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I really like the perfect day thought. My perfect day would definitely be
at the beach. Days at the beach are my favorite days. But I started wondering
how could I make every day perfect in it's own way. How could a winter
day be perfect, what would that look like? How about a perfect day with your
husband, a perfect day around the house, in the yard. So I think my New
Year's tile will be "A Perfect Day". I know that isn't one word, but this year
one word won't do!
December 27, 2008
Today we had a storm blowing. I knew it was
coming but thought I would take a walk before it came. Halfway through my walk
the storm hit. I haven't been in a rainstorm with out a raincoat in a while
and this one was a downpour. I kept hoping someone I knew would come driving
by but they didn't and the wind was really cold. Silly me, I guess I should of
checked the weather. But what is life without a little adventure. It has been
a long time since I have been soaked like that. My clothes were drenched.
After a hot shower I thought how lucky we are with our central heat and modern
homes. The pioneers were a tough lot.
January will be fun with all the winter hooking days. Good days for
hooking or knitting. My daughter counted and I have knitted eleven scarves so
far. Not bad for a newbie. My sock was coming along so nice and I was so
proud. I was knitting the other night by the fire and my husband said that my
knitting had really improved. Just as those words came out of his mouth the
bad knitting fairies struck. I looked down and to my horror I saw a small hole
several inches down. Now with knitting this can be serious stuff. This small
hole will keep unraveling till you have a big problem. Rats I said to myself,
double rats since the knitting store is closed for two weeks. Although they
have left a sign on the door with emergency phone numbers for customers like
me, but I do hate to be the first to break the silence. Well no problem I can
fix this, I get out my little hook and catching the stitches.
It normally works but this yarn is small and I just get a big
mess. So I think no problem I will just take the sock off the needles. I
will undo it till I am past the row with the hole and then put the sock
back on the needles. But I wasn't prepared for what happened next, the
sock flew off the needles with the stitches in such disarray that I could not
possibly tell which stitch was which. I sighed, unraveled it past the
hole and emailed my teacher, on Christmas Day to ask if she would be coming to
town anytime soon. I thought only doctors were on call but I guess knitting
teachers are needed even more.
December 25, 2008
We had a fun Christmas morning with our kids and will head out to see the rest
of my family this evening. We have decided to do a good White Elephant Gift
Exchange since this year everyone is feeling crunched. I can't wait to see
what everyone brings. We have a big family so it will be a lot of fun.
Cora got a giant stuffed squirrel for Christmas so she is very happy. She has
been dragging it around all morning trying to rip out the squeaker. My son's
gift giving and wrapping skills have improved greatly and we credit it to his
girlfriend that we all enjoy. Girls add a lot to a family. My girls love to
cook and we tried some new recipes this morning which made for a yummy
breakfast. The kids surprised me with a pair of Uggs. I always wanted a pair
and never said anything to anyone so I was so surprised, they will really keep
my feel cozy.
Kids and gardens are a lot of work and take a lot of time but the pay off is wonderful. I can't think of anything I enjoy more than my family. People really mess up when they blow it with their family and children. It isn't something you can get back. We all know those people that we have to go see but would rather not, the people who never took the time to make relationships. It was all about them and then they wonder why no one wants to come, why no one will miss them when they are gone. They seem so surprised. You can't be selfish and expect anyone to care about you, it doesn't work that way. You have to love to be loved. I don't want to be one of those who isn't missed. One of those whom everyone is relieved when they pass on. It's a stupid selfish way to live and it was their choice one day at a time.
People are to be loved, days are to be embraced and life is suppose to be
fun. So that's what I plan to do, one day at a time. Every day, day after day.
I am going to love each child that comes my way because they are a gift from God.
December 12, 2008
Christmas is always a time of running here and there trying to get it all
done. It is always great when most of the presents are bought and you can slow
down a bit and start looking forward to enjoying everyone being
together. My daughters are coming home this weekend and I am ready to relax
and enjoy the holidays. I rather envy the northern states and wish we could
get a good blizzard and all get stuck at home in a big storm. That would
make it really fun. There is nothing like a big snow storm to make it seem
cozy inside and make the world stop for a while. That is my favorite
winter event.
