We All Need Some Pretty Pictures

After last night's first Presidential debate 2020, perhaps we all just need to look at some pretty photos and read some mindless ramblings. I have no words for last night, and besides, if you read my blog, I imagine you already know how I felt about the debate. So, on to the photos . . .

The bees are still enjoying the sedum.

I purchased this bird bath with solar fountain the summer after I retired. I loved the little fountain happily burbling in my small garden, but after a few years, the fountain stopped working. I continued to use it as a bird bath up until a few weeks ago. Though it appears to be stone, it is rather some kind of heavy composite material. In order to clean the top section thoroughly, the top would need to be twisted off every couple of days and scrubbed. Finally, I just got tired of doing that. Have no fear, however, the birds can still bathe and get a drink in another bird bath which is far easier to clean in my yard. :-)

So, last week I decided to add some flowers to offer a spot of color as my other plants are beginning to die off.

This afternoon I began a new jigsaw puzzle.

 

 

This morning I caught these lovely splashes of color. Whenever I see dancing colors of light, I remember the movie Pollyanna from my childhood. Each Sunday night I would look forward to Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color. Haley Mills played Pollyanna, and in one scene she visits a cranky older woman played by Agnes Moorehead. In order to cheer her up, Pollyanna strings prisms around the room. 

 That scene always stayed with me.

 

I also recalled that after watching the movie, I went to the library to take out the book upon which this wonderful movie was based. I read the biography of Francis Marion after watching "The Swamp Fox"; whatever the show, I would then check out a book on the person. Wait a minute . . . how could I not mention Davy Crockett??? Every child that I knew had a coonskin cap. No doubt, that was where my love of biographies began.

Not all the Disney shows were about real people; sometimes there were nature programs or programs about history. Johnny Tremain was another favorite, and I remember being thrilled to receive the book by Esther Forbes for my birthday. Years went by, I grew up, and I became an eighth grade English/language Arts teacher. One guess which novel was then part of the curriculum. :-) It was fun to teach that novel which I had loved as a child. If you are not familiar with it, the novel tells the story of a boy growing up in Colonial Boston at the time of the American Revolution. (Oh, by the way, my birthday present book still sits on one of my bookshelves.  :-)

 

Another way I spent a few hours today was sewing on all of these teeny, tiny beads. On what you ask? Well, I'll show you that in my next post.

 After last night's disturbing, frightening, chaotic, unprecedented Presidential debate, let me leave you with this quote from John F. Kennedy.

Stay safe. Stay strong. Try to remain calm. Have hope and VOTE!!!.

A Visit to Plymouth Harbor

Happy Fall, Y'all! Not yesterday, but last Thursday, I took a drive down to Plymouth. It was a gorgeous day, and I wanted to go somewhere. Plymouth is 27miles/30 minutes away from  my home in Weymouth. (Historical note: Plymouth was settled in 1620; Weymouth was founded in 1622 as "Wessagusett Colony," and renamed as Weymouth in 1635 making it the second oldest town in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.) The cross stitch chart, "Coming to America . . . Women of the Mayflower" must have been on mind as I had written about that in my previous post.

I felt safe walking around as I was outside and wearing a mask. 

The Mayflower II recently returned to its berth in Plymouth Harbor after having undergone extensive restorations. Unfortunately, the pandemic has cancelled or significantly altered many of the long planned events associated with the 400th  anniversary of the landing of the pilgrims.

 

  

 

I spent about an hour and forty-five minutes walking around photographing, but as would any self respecting tourist, I did purchase three souvenirs. :-)  I ask you, what kitchen in America does not need a 1620 - 2020 commemorative dish towel/kitchen towel? I also bought a Mayflower thimble (above the sails) and a Mayflower lapel pin. I have a wall quilt in my sewing room with pins from my travels and from different quilt shows that I have attended. My plan was to get a take out lobster roll at The Lobster Hut, but the line was out the door into the parking lot, so I headed home. (I, myself, laughed at the fact that I bought souvenirs, but honestly, this might be the closest I come to having a get away or vacation for the foreseeable future.)

Speaking of vacations . . . where would you most like to travel when the world rights itself? Are you making a list? In no particular order, my choices would be Arcadia National Park during lupine season and before all the tourists arrive; Jackson Hole,Wyoming; the canyon lands of Utah, and I would like to go to Italy and Ireland again and visit Scotland. Give me a few more minutes and I will come up with a few more places. How about you? What's on your list?

