Welcoming spring...

...here, finally at Taylorsoutback...while it has been a cooler, rainy lead up to the end of May, we now have doors and windows open and welcome the fresh air and soft days. Here, at the edge of the woods in northern Wisconsin, that means visits to the greenhouses, digging in the dirt and dewinterizing the RV to get it ready for its first outing. The days are filled with activity and so far, not much extra time to enjoy sitting on the deck...but it will come.

Avoiding the crush of heavy traffic from the south as vacationers make their way farther north, we tend to stay put over the Memorial Day weekend. With rain in the forecast, I decided to piece a “little” mini from my newly acquired copy of Pam Buda’s latest book.  Oh my...sure did a double take when discovering that the “quilt” I chose only measures 5” when finished...guessing that might be considered “Quilt In A Day” doable?? Not going to say exactly how long this took...but I was taken with the name Pam has called it - “Jane” - whether she refers to Ms. Austen or my all time favorite heroine, Jane Eyre, I am not sure...but I decided it was Jane Eyre (not only my heroine, but the book that I love above all other pieces of fiction - ever!) 

And it all started because one of my quilting buds gifted me with a piece of fabric that I call “Thornfield Hall” -

Just had to display little Jane alongside her famous quote - “I am no bird, no net ensnares me; I am a free human being of an independent will...”

And of course, the piece of fabric for the backing must have little birds...

Each square in the block measures 1/2” finished and we are instructed to press the seams open to reduce bulk...I like using my Clover liquid pen to help keep the seams open and ready for pressing. 

So this minute Bear Paw block also seemed to call for a cup of coffee brewed with Bear Paws (half-decaffeinated for me) coffee from a nearby local roaster. We are hearing of more new coffee roasters, local micro-brewers and vineyards around the state - always a treat to know products are locally sourced. 

Have also completed the Cheddarback blocks for May that Gay over at Sentimental Stitches is offering each month...A few of these blocks present a challenge and tells me my piecing skills have gotten a little lazy...this is a wonderful block of the month and will hopefully sharpen my ability. 

And at last...Old Glory has been presented to the nearby nursing home in time for Memorial Day...it was made to honor my Dad, who was a Navy veteran as well as all the other veterans who were or are residents at the home. 

I have to admit to a skipped heart beat when the thank you note I received mentioned they had not decided as to whether the quilt would be displayed (which was my intention and included a hanging sleeve) for all to see or if it would be given to a resident veteran to use. I did call the office to remind them displaying it would be best as the techniques and fabrics used would not hold up well to frequent washings in hot water - there are also beads sewn on for the eyes of the eagles...so I think that they understood! Hopefully...

So that is about it for now from Taylorsoutback...heading out to the garden to give the garlic plants some extra food...Have a good rest of the week and wishing each of you moments of bliss in your corner of the world.

Pat

Rebooting....

Spring has arrived here at Taylorsoutback...daffodils are in full bloom, a lot of winter debris has been raked and hauled up to our south field and onion plants are in...Mr. Outback and I drove down to our favorite compost supplier and picked up 29 bags for eventual distribution amongst the 7 raised garden beds...and that is the status of things here for now.

Frustratingly my least unattractive foot apparel has been called into service again. 

Last year a painful left foot introduced me to The Boot - after weeks of wearing it, things seemed settled and I continued on through the summer and entire winter months walking normally and utilizing the treadmill every day...until this week...that foot problem is back again and once more, ice is my friend.

Suppose at some point, I will need to call for an appointment to see if something more can be done. For now, The Boot, ice and staying off my foot periodically will hopefully bring some relief. I am not good at sitting...

There is a vegetable garden to put in during the next few weeks; pretty flats of flowers at the local nurseries that are calling and readying the RV for camping season. I want to be up and about...

The most restful thing I can do right now is sit at the machine and try to quilt Old Glory - want to complete this and get it to the nursing home sometime during the week of May 20 - just prior to Memorial Day...

Not much else going on around here - just a little pity party...still, there is something to be said about sitting down at 2:00 of an afternoon, working on a quilt with a Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall movie in the background...

Hope you are having an uncomplicated and productive day!!

Pat