This year I have used my new knitting skills to make Christmas gifts. At
one point I thought about just leaving my arms in the chair to work
while I went about my life. I thought I would not get though all the knitted
gifts plus the rug I was hooking for my mother. It was a bit of madness but it
was for a good cause. After a lot of Advil I am on my last knitted item. It
was crazy but it was worth it. Everyone who receives the gifts will love them
and there is something so special about making something really nice for
someone you love. When my daughter opened her birthday gift she looked
down at her scarf and said, " you made this, I thought you bought it". Now
that makes you feel good.
I wore my scarf yesterday, and it kept me warm as I ran my
errands. Handmade scarves are so much nicer than store bought. I think all the
love that is knit with each one make them softer, and the wool is more
expensive that is for sure!
I am starting a wool club. This month the wool will be Christmas Tree Green. The two long pieces of wool are fat 1/4's and one will be a little darker than the other they are my favorite green for leaves and trees. They come tied in a red ribbon, mailed to you house. The cost is $ 26.00 Cora my terrier will send a little newsletter with the wool. So send a check if you want the wool club for Dec.
November 16, 2008
I was in the dye pots all week and came up with some lovely colors. I was
looking for an illusive blue roving that I had purchased several years ago. I
didn't get that color but I found some other wonderful colors that remind me
of the midnight sky next to the full moon. I think it makes a difference what type
of sheep the roving's come from and that may make the color difference. I am new at roving dying so I am not sure. I get lost in the dye
pots and could go on forever chasing one color trail after another but
eventually the family wants to eat again, and the pots have to go up. Which is probably a good thing. I
certainly can't hook all the wool as fast as I can dye it. But it is always
tempting to try one more thing, to get the color you have in your mind.
I woke up to heavy frost all over my neighbor's roof . It looked like
snow. All yesterday we listened to a hard cold wind blowing. I had
bought pansies to plant but decided to wait till this front blew itself out.
Today it is suppose to warm up. I hope my alyssum and sweet pea seeds come soon, I am a bit behind
getting them in the ground.
I love this time of year and I hate it when retailers try to hurry on to
Christmas. I bought a drink the other day and it had a Christmas wrapper.
Although the wrapper was very festive I wondered, couldn't we have a
Thanksgiving wrapper. I love the leaves and the calmness of fall. My
sister said she loves to see the leaves falling outside her window because it
reminds her of huge snowflakes falling. From the winters of our childhood.
I love leaves too. Seeing them turning colors, watching them fall. Every
time I go out I marvel at the woods.
I ordered the scarecrow pattern I have been thinking about. I am going to hook it in all the wonderful
pumpkin colors. I will hook it in wide rip and tear strips to give it more
interest and
make it go a little faster. It will help fall last a little longer for me. And
next fall I will have a wonderful rug for the dining room table.
November 5, 2008
Overnight my maple tree has started turning the most beautiful orange. When I
went out this morning a flock of robins were making such a racket in the
trees. It was a beautiful morning between the trees glorious colors and the
bird antics, and the weather is perfect. I wish I could keep these days. Fall
never lasts long enough. Perhaps we could make one more month of fall and skip
February. I would vote for that!
I have finished my sock and you can
tell it is a sock. But if I had to describe it I would call it a mitten sock
or a slipper sock. It is rather wide and when I look at it the movie "Harry
and the Henderson's" pops in my brain. Probably not a good sign. But there is
something similar between my sock and Harry! So for the next sock we decided I
would knit it on smaller needles (the size of toothpicks!) to see if it would
look more like a sock and less like Harry. My teacher who is very patient
and kind said she had seen worse first socks! So that is definitely a good
sign. But you know when it is all said and done I am thrilled that I did
it. I knitted a sock!! Hello!!!! a really hard thing to knit. With four
needles, little tiny needles, and if I showed you my sock, which I won't do so
don't ask, you would know it is a sock!!!! I have loved learning
something totally new and challenging. It has made my mind bend, and almost
melt down, but it has been a blast. And I am sure I keep them entertained at
the yarn store. After all you don't see socks like mine every day!
November 4, 2008
I am glad that in the morning we will all know who has won the election. I am
tired of all the noise and mudslinging. Tonight instead of listening to
endless reports that don't really tell us much, I checked in with all my
favorite sites. After reading about Jon Katz's farm and seeing his wonderful
photos I read Deanne's latest thoughts. Then I checked in with a few rug
hooking and knitting sites to catch up on the latest. Now I think I will
have a long bath and work on my latest rug. Sounds like an excellent plan for
a fall evening.
