Stitches & Hooves

The Desk!

2012-02-07T07:19:00.007-05:00

I DID IT..managed to load the picture..not sure why I had trouble before..but in edit.I managed to load the picture....love it!!

I have no idea what I have done..or if it is blogger but I can't post pictures. When I click on the picture icon it won't open up the folder with my pictures. Anyone have any idea what is wrong?

On Sunday I was wandering around Kiiji which is like Ebay and found an Oak Roll Top desk..OMG!! They are so expensive and I have wanted one for years. That kind of money needless to say I could always find a home for in other places. Horses..dog..cat..vet..redecorating..appliance..whatever. Well this price had me calling the people. Just like that I said I will buy it having not even seen it. Yesterday morning it arrived. The nice man said he would deliver it. It is in perfect shape..just what I have always wanted for height and over all size. I am one very happy girl. Being solid Oak it weighs a ton so it sure is not moving period..lol.

When the download feature finally works I will post a picture..grr!! How annoying when I have found such a great desk.

One of the horses hurt himself on a gate as I was bringing them in last nite so off to the barn to see just how sore the poor lad is this morning.

Enjoy the day!!!

Strange Winter

2012-02-01T14:54:00.006-05:00

I guess there are times you have to be careful what you wish for..lol. Just after my last post we got a dandy snow storm. Did not hurt my feelings..lol. Then it all changed and now we are back into rain and ice. Some areas in Ontario have no snow. Today I heard we are supposed to have above normal temps from now on. That is ok..as long as I can walk and not slide all over..lol.

Hubby and I had some fun time at the barn on the weekend. The cats are totally craving attention. Nothing would do but to sit down and have some cuddle time. Tippy of course had to go on her wagon ride when I took hay out to the horses. That is her job..lol On the other hand her brother Dusty is not allowed on the wagon..lol

The horses had a wonderful time wandering and eating. It was a perfect day for them. They enjoyed every minute of finally being outside all day.

Needless to say the barn got to stay clean a lot longer also..lol.

Enjoy the day. I am off to do some purging of some sewing items I know I am not ever going to get at. May as well pass these things on to some people that will enjoy them.

Hard Work

2012-01-26T18:54:00.005-05:00

I had to post this picture from a few years ago. THIS is winter..not what we have now. No sleigh rides this year so far. I know it can change very quickly..and hopefully we can get out and have some fun this year. This lovely team belong to our neighor..fantastic horses.

As I mentioned in my last post we don't have much snow but we do have lots of ice covering our pastures and the small paddocks. Poor horses are so frustrated with not getting out. So yesterday my wonderful friend that boards her horses with us came and we spread the good stuff ..lol..from there stalls on the ice. Shoot me..I was in bed by 6pm.last night .lol..lol..but we got it done. Boy was I sore and feeling my age!!! But seeing the horses out today made it al worth it. Sure enough today we were able to put the horses out in rotation in our small paddocs. We had some very happy horses.

So tonite we got them all in and bedded down to come home and see on my computer screen.....we are under a FREEZING RAIN WARNING...boohoo..again.Ugh!!!

So considering the forcast I thought for tomorrow I would do some baking for the freezer. This of course means getting down one of the old scales we have. Rod's Dad was a baker and so was Rod so we have recipies in large amounts lol..The reason for our collection of scales. It may end up with hubby doing the baking...I usually stick to the smaller recipies but we will see how brave I get. One of the best new toys we got is our Kitchen Aid..oh do we love that lovely red beauty sitting in its corner. It sure does a great job when we make our Christmas Cakes..Again this year we baked over 50lbs of cake!!!!Some years we have doubled that..ugh..big job..but good..lol

End of another day..Keep Well

This And That!

2012-01-24T10:02:00.004-05:00

What an intersting few days. I looked out the window last week one day and could not see the planters on the front deck!!! White OUT!! Wow!!! Within 10 min. the sun was out...go figure. The horses are not having the best of winters with the ice in the fields..STILL.

Do you love old barns?? Well I do and I hate to see the ones that are falling down with no effort to keep them together. There is that point of no return..and it breaks my heart. Why let it get to that point?? What are people thinking. The new manufactured barns ;have no personality..are cold manufactured looking buildings that leave me empty. With the economy the way it is funding sure is not there. In fact the small farm is in danger never mind the old barns. We are lucky in our area we still have lots of old ones around but again land is being sold to investers and the homes rented out with the barns empty and falling apart in so many cases.

We do have an Amish community that have moved into some of the farms. It is nice to see when a crew arrives to work on fixing up a barn.

Our friend we get our hay from is always working away at doing barn repairs. Every visit for hay I just love looking at the old beams..the old hand made wooden ladders. When the barn is full it is an impressive sight. Not being one for heights..lol...I have never gone up top when it is full. lol. What a relief it is low right now for us to get our hay...lol. Did ya!! see how high that ladder goes..OMG!! In my younger years I helped put hay in and loved every minute of it. Time for the younger ones now to do that. We got our small load of hay and off home we went. Gotta love those visits!!

Well back to some sewing. Hey did you know that there are self threading needles for a sewing machine. My threader is off so I have had a terrible time threading my machine ... as in couldn't..lol. Found some Schmetz Self Threading needles at the CNIB online store. They work Great!!! Handy!!

Enjoy the day!!

Judi

Slipper Cold Day

2012-01-18T09:46:00.003-05:00

What an unusual winter we are having. I just wish we could settle into winter or be done with it. Freezing rain again last nite. When I went out to start the pickup truck the doors were all frozen shut. No point in forcing them it will just damage the rubber. Good neighbors got me to the barn for chores and my brother is taking me up to the barn at lunch. Hopefully the sun this afternoon will get my doors working.

Dear old Gilly who will be 30 this year was happy to get outside yesterday for a short time. In her old age she has gotten fussy. Afternoons will be fine thank you...lol. She prefers most mornings to stay in her stall. Hey..thats fine with me. She is the last of the original line of Welsh ponies that have lived on this property for many years. Kinda sad really.

Well time to get some work done around here then head out and try that darn old truck again.

Keep warm..and watch your step!!!

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-04T06:40:00.006-05:00

So how was your Christmas/New Year celebration? We had a wonderful holiday. Rod came off the road with lots of time to get our last minute running around done. He loves to play cribbage so many games were played with howls of laughter coming from a table full of holiday treats to keep them going during some very loud games..lol. Now we are all on a huge cutback. It was great while it lasted..lol. Not being used to eating such rich food we are wandering around with a dazzed look on our faces!!

It is a New Year and I am back. We have had some difficult times since I last posted. Rod's shoulder is beyond repair so he is working with a physi to try and build up muscle around his tear. It is the best it gets. Now with working his other arm to compensate he is having issues with it. Not fun..but what can you do!!

Then the other health scare. Lumps in one lung. Many tests and trips to the Cancer Clinic and they are not malignant. Whew!!! His Dad died of lung cancer so it brought back a lot of memories. Now he has a CT Scan every 3 months and an interview for 3 years to make sure there are no changes.

I can honestly say THANK HEAVENS for our horses!!!! They keep us grounded. They need us and we need them. Having to go to the barn multiple times a day to feed and clean is our sanity. No matter what is happening you HAVE to get out and look after them. Just walking in the barn to the happy snickers/whinneys/foot stompin makes you smile no matter how your day is. That old saying about what a horse does for your soul is so true.

Our little mini Pepsi picked up a nasty virus a few weeks ago with a fever to go along with it. He is fine after some meds and a tonic to build him up again. He is our comedian so it is not good when he is down and out. Poor little fella was feeling pretty down.

Raz the new Oldenburg mare that our boarder got and her palimino do NOT get along. We have had some dandy issues there and Raz is in a paddock on her own. I think she is used to that and much prefers to be on her own. It is ure is better than the vet bill that our boarder could face if the 2 mares get together again. Under saddle they are fine..in a field forget it!!! Guess I did not mention the new mare before..now THAT is a story!! OMG..she is incredible. From Germany..with a story and a mystery that may stay that way. Next time!! Never a dull moment in a barn..lol.

My vision is getting worse. Distance is ok..so far. But to sew ect is so difficult. I may have to start selling off some of my sewing goodies and machines. CNIB is coming out to help with some of my daily issues. I love my new IPAD2. As much as I use my desktop I find the IPAD great when relaxing in my chair and wanting to read something on the net or listen to or watch something. Love audible books..they are great!! In my ever changing ways due to my eyes I have decided to start my veggie garden again. I was so busy with sewing ect I had given up the idea of starting it again after my knee surgery. It won't be as big but I think it will be fun to play around with a small one to start with. I used to do a lot fo freezing and bottling before my arthritis. Still won't be able to handle a lot but we will see what the spring brings this year. With these cold temps and talking gardening..oh well..lol

I hope everyone is well and looking forward to a Wonderful New Year!!

Enjoy the day. I hope to be back on a regular basis. Keep well.

No Holiday

2011-10-20T05:42:00.004-04:00

I had planned on blogging regularly but life just seems to have gotten so complicated. Hopefully I can get back to some kind of routine soon.

At the very last minute we had to cancel our holiday. Hubby's torn Rotator Cuff..plus some other health issues with him just made it impossible to go anywhere at this time. I have no idea if I am spelling some of these medical conditions correctly but really...don't care. We are now waiting for Dr. appointments and will go on from that point. Don't you love the hurry up and wait!!! Ugh!!

In the past 2 weeks or so we have gotten one phone call after another of horrible car accidents involving friends families plus the death of another young friend. It all has been overwhelming to say the least.

When life starts to hit you like this you just have to take it one day at a time. There is always somone out there that is having a worse day..and we ALL need to think of that.

Isn't it incredible when you think about it ..at one point we knew 2 young people fighting for there lives in ICU in one week at the same major trauma hospital in Toronto. The poor families..oh my!! Both are going to live but have some very hard days ahead of them.

Funeral of Friday for our young friend. She leaves behind a loving family and a young girl without her Mom. I just hope they find out what took her life. I know not knowing must be so hard for the family. She was fine..then was in the hospital and lost her fight. A mystery to many Dr.s. How sad for them after such a hard battle by both the Dr.'s and there patient.

So now to pray that life will not bring such sad news again for awhile. Have a great day everyone and treasure them. I will be back when I can.

Perfect Weather

2011-09-25T08:43:00.004-04:00

What perfect weather we have had yesterday and today. Bright sunny days in the mid 20's. Hubby did more work at the barn while I puttered around our yard at the house.

A few days ago I went to visit my friend Ann. Her home is on a river going out to one of the 2 lakes I live close to. The mirror image of the boats in the marine with the back drop of the trees..oh my!! She does her sewing and gets to look out over that scene every day. Isn't it something???!!!!!

The leaves are starting to change but we need a few more frosty nites to get some true color going. This is the weather I love to get in the car and tour around getting pictures of our wonderful countryside.

Enjoy the day...I know I am going to!!

Mariner's Compass

2011-09-24T08:22:00.011-04:00

It is DONE..a work in progress for many years. The first slowdown was because of my knee replacement surgery. My knee got so sore I could not sew. When I look back on that period in my life now I can not get over pain being that bad. Imagine not being able to use the pedal of a sewing machine!!!. Thank heavens for the technology of medicine..lol. My new knee is pain free and worth every minute of the therapy that went along with the surgery.

So back to sewing and embroidery. I wanted to head back to class and finish the quilt but kept putting it off in favor of other projects. You know what it is like..always something else out there..lol to do!!!! In the midst of those few years I noticed my eyes getting worse and found from my Dr.'s it was only going to get worse. So I have been scrambling to get this quilt done and several others. This quilt I got to the sawtooth stage then had to give up. I knew that putting the boarders on and doing the last of this quilt was going to be to much for me. So I asked my wonderful teacher Kim Bolender if she would not only quilt it as she usually does for me but finish the last of my quilt top. She is one very busy lady but agreed to finish the top for me. After all these years.. it is done!!!! I still love the fabric and the pattern.

I have one more queen size quilt to get quilted. It is just blocks so nothing special. It can get quilted next. Now I am just going to play around with small projects. No more cross grain sewing for me..lol. I love the challenge of some difficult patterns but those days are over. My low vision has gotten worse so I will just do what I can really enjoy without frustration.

It rained buckets last nite..what a splish splash mess at the barn..yuck. We need the rain so I should not complain. The Lindsay Fair is on this weekend so I do feel sorry for all the organizers that have worked so hard. We have friends showing horses and I would love to go..not..lol.

Keep dry..and enjoy the day!!!!

The Fence

2011-09-21T07:12:00.009-04:00

What a busy weekend we had!!! Hubby has wanted to replace fence boards at the barn for years. With him only home weekends we always have a list of things to be done that is longer than the weekend..lol. Finally a great weekend weather forcast sent us to the lumber yard for our repairs. This weekend we have only one section to do and we are done.

Our biggest challenge were ardox nails (not sure of spelling ..lol) If there was one of those nails there were 10 in each board..OMG!!! The new boards are up with screws..enough of the nails. Never again!!!! Our young friends that keep there horses at the barn were a wonderful help with taking boards down and removing nails. My dear husband has a torn rotator cuff so could only use one arm so it was a lot of work but it is done. (he is going for surgery as soon as we can get im in..that is aother story!!!)

The horses were priceless..they helped with each board. Doc the dark Quarter horse was in our way the entire time..lol. Murphy..well he came and went to check things out. Pepsi and Willy the mini's..OMG. Pepsi was into the bag of screws every time I put the bucket down..he wanted to sneak off with a bag so badly. I have to say they were a riot!!!