Recommendations 

In one of my recent posts, I wrote about What Once Was True by Jean Grainger. Since that time I have read the two books that follow that one. Again, I highly recommend that series for those wishing to read a pleasant story with warm, likeable characters. (I am also reading Rage by Bob Woodward, but the cast of characters in that book is decidedly less likeable. :-)

Last night I watched a new movie on Netflix, Elona Holmes. It was wonderful!!!!!!! The sixteen year old protagonist is Elona, the sister of Sherlock Holmes. If you have Netflix, do watch this clever, charming  movie. I loved everything about it.

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Warning!!! Stop here if you don't want to read pandemic statistic or comments about politics. Warning!!!

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The death toll in our country now stands at over 203, 000. Donald Trump has said that he and his administration had done "a phenomenal job" and gave himself an "A+" for his handling of the pandemic. He said the US is "rounding the corner on the pandemic, with or without a vaccine." What kind of horrific, alternate reality world does this man live in? Why do his predominantly mask-less supporters crowd into arenas to hear his vile lies? Why is he having these massive, potentially virus spreading gatherings in the first place? 

Okay, that is it for this post. Please stay safe. Stay strong. Have hope.  Vote.

Rest in Peace RGB - Supreme Court Justice  Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

A Stitching Update

 Happy Friday! I  hope you have had a good week. Today I thought that I would give an update on what I have been stitching.

Quilting - Nothing, nada . . . I'm thinking that now that the weather is turning a bit cooler my quilting mojo may return. Heavens knows I have enough pieces in process. 

Cross Stitching - That I am happy to report is going along just fine. I am now able to wish you a "appy Halloween."

I have decided that I don't enjoy using a hoop on this larger piece, so I am stitching in hand as I do with my small pieces. Clips are used to roll up the completed section while I gentle hold the section to be stitched in my other hand. Two more hats, a black cat, a couple of spiders and a few back stitched words and I am good to go. :-) Just check out those high heeled boots! Now that's styling!

The pattern info is here and you may click on the image to get a larger size.  By the way, those magnetic cross stitch line keepers are the best thing since sliced bread! You slip one on your chart, and you slide it down after completing a row making it super easy to keep track of your stitches. They are available from the Fat Quarter Shop.

 

Earlier this week I received the chart for the much anticipated "Coming to America . . . The Women of the Mayflower."  Cross stitchers across the country are working on this piece in honor of the Pilgrims' Landing in 1620. The pattern and kit have been wildly popular, but they are still available at The Silver Needle online shop. 

I only purchased the chart not the fabric and thread and do not intend to start it until the new year. Let me show you what came in the box.

Besides the chart, there is a little pilgrim girl needle minder, a bonus harvest themed chart, a booklet about William Bradford, a piece of fabric which features images of his writing,  a thread ring, a corner gauge, and a label to place on the finished framed piece. Very cool!!!

 

 

Guess what? The mailman just this minute delivered another package with this little chart; it's Clare O'Hare by Lizzie Kate. It will be a small stand up piece, and as you can see, Clare comes with her hat, basket, gardening tools, and carrots. Those who know me are nodding their heads and saying, "Yup, that has her name all over it." Don't get me wrong; I think the reproduction samplers are positively lovely, but this girl in the words of Cindy Lauper . . . "just wants to have fun."  This will be a spring project.

Now if that is not enough to keep me busy, the Squash Squad wool applique project with Sue Spargo starts today!!!!  I have prep work to do this weekend before the fancy stitching begins on Monday. It will be a nine week stitch project.

 

One last thing . . . I went for my quick biweekly trip to the supermarket this morning as I needed milk as I go though at least a half gallon each week. Since the cartons were dated far ahead, I picked up three. I''m wondering . . . do you think my neighbors would mind if I just kept a cow in my backyard???  It would be  so much easier. 

One really last thing . . . I can not mention cows without leaving you with this from Ogden Nash.

 

The cow is of the bovine ilk;

One end is moo, the other milk.

 

I would recite funny poems to my eighth graders at the drop of a hat. .  . Ogeden Nash was a favorite.

 

Have a wonderful weekend. Stay safe. Have hope and for everyone's sake please wear your mask. :-)

A Fairly Wordless Wednesday

When the Autumn Joy sedum blooms, the bees gather.
 

A penny for your thoughts . . .  Gee whiz, how will I ever spend this refund??? :-)

 

I've been trying to get some sunset photos in Hull; these were taken at Hull Gut.