October 28, 2008
November is in the air. The time is changing this weekend and the air is
getting down right cold. I have found myself putting up my summer clothes and
getting out my winter ones. Time to sort them out and see what I need.
October 16, 2008
On my walks I have noticed the sassafras trees are turning. Their mitten hands are
getting darker red. I picked the
bloom of dove weed. It looks like velvet. It is ivory and the stamen
is a wonderful russet. It would make the perfect fairy ball gown. I brought
it home and added it to my acorn collection.
I am constantly amazed by nature. If you look closely, it is incredible. We get
too busy, rushing by in our cars, missing all the beauty God sends our
way, to soothe our souls.
Growing up in Canada
changed me. I remember one class in p.e. when I was in a horrible girls school.
Our assignment was to build a shelter out in the woods alone. We had to study
for weeks and learn how to do it right. It was a class on wilderness
survival. We were to
build the shelter alone and then we would be graded on it. Our school was in in the foothills of the mountains. I picked a ridge
far from the school. I could see
down the ravine. You couldn't hear a soul. It was so great. I will never forget
that time in the forest, by myself. I will always want to get back there. It
doesn't get better than that. As I see the dogwoods turning colors like they are on fire, I am amazed at the beauty around me. This is such a
beautiful time of year.
October 10, 2008
Fall is such a glorious time. My oak tree has fat green acorns growing larger
every day and the black gum leaves are starting to turn red. We have been
lucky to have cool weather for weeks now. We have all gotten use to the
wonderful weather and hope it stays. I have some nice fat pumpkins at the front
door waiting for Halloween. Fall is such a beautiful time of year. Everywhere
you look you see orange and gold. The fields and the forest reflect the harvest
season. Everything is winding down heading towards winter. The grasses are dying
and the leaves are beginning to change and the days are shorter.
The birds seems to be rushing to eat all they can, at the feeders getting ready
for the winter days. Even the squirrels are busy burying their treasures for
their winter stash. The bees are so busy in the garden that they don't seem to
notice when I am trimming next to them. They seem eager to get the last of the
nectar off the bushes. I wonder where their hive is. Where do urban bees nest. I
have a lot of small honeybees and I wonder where they go. Do they fly down to
the creek across the way and find an old hollow tree? Or will I find a golden
heap one day in my garden. I am not sure I want to know. Sometimes I want to
tell the bumblebees to not be so obnoxious. I don't mind sharing my garden with
them. They don't have to be so bossy. They don't like it if I get too close to
their precious plants. Who do they think planted them. Bumblebees always thinks
the garden is theirs but in reality it is ours. Bumblebees are funny and fat but
they are too quick to go to war. Like some people. Maybe if butterflies could
teach bumblebees we could have peace in the garden.
Sept. 27, 2008
As October comes closer the light has started to change and it brings back
memories of last October when I went to Nova Scotia with my good friends. There
was five of us and one brave husband to guide us around. We went to Deanne's
symposium and then toured Nova Scotia. It was so amazing and so beautiful. The
land and the people were equally enchanting, and we had a wonderful time. I came
across my receipts yesterday and a few of the patterns I had bought and I wished
I could go again this year. As the light has been changing I have been waking up
every morning with Nova Scotia on the brain. I guess I feel in love with the
land and the people. I came away different. It was subtle but something
changed on that trip. For the good.
I also turned 50 this summer. I had the best day. First a
party with my hooking friends and then a party with my family. Wonderful fun
things that made me feel loved. I am glad to be at the place I am, the age I am.
I like how Jon Katz said that he wanted middle age to be a passage. It was for
him, a really amazing change, I hope it is for me. A time not to feel old but a
time to say why not. Why not go toward your dreams. Why not try something you
have always wanted to do. Why not now. This year I have already conquered
knitting and spinning. What is next? Why not? Katz said he didn't want to be one
of those parents moaning about their kids leaving home, he wanted to live his
life. Wasn't that the point of raising them? I love that.
I loved Nova Scotia. I can't believe it's already been a year since we went.
It's funny in life how the little things often change your direction. A trip. A
bad present. A memory your mother shares with you. A book. A kindness. A movie.
You never know what is around the corner. What happiness lies waiting for you.
Sept. 26, 2008
My pumpkin and bittersweet wool turned out so nice. I want to explore a few more
shades of orange before October turns into November to be used in our fall rugs.