Old boards that had way past there time..gone!!! At one time many years ago it was a stallion pen so it had multiple boards that also had seen better days. If hubby was away and a repair had to be done I have to admit I did some pretty messy fixes to hold til they could be fixed properly..lol All gone..and repaired. In the spring we are going to have to replace some of the posts..so we can take some of the boards down (nice part of using screws) for that part and put them back..one step at a time. What a huge difference..now to stain the boards. Just hope the weather will hold so we can get that done before winter.

A huge thank you to all our help. Never could have done it without them and I am not talking about the horses..lol.

Several sewing things going on. My Mariner's Compass is back from being quilted so will get some pictures today. I am over the top excited to see it finished. My farm quilt is coming along nicely and another project for Christmas in 1/2 done. I have a new pair of glasses that are helping with my sewing so that is a huge bonus for me to be able to spend time in my little room.

Enjoy the day..it is going to rain here for the next few days. Can not complain..we are in need of rain in our area..many wells in trouble..not good this time of year.

Bye for now

Judi

Fall Finally

2011-09-13T12:43:00.003-04:00

Can't say I have enjoyed the humid weather this past summer. This is great. Temps in the 20's is fine with me..lol. Hay and Straw being collected out of the fields...all the big bales. Everyone getting ready for winter. People tease me about my barn talk. I am one happy camper when the barn is full of hay and the back shed is full of shavings to keep the horses comfy for there winter days inside. One more load of shavings and I am ready.

On the weekend I headed over to Bobcaygeon to the Quilt Show. It is held in a pioneer village. The stories behind each building is worth the tour in itself. The show was just amazing. I did not take any pictures which is different for me. I think I was just so taken with all the incredible work I just did not slow down this year to do that.
One quilt really will not leave this little mind of mine. It was an antique quilt ..oh the hand stitching was so impressive. Tiny stitches back and forth across the entire quilt..row after row..1/4 apart in hand stitches ..OMG!!! The colors were so similar to what we see now..it took me a few minutes to understand just how old the quilt was. What I loved hearing was it is on a bed..not stuck in a closet all packed away. Sometimes it is stories like that that make the entire show memorable.

This week has not started off that great. Heading to a specialist tomorrow for a root canal. Ugh!! I am so not a fan of the dentist..lol. Not many people are..but I have "history" so I am not a good patient. Oh well has to be done.

Time to head out and get some more pictures once this is over. Have a great day!!!

Posting Troubles..AGAIN

2011-09-02T12:04:00.002-04:00

I can not get into my Yahoo account to pick up my mail. I can post ..I think!! What is whith this Gmail thing as well. I don't want a Gmail account it keeps messing with my yahoo account. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know as a comment. Somehow even google is messed up with it all. I can not read the securtiy code they want me to use..and when I use the audio it does not work to the point it will not take even my email address to let me get to a sign in page now. Oh man!!!!
Hope all is well with everyone out there.

I Went Visiting

2011-08-04T16:46:00.005-04:00

Yesterday it RAINED..OH my did it RAIN!!! Not going to complain other than I looked like someone had pitched me into the lake by the time the horses were fed....lol. I have a friend that boards dogs and had called me to say they had 2 Great Pyreneese staying with them and would I like to come for a visit. Well I could not get out of the house fast enough ( in dry clothes..lol) We owned a Great Pyr at few years ago and Sam was without a doubt the best dog ever. It broke our hearts when at only 7 we had to say goodbye. He had cancer and also his hips were in bad shape. One of the downfalls with a large dog. These lovely boys are father and son. What a lovely pair. I used my phone for pictures so they are not the best. These dogs you see guarding sheep most of the time and only make a good house dog if you are ready for the demands of a dog THAT big around your home. It never bothered me but to some it would be way to much..lol.

Today we are back to sunshine again and warm weather. Spent the day sewing and a few chores in town and the day is almost over. Time to head to the barn for evening chores. I hope everyone is keeping cool. Seems this warm weather is hitting a lot of areas pretty hard.

Busy Month

2011-07-27T10:10:00.002-04:00

What a busy month. Two weddings to attend in heat like we have not seen in many years here in Ontario. Steady heat that is. Yes it does get warm..but in the evening it is supposed to cool down..not this year. Day after day of mid to high 30's plus humidity. Some people can handle it..I can't. Plain and simply can't. Finally it has broken and I am feeling much better.

One wedding down and another this coming weekend. The first wedding was outside and just gorgeous. A farm wedding that could not have been any better. The next wedding will be at a Golf Course and inside. From one end of the scale to the other..lol.

Finally I have convince hubby to take a break from work and we are heading to visit friends in Florida. They have horses and it is a home away from home. They also have a Great Pryeneese so my life is complete when visiting them..lol. We have been friend for many years so I can't wait to have an extended visit. I want to fly..and hubby wants to drive. I am not happy about the driving. He wants to take the Focus so it will be good on gas. OMG!!! short trips are fine in it..but that long a drive I am not a happy camper!!!!! I am hoping I can change his mind!! MEN!!! We are still in the planning stages on just when we will go but it will be this fall in Sept or Oct. Can't wait to have some free time with no schedule. My only trouble is I worry when I am not here to look after my animals..but I have also to learn to "let go"..lol.

It is hard to beleive but this is the end of another summer coming up as they used to say!! Once August hits parents are thinking ahead to kids going back to school. With the bad weather in May and June we have had a short summer so I hope August and September are good weather months for us.

I got my window toppers made and my pillow shams so at least I got something done. My Mariner's Compass quilt is ready to be quilted along with my laptop quilt. Things are gettng done slow but sure.

Enjoy this cooler weather.

Sunny Hay Days!! We are DONE!!!

2011-07-11T14:56:00.005-04:00

Such a happy camper, the hay is in the barn. Done, finished complete!!! Now to enjoy the summer and not worry abouut hay for another year. We had a wonderful crew that made it so easy. What great workers. Hubby suffered the most with the dust with his allergies but the young ones..lol...were just fine.

Another gorgeous warm day. I met the farrier early this morning to trim the little mini's. Put the big boys and the old pony in the barn with fans on. Everyone was happily snoozing when I left..lol. I am sticking to a/c at the house and doing some sewing. Looks like we could get a thunderstorm at some point.

Enjoy the day!!

Judi

Awesome Summer Days!!

2011-07-08T07:14:00.003-04:00

This was the last day our field looked this way. Now it is cut and drying to get baled and put into the barn. No rain forcast in the next few days so we are happy about that.

This old farm had its day. The barn in the picture is now empty along with the house. So many stories and family times come from this farm. It is so sad to see it just sitting with no life to it. No family, no animals, no family excitment over looking after the land. Not to say the nice people that own it don't care..they do but it is not being used as an active farm supporting a famil like it was for so many years. How sad and that is the way it is all over our countries. The falling apart of the family farm is part of what has gone wrong with our countries. The owner of this farm was nice enough to let us take the hay off which was nice of him. This has nothing to do with him. A lot of it boils down to the price of the land and how much equipment costs..and just how HARD it is to work a farm. Breaks my heart to see the barn falling apart and the house in the shape it really should be taken down. Oh well I guess that is another thing we can not change..time marches on. In any case some of the story will continue int that the little yellow barn got its hay from these fields.

Have a great day everyone..don't forget the sunblock it is supposed to be a cooker..yahoo..lol. Finally we are into SUMMER!!!

Enjoy!!

July And Warm

2011-07-04T16:05:00.003-04:00

What a busy weekend. So pleased I got my grocery shopping done earlier in the week. Living in a tourist area makes you plan ahead on holiday weekends. Only one quick trip was necessary over the weekend to town. Perfect!!! Some have taken today as a holiday as well. Can't say I blame them. The weather is just gorgeous.

Hubby and I spent some time working at the barn getting ready for the hay. Looks like it will be cut this week. The upstairs at the barn needed to be swept out and a few things moved around. I think we are ready. Also time to paint and spruce things up a little. I would love to spray the entire inside but I don't think that will happen this year. Some major fence repairs are needed so that will be done first. Bill and Max have managed to chew on some of the boards and now need to be replaced. I have put my old fashioned rememdy of Ivory Soap on the fence line that they like to mess with and that seems to have worked..so far. Worse than kids for getting into things.

I just love this picture. It is of Morgan our youngest granddaughter on the railway bridge in Fenelon Falls. She is looking out over our lake which is Cameron Lake. To the left of the picture on the other side of the lake is our home..lol. Cameron Lake is part of the Trent Canal System which joins our lakes all the way up to Georgian Bay. I was lucky enough to grow up on this wonderful system and enjoyed boating every summer for most of my grade school years. This was the day of Graduation at the Public School..she has only one more year to go and then off to High School. Hard to believe her sister goes to High School this year. Wow!!

Hope the weather is as fine in your area as it is here..enjoy!!!

The traffic is rolling!! Long Weekend!!

2011-06-30T14:53:00.003-04:00

The traffic has started to roll. Trailers with boats..or just stuff, buses, mobile homes..you name it they are all streaming north. It is a gorgeous day out there. Nice breeze which is keeping the bugs at bay.

My Mom..who is 91 now has picked up a dandy head cold. She sure does not need that. So far it is all in her head so I hope it stays that way. No way was I allowed to visit in case I picked it up. So I made a chicken pot pie for her this morning and delivered it. She was thrilled...so I know by that..lol that she is feeling not the best. Normally Mom loves to cook so if she is pleased to have me cook I know she is down. Imagine this time of year a cold..Ugh!!!

Royalty is in Ottawa this year for Canada Day..I will be sure to have the TV on to see all the celebrations. The Duke & Dutchess of Cambridge ,Wils & Katie..as they seem to be called are going to be in Ottawa. It should be a grand site with the RCMP horses pulling the antique carriage. Very impressive history to the carriage if you get time to Google it. The crowds should be incredible. Believe it or not..so far they are calling for a sunny day..perfect!!!

Our friends from Thailand are arriving tomorrow for several weeks...so yummy new recipies to try out!!. Just hope the weather holds so they enjoy there holiday. I have several Basil plants doing very well so lets hope they can keep us supplied with enough leaves.

Early this morning I was up and out feeding the horses and in to town to grab groceries early. So if everything goes right I should be able to stay home forr the weekend other than trips to the barn. Suits me fine.

Have a wonderful safe weekend everyone. Happy Canada Day & July 4th.

2011-06-27T09:09:00.004-04:00

Pepsi is just a riot..we have So much fun with him. Our other mini Willy is very loving but does not have nearly the personality this guy has. It was a Mexican stand off with hubby and the Skidsteer..lol. If he could have I think Pepsi would have gotten in with Rod to help him drive. Since the area was cleaned up we have had so much rain it is all mud. At least with it clean it will dry up nicely..but!! Today finally we have sun so I am sure it will all look a lot better by the end of the day.

Days and days of rain. Still no hay cut or baled. We sure are not alone. People that take holidays to get this done are sure getting pretty fed up!!
Hope the weather changes soon..it is a constant in each post I know..but it is so important to us.

Finally my sewing room is back together. On the days it rains at least now I can do some sewing. Some small projects first. I want to make some basket liners for the baskets to sit on the bench in the entrance way. Maybe this evening I will whip them up.

Off to enjoy some sun. Have a great day. I hope it is nice and sunny where ever you are.

Sooo!!! Annoying

2011-06-23T15:58:00.002-04:00

Ok..so now I can post to my blog. Great. Very happy!!

I still can not make comments on other blogs. Every time I go to chose Typpad..ect..or Google..it won't let me in to post. So still having troubles. Sorry I am not responding..need to mess around more and figure out this issue.

Raining cats and dogs here. Ugh!!! The forcast is for rain all weekend as well but after that it looks like sun for the days that are posted so far on the weather networks. Still praying for good haying weather.

Off to work on some other projects...I am done with this problem for now.

Have a great evening...

Internet Explorer 9..was the problem

2011-06-23T06:02:00.003-04:00

Finally found out what the problem was with posting on my blog. It was a compatibility with Explorer 9. That will teach me to rush off and upgrade!!! They are still tweaking #9!!!

I just went up to Tools, Compatibility View Settings and clicked on the show all websites.

Oh my I am so happy. Bet there are a lot of people out there having the same problem.

Good luck, hope this tip helps!!

Busy Barn Time

2011-06-22T20:00:00.004-04:00

Will try writing a post again. Sure hope Blogger is finished with me!!

When the Farrier was at our barn this week he checked out the new horse..and yes he has what looks like an abcess trying to come out. He has shoes on now and is feeling a lot better. It will take time and lots of TLC to get that one hoof right. He will be fine it all just takes time. Been there done all this before. The bugs have been just horrible. Horse flies are huge and the misquitoes are "back"..ugh!!! Just when you want to play and spend time with the horses the bugs chase you away..lol. Here is a picture of Doc soaking his hoof..and Tippy is not willing to share the wagon..lol. It is time for the "new" lad to learn some ground rules..lol.

Been a busy day. I headed out early to pick up gifts for our granddaughters. One is graduating from Public School this year and the other has a Birthday today. They are both off on a school trip today. Niagara Falls. I am sure they are having an awesome time. To bad the weather is not good..been raining all day!! Anyway got there gifts so I am ready for there party on Saturday. Just a few more days and the kids in our area are finished for another year.

I am heading off to the sofa to watch some TV and totally veg..Have a great evening!!

Hopefully I can start posting on Blogs now..!!!

Blogger Posts & Comments

2011-06-20T17:18:00.001-04:00

I hope I can even post this. Blogger is giving me all sorts of trouble. Will be back when I can actually post..grrrr!! and make comments. Can not even log on to leave comments. How frustrating!!!

