Sew Sew Quilter

Peek a Boo!

2010-06-28T23:27:00.000-07:00

While out on our Sunday "Bush Buggy" ride we came across this "Hen". She was standing Very Very still in the trees. I hopped out and started to take photo's....and what to my wondering eyes should appear?!

But Six "Little Grouse" hiding under there!

They were so cute! Yellow Fluffy Balls of down! They were curious about what I was and were not all that alarmed by my presence!

After snapping lots of photo's much to my surprise ..these little fluff balls flew off!

Mother Nature is so wonderful! ...even thought they only have down on their bodies their wings are fully developed and they can fly like the wind! Much better the most adult grouse!!

We do enjoy our trips out and about so much!

Some of the More Delicate Flora I have seen this summer!

2010-06-15T23:51:00.000-07:00

This little grouping of "Lady Slippers" are so delicate ! A real joy to find and photograph!

Not All Wild Life Have Big Teeth!

2010-06-15T18:28:00.000-07:00

Some of the Natural Fauna is actually very delicate, and colorful and harmless, like the beautiful butterfly that followed us along for such a long distance and then took a rest beside us on the road!

(double click on the image to enlarge the photo and see the beautiful colors of it wings!)

May Visit to Lethbridge

2010-06-15T10:08:00.000-07:00

Early May saw me travel to Lethbridge this spring! It was great to spend 4 days with Amanda and Tristan, Samuel,Brennin,and Natalie!

My goodness how fast they are all growing! Samuel is such a awesome Big Brother, and is Mom and Dad's little helper! Brennin is a real "little lady" one minuet and regular little "go getter" the next! Natalie is working hard to keep up with her two siblings and is doing a bang up job of it and will running full tilt behind them in no time!

Walking over to Henerson Park is a long way from home for "little legs"! so Daddy helped!

In no time she is Fast Asleep!

But when we arrive it is time to wake up and Play!!

Samuel likes to climb the "Dragon"!

That evening we went to Samuel's Soccer Practice!

Daddy helps to coach.

At the end of a Very Busy Day, everyone bathed and in PJ's .

Daddy reads a bedtime story and then off for a sleep!

In May it was Mattea's Birthday!

2010-06-13T00:33:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful hot sunny day for Mattea's Birthday Party! She totally enjoyed the sunshine in her little pink dress, sunbonnet and "shades"!

Airiyel made a cute Birthday Caterpillar Cake!

Mattea could not believe her good fortune to be handed her own little heart shape birthday cake, and no one took it away as she licked off all the icing!!

A great time was had by everyone! And Mattea seemed to have a "Grand Time!"

Happy Birthday Little One!!

Wow! How Time Flies!

2010-06-11T18:28:00.000-07:00

So yes it has been quite some time since I blogged last! Where has the time gone? So much has happened so it will take a few postings to catch up!

First off the most recent exciting thing is Carl and I purchased a Side x Side 4 wheel drive and we just Love It!!

We load it in the back of the pick-up and each evening and on the weekends when we are not at the salt chuck we take a drive out on the back roads exploring! It is great fun! We have re-discovered places we visited years ago and had not visited since! Like "Wilson Lake"! Summit Lake! just to name a few!

Here we are getting ready to head out on the back roads of the Paul Fire area with our guide and tour director ... Barry!

Here we are all loaded up and ready to head out!

On one of our trips we saw on a side hill these beautiful trees covered with white blooms!

By Zooming in we soon found out that they are Huge Saskatoon Bushes! Yummy! ..hmm, be the Bears know all about these bushes!!

Speaking of Bears!! Nope .. I did not zoom in on him ...didn't want to see him that close up in the camera! He was close enough in real life!

So What do I Do with My Time? You Ask!

2009-11-18T19:37:00.000-08:00

Winter time means being able to spend time working on Quilts!

This quilt was made by the Cut Loose Quilters here in Houston, and I had the pleasure of quilting it on my long arm! Today with the fresh snow and bright sunshine seem a perfect time to take a photo! I am really please with the way the quilting turned out ... it was a lot of fun to do as well!

The Cut Loose Quilting Ladies did an awesome job of designing and sewing the quilt top! Would love to see this one on my bed!

Winter has Arrived!

2009-11-18T19:29:00.000-08:00

Okay ... so winter is here! Must say the white clean snow is a lot more cheery than the drab colors of dead grass and rotting leaves! So it is time to enjoy the "White Stuff!"

Morice Mt. in the Distance

Morning Sun Rise on the Deck Swing.

A Walk through a Cathedral Forest of Hemlock,Cedar, and Birch !

2009-10-12T00:53:00.000-07:00

It was a glorious sunny day when we began our walk ... Frodo was so happy to be out in the woods, he would run ahead as if to lead the way, then lay in wait and jump out at us!

We can see you Frodo!

Our walk started with a steep climb thorough moss covered rocks ..some the size of a small car!

There was even a nice size cave located on the upper level ! Nope I didn't go up to see if it was occupied!

Some of the branches where heavily laden with moss and lichen. Giving you the feeling they where age old guardians of the forest!

Looking up through the canopy 100 feet above you made you feel like you were spinning!

Now I wish that I had Carl standing beside these trees as you can not really appreciate how big they where without a size reference....oh well you will have to beleive me that the bases where more than 36 inches easily!

Take a look at the size of that Birch tree on the right!!

It was old, but helping to support a new sapling growing by its side....

Some of the mosses coating the dead stumps was incredibly long giving the impression it was like a soft warm coat protecting the stump.

Making our way down the hill and back out into "the other world"!

I have never been so enchanted by a walk in a forest before! I am soooo glad we were able to do this!

Walk in the Woods Near Terrace!

2009-10-12T00:22:00.000-07:00

During our walk in the Forest it was unbelievable how many different fungus and mushrooms I saw in a 500 meter area!

Some growing out of living trees! Like miniature shelves to put your tea cups on!

Others growing on dead logs on the ground.

Some where the size of a large dinner plate!

Others where such an interesting color!

Some where short !

Some liked to grow in groups!

Hmm ..we wondered if this was a pine mushroom?

From the logs on the forest floor springs up a new growth!