It has been so much fun to look at all the beautiful wool on the counter and
think about hooking a fall rug full of pumpkins and scarecrows. One of my
favorites was Emma Lou's pattern that Dee did with her scarecrow with turquoise
pants. What a man! I can't get pumpkins off the brain so this month I will be
dying pumpkin and bittersweet in search of all the beautiful shades of orange
for our fall rugs. I love fall. Pumpkins at the door, fall leaves, Halloween.
Cora Sue already has a costume. I think she is finally old enough to behave and
help me pass out candy, maybe. My daughter found her a costume at Target so we
will see. Last year she shredded the pillows on the back porch because she
wanted to be part of the evening, and was so mad we had put her out back.
Terriers do have a temper! So we will give her a chance. It will be interesting.
Instead of a treat the kids may get a trick!
I will be sending out a small newsletter each month so if you want to be on this
list contact Dee and she will add you. She is my right arm and now my editor for
the email. How fun! I hope it will give us all a little inspiration for our
hooking, I also will be focusing on a color of the month that I will be dying.
If you live out of town, I would be happy to send the pumpkin wool for your
stash. Just email me or give me a call. Happy October.
Sept. 24, 2008
This week I passed a garden center that had a wagon load of pumpkins. I love the
fall and it made me want to stop and buy some for my front door. But it also
made me want to work on a fall rug. I love to have a large hooked rug on my
dining room table and I need a fall one so I have been searching the internet
for a good pattern. Today I am in the dye pots dying pumpkin colored wool.
Pumpkin wool or bittersweet is one of my favorite colors. If you look at Edyth
O'Neill's rugs one of her favorite things to add in her rugs is bittersweet. If
you are working on a blue rug a bit of orange thrown in will make it sing. What
would fall be with out all the beautiful leaves of orange. So I will be dying
pumpkin today and looking for that perfect pattern.
Sept 2, 2008
The hurricane has been dumping rain on Louisiana but we haven't had much..
Yesterday it poured in the evening but last night when I woke up the wind
had died down, and it wasn't raining. When I went walking this morning it was a
steady drizzle with just a bit of wind. Acorns had been scattered along the
sidewalk and I found three perfect ones. They are a really pretty green. I guess
the wind and rain knocked them off the trees yesterday.
All weekend my son was moving into his new house. Yesterday we were helping with
the last of everything. Moving boxes and shuffling furniture in and out of
storage. Just when we thought we were finished his plumbing started backing up.
Of course it was a holiday weekend. He started phoning plumbers hoping for
someone to answer. Megan and I left my son and husband in the yard by the clean
out waiting on the plumber. We went to Target to buy kitchen essentials. Guys
never seem to have pots and pans and dishes. Hours later, but thankfully before
the storm arrived the plumber showed up . He said it was tree roots in the clay
pipes. He fixed it and we were all tired but happy to go eat supper with the
plumbing resolved. It's rather odd the last three houses we have moved in have
had plumbing problems as we were moving in. I told my son that maybe it is a
family tradition! Perhaps the next move we should have a plumber on call.
August 23, 2008
This summer we have been given the gift of wind. All summer it has been with us
and made it presence know as I have worked in the garden. It has been
wonderful. As August ends we have had rain and wonderful
storms that have kept the heat at bay. I drove back from west Texas this morning
in the cool as the sun was rising over the farms. I had been with my oldest
daughter helping her set up a new place to live for her last year at college.
She is excited to be back at school with friends after being gone for so long. I
was sad that this will be the last time to help her start her year. What will
her life be like next year as she leaves school and enters the working world.
She has loved her college days and has great friends. I have enjoyed the trips
out to the open spaces of west Texas. My youngest only has two more years at her
college.
Their lives are changing so fast, it's hard to take it all in. Hard not to worry. They have grown into beautiful women, inside and out and I am proud of them. They are independent and hard workers and that will serve them well. I have always told my girls that no one can make you happy, it is a choice you make yourself. I have taught them to choose their own life, pick a career they will love, and find their own interests in life. We need to find out what we want to do and do it. You are the only one that can make yourself happy. Don't depend on others for happiness. Keep your life balanced, exercise, take time for yourself, put God first, have fun. If you are having a bad day treat yourself, give yourself a break. Be kind to yourself. Be your best friend! Advice we all need from time to time.