New Kid On The Block

2011-06-18T05:00:00.008-04:00

This lovely Quarter horse has joined our barn. Our boarder sold one of her horses and this is our new lad!! Murphy in the background did not make his arrival welcome at all. It took a few days of separating them before they got along. I was surprised that Murphy was so intense on his finding another horse trailer to load poor Doc on to..lol. After a few rides out together Murphy finally figured it out that he was staying and that was it. All is well now with the herd!!! Geesh..just like kids!!

Doc has a sweet personality and is in his high teens and very well trained. Just a sweet lad to have in the barn.
On a side note is anyone else having trouble with those darn horse flys that are the size of a 747 jet liner>>OMG!!! The poor horses!!! Masks and spray and they are still miserable. Hope this does not last to long.

Lots of hay cut in the area so lets pray it does not rain for at least a week!!

Enjoy the day...

More pets!!!

2011-06-17T07:04:00.006-04:00

When you youngest Granddaughter calls and says..but Gramma..they are going to eat them..what do you say??!! Lol..I could not say no. They can go to the barn when they get bigger and need large cages. They are not dwarfs...nope she had to fall for very large bunnies..lol. They have been here 2 weeks now and have over doubled there size so it will not be long before they are at the barn. In the meantime we are having fun with them.

The dog and cat visit regularly. Both rabbits seem pretty interested in the visits..lol

Saturday is moving day for them. We have a nice large crate for them at the barn so I am sure by then they are going to need it.

Friday already, how did that happen. Off to do chores. Have a great weekend everyone.

Just a Tad Busy!!

2011-06-13T05:50:00.001-04:00

I have not stopped since my last posting. Sorry to my friends for not posting on there blogs. Time has gotten ahead of me..and it is time to get into a routine again.

Our hay is ready to cut..so please pray for some nice sunny breezy days so we can get this huge job done. I am hoping all the help we have lined up are able to help when needed. So often hay is ready when people have other plans. You hate to tie someones life up with it "it all depends on the weather" comment.

Speaking of weather we are down another tree at the house. A tornado hit a small community just north of us..and we got the edge of that severe storm. I was working around the house and had not been paying much attention to the sky. We had a warning of a thunderstorm with ..all the possibilities listed..of what goes along with that. Bang crash and the roar..it came Wow!! We were lucky but our friends north of us were hit badly. No one killed..thank heavens..but lots of damage. Hydro crews are all over. It will take a long time to clean it all up. People living down country roads will be even longer than the town families. Years ago hydro cut there forestry budget..humm..maybe they will rethink that.

Ooops never posted this so will do be back with more later..lol. Off to Costco and Fabricland.

Enjoy your day..going to be warm.

Rain & Dandelions

2011-05-26T13:37:00.008-04:00

Yes it is raining again. Last nite on the news some brave soul had the nerve to say we are under the level for the month still. Right!!! As the kids say "Whatever"...lol

Everytime I get to the point I can go out and get some weeding done..it rains again..and don't even try to paint..!!!ugh!! The garage door and all the trim needs to be done and it is still waiting!! The dandelions are doing just great. We have a lot of grass and it is a chore to keep it under control when it is like this. With the new rules about spraying the yellow flowers are all over the yard. Way to much yard for me to be wandering around trying to pull them all. I swear my husband is going to have the big one over those yellow flowers..lol. Oh how fussy he is about his lawn. I wish he took the same amount of interest in the garden. I should not complain about the garden..he has plenty to do at the barn. With him only home on weekends it is like a 3 ring circus around here trying to get things done.

Only one more month and we will hopefully be into haying time again. I keep watching the field across from the barn that is our hay..and it is jumping nicely. We opened the gate for the big boys so they could go out to pasture for the summer. It was one of the nicer days and I had just gotten them fly masks..with ears..LOL. On the warm days the blackflys and regular flys have been just wicked. They have worn them before but Max usually gets his off and that is the end of it. This year I thought I would try again. Well..I would have been better to get another color. They look like oversized donkeys..LOL. I have to modify the, they are a little large for them..lol. Bill I think was totally embarassed the way he walked out of the barn..lol. How could she do this to me!!!

After lunch we went back to the barn to let them out to pasture. Bill was having a nap on the nice warm ground but it did not take him long to figure out that hubby and Max were heading for the gate. The beginning of another great summer for the my dear old lads. They sure love there time out there.

Well everyone enjoy the day surely it will dry out soon. My heart goes out to all the people that are suffering in the USA and in our own Canada with some of the violent weather we are having.

Quilt Show Time

2011-05-19T13:44:00.005-04:00

It is that time of year again. Quilt Shows just about every weekend. Husbands are left alone to fend for themselves..lol. It is so inspiring to get out there and look around. The talent is incrdible. Then of course there is the shopping..lol. Just what all quilters don't need is more fabric but that does not stop us...lol.

I have played with the Aququilt Go Cutter at different times...but this past weekend I looked a little closer at it. This wonderful little machine cuts your fabric for you. It does not come cheaply but if it will keep me sewing a little longer( I am having trouble with my eyes) then I think I may buy one. Different blogs have draws for them but the way things go with me..lol..I will be better off to just buy one. I think I will save my good luck charm for the lottery..lol. Even buying the basic templates will be a great help.

If anyone close to me is interested I am selling my B-Line Quilt Frame along with the Cruise Control for the Husqvarna Mega Quilter Sewing Machine. It cost me over $1,300 plus tax and shipping. I am selling the table and the above for $750.

If you do not have the MegaQuilter they are a fantastic straight stitch machine that you can use on or off the frame. It is my favorite machine..and I do have a few machines..lol. In any case go to a Husqvarna Dealer and check out the machine. It is a great buy for only 1,300. The large throat space also makes it great for quilting without the frame for smaller items.

With the distortion and blind spots when sewing and doing work up close I am changing my sewing methods. So far it is working well. Things take longer to do but again that is ok.

Well off to do some work in the garden. The rain has everything growing like crazy..especially the weeds..ugh!!!

Enjoy the day everyone!!

Busy Bee!!

2011-05-11T12:17:00.010-04:00

Not much spare time around here these days. Between sewing and the barn I have been on the run for the last few weeks.

Our friends have new stall curtanins that needed some embroidery. The curtains are used during show season. We had 2 hydro outages during the time of the embroidery so I was a nervous wreck. Finally finished and happy to say it seems the hydro is also ok. I did a test stitchout and it worked out great..and now have done 8 curtains. Done!!! I will get a picture at the first big fair!!! They are going to look great.

After the second power outage our phone and internet went down. Well for some people that is not a big deal. I had the 7th of 8 embroideries just out of the machine when that happened. We had a crew working on replacing the 2 big windows in our livingroom. Just wonderful. I was not sure what to be greatful for..lol..that the hydro went out after the embroidery was down..or be upset that the guys had to stop working on the window....AND....I had no internet..never mind the hydor..lo.. After a few hours the hydro came back on but the internet and phone would not ..time to call good old Bell Canada.

They said the next day between 8am and 5pm we would have a repair an at the house. Well at around 2pm the truck arrived. I said never mind the phone..(which has to work for the internet)...lol..I need my internet. It is incredible how much we rely on it to communicate with family and friends. We have friends in other countries..and it is such a wonderful thing to be able to talk on a regular basis this way. What a great guy came to get us back in working order again. It was a challenge to find out what was wrong..but he did it. He was friendly explained everything so nicely..and was so helpful. I had to call Sympatico several times..but they also worked wonders to get my modem working again. The 2 hard crashes of the hydro did not do my poor modem any favours. So now all is back to whatever normal is around here.

The windows are installed and are great. The guys were a dream to have also. How lucky am I to get good people helping me. Our old livingroom windows were very tired..so it is great to look out and see our wonderful view of the lake so clearly now. If anyone in my area ever needs new windows..be sure to check out Nortech Home Improvements out of Bobcaygeon, Ontario. Mike and Seth were the team I had this time..and have delt with other teams previously and always been pleased with there work. Isn't this an awesome view??? In the morning..the loons are singing..what can I say..I love it!!! Yes we do have a hwy out there..but the noise does not bother me. I don't even notice it. It is a plus in the winter..I can always get out. Our pond that goes out to the lake is a haven for all sorts of bird and other wildlife. The turtles are a constant worry when they are on the move to nest..lol. on the mower off the mower to move them...lol. Good exercise..I guess..lol

Well off to do some outside work while the weather is good. Enjoy the day!!!

Spring Weather

2011-04-17T07:15:00.006-04:00

The weather has been up and down. Today a possiblility of snow..then more rain. I guess we need it but oh to be so close to some nice spring weather. Just itching to get outside for more than a day here and there. Mind you lol..with the horses I am out all the time. Well you know what I mean..without the layers of clothes..ugly boots/coats.

Last evening when we went to do chores..the entire back wall of the leanto for the Clydes had blown down. Now that is wind!!!! It was not nailed...it was screwed in place. A lot of screws. Will get some pictures today. So now that is going to be a big job trying to either move it out of the field or repair it right there. Some phone calls today to figure that all out. We sure will not be doing it ourselves.

Yesterday with the wind so bad and the rain..it was a day for some sewing. Our oldest granddaughter had taken a bad fall with some track pants that were her favorite. A little embroidery on the knee and it is fixed..cute. I know she will be thrilled to have them back. The back of the pants have big bear paws in white..the reason for the bear..lol
I have not used this machine a lot since I got it for Christmas 2 years ago.
With my eyes acting up I was just not in the mood. Well I am slowly getting used to it. Maybe we can bond after all..lol. I had gotten so used to my Designer 1 that with the vision issues I was just not putting the time in to learn some of the different features...I think we are going to be ok..lol.

A job I kept putting off is embroiderying hubbys name on uniform shirts..and it is also done. Slowly the list is getting smaller of those little projects.

Later on I want to tell you about "Fat Cat" one of our barn cats. A fellow blogger meantioned about a rescue cat..and I want to tell you about our rescue. It is a story thank heavens with a happy ending. Later today or tomorrow.

Enjoy the day wet or day..lol.

Brrrr!! Enough Already

2011-03-29T08:57:00.003-04:00

No pictures today. Just dropped in to complain about the cold. Most of our snow is gone but the wind chill and cold has been going on for days. It is supposed to warm up in the next day or so thank heavens.

Last week we were lucky enough to avoid a dandy storm that hit the Toronto area. Poor hubby was driving in in ..and to make matters worse it was on his birthday. Poor guy!!! At some point he is looking at a knee replacement so with his leg so sore the added stress of a storm did not help his mood. He was one very tired puppy by the time he got home on the weekend.

Friends had a Birthday brunch for him on Sunday. What a fun time visiting with friends and just hanging out. What an awesome gift he got..never mind the wonderful food...they gave him a gallon jug of Maple Syrup!!! One of his favorites so I can see pancakes on the weekends for weeks to come..lol..lol.

This is the week of running around. Yesterday I got my hair cut. Today off to the foot clinic. Tomorrow..yippee...Costco. Always have a long list when I go there. I need to watch my spending because of a home repair. Opening the drapes the other morning and there was a huge crack in one of our front windows. Not a happy camper. The windows are old and we had intended on replacing them soon...but hey you know. So the window people have been here and they are on order to be replaced. They are the last of the windows that had to be done so I guess it is a good thing.

Well time to get ready to head off for my appointment. Have a great day everyone. Lets hope we can put away the heavy clothes soon.

Splish Splash Slip Slide Spring Is Here

2011-03-17T10:39:00.006-04:00

What a mess..ice under the water and mud combined with it all..ugh!! We have some warm weather for a week so it should be gone shortly. Once things dry out a little we have a big job of spring cleaning to look forward to

The girls are coming along so well with there quilts..here is an update photo of there gorgeous work.

Off to feed the horses again. Muck boots ready to go..lol. Enjoy the day!!

Quilting Kitty!!

2011-03-04T19:43:00.006-05:00

Molly has learned well in less than a year with us. She loves to quilt..lol

This picture is a little on the dark side. Love the fabrics. Great way to use up your stash. I got this quilt as a kit several years ago. Now to get it quilted. Another lap quilt for those cool evenings. Lets hope those are not going to be an issue for much longer.

Have a great weekend. In our area it is going to be keep dry. Lots of rain heading our way. Won't be much snow left if it does keep to rain.

Finally Christmas Is Complete

2011-02-21T08:25:00.008-05:00

Read my post on Jan.12 which will explain this post..lol.

Do you see it..do you?? That far leg..just fell off when I touched it..a REAL TURKEY should do that! Not like the whatever bird we had on the 25th of Dec. We are thinking now it must have been a wild turkey. The meat was horrible and we all still wanted "turkey"..lol. When driving past the farmers field last week there was a huge flock of wild turkeys..need I say any more..LOL.
This bird was awesome. It was 30lb+ and I bought it from our local grocery store. Not taking any chances this time. We invited friends and family to enjoy!! What a great evening. My birthday and our granddaughters are in Feb. so we had cake as well. Lots of laughs about my last attempt at cooking a "turkey". That is ok..we all need to have a few giggles..lol.

We had a big melt..and now are back into winter weather. Snow last nite..just a dusting but more to come as the week progresses. It is family day today so Rod doesn't have to head to work until tomorrow morning. He can use the break. Between Nascar starting up for another season and the barn we have kept busy. Did you watch the race on Sunday..OMG..what an ending.

Have a great week everyone!!

Busy Weekend

2011-02-12T20:28:00.006-05:00

Yes..we had to get hay again. That is ok..one thing good about all this is that we are not dripping hot..lol. We have had to be creative in getting the hay stored downstairs..but that is also Ok!!