Fall is in the Air!

2009-10-05T16:21:00.000-07:00

Well the signs of fall are quickly coming to us!

Fresh Snow on Morice Mt.!

The path to the Cabin is paved in "Gold!"

It is nearly time to bring the Bench Seat in to cover for the Winter.

Frodo loves to walk the path and sniff the vegetation!

Some of the leaves are painted a lovely red!

Others are golden, or soft brown.

The soft haze of farmers burning brush piles fill the valley floor.

The Mountain Ash Tree has Berries on it!

Yup ! ..... fall is in the air ...and I am preparing by canning lots of tomatoes, apples, and salsa!

My trusty sewing machines are all serviced and ready for another winter of "Quilting!"

Trip to Oona River!

2009-09-06T22:22:00.000-07:00

Oona River B.C. located on the South East end of Porcher Island.

"The Rain Bow House" is one of the most delightfully painted homes I have come across in my years of traveling ... including the colorful houses of New Foundland!

At Low Tide one can find some of the most interesting antiques in the tide flats!

Oona River Docks - located behind the awesome breakwater!

A look at the Docks from the roadway into the community of Oona River.

At low Tide you might not be able to come into the Oona River Docks as there is not enough water for your boat. This boat is waiting tied to a buoy provide out front of the breakwater just for this purpose, waiting for the tide to come up more.

And so ... the last Trip of the Season to the Salt Chuck has been made.

It is sad to think that a Summer of Fishing at the Salt Chuck is over so soon! But we did have lots of fun as usual. This last trip saw us spend a night at Oona River on the South East end of Porcher Island. I had not been to Oona river for about 7 years so it was great fun to return and see all the changes!

One new addition to the little community was the "Rain Bow House!" I just loved it! So tastefully painted and so nice and cheerful in an often fogy, damp environment! I was so happy to meet the couple who live there, and was doubly tickled to find out the lady of the house Quilts! I hope to return again next year and have a visit again!

That being said I will let the photo's do the talking! Enjoy!

Brennin helps Pappy mechanic also!

2009-07-22T01:41:00.000-07:00

Brennin soon joined her brother checking out the motor home engine, and shared in the fun!

Whatcha doing Pappy?!

2009-07-22T01:31:00.000-07:00

While we were visiting in Lethbridge Pappy had to do a small adjustment on the motor-home engine. Samuel was fascinated by the "big engine"and was right at Pappy's elbow watching everything he did!

The Bathroom is Complete!

2009-06-23T20:19:00.000-07:00

It is really hard for me to believe but....... THE BATHROOM IS COMPLETE!

Just a couple of towel racks to add but all the major items are in and finished!

The Next Drumming Duel!

2009-06-22T21:26:00.000-07:00

Back Yard Fun!

2009-06-22T21:14:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it is just fun to chill in the back yard around a camp fire and roast some marshmallows!

Samuel can hardly wait to taste his first "Smor!"

See Grandma ..it is a graham cracker sandwich with a roasted marshmallow in between!

MMMMMmmm! it is GOOD!!

After all the excitement of the marshmallow roast Brennin just needed to Chill with Dad for a minuet!

Visiting Lethbridge!

2009-06-22T21:04:00.001-07:00

It is always a joy to walk in the Coolee's . This day we walked in the nature park and Samuel Showed us all his favorite Trees!

This was a big old hollow stump that everyone could climb into!

Brennin was not to be left behind in the adventure!

After the walk in nature Pappy and Samuel checked out the old Mining Equipment on display!

Prince George to Lethbridge!

2009-06-21T23:24:00.000-07:00

After seeing the family off at the airport we headed on to Jasper! The Rocky Mts. always amaze us no matter how many trips we make through the park!

We thought that we might be able to take a hike on Parker Ridge....however the Middle of June in the Rockies is still a little too early for hiking....snow shoeing would have been a better choice!

However in some of the lower level nooks and crannies the Mt. Flowers are just beginning to bloom!

Fairy Slippers!

We camp in the Rockies, ! We just finish cooking supper on the fire pit,...when Yep You Guessed it! it started to snow!!!

Mars,Kerstin and Willow are off to Australia!

2009-06-21T21:09:00.000-07:00

Okay Pappy! we are ready to roll!

The wheels on the bus go round and round!

And very soon Mommy and Daddy are fast asleep...it has been busy times!!

Before too long I am asleep also! This is easy traveling like this!

And here we are at the Prince George Airport ...time to board our plane for Australia!!

Checking out the Farm!

2009-06-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

Willow gave Grandma and Mom a great tour of "The Farm" one day! She wanted to make sure that we saw how pretty it was now that the snow was gone and the grass is green...her trusty companion Frodo kept close watch! and paid particular attention!

Willow thinks Mattea is "THE BEST!"

2009-06-02T05:29:00.000-07:00

It is always so much fun to see little people connect! And Willow thinks Mattea is very exciting!

Baby Mattea arrives!

2009-05-28T21:02:00.000-07:00

Baby Mattea arrived this morning at 7:15 am! She weighed 8 lbs. 2 oz. and is absolutely perfect!

Mommy, Daddy and Baby are doing well!

Spring is Here!

2009-05-25T15:33:00.000-07:00

Check out all the little black wiggly tadpoles!

Place your pointer on the photo and click to see a larger picture!

"HANGING OUT SOAKING UP THE SUN!"

Well it "Seems Like" Spring is here at last! It is +17 today! Willow and I and Kerstin checked out the pond out back and the frog eggs have hatched!

2008-2009 Winter Quilting Projects

2009-05-22T13:40:00.001-07:00

Even with working full time in the bush I managed to complete a few quilting projects this winter, and of course ...still have a "few" UFO'S to complete.

I am feeling pretty smart as these two table topers are all ready for the Christmas Season!! 11 months before the even! (instead of 11 hours before!)

This Quilt I made was for the Proctor Family Benefit auction. I was really pleased with the finished quilt and was so happy to see it go to a family that will enjoy it!

Still have more projects to finish ... so many quilts , so little time!

Samuel's First Bike!

2009-05-21T23:11:00.000-07:00

A true sign of spring is when the bikes come out, and Samuel looks pretty happy with his brand new 2 wheel bike!