August 11, 2008
We have been gone to the mountains in Wyoming and have came back to unbelievable
humidity and heat. Driving in yesterday the truck temperature gauge read
106 degrees in Fort Worth. I asked my husband if he thought that was right and
he said it probably was along the freeway. Wow! what a shock it had been in the
70's that morning as we drove in from the panhandle. A light rain was falling
and I needed a extra shirt it was so cool.
When I went out to check my garden this morning the thick humid heat nearly
knocked me down. Luckily the white dragonfly was there to greet me and my white
clematis was in full bloom. The grass was so tall I wondered if it had been
mowed. Sometimes I wonder why I live in East Texas, and this was one of those
moments. My husband and I have always wanted to live in the hill country on a
ranch but that hasn't happened. Maybe one day. Driving back through all those
open lands always stirs up those same dreams. Who knows maybe one day.
But tonight we have had a lovely storm. God is good. A
fabulous rainstorm came and it is rumbling as I am typing. The whole world is
relaxing as it pours. It has been too hot for too long. We need this
storm. The land is drinking it in, sighing as the wind and the rain blow across
it. What a night. What a gift to come home to.
July 22, 2008
It is definitely hot with the days reaching 100 degrees. It makes me a little
more hesitant to spend my morning in the garden. But when I go out I am rewarded
by the white dragonfly that appears in the white garden. Maybe he likes a garden
that matches his colors, or maybe he likes the granite path like I do. Today as
I was weeding a small toad appeared and seemed glad that I was taking away the
weeds and tidying up around his home. I am sure the toads are grateful for the
catmint that grows everywhere and keeps the ground shady and cool. With this
heat I need to set the sprinklers for a little longer and get some more
mulch to cool off the plants. In this kind of weather the plants and
creatures need all the help I can give them. I keep the feeders clean and full
of birdseed and make sure the bird baths are full of water. If I work out back
too long the tufted titmouse starts really letting me have it. She has grown use
to her feeder and likes regular snacks. I guess I would feel the same if a giant
was hanging around my pantry.
Every morning before I let Cora out I have to patrol the backyard and make sure
there are no baby bunnies. You would think they would get the word out but they
haven't. I looked out the other morning and there was a bunny was eating grass
under the bird feeder. I raced to the door and told him to run for his life. Now
every morning I make my morning patrol. She killed a mole the other day
and redeemed herself. The kids are not happy when she finds a bunny. But
it is nice to know that she would do the same to a rat or snake. That is what
terriers are all about. So we have to forgive her oversight of not knowing the
difference between a bunny and a rat. We bought her at a horse jumping event.
All the barns have jack russells to keep their barns free from mice and such,
they are great dogs. So I make my rounds in my p.j.'s trying to save the
bunnies. I wish they could read. I would post a sign. "Beware, bad bunny killer,
run for you life". Then I could have my quiet mornings without my daily tramp
about the backyard. Oh well it's worth it for the bunnies.
July 15, 2008
I am feeling like I am ready for a bit of silliness, a bit of make believe, a
bit of the magical. This summer has been too noisy and too busy. Perhaps I will
go crazy and hang stars from the ceiling of the house. Wouldn't that be fun?
Life is way too serious. I suppose that is why I love children they live in
their world of imagination and have tons of fun. They just need a good dog and a
mud puddle to have a great day. My nephew Colin is excellent at making us all
laugh. He brings a lot of joy to our family. He can't stand it if anyone
is missing at our family gatherings and will ask you where you have been if you
are late. He is great fun.
I am finishing hooking a Fourth of July rug and will start a small rug that is a
buffalo with sunflowers. We always go to Wyoming in late summer and this rug
will be perfect for the trip.
I have been knitting away and I will be ready when winter comes. I
finished my brown scarf with warm wool from Nova Scotia and then I made a
head band in bright pink and purple wool. My socks are coming along although I
have started over several times. I am hoping it won't effect the finished
product! One of my daughters has requested a beautiful crème scarf and the other
has picked a pink wool for her scarf. And I couldn't resist the pink and yellow
and purple wool I saw the other day for me. It is always the colors that do you
in.
I went to a weaving class and made a beautiful crème colored shawl that I took
to church this week. It is really perfect. It gives me a lot of satisfaction to
be making things for winter, knowing that I will be better prepared when
the cold comes creeping around the house. It is so much more exciting to make
something on your own rather than just buy it at the store. It makes it more
precious, and links you with the past.