The wind was incredible today. It went up and down all day from around 20km to 60km. A group of snowshoe enthusiast used our entrance to the fields to head back into the bush for a tour. We brought the big boys inside for the afternoon so they would not have to deal with them. After the hay was done hubby and his friend who owns the farm next door went out to make trails for the girls to ride the horses. Between what the snowshoe group did and the work the guys did..they have a great trail to ride tomorrow. Wind is supposed to calm and warmer temps as well..yippee.

After all this we had a wonderful Thai meal. Kitchen is tidy and I am heading to bed..!! Still no sewing...maybe once the weather warms up. These days I seem to be spending most of my time at the barn..lol. How can you not just love a face like this

Have a great weekend all..nite!!

Storm is Over!!

2011-02-03T14:31:00.009-05:00

Oh how I feel for my friends that had to put up with the freezing rain rather than our snow storm. I can handle snow but the freezing rain is something totally different. The storm started during the night. I was fine until the wind started..wow..was it powerful. That kept on until mid morning. The trip to the barn was not as bad as it could have been..but still it was not good. After the wind died down the snow really started to fall. The drifting had been bad then to add more snow made it even more so. None of this has been as bad as the winter we had several years ago so I really don't think I should complain. To those that got the snow rather than the freezing rain...oh my!! What we got was nothing compared to so many areas. Interesting winter isn't it..grrr!!
Here are a few pictures of the last day or so. Needless to say the horses were inside yesterday and were very happy to get out mid morning after it warmed up..another -23 when I got up..brrrr!!

Leah enjoyed a good roll after being in the barn for a day..I am sure felt good!! Murphy was getting set to do the same once he found a spot.

Gilly is 25yrs this year and the daughter of one of the original Welsh ponies bought from Mrs. Dupont in the USA many years ago. I think I was around 11 years then. How the breed has changed. They don't have the same look anymore sad to say. She is still a very pretty pony..with lots of attitude some days...lol..lol. Humm..she also needs a good brushing and her mane done, she is shedding already..does this mean an early spring??

Well I am off to the barn..lots of work to be done. Thank heavens for our wonderful boarders who make my life so much easier. They were awesome last weekend helping with the hay. We are all set!!

Lets hope this is the last of the severe storms for awhile. Enjoy the rest of the day!!

Trucking Hay

2011-01-27T06:42:00.008-05:00

We are still getting a little snow every day. It is mounting up. This weekend we are supposed to get another dump. Also this weekend we have to start getting hay from the farm next door. Never before have we run out of hay but it was bound to happen at some point I guess. When we did hay in the summer our count was way off..and now we are paying for it. Also with the weather being so cold the horses have been eating more. Not happy!!

Our group met for our once a month lesson on the quilt we are making. There is a lot of detail in this quilt and is a learning curve to just about every class. We have been having a ball. Lots of laughs and one liners from the gals as we express our frustrations..lol. Here are a few picturs showing the different colour combinations.

So we have lots of homework to do this month. I can't wait to see these quilt tops finished. They are going to be just amazing. They are all going to be queen size. Back to my sewing.

Enjoy the day!!

Sunny Days

2011-01-13T09:36:00.006-05:00

Yesterday was snowy like most of the country but today is great another sunny day. Last weekend our granddaughter called and wanted to go for a ride. So she and the young gal that keeps her horse with us saddled up and went out in the fields for a short tour. The wind came up so they were not out that long but at least they got to enjoy the horses. I think the horses had even more fun than the girls did.

Our horses are just so social. As soon as anyone comes in the yard they are right at the fence wanting attention...or food..lol. I managed to get a few pictures. Ears up..how about that.

My constant companion Tippy

With it being such a nice day I am off to do some fabric shopping. I have a lapquilt that is almost finished so time to get some backing fabric. Have a great day.

Another year!!

2011-01-12T13:25:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year to All..

What a great Christmas we had in our household. The tree and decorations are down and packed away for another year. Somehow we got to the 12th of the month. A few more days of winter gone..yes!!!!

As with most of our holidays I do have a story to tell. Now for those that do not know me well...I hate cooking. I would much rather work a 12hr shift..clean the barn...sew..anything other than cook. With age I have managed to adjust to the fact that our family and friends do like to eat...so!! Without a doubt cooking a turkey is not rocket science and I have managed to put on some pretty amazing meals..but as the years have rattled on I have also had some dandy misadventures. One year the door fell off the oven..we used a chair to keep it in place for the rest of the day..lol. Another year I decided to use the convection oven part of the stove to cook the bird..well it was broken..we ate Thai food that nite. So now we get to this year.
Over the years I have gotten a nice farm turkey from neighbors and have had success with every one of them. This year I had to get a bird from a new source as our friends were not raising turkeys anymore. I found a farmer really close and ordered a turkey..or so I thought. We dressed the bird first thing in the morning and in the oven it went. It was only 18lbs so it was not going to take that long to cook so checked it a few times and thought it looked really dark...and gee it does look kinda thin...??? As the hours past...gee no smell of bird in the house..odd!! Well finally it was cooked according to the thermometer..so I got my SIL to help lift it out of the pan and put it on the cookie sheet to carve it. It was dripping GREASE...BLACK GREASE!! OMG...and the legs were pitch black and impossible to carve off the bird. At this point any turkey I have cooked falls off the bone..WHAT THE HECK HAVE I COOKED???? There was white meat..so it was not a goose..yet it was very greasy. Next to NO..dark meat..and very little white for that matter...AND the skin was at least 1/4 inch thick with ta fatty skin???? So...was it a wild very old..lol...turkey...or a goose?? I have not been back to see the farmer...!! Did he think I wanted a wild bird...I don't know..what I got sold..but I sure paid for it. $3.33 lb. and we did not eat it.
So much for Christmas dinner. I think for Valentines Day I will buy a turkey from a STORE...and have a nice Christmas in February dinner for our family!!

Moving on to a Great 2011

Finished, Done...Ready

2010-12-21T11:39:00.006-05:00

Yes I am, no more shopping..yippee. I think this is a first that I am ready this early. What a great feeling. Now to do some more baking..which is no big deal. Rod is on his last run for the year. For the first time in many years he has the week off between Christmas and New Years. Looking forward to some down time. The long range forcast is for cold but sunny weather. How great is that. Not a snow storm in sight..lol.

I got a call from our neighbor a few days ago wondering if I still had a picture of there Great Dane I had taken a few years ago. He was a sweet old fella and had a stroke and died the day she called. Well I looked all over my computer and finally got my old camera out and there was the picture on it. (which I have sent her) Anyway on that disk were some other pictures I wanted on this computer. This is one of them. Our granddaughers playing on the wagon in front of the barn. They are 12 and 13 now so this was awhile ago. How fast they grown up.

Well off to do some sewing. Hope everyone is enjoying the Season and are all ready for the Big Day...Merry Christmas to all my friends out there. Enjoy!!!

Windy & Cold

2010-12-15T17:42:00.008-05:00

There is lots I need to get done before Christmas and it has had to wait. High winds and snow has made driving to dangerous to head out to do shopping. The horses were in for 2 days (second time in Dec. they have had to stay inside) and finally today we had a break. I was surprised that they went out so calmly. Guess there age is showing. I was hoping to get some good pictures of them playing. The mini's put on a little show but that was it. So today after I got everyone out I headed in to town and got some more shopping done. Before long the stores were very busy so I guess everyone else had the same plan I did..lol.

Last year I posted a cute picture of our Fuzzy cat checking out the Christmas tree. I still miss the little guy so much..what a sweet entertaining little guy he was. Molly the kitten I got from the Human Society is celebrating her first Christmas with us. She is going to be a big cat..man those long legs..lol. Sure enough when the tree went up she was right there.

We have been very lucky here when I look at the news coverage of the Sarnia, Ontario Snow Crisis. Lines of trucks and cars snowed in on the Hwy. Hundreds of people in warming centres and private homes keeping safe until the weather improves. The spin off from this is starting to show up in ways no one had thought of. One area is Propane. All our propane supply comes from Sarnia...so the outlets in our area are running out and the hwy is just open to one lane of traffic. It will take weeks to build up the supply here and hopefully homes will not run out before the trucks can get rolling again. Sure glad our tank is full..for now anyway. It will be interesting to see what else runs low.

Happy that my hubby was not caught in that storm. As it is he is having a challenging winter. Last year was a breeze compared to this winter..and it is only December..geesh!! I am so happy he is off between Christmas and New Years this year..he can use the rest.

Keep warm!! Back to my sewing room..a few gifts to finish off.

Mini Blast of Winter

2010-12-07T10:43:00.007-05:00

All around us there is massive snow building up as the week progresses. Oh my goodness some people are having a heck of a time of it. Snow is falling lightly so it is accumulating but not to the extent some are getting it. Cold enough -8 with the wind chill it is -18..brrr!! Horses are glad to be in at nite I am sure. At least they seem to be happy to see me at my usual 4pm feeding. With the usual water to be filled up, vitamins ect.,hay and bedding it is usually around 5 - 5:30 before I am finished. I do hope this winter the temps don't drop much colder..I am not wanting "that"..lol

This past weekend I surprised my dear husband with a new Kitchen Aid Mixer. Our old one had finally died. He was raised with his Dad as a baker and worked for years in the bake shop. We had our own bake shop when we were younger and still have all the old recipes from his father's shop. So this weekend was the weekend for making Christmas Cake. He even went so far as to give a try at making pastry. Both turned out great..he has not lost his touch. It looks like a lot of cake..but it is not by the time we give some as gifts and our friends attack it..lol. So the mixer is a winner and will be staying. Note that it is red...lol..to go along with the washer and dryer in the entrance way..lol. It has been well broken in on its first day of work!!

Now I will play around with small batches of cookies..but will leave the large amounts to hubby..lol.

Enjoy the day!!

Men & Toys

2010-11-25T19:20:00.007-05:00

Again.. I am late posting. Not sure how the days and weeks whip by so quickly but they do. Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends. I hope you have a wonderful weekend with family and friends.

With this holiday almost over it is on to planning Christmas. Every year it gets harder and harder to get holiday shopping under control. It was so easy when the girls were younger..toys are easy..lol. Now we are into the teen years so it is a chore. I think we are into the $$ and a small gift stage. This year again I am going to rely on the internet to do most of my shopping. Between gift cards and some phone and internet orders I am hoping to avoid the stores. This weekend the tree goes up. I have a few holiday decorations out now. With the kitten the tree will be secured in the corner with a few more cords..lol.

Yes hubby started his Christmas early this year. He and a buddy decided they should get new cars to play with this Christmas..and should break them in early..lol. Our friend travels a lot so they spent his last visit home testing out the new cars. I think they get more of a bang out of these toys than the kids that visit...lol

I have to show you my friends first quilt. Can you imagine she is a new quilter..and also picked out her own fabric. Kim Bolender did the quilting for her. She just has to put the binding on and it is all done. Just love it!!She should be very proud of herself. Now on to another one..she is hooked..lol.

Back to my sewing room. Have a great weekend!!!

Lavender Ridge..Co Cutter Draw

2010-11-09T08:44:00.002-05:00

What a cool little addition to anyones sewing room..the Go Cutter. If anyone is interested..you have a short time to get on over to Lavender Ridge and enter your name. Good luck!!

Some jobs just take time!!

2010-11-03T18:43:00.005-04:00

It all started last week. I went in to town to order new winter tires. After much searching around the internet with the staff at the garage we decided to stick with what worked out before. I had liked the ones I had..those tires were just worn out. Tires had to be ordered.
So a few days later I went in to get them on..tires off the car..off the rims..ready to put the new ones on. Nope!! The warehouse had shipped the wrong tires or the number had been wrong..who knows!! Well hey these things happen. Back on with the old tires..new ones ordered.
Go back in today to get the new ones on. Now I want you to know..I HATE sitting around waiting for "stuff" to get done. Drives me crazy because all I can think of is all the things I want to do at home.The POOR Girl..!! that works at the garage comes over to me after sometime ...and says..awwww!! we have to put one of your old tires back on the car. They have sent a tire that had a sticker on it with the right number but the numbers ON the tire are not the one we need. Now..I am being nice..it is one of those things that happens. The girl has been awesome..and I feel so sorry for her..it has not been her week...or 2 weeks..lol. No point in making her feel any worse than she already feels. BUT..OMG!! I have to go BACK to town again tomorrow to get the 4th tire. At this point as much as I know I should NOT say this...darn it..it had better snow..LOL..LOL. I will as of tomorrow be ready!!!

Hey and have you noticed..Daylight Saving Time change is Sunday November 7th. How did we get to November anyway!!

Off to get some sewing started..so much for a day of sewing..will call it an evening of sewing..lol

Comments..and Sewing!

2010-10-27T18:35:00.007-04:00

I noticed on my side bar that it is showing so many wonderful areas/countries that are the homes to some great bloggers. I would love to hear from you..thanks for dropping in but please if you can slow down and leave a comment. I would love to hear more about you and be able to visit your blog. I know it is a pain to do when our lives are so busy..but it sure would be appreciated. It is so fun to look at the world map and see just where all my visitors are from. Oh my!! In any case thank you so much for dropping in even if you are to busy to comment.

My blog title says Stiches & Hooves..well I am sorry I have not shown a lot of stiches lately. I am still having trouble with my eyes so it has taken me some time to adjust to not sewing "perfect" seams and corners. Slowly I am venturing back to my wonderful hobby. I am just having to let some things "go". I am so lucky to have my #1 love..my horses. They have helped me cope with this change in my life. I am very lucky!!

So here is a table runner I just finished. It was during this class I realized just how bad my eyes were. It is a Serger Class I took..lots of fun and did learn a lot. Yippee..something is finished. Now on to more UFO's that are waiting for me.