Grandma and Pappy are really looking forward to visiting him and watching him go for a bike ride!

Of course Brennin is not to be left far behind, and she is practising her technique on her 3 wheeler! It would be a little easier if she could reach the peddles!

Morris the Moose eating the Buds on my Apple Tree!

2009-02-01T11:30:00.000-08:00

He really was enjoying a most delicious Sunday Brunch until I looked out the window !

I would have let him stay however, they eat the Apple Buds on the branches so that next summer I will not have any Apples! So with my voice of authority ...lol! I must send him on his way!

He turned all bristled up and for a moment I thought he might come and argue the point with me, however he decided not to and moved on down the hill to the next property!

East Coast Trail continues!

2008-08-24T21:37:00.001-07:00

Looking down over the side of the trail!

Beautiful, but steep!

Narrow steep climbs.

Steps drilled and bolted into the bare rock so that you can reach the next hight of land. Don't miss a step our you will fall "ker-splash" into the sea 200 ft. below!

After about 2 hours, I came to a place I could not pass by alone so I had to take a photo of the far point where the light house was, and turn about and make my way back!

It was a wonderful hike though .. and would have love to be-able to remain another day to make it out to the light house!

When I returned to the B&B I took a few moments to explore the grounds, and beach there. This lovely boardwalk led down to the beach. Here I enjoyed the incoming tide surge as it rose onto the rock. They also had a lovely fire pit that you could enjoy on a warm summer evening! Truly a wonderful place to stay!

Bread and Breakfast -Bay Bulls

2008-08-24T21:12:00.000-07:00

Our first B&B in NFL was at Bay Bulls. Wanda our quilting friend from Gatheralls phoned to make sure we could stay and I must say it was a perfect setting. Sitting high above the shoreline its views of the bay and the Icebergs was perfect!

Our Hostess was wonderful and we had a very nice stay.

Our room was the far right on the corner!

Coralee was extremely happy to see Icebergs from our Window!

In the afternoon while the girls were resting, I decided to take a little walk. Our hostess told me about the "EAST COAST TRAIL" which was accessible just about 1/2km. from our B&B.

She told me it was a moderate to difficult trail that I could follow out to a light house on the far point. It was only 5 km. away. She told me it was a well marked tail. So I decided to give it a go and check it out! I am so glad I did!

The start of the "East Coast Trail" at Bay Bulls.

The trail was well marked and well traveled so I head out to see where it would lead me to!

In places it was very narrow, and they had made steps to navigate the terrain. If you were to step off the side of the path here you would fall 500 ft. into the ocean at this point!

Wouldn't want to negotiate this in the dark!

LOBSTER! WHO HAS THE LOBSTER?!

2008-08-24T17:54:00.000-07:00

Now some people come to NFL to see Icebergs, others to see the Puffins, well I like all of these things too,....however first and foremost I was looking for my first "East Coast - Atlantic Lobster Dinner!"

After our tour was completed I asked the fellows were I could get a great "Fresh from the Sea" Lobster Dinner. I told them I was willing to purchase the creature live, and buy a pot, and boil the water on the beach if need be ...I was in desperate need of my first Lobster Dinner!

They smiled and pointed up the dock to the Restaurant run by who else?...... Gatheralls! They checked their watches and said if I hurried that the chef might still be there and he could find a fresh lobster or two! Believe me it didn't take me long to get off the dock and up to the restaurant!. As we were the only customers .. he was happy to oblige even though it was getting late to serve yet another meal. We were not to be disappointed. The lobster was brought to the kitchen live, and onto our plates in record time! and it was "FANTASTIC!" Not over cooked, not covered with fancy sauces, just simple, fresh, and GOOOOOOOODDDDD!

Yep everyone enjoyed the meal!

Pamela enjoying the "Lobster" the flavor was like no other!

This was to become only the beginning of Pamela's adventures into the unique Cuisine of NFL. Her motto soon became, come to NFL ... then eat like the NewFoundlanders!

After all when you are here make the most of your adventure! Continue reading about this adventure, and you will see that she did not shun away from any taste experience!

Sorry Ruffus and Puffet! Only empty shells for you!

We Meet Our First NewFoundland Quilter!

2008-08-24T17:28:00.000-07:00

Okay,...these are not Quilters! They are Actually the Fellows who Captained and entertained us on our boat Tour.

Starting from the left we have:

The "Singer/Entertainer/Information Person" who managed to keep us in good spirits, and gave us an understanding of just what we were seeing along our voyage.

The middle Fellow, was on this day our Boats Captain. He handled the boat with great skill, and was always aware of where we where and kept us safe,... however close enough to enjoy the views.

"The Other Fellow" ... he definitely had an role in the whole adventure, keeping the other two "Boys" in toe, and making sure that all persons were being looked after. Injecting just enough information to keep the spirits high, and the laughter rolling along! I can say that this tour was in the True NewFoundland Form, and us "off islanders" were soon looking for a dictionary of NFL terms and phrases so that we could decipher some of the terminology!

Great Bunch of fellows ... A Tour anyone would enjoy! That was "Gatheralls" ..(no they did not ask me to say this) .... I want too! if you go to NFL take a tour with them you will not be disappointed!)

Now this is Wanda!

The first NewFoundland Quilter that we were to meet!

She was the person who booked our Tour for us at Gatheralls, and kept "Shop"!

Wanda is a delightful lady! Like her quilts she is cheerful, and friendly!

Wanda's quilts are made in the "Scrappy Quilt" form, and they are right up Pamela's alley with the way she uses bright colors!

First Stop "Bay Bulls!"

2008-08-24T17:06:00.001-07:00

Bay Bulls NewFoundland!

Located about 30 min. Southeast of St. Johns. Was to be our first stop on our tour of the Avalon Peninsula!

It was here that we would actually take to the "Seas", and board a Tour Boat to view, Icebergs, and Puffins. It was too early in the season for the Whales to have arrived yet!

The Tour company that we choose to tour with was " Gatheralls."