July 1, 2008
I am always sad to see June leave but July is nice too. I hate for June to leave
because it means summer is marching on. July is sometimes nicer than June. June
always seems a bit frantic and is never as settled as July. By July the summer
is in full swing and the house in much calmer. Everyone is in their place
and we know what we will be doing.
I love July 4th. I heard a few fireworks the other
evening. Someone trying out their purchases before the celebration. It is the
only holiday where you can really relax. Everyone just kicks back and enjoys the
evening. You don't even have to stay up late to see the fireworks! Now that is
my kind celebration. For years we have sat on the edge of the lake on blankets
and watched the fireworks with the kids. I love to listen to the crowd as they
respond to fireworks exploding. It's fun to try to decide which one is your
favorite. The big white ones that explode in a starburst are usually mine. It is
a great tradition.
I finished my white garden. It has a lot more shade than I realized so it will
be a challenge to find perennials that will bloom there. I do love how it
finishes out the yard and have enjoyed working there in the mornings while it is
still cool. We have been so lucky to have a nice summer so far. It probably
won't last but it has been wonderful. The hummingbird visits my salvia all
morning. When I was in the garden she flew up to my face several times to look
at me and make sure I was suppose to be there. I guess no one told her I tend
the garden. She probably thinks it is her garden, but I am glad she has claimed
it. There is room for both of us and I have tried to plant lots of things she
and her butterfly friends will like.
June 23, 2008
My rug is called " So Good To See You". The two women in the rug are facing each
other and one is a brunette and the other is a blonde. I made them that way
because I realized on the trip to Nova Scotia all the girls were blonde and I
was the only brunette. So the rug is symbolic of our trip. It could also be
symbolic of our hooking group, because I am always so glad to see the
girls on Thursdays. Thursday morning as they all come walking up the sideway
calling out to one another is a lovely sight. We may start out the day stressed
but we go away refreshed.
Hooking for me has always been a wonderful pastime but I am not sure I would of
gone so far or stayed so long without the relationships. At first Deanne
Fitzpatrick was my link with the hooking world as I was hooking alone. I am
drawn to her art and her life through her blog. It makes a difference in my
life. Meeting her last year with my friends was fabulous. She gives so freely.
Meeting others in Nova Scotia was really great. Heidi with her story about her
friend and visiting her farm was really special. Being there with my friends was
really meaningful.
My hooking group has meant so much to me. Each person
is unique and special. We are developing history together as we hook each week.
My friend who is teaching me to spin and knit has given Newton and Roy; my
nieces two sheep a good home now. We are growing to know each other, becoming
friends. The hooking and knitting and spinning wouldn't be the same without the
relationships. So if you think your rugs don't mean anything, think again.
It all means a lot. You may never how much.
June 22, 2008
I finished my rug and I am learning how to knit socks. Last year when we went to
Nova Scotia I was fascinated with a mother and daughter who were knitting and
spinning. So many of the women were knitting and several were knitting with four
needles making socks. I bought needles and wool on the trip and my friend gave
me a few basic lessons on how to knit. After we came home I found a shop that
taught knitting and spinning and have been taking lessons. It has been so much
fun. At first it was really hard to knit and to spin but I am getting better and
better and it's is really fun. This weekend I went by the shop to let Michelle
make sure I was still on the right track with my latest project. While I was
there I asked her how hard socks were to knit, and before I knew it I was
knitting my first pair. I am using four needles so it is a bit awkward but it is
getting easier. It is really lovely to have so many fun things to work on, I
have my rugs and spinning and now my socks. It feels good to have a new world
open up, something you never thought you could learn to do. I should try new
things more often.
May 29, 2008
I went walking last night with my daughter and just as the dusk was creeping
through the trees we saw fireflies. We stopped and watched them as they lit up
the darkness. I am glad to see them, we use to catch them and put them in jars
and watch them blinking in the dark night. My summers were always spent
out of doors playing hide and seek for hours, hating to go in. I still hate to
go in, maybe that's why I love the garden, it let's me stay outside like a child
in the garden. If you have good books and a great garden what else could you
want? Maybe some great food and a few friends and that's it. I was raised in a
family that loves books. Books are our friends. My mother is a great reader and
is always lending me wonderful books. Books that become part of who you are,
part of the family. I have to get some more book shelves. Have you ever noticed
houses never have enough book shelves? Where are you suppose to put all your
books. I need to work on that.