Still working on my Mariner's Compass Quilt..it is a queen size so it will be awhile. I started this quilt many years ago..and it is going to get done before my eyes get any worse. I would say I am 1/2 way into this quilt so will post some pictures soon.

Well off to the barn!! Have a great evening.

A Gentle Stroll

2010-10-22T10:14:00.014-04:00

Our friends had dropped in for a visit and we decided it was a great day to hitch our horses and go for a wander and check out the fall leaves.
I gave the lads a whistle to come into the front paddock from there big field they graze in all summer long. When they were young I taught them when they heard me..they needed to come. Better than walking all the way out there to get them. You can pretty easily see Bill is saying ..?? what do you want??? It did not take long for them to figure it out.

Just liked they had been hitched the day before. What great lads they are. Both Bill and Max are in there late teens early 20's..lol..we have had them so long we can't remember. Close enough.

Off we went for our tour. Now our lads are not show horses..lol.They are just dear old pets that love to get out as much as we do..and well..we are kinda slow as well. Our friends who show there horses came with us. It was hilarious to hear them as we slowwlly walkeddd down the roadddd!!! LOL..LOL. There horses rarely walk..lol..they are big..impressive, aggressive show horses..and they ``MOVE". What a gorgeous thing to see. (pictures of there horse in back post on this blog) I don`t think they have ever gone on such a slow ride..lol. They said oh my..you can almost day dream while out here...lol So true..it was so relaxing and the horses were that way to.

Back to the little yellow barn after a lovely walk with the lads..what an awesome day!!

Jobs getting Done

2010-10-03T09:57:00.003-04:00

The weather has been terrific. Colder nites but that is ok. Still no frost but it is very close some nites. Got the lawn furniture away and the garage sorted as much as possible. Once the lawnmowers are out of there and stored in the shed at the barn..all will be well.

It was hard to stay focused on some of these chores when so much sewing is waiting for me in my room. Hubby got some more uniforms for work that had to have his name embroidered on them. They are 1/2 done. Fun to work even on that. It has been ages since I have embroidered. A friend just got the Husqvarna Diamond so this weeek I showed her the software I have. There is one newer edition but at least I could give her an idea of what kind of changes ect. you can do to an embroidery design. This week we are going to her dealer so she can learn even more about the newer program. I also have a lot of work ahead of me on my Mariner's Compass. I am over 1/2 done with this quilt. It is the boring borders that I am working on right now.

Here is a picture of a wallhanging one of the gals is finishing up at our sewing group. She just retired so is having a great time finishing up project that she started and had trouble finding time to finish off. I guess we are all in the same boat. We really do need longer days lol. Just love the detail in her tree. I am sure she has the perfect spot for it to hang.

Not sure how it happened but our daughter is 39 today and she was born on Sunday. I am so proud of her. What an amazing woman I have watched grow since that day 39 years ago. Terrific mom, great friend and the best daughter we could ever ask for. Happy Birthday Dear!! Cake is in the oven!!

Enjoy the day!!

Awesome Time of Year

2010-10-01T18:11:00.006-04:00

How can anyone not love this time of year. These pictures were taken on our back road past our place. These lovely old trees make it my favorite road. My Granddaughters call it the forest road. When coming to visit they always wanted to come the forest way instead of going around the other way using the hwy. Can't blame them!!!

The leaves are falling fast, one more good storm and that will be it. I am so happy I got some time to wander back to my spot and get some pictures before the show is all over for another year. There were deer crossing the road up further but I did not manage to get that picture. Oh well maybe next year.

Have a great weekend!!

Yard Work & Painting

2010-09-23T13:37:00.005-04:00

Lots of yard work to get started on..it is that time of year. Time to put away lawn furniture and make sure the snowblower is working. It is so easy to just keep putting off the routine work and wham is that snow out there..lol. Our snowblower is an old thing but it has always done a great touch up job for us when it is needed. The paint is peeling of it..but it keeps on going. Every year I look at the snazzy new ones and droul but no this one will be fine for yet another year. We sure could use another garage for all our toys. I guess this year the lawnmowers are going to have to go to the barn. Would love to get the car in the garage this winter. With snowblower/lawnmower/riding mower/tools/power sprayer...ya! who has room for a car.

Not in the best of mood today. I finally decided I would pick up a paint brush again. After the reno work in the livingroom..ect I had had enough of painting. Well when the ceilings were done in my sewing room and the little spare bedroom the trim coming off damaged the walls. No fault in that happening..they had paint on them and it "happened" to be expected. So down to the basement I go to find the matching paint to the walls in my sewing room. No problem..found it and up the ladder I go..touch up 2 walls. I noticed the shading difference..but hey it will dry out and not be a problem. NOT!!! OMGosh I have to paint the entire room. This also means I have to take down shelving and move a pile of "stuff" out of the way. Grrrrrrrr!! Taking a break and back I will go to finish this darn old job. I just want to be done with it. I think you can see in this picture how different

Hope everyone is having a great day..back to my painting.

Kids & Horses

2010-09-22T20:31:00.005-04:00

Our oldest granddaughter loves to come out and play with Murphy. Does not really matter if it is a wash or a ride..he loves it and so does she. Not many more washes with the weather changing. Another thing that is on my list if we win the lottery. Yes..an inside wash bay and some heat..lol. Murphy has a great life. Between our gal riding him and a good friend riding him he gets lots of attention. Lets face it I sure don't ignore him either.

Last nite we had a STORM..OMG... I don't think I got 2 hours sleep so needless to say I am just DONE!! Every time I started to fall back to sleep the darn storm was back. The warnings started around 8:30pm that the winds could hit around the 90k..that got my attention. Guess what, it sure sounded like it did. There were times I thought the little house was going to fly away off into the lake..lol. The reports are that over 20,000 in the area are without hydro. Indeed it was some storm. Not snow I keep reminding myself!!! YET!!

We have started a wonderful quilt pattern with our group from Burnt River. The first group met last Tuesday and what an amazing range of colors are being used. I can not wait to see all the quilt tops finished. The fabrics are just awesome!! There are 19 gals registered for the classes. Because of this we are in 2 groups one week apart. Can't wait to see what the gals have chosen for there fabrics next week. Kim Bolender from Haliburton is our teacher. Kim always takes her time to make sure everyone is feeling comfortable with there assignment for that month. A wonderful teacher. I will try and get some pictures for you as we work along on our quilts.

Time to crash..hope everyone had a great day.

Where were you on 9 - 11?

2010-09-11T17:02:00.004-04:00

I remember it like yesterday. With friends away for a day of quilting. Our teacher's husband came and told us what was happening. That changed everything..a day words can not describe. My husband was working in the USA..where was he? What else was going to happen?
I think of the all those lost and the families that have suffered, they are always in our prayers.

The video touches me every time I see it.

Feed Time??

2010-09-07T10:37:00.010-04:00

It is all about the groceries. Murphy has been a wonderful addition to our lives. Full of personality with such a calm way about him. This summer has been so hard on the horses. Between the heat, heavy rain and the flies. Never before have we had to have fly masks on the horses for 90% of the summer. Check out the mud..omg!! We have to get the tractor and clean all that out and put down a nice cushion of sand. Another job!!! What we really need is more days to the week.

With the cooler weather comes more riding. The 3 girls took the horses out for a ride the other evening and had a great time. Horses nice and calm..nothing bugging them. With school the riding will be only a few times a week but that is ok. Elaine has on her back pack with a set of bells hanging down..just in case a bear wanders in there area. Several people have seen one but always early in the morning. Bears are one thing that will spook a horse into next week!!!!! Not something I want the girls to deal with. Seems like there is always somthing to think about when going for a simple ride!!

We have had so many tourists from a resort down the road drop in to see the animals. Dusty Miller is a favorite of them all. His picture has been taken by young and old alike. Such a sweet boy with tons of personality. This is his seat and don't anyone forget it..lol.

Off to deal with a back log of housework after a busy weekend.

Enjoy the day!!

It's Warm!!

2010-08-31T14:29:00.004-04:00

Checked the temp on the deck yesterday..105F..oh ya!! to warm for me. The horses are inside with fans during the day. The old boys love it (Clyde's)

I went in early this morning to get my hair done. In this heat I was more than happy to get some cut off..lol. Feels great. So today when I got home I check the temp..and it is a cool 100...lol!!

As I was leaving town I heard on the radio and did see on my way home a 4 alarm fire in some old row housing. Oh think of those poor firemen. Sure hope they manage to get it under control fast. Not the day for the guys to have to deal with a big fire like that. Can not imagine how horrible that must be for them. Poor families that have lost there homes..very sad!!

I have not taken many pictures so nothing to post today. Just wanted drop in and post a whinny hello to everyone out there. Hopefully will have something more intersting tomorrow.

Keep cool..off to get a nice cool drink.

Backgrounds and Stuff

2010-08-24T08:20:00.003-04:00

Not sure what has happened but my background is gone..hate that. Spending time playing with this just is so frustrating. They have changed things around so I guess I will have to learn a few more things about blog repairs. Like I have nothing else to do with my time..grrr!!!

Anyone else out there see some leaves changing..not even that cold at nite. After such a hot summer right up to a few days ago..it is surprising to see. Hate to venture into to many stores, I am sure there are Christmas decorations out..lol.

Back to my repairs..hope everyone has a good day!!!

Hello August

2010-08-19T21:48:00.008-04:00

Yes August is well on its way and September feels so close. Can't wait to see the fall colors. I know, I guess I should not be that way but I have had enough of the summer heat and humidity. Most kids I talk to are excited about going back to school. Just wait we will all be complaining about the cold soon enough..lol

I have been pitching more "stuff". The only trouble with that is the mess you make while doing it..lol. What a great feeling to see storage tubs empty!! Now I have more room for more fabric..lol.

Our kitten Molly has been entertaining us!! The other cat and dog hate every minute of it. Kally and Marmalade are just plain not amused with her antics. On the other hand hubby and I are having a ball with her. Actually we don't have to do anything she just does her thing. We have her coming to her treats as soon as you say the word or she hears someone near the can. What a laugh. Between 2 cats and one dog sliding into place for there treats..you have to laugh..period.

Our friends have gone back to Thailand. ALways hate to see them leave. He will spend a week in Thailand then head off to work in Nigeria. Not the safest place in the world to work but they are well looked after. She stays in Thailand during the time he is away. It will be a year before we have a visit with her again. I can't blame her..she is not interested in a Canadian winter..lol. We had a last feast before they left..oh my!!! Hubby gets to take over the kitchen again. Our days of being spoiled are over..boohoo!!

Last week my friend Ann and I went to Kinmount a small community north of us. A new Quilt Store had opened yippee! It is called The Quilter's Inn. They specialize in Quilting Retreats as well as regular classes. What a wonderful adventure. Lots of tempting fabric..large class room..great classes coming up this fall. Love it!! Of course I did sign up for a class..lol. I had my camera with me and never even thought to take pictures..another time.

Here is a picture of a Friesain stud colt that a friend has..OMG..is he not one proud little fella. He still has to grow into himself..lol. Oh how I wish I was younger and could have him. I guess I am smart enough to know that..but ..boohoo!!

Well off to the barn to tend to my own. Cooler today and a nice breeze so hopefully the flies are not bothering them to badly today. It has been just brutal around them.

Enjoy!!

Scottish Quilt

2010-08-05T10:58:00.014-04:00

I finished this quilt top years ago with the intension of quilting it myself. I call this my Scottish Quilt..I have no idea what the original name was/is. It is the fabrics that make me feel the name suited it. The quilt I felt needed to be done with stitch in the ditch rather than on a long arm. With all that has gone on around here it just did not get done. Enough I got my friend and teacher Kim Bolender to finish it for me. Years later I still love the quilt and the fabrics I chose so long ago. With my eyes the way they are I figure best to do what I can and not stress over what I can not do.

I forgot to mention in my last post about Molly that you may remember last summer I had kittens at the barn..OMG did I have kittens..ugh!! Pleased to say I got wonderful homes for all of them. Needless to say the fact I got this kitten from the Human Society..lol and PAID for it..has me being teased alot. That is ok..she is worth it..but go figure on how life goes..lol. I will not be asked to wait for tires again..hubby says he will do that job himself from now on..lol..lol.

With all the humidity we got a dandy storm yesterday afternoon. The way it looks we may end up getting another one today but this is supposed to break the heat spell we have had. Yippee I may be able to get some serious work done around the barn and the yard here.

Enjoy your day!!

I'm back..and Here is Molly!!

2010-08-04T16:23:00.008-04:00

Hi..sorry I have been MIA(Missing in Action)there has been so much going on around here. I pretty much colapse at the end of the day.

I have to admit the heat has really bothered me this year. Arthritis plus angina is not fun but thank heavens for the animals they keep me focused on there care. We also have a dear friend with cancer that has had a terrible time with her chemo treatments. Watching her has made any of us who know her... go hey..life is not bad is it!!!

As many of you know we were so sad when our little Fuzzy cat had to leave us. Marmalade our other cat wandered around here crying for hours at a time looking for him. Just broke my heart to see. Well I guess that should not be my excuse but it sounds good to me..here is "Molly"

You see it went like this. I had to get new tires on the truck. While waiting with my friend Gail..yes I am naming her..because she is not in the clear on this..lol The thing is the Humane Society is across the road. What were we to do ..just sit there..I don't think so. The previous nite had been so sad listening to Marmie. I did really well til I got to the last room..and there she was the cutest Calico with awesome personality purring and waving her paw at me. Deadly combo..!! Had to bring her home. Molly has taken over the house. Marmie has decided she likes her and the dog (Kally) plays with her. Those 2 chase each other around the house..hilarious. Still a huge empty place in our lives with the Fuzzy man gone..but his little personality will never be replaced or forgotten. Today Molly got another shot at the Vets and a clean bill of health so she is here to stay.