Pamela thought that this would be a good choice, as the vessel was a Catamaran , and these boats are very stable in the water and for those folks who have not developed their "Sea Legs" so to speak this vessel would provide a smoother, ride with less rocking than other boats might offer.

It was an excellent choice even if I must say so myself!

The voyage was smooth, even though the waters had a slight ripple. And the Crew was Excellent! And we saw Icebergs up close, and Puffins! And at the end of the voyage they even pointed us toward our first "Fresh from the Docks .... Lobster Dinner!"

Our Tour Vessel at dock.

Of Corse "Ruffus" didn't take Pamela's word for it and had to check out the Pilot House himself. Fortunately for us, he approved and we would soon be off on our first Adventure!

Icebergs Abound!

2008-08-24T10:21:00.000-07:00

These icebergs were located in Bay Bulls.

They are called "Growlers". It is the sound the iceberg makes as it comes to stop due to the fact that the bottom 2/3's of the iceberg has come to a stop because it has hit too shallow water, and is hung up on the ocean bottom.

If you were to go diving you would see the ocean floor marked with "iceberg trails". As the weeks go by they melt, and breakup and move closer in. Small chunks of icebergs that have broken off larger icebergs are called......."Berger bits" of course!

One thing that is absolutley stunning is the color of the ice as the sun shines through!

You always know that you are approaching an iceberg as the air quickly becomes cooler. All of us were glad we were wearing warm winter coats!

Birds, Icebergs, and Burger Bits!

2008-08-24T10:05:00.001-07:00

We came to NFL to Quilt and to find Icebergs, and Puffins! And we were not to be disappointed !

Our wonderful Tour Crew took us out to "Bird Island", to view Puffins!

Although there were only a few Puffins at the island at this point .(early arrivers) we did get a peek at a few.

Notice the Burrows into the ground, .. this is were a Puffin lays and raises it chicks. The Burrowing in time kills any larger plant life such as shrubs and trees. Puffin Nesting grounds tend to be void of anything besides grass. These burrows can be 4 ft. deep!

Puffins only come to land to nest for a period of 3 months each year. After the nesting is completed they return out to sea, sometimes as far as 200 miles out to stay until the "desire to nest" returns in the spring again!

Bird Island is also the home to other ocean birds.

Petrels and Marlins also nest on the rock cliffs of the island.

Now with all those birds living in such a small space you can only imagine what the smell might be on a warm windless summer day! We were fortunate that the day was sunny however due to the back we were here then end of May, the air was cool!

Our trusty crew however warned us that when looking up it is advisable to keep ones "Mouth Closed!"

Good advise I say as when the birds take to the air there are "Thousands"!

Trip to NewFoundland continues!

2008-08-21T20:19:00.000-07:00

By 9:30 in the evening we were so excited to see Coralee and Ruffus arrive in St. Johns also! At last our little group was complete! Well nearly!

You see Coralee's luggage didn't quite keep up to her! Ruffus and her quickly showed the fellows what her bag looks like and they assured her that it would be at our hotel in the morning.

So they gave her a "overnight" travelers kit and off we all went to seek out supper!

We soon found a pub that would serve us some yummy appetizers, and Pamela and Ruffus enjoyed our first beer in St. Johns!

Of course, I couldn't resist a nice plate of fresh cooked Mussels! Mmm now this is living!

After filling our tummies we head back to the room , and while us girls got organized Ruffus checked out the map for our next days exploring!

Then he settled down for a well deserved sleep curtsey of Air Canada, in the "Travelers Kit Bag!"

We head out of St. Johns about 30 min. headed for the small community of Bay Bulls, looking for a boat tour to see Puffins, and Icebergs! We stopped along the way to visit a post office, and what do you think! Ruffus met a "Local" Girl and invited her along for a ride! (Now could we say no? Puffett is so Sweet!)

Quilting at the Edge 2008 -Quilt Canada

2008-08-18T19:29:00.000-07:00

Several ladies have been asking me just what I did and what did I see at Quilt Canada - Quilting at the Edge in St. Johns NFL. So I thought, it is was time to begin updating my postings and give you a peek at what you all missed!

This is a photo of "Roffus" - Coralee's Kitwanga

mascott keeping an eye on the scenery on the drive down to Prince George in the afternoon.

We all road down with Dorothy. Dorothy and I were to board the plane in Prince George at 8:30 in the evening. Coralee and "Roffus" would follow the next day as their flight would not leave until the following morning.

It was great to be able to fly with Dorothy a "well seasoned" travelor as I have never flown any further than Vancouver, and needed the traveling pointers that Dorothy could pass on to me.

I really did not know what I was to expect when flying the "Red Eye" ....now I know why they call it just that!

Our flight landed in Vancouver on time, around

8:30. Our next leg of our flight would leave Vancouver at 11:30pm and we would land in Toronto at 6:45 am (Toronto time) the following morning!

I knew I would be tired but thought that I would sleep on the flight from Vancouver to Toronto!

Okay I have to admit I didn't sleep all night at home! Excitement! and a little bit of apprehension was a major factor!

I was soon to learn why they have coined the term "Red Eye Flights" and that they mean just that!

I barely slept a wink this night either! by 6:30 am(Ontario time) we were flying over the lakes of Northern Manitoba, and Ontario! At last something to see out of the window!

Our arrival in Toronto Int. Airport was on time. We only had about 45 min. to get off our plane, grab a quick cup of coffee from the Coffee vendor,and a egg muffin breakfast before we were to board our plane for the last leg to St. John's NFL! (No we were not offered a opportunity to purchase a breakfast on board our flight)

Feeling a bit disoriented and "Extremely" tired I sure was glad that Dorothy could lead me about the Airport!

The next leg of our flight would be on a board a slightly smaller plane. I was really excited about watching out of the window of the plane as now it was day light and I could actually snap photos! It was a splendid flight. The passenger in the seat beside me was a fellow from NFL heading home from the Oil Patch in Northern Alberta. He was looking forward to seeing his wife and kids and was very familiar with this leg of our journey.

We saw hundreds of icebergs in the golf of St. Lawrence!

I was looking forward to snapping lots of photo's of our flight across "The Rock". Alas that was not to be in the flight plan though! Just after we saw the first bit of shore line, the clouds quickly covered the landscape. Soon the Captain announced due to sever winds we could expect a rough ride for the next 20 min. until we landed! Great!

