Is it fall or spring?

As a true Canadian I am always obsessed with the weather. Of course it's important to know what to wear before leaving the house. Yesterday started off cloudy but soon the sun emerged in all its glory whereupon one was lured into thinking a light sweater would suffice. Not so! A strong northerly wind kept gusting and I know that if it was wintertime, the meteorologists would be talking windchill factor. But it was great for the blossoms. I think the cold preserves them.

I went to Edwards Gardens with my parents to wander about and taking in the various plantings of trees and flowers and attempting to learn what species we were drawn too by reading the little signs shoved into the soil. There was never a sign for the ones we truly were drawn to. Bah! How frustrating. Lilac trees were bursting forth in residential areas but there were no such trees at the gardens. What a disappointment.

Two weeks ago when at the gardens, we saw a Canada goose nesting in the fork of a huge tree well beyond the reach of human hand. Yesterday this goose was strutting with her 4 chicks by the stream. One parent led the way, four chicks in the middle ( all fuzzy with their baby coats) and the other parent at the back. They are so protective of their little ones which is a good thing since the human parents let their little hellions run wild, screaming and throwing stones at the geese. What ever happened to good behaviour....

Semi-Industrious

What lovely weather we're having. Good thing since the power keeps going off in this area. I think that too many condos have been built and are overloading one of the grids. And I see that construction is about to start on a 30-story building directly across from me. This will mean an additional strain on the power system and no sunlight to my balcony. I'm not particularly distressed by the lack of sunlight since I face west and the sun makes the apartment far too hot. I'm going to experiment with growing hostas since they are shade-loving. I also have a trough to plant with alpine ground covers. I have let the hundred pound wonder sit unplanted for the past 2-3 years and I'm just hoping that my new plants take off. I have a black thumb when it comes to plants as well as sewing.

I've made 2 fabric boxes since my last post and each one has it's own problems. I've yet to figure out what it is that I'm doing wrong. I keep trying different kinds of batting and different measurements. Oh well, here's a peak.

Is it really here?

I dare say that spring has sprung. Maybe. I really don't trust the first perfect day as spring having already arrived. Usually it's just a sneak preview of what's to come with another cold blast yet to follow. But who knows with this global warming business.

My attempt at another fabric box went awry. My measurements seemed to be off... the sides weren't long enough. So I'm trying another one but I've really lost my enthusiasm.

Since the weather is so lovely I've been taking long walks and happened to stop by a Pet Value store en route. I picked up the most expensive cat food you can buy (I'm almost ashamed) but nothing is too good for the girls. It's freeze dried and can be given to either dogs or cats. It's ideal for camping says the label. Who goes camping, I'd like to know. Unfortunately they only had the chicken/turkey flavour and lamb is preferred in this household. Tayoh will eat anything with gusto. Amber is on strike. Phooey. I'm not going to start to prepare 2 different meals! Or am I...... Did I mention that Amber has given herself a lovely bikini line from constant licking shown as the white flash on her belly in the photo above.

Back from Hibernation

Well, it's been a long time since I last posted. And I've been doing nothing. Not even going for long walks since it's been too cold or too windy or too wet. Very wet today but the snow that was predicted didn't make it to the city. Yay!!

I'm trying to get back to doing some arty stuff and thought I would start with a fabric box. I made one last fall in a class with Keely Barham but have no distinct directions. I seem to need a lot of detailed instructions since my brain just will not move from conceptual to realization. And, once again, I've confirmed my inability to sew a straight line on the machine. How can that be? Maybe I can't cut a straight line. Maybe that's the reason. This is last year's box from the front view. It's quilted and sewn by hand except for the framework pieces which are machine stitched. I see that my pictures are not adequately cropped. Geesh! I must make a note of this for the future.

I shall post the current project only if it is a success. Otherwise it's garbage material.

What kind of flower are you?

After taking this quiz, I find that I am an echinacea.

I am an Echinacea What Flower Are You?

"You are a health conscious person, both your health and the health of others. You know all about the health benefits and dangers of the world around you."

Hmmm. I really seem to know more about illness... but I do like the flower.

Westminster Dog Show

It's that time again when the Westminster Kennel Club holds its annual event at Madison Square Gardens in New York. I watched the first day last night on TV and tonight is the final night with the crowning of Best in Show. Now, what's with the cut on the poodles? I hate it, it's so tacky. And why do the poodles always win best in their group- 2 of them won last night. And Martha Stewart got a front row seat to watch the Chow Chow and French Bull Dog compete. If I was to get a dog, it would probably be a Papillon or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Toys R Us.

HowManyOfMe.com

There are: 13 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

Is this an unlucky number?