With the weather so hot I have been spending a lot of time with the horses. The clydes and our old Welsh pony come in during the day time heat and out for the nite. Sure hope this weather goes back to what we are used to soon. UGH!!!I keep saying anytime we are near the 30C or the -30C my love of horses is really put to the test..lol. Thank heavens I have help and I sure do appreciate it when it gets that bad.

I just got back my Scottish Quilt from Kim. She did an amazing job quilting it for me..so tomorrow I will post a picture of it. Enough for one day.

Hope your all keeping cool. From reading your blogs I am not alone in my complaining..lol.

Wow..what a pair these are..enjoy!!

2010-07-07T07:24:00.003-04:00

I had a friend post this to my Facebook. A Canadian girl that has that special bond. Not many can do this training and not many horses are this talented. What a pair..it touches your heart to watch this.

Hot Days of Summer are Here!!

2010-07-06T06:07:00.004-04:00

What a day yesterday. Sooo hot. We don't have automatic waterers outside or inside for the horses. We tried that for inside the barn..and if the temp. dropped in the winter to fast..it froze up. Who needs the worry about a floaded barn. In any case we have large buckets that we fill for the horses. This was keeping me busy yesterday. Pepsi one of the mini's is priceless, he loves to dunk his head down to his eyes and swirl the water around. What a funny little guy. The rest of the horses just look at him. Sure would like to know what they are saying to themselves about that stunt. He is also the one that seems to get kicked a lot. Pepsi wanders from one group to the other grabbing hay snacks. Just does not go over well. If he would just stay with one batch of hay and eat..life would be a lot less painful. He even gets in trouble with his mate another mini. I don't want to separate the mini's from the riding horses if possible..hopefully they sort it all out themselves.

Today is going to be another 33 degree day so staying close to home. I know some people in other areas are used to warmer days than this..but oh my..I don't like it this warm. There was a major blackout in Toronto last nite..so many people with no hydro..oh those hot apartments..ugh!!!

Keep cool..and enjoy the day. Heading to the barn then some sewing.

Temper!!! Temper!!

2010-07-05T12:27:00.006-04:00

A car similar to this one..caused me to completely flip!! Can not afford to do that to often..hard on the old blood pressure.

I was minding my own business doing chores at the barn last nite. It was hot..and i was looking forward to heading home. I had just gotten to the car when I heard someone stomp on the gas pedal..then saw a flash of yellow. The car came off the main Hwy. so fast..I am sure he had no way of seeing if anyone was coming out our gates onto the side road or not. There are over 200 families at the end of our country road in a trailer park. It is a gorgeous spot..and extremely family oriented. The kids have a ball riding bikes to the barn to visit with the horses. Adults enjoy an evening walk with the dog..our tenants like to take the horses out for a quiet ride some evenings. So you get the picture. Lots of people walking...never mind the other cars that come and go. This yellow monster went flying down our road so fast..no one could have gotten out of its way..way to fast to save yourself.
Well my temper..I got in the car and headed down the road. I was not sure if I could find him but I sure was going to try. When I looked down the one road..no sign of him. The next road..I looked down..and there was the yellow car turning around to come back my way. I went and parked my little Ford Focus across his path. Ya..impressive already isn't it. What a sight it must have been. Gray haired Old gal..lol on the move. He stopped..(had no choice) I jumped out of the car..and literally floated over to the side of his car..with darkened windown. He put down his window ..and before he had a chance to say a word I started on him. HOW DARE YOU!!! put the lives of children/adults and animals in that kind of danger..and of course I was not really polite with my language. (Having been a truck driver along with my many other careers..I had a knowledge/use of some pretty dandy words. He kept saying yes Mame..yes Mame..and when I strolled back to my car he very quietly/slowly pulled away.
When I think of the blood bath he could have caused I just start shaking all over again. Stupid, stupid, stupid. I did find out later that he is staying at the park. I called down and I am sure he got yet another verbal dressing down. I watch the cars/trucks/motorcycles go up and down the Hwy. and just can not get over how much risk some drivers put themselves and other into.
So another day and I am still trying to get over the nerve I had in challenging this guy. Geesh I could have gotten myself decked or worse..lol. Oh well hopefully it has been a lesson he will remember. Just because you drive a car like that does not mean your brain cells need to hibernate when you take the wheel.

Today is hopefully going to be a nice quiet calm one..lol. It is 31 already and heading to 32 plus..ugh!! Got the big boys in with there fans on to keep them cool and the flys away.

Enjoy the day in A/C

It's Hot!!

2010-07-03T12:43:00.006-04:00

First I would like to wish all my American friends a Happy 4th and I hope you have a great weekend to go along with it.

More hay is coming into the barn's in the area. Finally a stretch of wonderful weather and boy is it hot..and getting warmer. Even the chickens were in the shade yesterday.

The round baler was working and the small baler also. It was a long hot busy day. Today again..more hay.

Yesterday I picked up a few things at the grocery store...headed home and all was well..I did shop very early. With making sandwiches ect. for everyone working at the farm..I needed a few more things today. Well!!!I have finished my shopping..OMGoodness. Now I can sew and know I don't have to do that for awhile. The traffic in our grocery store this weekend has been incredible. Just after I was there yesterday it went crazy!! Living in a tourist town changes things very quickly when the combination of warm weather and July combine..lol. Yesterday it was taking 1/2hr plus for people to check out. They were handing out free water to help with the wait. Air conditioned but you know what it is like "just standing there". So for the rest of the season I will be shopping before 9a.m. Heading off to my sewing room.

Canada Day

2010-06-30T15:13:00.003-04:00

I hope everyone has a wonderful time with friends and family on Canada Day. Here is a song from our own Stompin Tom.

HAY is In THE BARN..

2010-06-27T10:38:00.008-04:00

As everyone knows..in our area the weather has been up and down..no 3 days of sun anywhere. UGH!!! Well we got lucky and had an opening. Our friend Pete thought it was worth a try. It worked, the rain the day we were haying went on either side of us and we got 90% in the barn. The last 2 loads we got in on the Sunday. SO HAPPY!!
A huge thank you to our help. An all girl team for most of Sat.then along came 2 young lads that sure made all the differenc with there help when everyone was tired.
Sun. lots of help to finish it off. What a great feeling it is to see a barn load of hay..lol. Call me strange but that is just the BEST Feeling..lol. Our new boarders went above and beyond to help us and I am so grateful. My haying days are over which frustrates me beyond words!!Hubby still goes up in the mow one of the warmer places to be no matter what the weather. Not sure how much longer he can do that job. Hate to admit we are getting older..lol.

The news has been full of our Earth Quake..wow..what a feeling. Literally the earth does move..wow...Then laster in the day we had Tornado warnings for our area. Not what you would call a good day..but hey we did not get injuries..so all is well. Some wake up call thats for sure. 2 events in one day was enough.

Then this past weekend we had in Toronto and Hunsville the G20 & G8 Meetings. Unbelievable what went on in Toronto. So much property damage. All in all I think the police did an amazing job. The location was not well thought out..and the cost..was just incredible. Why not put them all on an Aircraft Carrier in the middle of an ocean and let them talk away. No one will try and hurt them there. Or...the UN. Whatever..just don't leave us with all these expenses. CRAZY...the money could have been put to much better use!!!

Well I am outta here. Up to the barn then some sewing.

Enjoy the day.

Good Bye Dear Fuzzy Cat

2010-06-16T10:53:00.010-04:00

He was our friend

What an entertaining little guy with a whopping big attitude when things did not go his way. The kids named him Fuzzy Butt..lol..for obvious reasons. We brought him home when he was only 5 weeks old. Fuzzy was not doing well at the farm he was born at. We took him to the vet..and got him some medication and he pulled out of whatever it was that was the problem. We never did find out what was wrong. Looking back I know we were lucky to have the 5 years we did have with him. He never put on much weight but seemed very happy. The last few months I have known he was not well but finally we could not leave it any longer and took him in to the vets. He had only a few days left to live so we had him put to sleep. His kidneys were shutting down and it was time to say goodbye. He hated needles so it was not an option to treat his condition and keep him with us longer.
I had taught him to shake paws when someone came in to the house. Whenever someone came he was always right at the door like a dog. Paw out wanting the attention. His friend Marmalade (cat) is very lonely along with Kally(dog) and of course me..it is so quiet. He always sat on either my computer chair or my sewing chair..lol. It was a constant.. moving Fuz..lol. It was a game we played all day every day..neither of us got tired of it.

I Give Up!!

2010-06-13T07:23:00.003-04:00

Sanity needs to return to my life over this camera charger deal. Ok..so $79.99 plus tax plus shipping. DAH!! So I went and bought a cheap camera of the same make with the same charger as mine...lol. Worked out to almost the same price..and I have another camera. May not be as nice as my good one..but it will do and I have a charger..lol. Just wait..the other charger will now show up..but who cares..enough wasted time over this.

Yesterday we spent time at the barn moving things around in the tack room so we could mount some saddle racks for the new people/horses tack. Our huge harness for the Clydes in one corner and the little saddles in the other..lol. It is going to work out great. The mares are settling in well. Can't wait to see what they are like in a month or so..they will be fine.

I was pretty sore and tired last nite..but you have to keep moving with arthritis. The rain we have had has not helped the way I have been feeling but it is what it is. I go in this week to have my eyes checked again so praying there are no further changes.

Enjoy your Sunday.

Gotta Be Here!!

2010-06-11T05:38:00.007-04:00

The title means so much in this post. Slowly I am finding things with all the turmoil that has gone on in this little house. My sewing room is almost back together. Cords you say ....WoW!! A cord for each machine..and then the computers...I have bags of cords. Old camera's new camera's..cords..grrr!! My most important accessory is my charger for my camera. I have looked up and down and inside and out..and no charger. Last nite I got the last of the pictures I can get until I find the darn thing. I am sure it is going to be in a stupid place I have looked at 100 times..but that sure is not happening right now. I checked on the internet..and it is going to cost me $79.99 to get a new charger..so I HAVE to find it. There is no doubt in my mind if I order a new one it will turn up. Is that not CRAZY that it costs so much for a charger..good grieffff!!!!

We have new additions to the barn. 2 lovely mares..palominos. We had room for 2 boarders and found a gal with a pair of horses that needed a place. Very quiet older mares so I am sure they will fit in. There was the usual running around but that only lasted about 10 min and that was over and everyone started to eat. Our Murphy I am sure will enjoy the company of some big horses..lol. The mini's just don't measure up at times..lol.

Well back to looking for the charger and a few other things before I head to town for some groceries. Enjoy the day..hope it is dry for you..still damp and raining off and on here..but then we were complaining of the heat a few weeks ago..lol

Just Stuff

2010-06-03T15:29:00.005-04:00

The ceilings are done. What a change..so much better and worth all the hard work. The painting had to be put on hold so my hands could recover. Lots of hard work and they were extremely sore. This week I got back at it and am almost finished the main rooms. There are a lot of repairs to be done in the bedrooms so they are going to have to be painted again. The trim at the ceiling level were painted on over the years so when the trim came down also came the damage to the walls.
I do thanks some wonderful friends that have helped with this project.

Our youngest granddaughter has made a pet of a chipmunk..the entire family are having a great time with this little guy. He now sits on the ledge of the livingroom window waiting for some movement..and insists it is time to be fed. Lol..this could prove to be a problem in the future..lol..but they are having fun now.

The village that the kids live in has a cemetary close to them that they enjoy walking in. During one of there family walks..check out what they saw...No idea where it came from or where it went to. I gather it has been all over town surprizing people with its present..and of course its beauty. So far no one has come forward to say they have lost a Peacock. Isn't it just gorgeous..the colors..Oh MY!!

Time to head to the barn. Lots of rain finally so not the worries about the horses. They are enjoying there pasture time. You can almost see the grass growing.

What a Mess!!

2010-05-16T07:47:00.015-04:00

This is what has been going on at our place. Drywall dust everywhere..and I know some of you know what a mess that can be to live with. The cats have been locked up during the day while this has been going on in the living/diningroom. They were not happy. Kally I kept moving around with me. Now the entrance and 2 bedrooms are being done. There was a grass cloth over panelling to strip.

That went along great until I found a mural under the window wall. OMGoodness..what a deal that has been. With the help of friends we got it off. Rod suggested replacing the panels with drywall but NO..enough!!! The paint looks great and I can not live with more dust. Maybe down the road..but I am in no hurry!!! One more day should have the wallpaper off. We have to move some pine cupboards that weigh a lot even empty so that is the next deal. 3/4 done with the painting in the kitchen/diningroom..yippee!!!!

Looking good..now to find some new ceiling fixtures.

I am not sure when or if I am EVER going to find everything..lol. Emptying a sewing room is not a good thing....lol. Back to my painting..Enjoy the day. Going to be a nice sunny day here.

Busy...Busy

2010-04-27T20:48:00.005-04:00

I don't even know where to start. I am sorry I have not been blogging or visiting everyone. Just not enough hours in the day. So many things have been happening around here. First of all our home is a total mess!!Doing some renovations so we have furniture in all sorts of odd places as the work continues. If you can imagine I have to also empty my sewing room...Oh boy!!!

We have been boarding 2 adorable miniature horses for an elderly man. They are the sweetest little girls. He asked us if we wanted to buy them but no we have enough..and that is another story. His health is not good and he felt it was time to let someone else enjoy them. So sad!! So..I offered to help him sell them. Fortunately we have found them a wonderful home not to far from us so we will be able to keep in touch with them. Our youngest grandaughter is not happy,!!! she had fallen in love with April the little white one. We had a discussion tonite about the girls going and she is so happy to know that she will be able to visit them at there new home. Whew!!