 

I liked this two-toned sun, but it was so windy that even though my camera was braced, I could barely keep it still.

 

 

 These shots were taken from Fort Revere at dusk earlier this week.

  

Here is Emma just home from the groomers this afternoon.

 

A family selfie :-).

Okay . . . as promised . . . 

Warning!!!  I'm going to get a bit political so feel free to leave now. Warning!!!

Actually not all that political . . .  I just have a question. As I mentioned yesterday, I am reading Rage by Bob Woodward, and I must say it is a definite page turner. Anyway, here is my question . . . what kind of hubris would prompt the man in the White House to think it would be a smart idea to sit down with legendary, investigative reporter Bob Woodward for seventeen interviews???

That's all, short and sweet . . . 

Stay safe. Have hope. Be creative. Be kind to yourself and to everyone you meet.

Football, Wildfires, and Our New Library

 

I've been waiting for football season, but it sure was beyond strange yesterday watching the Patriots with no fans in the stands and no QB Tom Brady.  Equally strange were the recorded cheers of the non-existent crowd! Cam Newton did well and will no doubt be welcomed with open arms by Patriots Nation. (Did you catch the post game press conference? Our new quarterback is one very snappy, colorful dresser!)

I also watched the first half of the Buccaneers vs. Saints game. It didn't go well for Tom Brady's team, but it was only the first game.

All hearts go out to those facing storms in the Gulf Coast and raging fires on the West Coast. The devastation there is beyond comprehension. Terry Knott, of the On Going Projects blog,  posted an account of what it is like in Oregon. Please read her Sunday post, "Oregon Fire -The State Is Burning."  I am frightened for the people in California, Washington, and Oregon. Homes, towns, and forests are burning out of control, and the air quality is worse than anywhere on the planet. Another blogger, Anna Bates of the Woolie Mammoth, blog and Youtube videos said they have not been able to open any windows or doors for days. (She lives near Sisters, the site of the yearly quilting festival. ) Of course, no air conditioning may be used either. She said this experience has brought the meaning of quarantine to a whole new level.  

With all of the danger and devastation people are facing in various parts of our country and world, I wonder whether it is appropriate to share the next part of this post. I decided that any happy, hopeful news is worth celebrating.

This morning I walked to the post office to drop a letter off before the 1:00 pick up time and then walked through Weston Park to check out our new library. This is what the old library looked like.

Drum roll please . . . Here is our magnificent new Tufts Library.

The back faces Weston Park.

 

This terraced area will provide seating for outside performances and events.

Children are already enjoying the large playground area. Weston park has baseball fields as well. This will definitely be a wonderful community gathering place.

 

The new library will be open to the public for viewing on Tuesday, Sept. 29th and Wed. Sept. 30th from 9:15 to 4:15. Building capacity will be limited due to Covid-19. You will have thirty minutes to look around, but no library services will be available. I am so excited; I can not wait to see it!!!

Speaking of books, Amazon dropped off my reading material for tonight.

 

 

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Pandemic Statistics:

 

     (Note: the last time that I posted statistics was on July 19th. I have put those previous numbers in parenthesis after the current numbers. )

                 World                                    United States                             Massachusetts 

Cases:   29.4 M (14,311,886)                 6.59 M  (3,781,985)                     125,000     

 

Deaths  930, 000   (602,757)                  195,000 (142,229)                          9219

 

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Please stay safe. Stay sane. Be creative. Have hope. Be kind to yourself and all you meet.

A Sunday Surprise and Social Gathering in the Age of Covid

 In my last post, I remarked that it is as if we are all in a trance with one day after another just rolling along in the same way. Well not this week . . . it has been a wonderful week. 

On Sunday afternoon, my friend Laurel stopped by for a visit. She had come from dropping off items for her husband who is at a rehabilitation center after having recently suffered a debilitating stroke. He has a long road ahead of him, but we are all hopeful that he will keep making strides forward.

It was good to see Laurel as the last time I saw her was right before the world turned upside down in mid- March. (For the last few years, Laurel and I had spent Fridays quilting, going out for lunch, and perhaps visiting a fabric shop or antique store or two. ) It was so good to see her! She brought with her a gift from the Crosstown Quilters Guild.  As incoming president, she presented me with this gift made by the members. It's a signature quilt; each block has two rectangles - a flower piece and a signature on white. I love it!!! It was so much fun being president of the Crosstown Guild even if covid-19 did cut my term short.