My face must have show my apprehension and yes ... fear. The fellow passenger beside me in attempted to reassure me as to the flying skills of the NFL pilots. He went on to tell me .. that he has flown in during a down right blizzard, where the plane was bouncing 50 60 ft. and when the wheels hit the run way it was covered in snow! And the pilot handled the landing flawlessly! (okay ... I guess the point was it was only pouring rain outside and blowing a 45 knt. wind .. so all was well? lets face it a tale of previous nasty flights didn't do much to calm my fears ... did the Captain remember to bring his "rabbit foot " with him this time also? I was to ask myself. Okay .. sure I crossed all my fingers, and toes, and my legs!)

Now ... as a "very" green passenger, not sure if I really like this whole flying thing ... I will tell you I was astounded at how the pilot managed to "softly tap the tarmac" on landing!

On our return flights back home Dorothy and I rated all the remaining landings according to this landing and none of the other landings were any were near as smooth as this one in St. Johns!

Dorothy and I were now in NFL! it was 2:30 in the afternoon NFL time the following day!

We had not had breakfast yet! We quickly checked out a car, and checked into our room!

Then we were on the search for a cafe' that would serve us Breakfast! One was quickly found and after filling our tummies with eggs, toast, and coffee, we suddenly realized just how tired we were!

Not to be deterred we decided that we couldn't risk going back to the room and falling asleep as we might not wake up and get to the airport to pick-up Coralee and Roffus !

So off to do a little exploring around St. Johns!

We soon found a knititng shop!... and then our first quilt fabric shop.

We did a quick drive past the University were we would be staying during the Quilt Conference.

Very tired, now we knew we had to go back to our motel room and just chill until 9:30pm when we would go to the airport and Pick up Coralee and Roffus!

KITWANGA "QUILT IN" 2008 - Date Chane!

2008-07-20T23:36:00.000-07:00

This letter came to me via mail from Anne - Pres. of Kitwanga Quilters.

Due to Circumstances beyond our control the kitwanga "quilt In' 2008 has had to move our weekend. ORIGINALLY it was to take place Set. 25th- 28th./08. Our School District will be going back to a 5 day school week in 2008, hence our original weekend is a NO GO. We do realize this will be an inconvenience to some, but there is not a "Heck" of alot we can do about it.

Any Questions/Concerns, please call Anne.

The NEW DATE: For the Kitwanga "Quilt In" 2008 will be October 2nd. - 5th./ 08.

Thanks....Anne -Pres. Kitwanga Quilters.

So ladies please take note, and if you will not be able to attend on the new date please let Anne know as she has a waiting list for ladies who would like to attend.

Mom's first Quilt!

2008-07-12T09:32:00.000-07:00

I am so excited as Mom has arrived for a visit here in Houston, and at last she has seen her completed Quilt!

Mom sewed the quilt top -- her "First Quilt" last fall and gave it to me to quilt.

Due to many reasons it was only this week that she was able to see her completed Quilt!

It is "Fantastic"! Now she has the "Quilters Bug" I am sure she is on the road to many more Quilts to come!

Awesome Quilt MOM!

Where has the Time Gone?!

2008-07-02T20:21:00.001-07:00

Wow! it is hard for me to believe that it has been more than 6 months since my last blog entry! Time has flown by!

For now I am going to let you ...my blog visitor discover were I have been over the last

few weeks!

First Clue .... Frequently large chunks of ancient ice might find its way to your back door!

Photo #1

Photo #2

And Tall pillars of cement, brick and stone speckle the landscape!

The local cuisine consists of "Fish"! and these little morsels that they all seem to feel are the "very best part" of this particular aquatic creature!

So have you guessed where I have been?

Photo #1 is a iceberg in "Bay Bulls"

Photo #2 is a photo of the Light house at "Ferryland" (yes that is right established Photo#3

in 1642!)

Photo#3 is a photo of a plate of ..........."Cod Tongues"! (yes I ate them, and yes they ARE GOOD!)

I spent 12 days in Newfoundland exploring the Avalon Peninsula and St. John's!

I was there attending The "Canadian Quilters Association" Quilters Conference! It was Unbelievable!!

The hospitality of the people of NFL could not be surpassed by anyone! Although the weather was cool, the smiles, and friendly gestures were full of Warmth! The conference was inspirational, and awe inspiring!

And I met some of the most wonderful,kind and interesting people ....Yes that includes you Maria and Claire!! (<;

So I hope to return some day soon, to visit and meet up with my new friends again.

Until then, just in case they might not recognize me in my photo ...that is me..on the right!

Thanks for making our visit soooooo great!

A Gift for Samuel!

2008-01-04T10:32:00.000-08:00

Well as you might know, I am a "VERY PROUD!" Grandma of three awesome Grandchildren! The oldest of the three is Samuel at ... Nearly 2 yrs. of age.

When I was visiting with him and his Mommy and Daddy in Lethbridge, I picked up a book that featured the Disney movie "Cars" He just loved it!

You can only imagine my excitement when I went exploring the Lethbridge Quilt Shops and discovered the "Fabric!" So for Christmas this year I made Samuel this "Cars" quilt. With the spare fabric, I made a matching pillow case. I wanted to leave the "car" images easy for him to see, so decided to make the long strips, and then sashed each strip with the co-ordinating fabrics. It was great fun to make, fast, and I am very happy with the end result.

Merry Christmas Samuel!

Book Bag!

2008-01-04T10:25:00.000-08:00

Well not so far back I showed you a bag that I made that I use nearly everyday. Well this is the same pattern, however I wanted to make a small gift for a friend, and she loves books, and works in a library ... so I thought why not use the upholstery fabric I bought as a remnant? Seeing how it features "books" in the print it seemed to be a natural choice!

The Upholstery fabric had a bit of an "attitude" however with a little coxing, I managed to convince it that this really was the best place for it to be used, and in the end I am very pleased with the finial result!

Merry Christmas Eileen!

Running with Sunflowers.