Then to add to the confusion just before all this happened we found a new riding horse for hubby and the girls. He is a total delight and we are so happy to have had the luck in getting hime. Even if we had not already bought the horse buying more mini's was not in our long term plans. We have 2 and that is enough. So here is Murphy our new boy meeting his new family. Now I can sleep tonite knowing the little girls are going to such a fantastic home.

More dust and mess tomorrow so off to bed...I think I can still find it..lol

2010-03-23T11:17:00.005-04:00

Wow..it has been a month since I have posted. There has been a lot going on and the days just got ahead of me. We have one friend who has just finished cancer treatment and another just starting. I sure does tend to unnerve you when you see so much in one group of friends. Our granddaughters best friends mother is also undgergoing Chemo. All this makes you realize just how fortunate you are to have good health.

My dear husband turned 65 yesterday. The years have just flown. Seems like yesterday we were a young couple full of dreams and worries about tomorrow. Now we are just older and still the same. Gotta love the dreams. We can not complain we are doing a lot better than a lot out there. Gee did you hear about the lady in Ontario that won the 20 million dollars. She used her last 4 dollars and got a ticket. A broken marriage had made her life difficult. When asked about the X..she said it sucked to be him..lol..lol. I hope she enjoys her win...lol.

March break for the kids was fun. Got to spend some time with our two granddaughters. They both love horses so we spent a lot of time at our barn and at there barn so they could ride. Our Mini's are just a bundle of fur and are taking a lot of brushing right now.

The weather was great for a hack so off they went and enjoyed every minute.

Party is over..the kids are back to school and now I have to get myself back into my routine. Not nearly as fun as the past few weeks but that is ok. I can also get rested up..lol. If I get to bored there are horses that are in need of brushing and a barn that is showing winter wear that needs some TLC. Oh yes and some sewing..lol.

Canada & USA

2010-02-23T10:58:00.008-05:00

For those that missed this great video..here it is. Thank you Tom..this says it all!!

Valentines Day & Birthdays

2010-02-15T08:28:00.003-05:00

Well here it is another Birthday..how did that happen. As a kid I always had a heart shaped Birthday cake(15th is my day) my Mom made me..with dark chocolate cake and Double Boiler Icing..OMGoodness was it good. So much for those good years..lol. Now with watching my carbs..no cake. Why bother, if it can't be the old fashioned cake..I pass!!That will not stop me from enjoying the day thats for sure.

It has been a wonderful weekend. Yesterday we went to friends for breakfast. Oh what a treat. Then off to the barn to see there new horses. A team of Percherons only 2 years old. What a sweet pair..and BIG..Wow!!Gotta ask first about posting pictures..but will if they say it is ok. Then home so hubby and friends could watch Nascar. Somethings have priority..lol. What a looonnnggg race. Ugh!! Welcome to the start of another race year..lol.

Have a table runner all finished. Well I still have to quilt it..but that is just a small detail..lol. Now on to finish up another project waiting for me.

Oh..anyone out there with a BowFlex exercise machine? Grrrr!! Hubby bought one and now it is in the middle of my livingroom. Now that is a problem..one it looks "bad" to my eye..and the other problem ..that is where my quilt frame sits when I want to use it. We have a very long room so it does not interfere with the sofa and TV..BUT!! Now it is all in the eye of the beholder I guess..but I don't think my frame looks nearly as ughly as this BowFlex. We have to come to some decisions because there is not enough room for both. What a dilema!! Will let you know what happens..grrr!!!

Enjoy the day..

Winter Play With The Mini Horses

2010-01-31T07:14:00.015-05:00

We did have the expected deep freeze so the horses were in for a few days. I managed to get them out when we cleaned stalls but not for long. The first thing they all did was play then roll.

After chores were done back in the barn to nice clean stalls with fresh water and hay. The Clydes are not as interested in the playing part..lol..they just wandered around checking out there field. The little ones do give us a few laughs.

During this time I have been doing some sewing. So many projects that need to be finished. One day at a time will get it done. Every time I look at my fabrics I get excited. Our Fabricland is closing in our town so it is going to be a long drive to pick up just about anything needed. Good thing my stash is so full..lol.

Enjoy the day!!

It Is Just Winter!!

2010-01-28T11:36:00.004-05:00

It has been awhile since I have posted. Lots going on in a routine way but nothing really interesting to write about I guess. We are going into another deep freeze starting tonite and have more snow coming down today. The drive to the barn is bad so I'll be glad when today is over.

Weekends have been fun. Rod and I are playing with the mini horses trying to get the little ones halter broken. It is like dog training..lol. They are so confused about being lead anywhere..lol. They just sit down. To cute!!! The big boys have to be out of the barn as we play around because they are jealous..lol. They figure they should have all the attention.

No pictures for this post. Time to get the camera out again.

Keep warm!!

Turkey's & Sewing

2010-01-07T07:26:00.007-05:00

As I do every morning I went out and started the car so it could warm up before heading to the barn. Another cold start to the day. I heard something off to my left and there on the road was something very dark..as they came closer..yes they were wild turkeys. Boy can they move..lol. The school bus came along and scared them off into the field but they did come back later and hang around the area for the rest of the day. There is a large flock of them close to the barn but they mustbe hungrey and on the move. I always have an eye out for them as they do cross the road and you sure do not want to hit one of them. Could do a lot of damage. They are becoming almost more of a nuisance than the deer. On the other hand the coyotes out rank both of them. We have 3 packs in behind us that are constantly howling during the night. They think nothing of taking a wander around our yard at the house. Rather unnerving to say the least so I am very careful when taking Kally out in the evening. Needless to say the cats never go out. The barn cats are always locked up at nite also. I have never been able to get a picture of the little fox family that used to wander past..how cute were they. Lots of wildlife..just have to be at the right place at the right time.

With everything away from Christmas I am finally enjoying some sewing time. Just small projects but why not. This winter weather is going to be here for awhile so lots of time to get into some larger projects. A friend is on her way over with a quilt she needs help with so that will be a fun morning.

Have a Great Day!!!

Happy New Year

2010-01-02T20:46:00.010-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas with friends and family. We had a great time and I find it hard to believe it is all over for another year. Tomorrow hubby returns to work and our routine resumes. Can't say I am happy about that..but it is what it is..lol

Along with the end of our holiday we are in a deep freeze. Just before it bottomed out I took a few pictures of the barn yard and the mini's. I managed to pick up a dandy head cold so have not been up to do chores for a few days. Nice to have hubby home to take over with the way I have been feeling. As you will see the mini's are a bundle of fluff which sure is keeping them warm today.

Christmas decorations are away and now there is lots of quilting and sewing time. Many projects are waiting to be finished and started..oh the decisions..lol.

Keep warm...

Merry Christmas To All

2009-12-22T20:10:00.006-05:00

It is getting so close..have you finished your shopping yet?? Well I am down to 2 gifts to pick up and I am done!! Yippee!!

Hubby is on his way home and is also taking a week off. I am so happy it has worked out this way this year. He is tired..and winter has decided to hit with lots of snow in the forcast. Time to play with the horses and relax and visit with family and friends.

As you have probably figured out..the Stitches and Hooves is more Hooves than Stitches. Our horses and other pets are our true loves. This picture is of Fuzzy checking out the tree. I am not sure if he thinks he is a dog or people..for sure he is convinced he is not a cat. Not sure how we manage to mess up all our animals but we do.

Merry Christmas to all my Blogging friends that I have met since starting this journey. This has and is a great experience. Enjoy your family time and All The Best Wishes for 2010.

Yes..they are very RED!!!

2009-12-17T12:53:00.003-05:00

A few months ago our washer/dryer needed replacing. The only thing my hubby said..was do not get white. Well the only color I could get this set in were either RED..or white..lol. You know what he said..well I guess it is red then. I fussed and fumed over that for the few days it took for them to come. Good grief that is going to be just more than I can handle..red all the time. The set have been here for awhile..and you know I like them. They are in the entrance way and I treat them like they are a peice of furniture not an appliance. I think that is the secret with this color..lol. Anyway I have two great times of year for them..lol...Christmas and Valentines Day. So if your faced with the choice..go for it..I love mine!!! You sure can not miss them when you come in our Red door..lol

2009-12-09T11:57:00.004-05:00

This was my trip to the barn this morning..Yes winter has arrived. The wind was so strong during the night I thought the house was going to blow away. I fed everyone heavy so I don't have to go back til evening for one last visit. I hate to do it that way but there is no point in risking my life..they need me to badly for me to take chances. I can spoil them the rest of the week..lol.

Back to my sewing. Not the day to try Christmas shopping so I will get some work done while the storm roars across Ontario.

Keep warm and safe everyone.

The Barn

2009-11-26T11:08:00.006-05:00

Check out the work going on at the barn. A steel roof is wonderful but the angle of this roof has the water landing so close to the foundation..some work was needed. Well the equipment was enough to entertain the horses..lol. This is a stack wall barn. You can see from the pictures what an intereting building it is. It is concrete(cement) and cedar poles. Part of the wall was left open to show how it was made. The rest is all covered up with parging..not sure of the spelling of that one. Anyway the barn is getting older and some work has to be done. This is only the start of the work that will be happening over the next 6 months. I am more excited about the barn work than I would be over the house being worked on..lol. Yes I know I am just a tad touched..lol. Hay going in the barn is also one of my thrill moments..odd I know but I love to see a barn full of hay and ready for the winter. Anyway here are some pictures of the work being started.

This morning when I let the little ones out .. oh my what is THIS..lol. They were so funny. After prancing around they finally wandered out to pasture..but only after they checked EVERYTHING out..lol

Here is a close up of the Stack Wall. Interesting isn't it.

Off to the barn again..enjoy the day!!

Appreciate Every Day

2009-11-25T09:04:00.003-05:00

I have known for over 30 years that I could find myself suddenly blind. So of course after that long you tend to think you are one of the lucky ones and all will be ok. I have Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE)One in 25,000 - 100,000 have it. If you want to google it it is an interesting read.
Well it has finally happened. I am blind in my left eye. I was hoping for the help of injections but unfortunately my eye is to damaged. Now to pray the right eye does not develope the same problems. When you live in the country driving is a must. I have to admit this has unsettled me. Just taking it one day at a time.

Sewing is an adjustment and also just plain walking. My depth of vision is all messed up. I have found that I need a lot more light to work. Sure hope my good eye adjusts soon so I don't hit the deck..lol. Will return with another post soon. Starting to get some Christmas decorations out so that is enough to cheer anyone up.

Cute & Smart

2009-11-19T09:43:00.006-05:00

Ok..so the Clyde's have been going to the same stalls in the barn for many years. On the other hand the mini's are new to us and the barn. It has amazed us how the big boys still wander into each others stalls, walk past there stall..have to turn around..you get the drift. On the other hand..the little guys from the start always have gone to there stall..and the little girls the same. So go figure!!! I am not going to try and figure this all out but it sure puts the stupid pony comment to rest at our barn.
Again..the first day we let the little girls out in the field with the boys they had a ball. They raced after each other..and made up all sorts of games.The girls had never seen an electric fence and managed to pull it all down. Rod and I were not impressed..what a job putting it all back together. The little ones watched every move as we worked..lol. It was like they were thinking ...humm how did we make this mess..sorry dude..lol!!!It has only happened once.

This is April..I call her snowball as a nickname..lol..isn't she the cutest. She sure is ready for the cold weather.

Barn Cats & Sewing

2009-11-16T18:30:00.008-05:00

Rubbermaid tubs..ya!!! just a few in the basement filled with fabric. I was down there today picking out fabric for a class tomorrow. We are making a Serged Table Runner. Should be fun to learn some new techniques. I was looking for Christmas themed fabric but that was not to be. Had some fabric left over from Rod's quilt and decided to use it. It's red so I guess it qualifies..lol

It is going to be a busy week. On Wednesday I am heading with a friend to Cosco. Time to get moving on some Christmas presents and of course to pick up a few bulk items. The weather has been awesome so may as well do some travelling now before it turns nasty.

We got a load of sand for the barn. On the weekend we got it spread in and around the lad's leanto and around Gilly's paddock. They will be so nice and dry when the muddy times start again. We have not done it in a few years so it was really needed. The cats were watching every move. They are hilarious. I took this picture of JoeJoe a few weeks ago..position in life is everything..lol. JoeJoe came to us from a neighboring farm. He figured out we fed "real" cat food..and some wet food during the cold weather..ya!!..he is here to stay!!

Dusty is another one of our barn friends. Isn't he a sweety. His personality is just so loving. I wish I could have found him a forever home when he was a kitten..but..it was not meant to be. Maybe that is ok..he seems to be one very happy cat. I am sure he would miss his hunting trips if he was taken to a home now. I am always finding some dead mice at the tack room door with him sprauled on the floor looking very smug..lol.

The kids are now living in there own home..and I have mixed feelings about that. Sure miss them..but oh my it is nice to have some quiet evenings. At least they are close so I can visit. I must be showing my age!!

Remembrance Day

2009-11-11T15:49:00.004-05:00

The attached YouTube video is of Ginny McIlmoyle, The song was written by a local writer and a production company saw Ginny perform it on a show in Warkworth Ontario and got everyone together to do this video. Please pass on to your email friends...it is a great song and video shot in Belleville at the Armories with footage from re-patriations at Trenton.