 Labor Day was uneventful. Here's Miss Emma, my fitness companion, looking oh so cute resting after our morning walk. :-)

On Tuesday, I received a call telling me that my wool applique circle sampler was ready to be picked up

 

 

Wednesday was a double header.  Three quilting friends arrived for a social distancing lunch/gathering in my backyard. . . a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

Later, I headed to Nantasket Beach in Hull for another social distancing gathering to celebrate a friend's birthday. Since she lives in a condo across from Nantasket Beach, I suggested that we could meet in one of the parking lots. By six, most beach goers had left, and so we pulled out our chairs and formed a socially distant circle in the lot. Kathy who had arranged the get together phoned Linda and told her to look out her balcony window. Imagine her surprise to see us all gathered across the street. 

 

 

 

One more fun aspect . . . Chris brought her mom (the lady with the white hat.) The first thing that she will always say whenever she see me is that she remembers me as a very little girl sitting with my brother on on our front steps. She loved my Shirley Temple-like red curls. There is something absolutely delightful and wonderful about the idea that she remembers me from when I was oh so little. :-)

 

We had a lovely backdrop for our gathering.

Oh, one more thing, because of the birthday signs and balloons, people driving by would call out birthday wishes as did many of the folks walking along the boardwalk. It was a fun night!!!  Kathy (my fellow redhead standing next to Linda) had even brought cupcakes!!!

This morning I stepped out onto the deck and 'spied her' or him. I'm always fascinated by the intricate work of fellow craftsmen. I think it might be a house spider, but please do not hold me to that.

What are my plans for the rest of the week? Well, nothing, nothing, nothing, and then perhaps some more nothing, but that's totally okay as I had my share of fun moments this week.

Before I go, Zoey, a Burlington resident, would like to remind all humans to please, please wear their masks.

 Stay safe. Have hope. Be creative and try to find moments of fun, joy, and happiness to help you through these troubled times.

Stitching Update and What Once Was True

At the beginning of this Labor Day weekend may I begin by wishing you a very "py Hallo."  Can you believe it is September? What happened to August? During these strange, troubled times it is as if we are all in a  trance while the days keep rolling by. Anyway, here is the cross stitch kit upon which I am currently working. I broke my very first rule of cross stitch: Only work on small pieces. This is not small. I still have four  more hats, a black cat, fancy boots, ghosts, and a few other things to add. What was I thinking??? If you saw my last post about my chairs, you could ascertain that I am a sucker for color, and this piece will be very colorful. I'm determined to have it finished by Halloween. (Though only time will tell whether that will be Halloween 2020 or 2021 ;-.) Actually, I have been stitching exclusively on this piece, so I think it is doable for this year. If you do not cross stitch, you would be amused, bemused, and amazed just how long it takes to cross stitch a section. For example, the back stitching (the single thread work) on the words "Skeleton" and "Witch Hats" plus the vine- like line took a few hours last night.

 

 

This small box of happiness arrived in the mail the other day. I purchased the wool, thread, and embellishments for Sue Spargo's next online instastitch project, Squash Squad. I loved working on her 90-Day Circle Sampler, and so I did not hesitate. I had used wool and for the most part threads from my stash for that previous project, but this time I ordered the materials.

 

 

Just look at what this box of goodness contained: colorful wool, threads, beads, and other fun items. It was to begin, I believe, on August 27th and run for nine weeks. The response was so overwhelming that they had to delay starting in order to procure enough materials and thread to supply the demand. (Thank goodness I had placed my order quickly.) I actually do not mind that it has been delayed since this will give me more time to work on my Happy Halloween cross stitch piece.

 

 

It has been a long time since I have recommended a book. It is not that I haven't been reading; I have been reading quite a bit, but nothing that was even worth mentioning until What Once Was True by Jean Grainger. It is a truly lovely story about a family in Ireland during WWII. The members of the Murphy family are characters that you will like. It is the first book in ages that has kept me reading until the wee hours of the morning. I finished it last night and was delighted to see that there are two more books in the series.  I would say that there are one or two improbable scenes at the end, but that did not keep me from immediately ordering the second book. You would definitely enjoy this read.

(Gee, wouldn't "What Once Was True" be a fitting title for a novel about the pandemic of 2020?)

 

Food for thought . . . 

 

Stay safe. Have hope. Be creative. Wear your mask. Be kind to yourself and to all you meet.