I was up early and out the door to refill the bird feeders. I've added a third this winter as it's turning into an especially cold one. Wind chill then was -35C ( up from the -39C low overnight) and wind in strong gusts made it most uncomfortable. That cold makes it such a relief to be out of it and back into the warmth of the house. But there are drifts over the front steps so I'll be back out there soon to shovel which will warm me up. 

I always feel lucky to get a glimpse ...

 All Quiet on the Stitching Front

 Below is Ned on a trail we only get to walk on in the winter so it is a little bit special to be there.This is the wetland area that is usually under a couple feet of water. I imagine all the peepers, frogs, toads and other critters that are snoozing below our feet when I tramp along there. 

It seems to be all about the weather here in the winter months. Saturday,when I went out with the dogs, the temperature was this with a wind chill of -34C. 

We never really think we accomplish much - until we actually look!

At least that is how I usually feel!

In reviewing all of my photos it looks like 2025 was the year to finish a few longterm projects for two guild shows. The Rhododendron Quilt show was in April and the Silver City Quilt show was in September.  

At the Rhododendron Quilt show "Garden Party Down Under" (pattern by Irene Black) received a second place ribbon and "Tilda's Delight" (pattern Afternoon Delight by Sue Garmen) received a first place ribbon and the Viewers Best of Show ribbon! 

 

 Here is my kitchen window very peaceful winter view as it will look pretty much now until April. The light is from the big garage and you can see the snow curtain we have from the snow sliding down the roof. 

My bigger bunny is still here. Though he spends time under the feeders, he also munches on the left over garden growth which I purposely leave till spring to clean out. What exactly he is finding to eat there, I'm not sure. 

I am still working on this collection, this paper based collection, creating a little notebook of design ideas.

Whilst working mostly on paper I do get a hankering for cloth, for the softness of cloth, hence my obsession with cloth sample books. 

The piece here is another page in progress for a new collection of embroidered samples. 

(does the dark blue gingham remind anyone else of school or is it just me) 

       

Comments

• I love that whimsical little strawberry! by Magpie's Mumblings https://www.blogger.com/profile/09852241848575954128
• The gingham reminds me of my daughter’s summer sch... by ...

 Last Saturday night we had a small snowstorm that blanketed all the land including the icy paths. It was so pretty the next day in the woods. I am getting lots more enjoyment out of this winter maybe because of having Petey with us. He revels in the snow and the ball playing so much and also just romping all about on our walks. It is truly joyful to watch him. Here he is playing with his ball in the snow.

This morning, Patrick wasn't up to going golfing. His stomach was acting up. 

I headed to moms. I had to stop and drop off the round robin at the post office. Cost me about $8 to ship. Put it in the wrong envelope. lol Oh, well. 

As I was getting my drink at Dutch Brothers, mom called and I told her I was on my way. I arrived around 10 mins after 10 am. No one was there, but I knew Geralyn wasn't coming because her mother was in the hospital. She's a year older than mom ...

I've made the list and in my case, I've had to check it not twice but three times. I've been wrapping and making note of what's for who, etc. I'm trying not to do what Mom always did and that was to find presents tucked away in a drawer somewhere the next July. Does that happen to you?

I worked really hard to get this Peppermint Trees quilt top to this stage with all the trees appliqued and outlined in blanket stitch. The trunks are not stitched down yet. I had to take it outside ...

Today, I was lazy all morning. I was waiting for the phone call from QOV. We needed to chat about things I needed for the NAMS program. I enjoyed my chat with Kathy. She understood where I was coming from and what I was doing. 

Then I goofed around for a bit while doing laundry. Once the Seahawks game started, I started to get a few things done. 

 This morning, Patrick was up way before me. He was going to go golfing, but the weather was still rainy and windy. So, he was watching the news. 

I was up and found the water was off. Patrick had to go check on the well. Then he called our systems "people" and they found that the motor was buried out. So, after 8 hours of no water, they fixed the problem. I needed to get my accounting updated, so I balanced the checkbook, and then wanted to add some income in there. EXCEPT I got a message asking me if ...

The lone rabbit is still hanging around. I glanced out the kitchen window and ears caught my eye amongst the old vegetation.

 This is an Eastern Cottontail and he will stay mostly brown/grey all winter. I wish he would move on into the forest but there are so many places to provide sheltar for him here; I understand why he wants to stay ...

Hope you are having a glorious Sunday.  I have a bit of news. This is the current issue of American Quilter.

My picture is from our Hawaii visit

Picture Courtesy - American Quilter

My quilt, Trillium Trail, is published in the January 2026 issue of American Quilter. 

Backing is Island Batik Multi - Marbles

Designed in EQ8, and made with the Island Batik collection Enchanted Flutter, Trillium Trail finished at 60" by 80".  

Enchanted Flutter

Orange Peel Units are appliquéd in threes forming the shape of the Trillium flower, alternating with Irish Chain blocks. A scrappy border ...

The world's oldest known bird, an Albatross named Wisdom, has returned to her southern nesting site for the 2025- 2026 breeding season. She is 75 years old at least now; this is an older video below. She had the same mate for 60 years but she is back this year with a new one. What a wonder!

 This morning, I was up before hubby. That's unusual. But was nice for once. 

I had my war game at noon and then back at 4:30 pm. So, I wanted to get some work done downstairs in the meantime. It was time to get back to my quilt tops. 

I had to trim some of the side borders. It wouldn't fit the blocks that go in the corners. I had to take a break when I was to this point. 

Came back downstairs and found that I had to take this apart and cut a longer piece ...

Stitching for Christmas 

Crochet Christmas Trees

Mouse of the Month

November in November 

Today, was one of those days where it poured! Rained all day! They are expecting flooding, so it's going to be interesting the next couple of days. 

I headed out to Georgie's house for embroidery. I pulled out my Round Robin piece out to work on. Yep, I forgot I had it and needed to finish it.