Merry Christmas To All

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!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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!

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

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

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

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.