2008-01-04T10:20:00.000-08:00

This has been one of my favorite table runners to make. It is easy, quick and I believe effective. You can show case a fabric that you love in the large middle block and then accent it with the surrounding bars, and squares. It can be easily finished in an afternoon.

This particular runner I made for a wedding gift for a young couple, the lady of the house loves .... you guessed it! Sunflowers!

Mexican Star Mini Workshop

2008-01-04T10:01:00.000-08:00

When making this wall hanging I was immediately excited!
My mind raced back through time ... (slow up there Ton-to .. not that far back!) when My husband, myself, and our 1 1/2 yr. old son spent 3 months one winter in Mexico. We had traveled down the middle of December, to escape the "White Stuff" that was surrounding us at home! The fact that we were traveling in a "Vintage Jaguar Sedan" didn't seem to even enter out minds as risky ... ah youth is so innocent.

Looking back I can only wonder what our parents were thinking as we headed south!

Jaguar parts are hard to find in British Columbia ... non existent in Mexico! For anyone who has ever own a Jaguar especially an "old Jag" which believe me ours was! ... a good supply of parts are always a good plan! Well to move on from this thought pattern, lets just say we returned in good health, the car hung together, and ran well until we returned to Vancouver British Columbia, and then the motor ate a piston ... but that is not where I was going here! Back on Track!

The memories of traveling for 4 days through the central dessert of the Baha Peninsula came rushing back!

Hot red and orange sunsets, with the cactus silhouettes stroking the sky. It was breath taking!

So with head down, I rushed to my fabric stash! I knew I had the perfect fabric, just to find it!

Well I did! and I am very pleased with the end result. The reds, and oranges for the sunsets, the green for the cactus, and the black for the evening silhouettes!

Now ... to just take if off the design wall and quilt it!

All in due time right ..... All in Due time!

A Quick one Day Project

2007-08-18T18:59:00.000-07:00

So it has been a wet rainny weekend, so it is a good time to do a quick project. I decided to make a quilted tote. As the pattern called for "pre-quilted" fabric, and because I have a HQ16 long arm quilting machine I thought that I would make my own quilted fabric. The fabric I choose was 100% cotton upholstery fabric. and I used poly. quilt batting. I took the leaf pattern from the fabric and decided to make "tumbeling leaves" as my quilt design. It took me 10 hours to make, but it was fun, easy, and it will be very functional. Lots of outside pockets to carry those little extras.

Friendship Block

2007-08-10T08:54:00.000-07:00

Faster than a Speeding Snow Storm, I feel that Summer is passing on! So it has become apparent that I must hasten to complete my Friendship Blocks for my Quilting Groups Block Exchange that is to take place the first week in September! We were asked to use 3 fabrics in our block, a background of white, and then blue and yellow fabric. I choose a simple "Mariners Star" Block...(Did I just say simple?!) This block even though it is paper pieced is proving to be "time absorbing!" Oh well ... one makes ones own choices, and this is the one I choose. By the time I have completed 22 of these blocks I should be able to assemble them with my eyes' closed?!

Pink Soup

2007-07-22T22:12:00.001-07:00

Well you know that summer is truly here when I make my first pot of "Pink Soup"! Pink Soup is a family recipe that my Mom's Husband's family have made for years. As it requires a small beet root with the beet tops and fresh dill, I can only make it once the new fresh vegetables have been harvested! It is a annual treat each year! I am going to share it with you as it is easy, only takes about an hour to make, start to finish and it is Mmmmmm! Goooood!

LYLE'S "PINK SOUP"

6 cups of water
3 Tablespoons of chicken bullion powder
1/4 cups of uncooked rice
1 medium potato diced small
In a large pot bring the first 4 ingredients to a boil and boil until the potatoes and rice are cooked (about 10 min.) When cooked
Add:
1 medium beet root that you have peeled and diced small like the potato.
Chop finely the beet tops and add to the pot
Also add a good hand full of finely chopped fresh dill. (it must be fresh to give the good flavour, dried dill will not give the same flavour)

Cook stirring frequently until beets are tender.
Lower the heat, and slowly add :

500ML. of "Whipping Cream" (Yes this is true light cream doesn't do the recipe justice!) Heat slowly just until warm, DO NOT BOIL! as the cream will separate and curdle.

Serve with a sprig of fresh dill on top. (If you really are not concerned about calories, then add a small dollop of sour cream !)

Back to Quilting!

2007-07-11T14:14:00.000-07:00

My first adventure into Strip Piecing, and it is soooo easy and fun! I picked up a copy of Strip-Pieced Quilts by Maaike Bakker, and just fell in love with all the quilts she had designed in the book. It just spoke to me! My husband wants me to make a quilt for us (I can not imagine why as I have made only about a dozen for ooddles of other people!) I had decided that I would make us a black and white quilt and then I found this book .... the quilt for us!

This design she called "Optical Illusion" only one of the 13 quilts she has designed and gives you patterns for. One prerequisite that I have set for myself before I purchase a book is that I need to be interested in making a min. of 3 quilts from the book. There are 10 I would like to make from this book .... it was a definite must buy!

Her instructions are clear, and layed out well, the photographs are clear and her methods are well illustrated. So as the summer moves forth, I will continue to work on "my Optical Illusion" Time will tell how well it will turn out!

Camping at Francios Lake

2007-07-10T20:15:00.000-07:00

So Friday afternoon we decided to load up the motor home and head out to Francios Lake for the Weekend. The weather was overcast, but we thought that it would be fun to spend a relaxing time on the lake shore. I always like to have a camp fire when we camp, it makes the camping cosy! Well in this case it was to soon become apparent that it was not a luxury, but a definite necessity! Mosquitoes, Black flies, and NoSeeums! Clouds of them! I positioned my chair in the smoke and stayed there! The lake was exceptionally high still. No beach to find, just trees in the water! Saturday night was to be a exercise in no sleep! Bugs buzzing, landing, biting ...Okay by 4:30 am we gave up. We made a quick cup of coffee, and drove home. Arrived back home by 8:30 am, fell asleep in the motor home, woke up at 10:00 a.m. and went down town for breakfast! Some wilderness campers hey!

Rhubarb is Ready!