Back in the Sewing Room

2009-11-04T06:20:00.005-05:00

I have finally been spending some time in my Sewing Room. What a great feeling. Everything is still all over the place with the kids still here but I don't care..lol. With Christmas not that far away I sure have to get myself in gear. I am working on a few table runners and then have some garment bags to make for some riders in the family. I made some a few years ago and they were really useful for the kids on the show circuit. Then for myself I want to make new placemats for the season and probably some gift ones as well. Looks like I have enough to keep me busy for awhile..lol.

The little girly mini horses are coming along really well. They have finally decided it is ok to have us maul them..lol. Talk about sweet..omg!! Last Sunday hubby let the little girls out with the mini lads. Oh what fun they had. Naturally the camera was at the house..ugh!!

Back to my room..have a great day.

Denim Tote & Venting

2009-10-22T17:41:00.017-04:00

Tuesday was a great sewing day. Finally finished a small project I have been working on. I got the pattern while at the Quilt Show in Bobcaygeon. Living in the country and having horses..hey I live in denim..so a denim tote/purse. It is called the Traveller's Tote and is 12x15. Great design..not to big/small. There is a zipper to keep things safe and lots of pockets both inside and out. I will definetly be making this one over again. I have seen it done with a variety of different fabrics for the base and pockets..which give it an entirely different look. If you want to purchase the pattern go to this website www.sewlittletime.7p.com they are the nicest people to deal with. The pictures don't show the bag that well but it gives you an idea of what a fun pattern it is.

Rain today so spent some time in my sewing room organizing. Does a sewing room ever Not need that..lol. I have way to much "stuff" but I know I will need it all at some point..right?? Good thing we have such a thing as plastic totes for storage..and boy I do have a few...ugh!! Oh well men have there tools ect..lol. I should have stayed in my room..lol..but no I didn't..big mistake!!

I decided to go over my Bell Canada bill ( we have 3 services from them..Phone,TV and Internet..boy can that raise your blood pressure. Every time I take the time to check it out to make sure everything is ok..it is NOT. Then I go to the website..and check out the prices and make the phone call asking questions. OH NO that prices is for NEW customers..and further there is another $2 - $3 more on top of the quoted price your asking about it. Then there is the comment oh but you get $5 off for bundling..can't you see that on your bill? I feel so nickle and dimed by this company. I think at the end of it all I have saved a big $5. Why do I fight with them?? I never do win..grrrr!!! I hope at some point in my lifetime I will get to see enough competition out there that our rates will go down. There I feel better now I have vented..lol.

This & That

2009-10-17T19:57:00.004-04:00

Today was another awesome fall day. Our fall leaves are more gold than anything else. From what everyone says..it is to much rain..not enough rain..to hot or to cold. It is what it is..lol. Who can figure it all out. Lots of windy days so the leaves are coming down pretty fast. Next week we are supposed to be going up to double digits..yippee.

Hubby asked me for his snow clothes for the truck so he will be ready for that white stuff we know is coming. Lots of it around us..but so far we have been lucky. It is also time for me to get out my fashion forward overalls..lol. Oh my they are just not flattering no matter what you do but I can't imagine not wearing them..lol. Then of course it is the rubber boots..ugh!!

Last week I got my little car serviced. The snows tires are good for another winter so they are installed and ready. Can't believe I am actually ahead of the game for once in my life..lol. This is also a wake up call..time to get some Christmas Sewing Started..!!!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend

Morning Sunrise

2009-10-15T11:16:00.010-04:00

Now can you imagine waking up to this awesome sky. What incedible colors over the lake.
I never get tired of checking out what is happening out my front window. The variety of birds in the bay are always changing. For the first time this year we even had a pair of swans visit us for a few days. Now that did send me for a spin. I hope they come back again next year so I can get some pictures. Sad to say it will not be long before the lake will be frozen and the winter winds blowing.

Later that same day we got the black clouds and more rain. Better than snow..lol which I hear has been all around us. You can faintly see the lads coming in to hang out in there leanto. Guess they thought it was worth a try to see if I would bring them in...not!!!

So today I am making our To Do List for the barn winterization. Not to say I have not already done some of the work already..lol There is not a lot left to do but there are things that need to be done now not when it is -20C..lol. Some new latches that are easier to handle in the winter..some windows that need some work, water buckets that need cleaning and storing. Oh yes and another shipment of shavings for sure. The day is young..lol...I am sure I can make this list nice and long for hubby.

The Lads on a fall day!

2009-10-14T10:26:00.000-04:00

Morning scratches feel so good. Not to be forgotten in my posts are my wonderful lads. The sweetest boys. We have been together for so long that we have a great routine to our days . From the time they came I have always whistled if I need them to come in from pasture. I have to admit there are times I let out a couple to just hear the sound of them coming across the field. What a pair!!

Now time to graze and enjoy the wonderful fall day with no flies and bugs to bother them. What a wonderful time of year.

Mini Horses

2009-10-13T13:34:00.003-04:00

So how cute is this fur ball???lol

We are still waiting to find out what there names are. These little ones have had very little human contact so we are taking our time in handling them. So far they are adjusting very well. This is my oldest GD having a little fun with them. I think I have mentioned we are boarding the little ones. Now how fun is that..and get paid as well..lol

Willy & Pepsi are making friends. Once the little girls get a little bigger we will put them all out together. The little fur ball is way to small to go out with the boys now. The other one is a lot taller in comparison but again to soon. Gee with these colors maybe we can hitch a 4 up in the future..lol..lol. Maybe we should start with getting harness on the little lads first..lol.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with the family last weekend. Again Thanksgiving makes you realize just how close winter is. Time to get a lot of work done for winter and there does not seem to be enough hours in the day for that.

Another week to two weeks before the kids can move into there house so still more play time at the barn with the GD's. Heading out to pick them up from school ..enjoy the rest of the day.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-10-10T06:44:00.004-04:00

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Weekend. We have family coming today so it will be a busy day. The weather is supposed to be nice so the kids will be able to get outside and hopefully enjoy some barn time with the horses.

Off to the kitchen where I am sure I will spend most of my day.

Enjoy!!

Still Around!

2009-10-03T08:15:00.003-04:00

Good Morning,

It has been awhile since my last post. My first cold of the season has kept me down..to be followed with my SECOND cold of the season. Oh boy this is going to be a long winter if this keeps up..lol

Not to be held back I did manage to go sewing on Tuesday which was my one day in between colds. Now I am saying it is a second cold..but who knows if the first one came back. It is just that this one is totally different..and worse..whatever..lol. I had a great time visiting and working on another bag pattern. Everyone was cutting out a large tote pattern that I had made up a year or so ago. Can't wait to take pictures next week of the different color combinations. They are all fantastic.

No pictures this time but hope to come back tomorrow with some.

Enjoy the day everyone. Thank heavens for Benylin Cold & Sinus!!!

Marley is not impressed!

2009-09-24T20:29:00.009-04:00

No she is not impressed with riding in a car after leaving her house in total disorder. She voiced her opinion the entire way up here and is still glaring at anyone and everything. I am hoping tomorrow is a better day for one very upset cat. The girls are sleeping in the bedroom with her tonite so hopefully that helps her mood..lol. Needless to say the dog is just fine and could care less if she is upset..lol.
A picture of her ladyship in her perfect world.

Friday is another day and a busy one. The farrier is coming to trim the little lads Willy and Pepsi. How did 6 weeks go so quickly. This weekend hopefully we can get some work done on the stall for the little filly foals that are arriving next weekend. In the middle of all this we have the usual house/moving stuff going on.

Sewing is still on the back burner. Next Tuesday is our regular day of sewing with the gals. It will be nice to get back to the machine. More news on our project soon.

Here are a few more Bobcaygeon Quilt Show pictures.

The Light House. The picture is not clear but in a way that is good..you can see how much work this was. I wish you all could have seen it in person. Truly a work of art.

Loved this Halloween runner..that time of year again.

You could not come away from this show without being inspired. So many talented people were involved with the show. The vendors were all great and the weather was perfect.

Quilts, Kids & Cats

2009-09-24T05:31:00.012-04:00

Wonderful fall weather. I just love this time of year. The leaves are just starting to change so a few more cool nites should bring lots of color. Fall is also bringing colds and flu. Kennedy is just getting over a dandy head cold and I feel like I have managed to pick it up. Not a big deal other than I am way to busy to be sick..lol.

The girls are still with us and will be for another week to two weeks. Today there cats and dog are arriving so that should make life interesting. The dogs will be fine together..but not so sure about the cats. I rehung the basement door so I could keep there cats out of the basement and ours in until everyone settles in. The moving truck arrives on Saturday but everything is in storage for a week while the last of the work is being done on there house. Sure am going to miss the kids when they move back with there parents. They have been a great help also with chores at the barn. Not sure who has had more fun Gramma or kids...lol

On top of everything else my washing machine decided to spring a leak "again". Only 3years old. Trouble is in my haste to buy a machine back then..I did not make sure I had a lint tray. So the lint builds up in this tiny little hose and causes the machine to over flow. Of all the stupid designs. In any case I have had it and a new set is on its way. The old washer will be perfect machine for someone with a cottage that does not do as much laundry as I do.

I did get a few pictures of quilts at the Bobcaygeon Quilt Show. This first quilt really caught my eye.

Check out the work in this one.

And last this gorgeous quilt. It was just breath taking, I wish I had taken more pictures of it.

I have a few more pictures of the show I will post next time. Now to wake the girls up for school and do chores. Have a great day everyone. It should be an adventure for me when the cats arrive..lol

Thai Cooking & Last Kitten Adopted

2009-09-13T09:10:00.010-04:00

Only one more week before our friends go back to Thailand. We have had a wonderful time cooking every weekend. Mai has taught Rod so many new recipies this time. This is his hobby, I enjoy just watching and eating..lol. Several trips to the city has filled our cupboard with lots of sauces and mixes. We have enough coconut milk to last "months"..lol

The last kitten has gone to a wonderful forever home. I am so thrilled with his new family. They live in the area so I hope to hear how he is doing once and awhile. I am so pleased we are not having any more kittens. Enough, I get to attached to them!!

Off to the Bobcaygeon Quilt Show. I promise to NOT behave myself..lol

School is Great & A Pet Loss

2009-09-12T06:05:00.011-04:00

Ther girls and I have survived our first week of school...lol. Getting pretty good at figuring out the lunch packing deal. Been a few years since I have done that!!
They love the new school and are making friends. Both think there teachers are great. How wonderful is that!! There Dad picked them up on Friday after school so they could spend the weekend at there old house and have some time with there friends. The house move will come at the end of the month but until then there is no doubt we are going to make out fine together.

Last weekend we went out to a local stable to make arrangements for there horse to be moved. It is only 10 min. from there new house so there is going to be lots of barn time coming up. With not having an indoor arena they did not want to have her stay with us..can't blame them..they want to be able to ride in the off weather and hang out with other kids that ride. And of course lessons. Always more to learn. Everything is coming together nicely.

Last nite we went with friends to Minden, Ontario which is only a 30 minute drive for Thai dinner. The Wild Orchid!! What a great meal.Now to learn how to make some of the fantastic dishes we enjoyed last nite. Afterwards of course we had to go to The Kawartha Dairy to get ice cream cones..lol. No visit to Minden is complete without that!!

The sad ending to the nite was to come home to find out one of our favorite pet friends had died last nite. The little guy..a Jack Russel we always called "Puppy Puppy" was killed in a tragic farm accident. From the time he was a tiny pup he would come to our home for his visits and lots of love. A smart little guy with a wonderful heart. By no means an obnoxious little yappy dog some would picture...no he was beyond that...lol. He had the human world all figured out and took advantage of that..lol. We are just broken hearted, there will not be another "Puppy Puppy"..he was a once in a life time pup. Some very sad households in the neighborhood this weekend.

What a Mess!

2009-09-04T07:13:00.005-04:00

This spring we noticed that all the shrubs in front of the house were in trouble. I had hoped as the season progressed they would come back. NO!! We had to remove most of them which was a difficult job. Once the men started working they discovered that it was not the weather that had killed the shrubs..it was mice. Mice..can you believe that..!! The shrubs were 15 years old so it was probably time to replace them anyway. With my knees bad I had stopped trimming them back several years ago so they had gotten really thick. I have learned to keep them under control thats for sure. If we have to we will use some mouse bait. A learning experience..and of course $$$..lol

Yippee Grandchildren

2009-09-01T19:33:00.005-04:00

Boy things have really changed around here very quickly and I am spinning. Our grandchildren are moving in with us for a month or so until they can move into a house just a few km. away from us. Now how cool is that!!!I am so excited. There Mom and Dad will go back and forth to the old home til everything is ready. Will be a confusing time in some ways but the time will go quickly. With school starting on Tuesday it makes sense for them to start here rather than change schools mid year. So first priority was getting there room ready for full time use. The curtains are almost finished and the rest of the room is ready.

Last week I got the quilt sandwiched so I am ready to quilt it..if I EVER find time. The picture does not show the vibrant colors..weird I don't know what happened. Oh well!! I am pleased with the way it turned out.

Off to work on the curtains...

Busy Week!!

2009-08-26T06:43:00.006-04:00

Tuesdays sewing day was great. Some of the gals were finishing off projects and some still working away on them. A few pictures.

Jackie is a new quilter..look at her first project..what a great job she has done.

Marynanne is in baby mode..lol. Her daughter is expecting twins. How cute is this baby blanket.

Linda is working on this quilt..I just love the colors. She is like me always working on several projects at one time..lol. Looks like she is getting close to finishing..yippee!!

Farm note Willy (he is the darker coloured mini) has foundered so is on stall rest. Not 100% sure of that..because his hoof that is sore is not warm/hot. Time will tell. I was nervous that this was going to happen and had cut them back on there nite feed but it is what it is. He is one sore boy so will chat with the vet today she may have to come out and check him out.

Have a great day!!