I am also working on the garden. Screening off the view of the house behind me, or at least I hope I am working on solving that and while I am at it wouldn't the old dog kennel make a great white garden? What a lovely idea. We will see. And I do need some bookshelves. My son will be moving to his little house when he is finished and my daughter will take over his room. So maybe she wouldn't mind a bookshelf. Great idea. I am such a clever mother. She is at college most of the time anyway! When she is older I can lend her the old friends from the shelves, that my mother has lent to me.
I am knitting my brown scarf. It has such lovely wool that I
got from Nova Scotia. Everyone asks why I am knitting it when it is so hot. I
say I am knitting it to go with my pink bathing suit, of course. But I am so
close to finishing it and I love to finish things so here I am knitting in the
heat. But it is lovely wool, and the needles are made of rosewood they feel like
silk as I knit along.
May 8, 2008
I love my urban garden. Every day something new is blooming as I walk out and
check the plants. The perennials and roses are blooming their hearts out among
the boxwood hedges. It is a treat to go out each day and dead head the old
blooms and weed a bit and see what is blooming. My sister has an all white
garden and she just put up a garden arch for her white clematis to climb on.
Soon it will cover the whole arch and she will see it from her window, gleaming
in the dusky evenings. She has a rabbit that appears in the garden each evening
and it looks just like Peter Rabbit. She said last year it brought it's babies
to nibble in the grass.
It is so peaceful to go out and sit or work in the garden, it is such a
wonderful place to be. I don't think I could do without my garden it is like
meditating to me. It's not a chore to work in the garden and keep it up. The
birds keep me company. I like to think of my urban garden as a secret
garden. I think an urban garden is like a secret garden, because it is hedged
in. I have been looking at the back yard trying to see how to make it look a
little more like a secret garden. A refuge from the world. You don't have to
have a big garden to have a wonderful garden. You just have to have vision. I
have been sitting and looking and thinking. What do I really want. That's what
you need to decide. Then you can make what you see in your mind, bit by bit,
till you have your own little refuge from the world. Your own secret garden.
There is something very magical about a garden. A secret garden.
Recipes
Scones
4c.flour
4 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
3/4c. sugar Sift together then cut in 1c. of crisco. Beat two eggs and combine
with milk to make 1/2c. measure. Mix together and pat out on a floured board.
Cut into squares and bake at 400 for 10 min. or till lightly brown. Sprinkle
with sugar.
Never Fail Pastry
2 1/2 c. flour 2 T. sugar
1/2 t. salt 2t. lemon juice
1c. crisco 1/2 t. baking powder
1 egg
Stir dry ingredients together then cut in crisco till mixture is small like
english peas. Add cold water to make 1/2c. measure of liquid with egg and lemon
juice. Then add to mix and roll out dough.
Peach Pie
5 c. of peaches cut up and pitted. Combine with 3/4c. of sugar and 3T. tapioca
and 3T. lemon juice and 1/8t. salt.
Mix together and let stand for 15 min. Stir occasionally. Pour into bottom of
pie crust and dot with 2-3T. of unsalted butter cut into small pieces.
Cover with top crust then seal the edge or trim or flute. Cut vents for steam.
Brush the overhanging edge of crust with water. Lightly brush the top of the pie
with milk or cream. Sprinkle with 2T. sugar.
Bake 15 min at 425 then put cookie sheet under pie and turn down to 350. Back
40-50min. till juice bubbles thru vents.
Fresh Blackberry
Pie
Mix 2to 3 cups of blackberries with 1/4c.sugar Set in frig to chill.
Make a regular pie crust and bake at 450 till light brown. (7-9 min.)
Stir together 3 T. cornstarch and 1c. sugar in a saucepan. Slowly whisk 1 1/4 c.
of water and 1/2t.vanilla. Cook over medium heat till it thickens 7-8min. Whisk
constantly. When thickens and starts to bubble add one box of 3 oz. raspberry
jello and 4 drops of blue food coloring. Mix well. Pour blackberries over baked
crust and then pour glaze over berries. Chill 2 1/2 hours.
Potato Soup
6 cups of chicken broth
3 lbs. of potatoes peeled and cut up
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
2 T. chopped fresh
parsley
2T. chopped fresh dill
1 cup of cream
Put all ingredients except cream into pot and simmer without lid till the
potatoes are soft. Pour off 2 cups of liquid. Add cream and mash potatoes. Add
back the liquid till soup is the right consistency.
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