2007-07-10T15:41:00.000-07:00

Well this cool wet summer to date has certainly made the Rhubarb grow! Like the ever producing zucchini plant, I am looking for door steps to drop Rhubarb on in the dark of the night! Carl has put in a request however for ... Rhubarb pie, so I thought that I would share with you one of our favorite Recipes.

Rhubarb Cream Pie
4 cups of chopped Rhubarb (cover with boiling water and let stand for 5 min. Drain)
Mix with:
1 1/2 cups of brown sugar
1 heaping Tblsp. Butter
2 Tblsp. flour
Beat yolks of 3 eggs (2 will work in a pinch) Save the egg white for Meringue.
Add 3 Tblsp. water to the yolks

Pour into a 9 inch unbaked pie crust.
Bake for 40 min. at 375 degrees.

Make Meringue from the egg whites, cover the top of the pie and return to oven and bake until the Meringue is brown.

Mmmmm Good!

Workshop with John Willard

2007-07-05T19:31:00.001-07:00

I had so much fun during the Saturday Workshop that I took with John Willard as the instructor! He asked for Bright Colors only for the fabric, and we just had fun sewing, cutting, sewing, and cutting again! In the end we all had created our "Own" one of a kind block. It was refreshing, and creative. John is an excellent instructor, who enjoys high energy fabrics, and out of the box quilting techniques!

Okay so were are your purchases Coralee?

2007-07-04T23:49:00.001-07:00

Along the way we stopped at all the quilt shops we could find. Coralee introduced us to several that we did not know about. This one was our first stop in Quesnel, 9:00 am. We were not the first customers, and Coralee was happy to meet some ladies from the Prince George Quilting group that she had belonged to!

Quilt B.C.

2007-07-04T23:43:00.001-07:00

Hi Ho Hi Ho it's off to quilt B.C. we go! Wow! what a show! Coralee, Deb,Dorothy, and Pamela all made the drive down to Kamloops to attend Quilt B.C this May. It was inspiring, and overwhelming at the same time. I know that I am so glad I was able to attend. Here we are stopping for Lunch in Williams Lake on our way down.

When I am not Quilting or Fishing or Visiting with Family...

2007-07-03T18:59:00.000-07:00

then it is probably winter, and I am at work. So what work do I do you ask?
Let me start by saying....when Carl came home from a Ritchie Bros. Auction announcing he had purchased something for me .. I knew that it probably was Not Fabric! With hesitation, and trepidation I asked him to show me. When he said that it would not be arriving for a couple of day ... I knew that this Definitely was not Fabric, or a New Sewing Machine!

Yes Logging is one of the main employers in our little community ... and yes he brought me home a lovely piece of logging Equipment!

With a big grin on his face he announced that he bought me a processor! You can only imagine my Joy!!!

Now I am not a spring chicken, at the age of 50+ my boys wouldn't even entertain the idea of challenging me to one of those "Joy Stick" operated computer games. It just wasn't worth it, I couldn't get the feel of the joy stick operation!

My first view of the operators seat in the Processor turned my blood cold! Not just one joy stick, but 2! anddddd, on the top of each joy stick a toggle switch, and on the main stick of each joy stick were 3 buttons, then of course there was the computer screen, and two foot pedals also.

Sure after 25 years of helping Carl in the Logging Business I had helped to move equipment from one landing to another, a small cat, a skidder, not to mentions hours helping him do repairs or maintenance. But this .... This was just mind boggling for me!

After many encouraging words .... he convinced me to give it a try. Starting by bucking up the winters fire wood into 2 ft. chunks, soon had me comfortable handling small lengths of logs.

He assured me the leap to full tree lengths would be a breeze! Hmmmm!

Needless to say I have put in two seasons of logging ,operating the Processor and to tell the truth quite enjoy the job during the winter months.

I told him I would do it until I was 60., after all I was 53 at the time! (Perhaps I was a little over zealous with this commitment?!)

One thing I can tell you .... I can challenge any of the kids to a "joy stick" operated game now ...move over boys , Mom can run those computer joy sticks now .. No Problemo!

Some of our Past Community Quilts

2007-07-02T23:29:00.001-07:00

This was our first group quilt, and led to our name, The Cut Loose Quilters. Each person was asked to bring some of their scrap fabrics that were left over from past quilt making. I led this quilt making so when they arrived, they set up their sewing machines around the table, then I put all the scraps in a pile in the middle of the table, and gave them a good shuffle. They were then asked to take a scrap, and without color matching pick another scrap and sew the two together in no particular shape. They were asked to continue sewing strips onto strips around in a block formation until when the fabric was squared off they could make a 10 inch square.
We then sewed the squares together. This was quite a challenge for many of our more "seasoned" quilters as they wanted desperately to sort the fabric into piles of likeness. I would let them entertain themselves with this activity and then come up and give the pile a good shuffle again! Lots of protests and laughter was experienced during the making of this quilt but much to some "speculation" they were very surprised at the end result, which they all like very much. This quilt was auctioned for a fund raiser in our community and raised a nice little sum.

Community Quilt Delivered

2007-07-02T23:20:00.000-07:00

As I have referred to several time prior I am a member of a group of quilters here in Houston, B.C. we call our group "Cut Loose Quilters" when we first came together we wanted to give a little to our community in some way and so we decided make quilts as a group to give to those in our community who have been faced with misfortune, or ill health or any other challenge that is a struggle. To date we have made 6 quilts and given them to various people of community or fund raising events. We were so happy to be able to give this quilt to members of our community who were unfortunate to have lost their home to a fire. Although it is not always possiable to have all the ladies who helped to make the quilt attend the giving of it, in this case we were able to! The three ladies on the right along with myself, (taking the picture) were so happy to give this quilt to Charlie, and Joyce. It is our hope that they will be able to enjoy this in their new home.

When a Bag is More than just a Bag!

2007-07-02T23:16:00.001-07:00

This is in fact my all around going to town, workshops, visiting and holiday bag! It was supposed to be a "Beach Bag" as the fabric is "Flip Flops" and summer things, but I enjoy it so much that I use it nearly always. Great for picking up the mail!

A Feast from the Sea!

