as admire these pretty common dog violets that have crept into the flower beds and are in bloom now. I've let them be which may be a mistake as there are many more around than last year.  But they are so pretty.

I can't believe it's Memorial Day weekend already!  Where did Spring go?  Here in northern Illinois, I don't think we had it yet!  LOL!!

It's been a busy week for me as I have just complete 3 new designs.  That's how inspiration hits me.  I get a couple of ideas all at once and can't decide which one to do first!!

My new projects are Summery and whimsical.  I'm not big on the noise of fireworks but the little POP! POP! POP! of firecrackers inspired a fun patriotic design with gold metallic (Kreinik ...

Hubby with his Ryker.  He's loving it and it has taken a load of worry off my mind. I now notice them on the road; many more than I would have thought.  I guess with the population aging and bikers wanting to bike no matter the age, it makes sense these rigs become more popular.

I grew up with the saying" it's bad to be poor but it's worse to be sore." Feeling grateful this week, yes! I had my annual check up recently, with a couple of tests I've never had before and they turned out normal. Always a relief when that happens at any age but especially at mine. I never take good health for granted, not for one minute.

A flowering is happening! The trout lilies, first woodland flower of spring, are finally putting on a show.