2007-07-02T16:45:00.001-07:00

Along with the spectacular Sunsets ... King Neptune also provided us with a delectable meal!
This is our first time prawning ... I have NEVER seen such large prawns! The pot they are cooking in is 10inches (25cm.) in diameter! Could only cook 2 at a time. A feast you could not purchase in any restaurant better! I know that I am so fortunate to be able to enjoy such a wonderful life.

Okay I must Confess!

2007-07-02T16:39:00.001-07:00

I must at this time make a small confession!
Although quilting takes up much of my time, in the summer months here in Northwest British Columbia, I also "love" to spend time on the ocean with my Husband fishing and exploring the coast. Sooooo .... I have just returned from a 4 day trip out to Prince Rupert .. it was wonderful. Here is a photo of our 2nd. night at anchor in a little cove South west of Prince Rupert, it was a truly glorious sunset!

Lesson in Blogging

2007-06-28T12:09:00.000-07:00

Well it seems that I have been having difficulties getting my comment tag to show with each posting. With help from Kersten I hope that I have corrected this problem. So here goes Trial Blog #1 ... will it work??

Quilt for Samuel!

2007-06-27T10:28:00.000-07:00

Well time has passed, I have participated in the making of 2 community quilts that the "Cut Loose Quilters" have made, and I have been assembling 20 blocks for a friendship block exchange that our group will exchange at our first meeting in September.

I have also made a quilt for my little grandson Samuel!

This quilt is true to my personality in fabric choices .. it is BRIGHT! It is basically the same technique as a "Magic Tile" however I did not add the black "grout" between the blocks. This quilt once again is "Fast and Fun" (my favorite type of quilt) When it came time to quilt it the old nursery rhyme - "What are Little Boys made of?" kept running through my mind. "Snakes and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails. That is what little boys are made of!" So with this running through my mind, I quilted it accordingly!

A New Day!

2007-06-26T23:12:00.000-07:00

Well time has passed, and several quilts have been made. Once again I was to attend a workshop that would take me towards a new and exciting path. This occasion started when the "Cut Loose Quilters" decided to ask Rhena Ferris to come and do a weekend workshop showing us how to make her "Botanical Beauty" hanging. We were asked to bring a photo of a flower that we like, and to gather together fabric that would work to create the flower that we choose. I picked my photo ... one that my son had taken of a buttercup after a rain. It was great fun creating the geometric flower, in an abstract format using Rhena's technique, is was easy, fun and fast! As I assembled my flower .. my mind took me to reflections of where I could go with this ... soon I had a window frame in my mind and my cat sitting looking out the window at the flowers and humming birds darting in checking out the petals. Yep Rhena, gave me the inspiration, and a new technique to explore, and I ran with it! So after much experimenting, I created a hanging deviating a little from Rhena's format, and adding some elements of my own.

The cat actually is 3 dimensional, I layered the batting so that his hips are thicker than his body, and his tail is thicker still as it is closer to you. I added green beads to the centre of the flowers, and a few clear beads on the petals to suggest rain drops on the petals.

Thanks Rhena for giving me the inspiration, and technique to explore a new path! It was a gas!

Over Your Head Again?!

2007-06-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

The third quilt top I tried was a result of yet another workshop. This time it was a workshop being led by Diane Janzen from Pritchard in the Kamploops area. I had heard via the "quilters vine" that she was coming to Francois Lake to teach a class called 60 degree Maple Leaf. I phoned up my quilting friend Donna, and she told me .... "Take the class, this lady is amzing!, You will love it!" So with Donna's word resounding in my ears I signed up for the weekend class.

When I walked into the class, everyone was so friendly, and quilting chat quickly came around to, How long have you been quilting ... the average time appeared to be 10+ years. When they asked me I whispered ... 8 months! They smiled and said ... you'll be fine. Then Diane arrived and right away I realized that most of the ladies here knew her. They asked about the Mystery Quilt that they knew she had been involved with, and knew was completed. She was soon convinced to show us the quilt .... What can I say, it was breath taking! the techniques, and colors, the quilting ... all of it. After many ooo's and ahhh's, we assembled at the tables, and our adventure into 60 degree Maple Leaf began. In less than 10 seconds, I knew I was well over my head. Graph paper, formulas, 1/4 seam allowances, and self designing on special 60 degree graph paper! The only familiar item I could focus on was my school days Laurentian pencil crayons. Everyone lowered their heads, and began designing , I sat there flipping my pencil crayon between my pointy finger and index finger....what to do?? I decided that if I was going to learn anything , might just as well admit I was lost, and ask for help. So with a rather shaky voice, I told Diane that I knew not what was being talked about. She was so kind, with the poise and kindness of a real dedicated teacher, she led me to understand what we were working towards, and in the next hour, I had designed my "first quilt top and blocks" It was fun. The next moment of grave trepidation came when it was time to cut our fabric into 60 degree diamonds. Diane showed everyone how to lay their rulers on their fabric and make the necessary cut .....it was easy except they were all "right handed" and you guessed it I am a 'Lefty" No mater which way I laid my ruler down it would not make the required angle. Up with the hand, Diane laughed good naturally and said .... "Lefty hey!" and said, you stay on your side of the table, I am going to stand on the opposite side, she then laid the ruler down, and presto, the angles made sense! For the duration of the cutting exercise, when she demonstrated the technique, I would always position myself on the opposite side of the table from her! My little table top quilt slowly took form. It has been sitting on my design wall for 6 years now .... (is that a UFO or is it a artifact by now?) I know what I want it to look like in the end, and soon, very soon I will put it on my quilting frame and quilt it. I have needed these years to get the experience and the vision to accomplish the end result I want. I am sure that by the end of this summer you will see a photo of my completed , 60 degree Maple Leaf.
Thank you Diane for bringing me another step forward into my exploration of Quilting.

My first Blog

2007-06-25T18:28:00.000-07:00

Beginning this first blog rates right up there with my first matching seam!

I never thought it would be possible but here I am 3 years latter totally addicted to quilting, and matching my seams! (well nearly always any how!)

I hope that over time I will become as comfortable with blogging as I have become with quilting.

Time will tell!