Ponyhenge in Autumn on an Afternoon Ramble

 

Last Monday afternoon, I grabbed my camera and set out for a very special place, Ponyhenge in Lincoln, MA.  I have written about this place in previous posts, but if you are new to my blog, let me explain. In the corner of a very large field, there is a small area where people have left rocking horses of all shapes and sizes. The other day there were forty-nine, once beloved rocking horses frolicking in the autumn sun.

 A few even had enough horse sense to be wearing masks.

In my next post I'll show you images from where I went next on my ramble after Ponyhenge. (Note: I am using the word "ramble" for now; it won't be an "excellent adventure" until the time comes when I am able to have my friends in the car, and we are able to spend the day having fun.) If you would like to see Ponyhenge in person, put "39 Old Post Road, Lincoln” into your GPS.

During these difficult days I am determined to try to keep sane and healthy.  I am as truly frightened as anyone about this pandemic. I have seen groups of my friends, but only outside, masked, and at a very safe distance. I am avoiding stores except for biweekly grocery shopping, and I plan to start doing that online soon. I am not going to other stores; if I can't find what I want online then I don't really need it. On Sunday morning, my parish has a zoom Mass. My family does a zoom meeting each Sunday. Emma and I go for daily walks. I am using this time to improve my skills and learn knew things. Cross stitching has been a blessing and a wonderful diversion as have the lessons in wool applique from Sue Spargo.  I have also enjoyed a number of online classes. Last week it was a 'lecture' by art quilter Rosalie Dace sponsored by The Stitching Post and the other day I watched a presentation by Charles Needle on "Creative Macro Photography: Indoor and Backyard Ideas" from Hunts Photo.  I believe you may purchase access to this photo class and there are many, many more from which to choose on their site. And of course, blogging and reading take up some of my time as well.:-)

I will leave you with this quote from a letter from my church, "Tough times never last, tough people do." Those are definitely words to consider cross stitching . . .

Please, Everyone,  stay tough, healthy, and sane.

Ponyhenge - Whimsy, Joy, and Pure Delight

In a field along #39 Old Sudbury Road in Lincoln, MA, there is a magical gathering of rocking horses. After attending the two quilt shows last Thursday, my friends and I headed to a spot that I had never seen in person . . . Ponyhenge!!!

There were about forty, colorful horses of all types, materials, and sizes arranged in three circles.

The inner circle consisted of small horses while larger horses galloped around the outer edges.

No one knows who discarded the first horse or who else has left horses; it doesn't matter . . . it is simply wonderful. The horses are right along the road, and there is a spot to pull off the road safely to take photos.

There was a slight breeze, so a few of the horses even appeared to be rocking in the beautiful, autumn sunshine. 
   

In these troubled times, it is good to capture moments of wonder and delight. You can be sure that I will come back to visit this spot again.

My GPS sent me home through downtown Boston. Why? Who knows, but the last time I disregarded my GPS directions while heading toward Boston, I got stuck in a massive traffic jam. So, I followed its directions, and I was able to grab this shot while waiting at a traffic light. Boston is truly a beautiful city.

In My Garden This Week - 8/15/19

 It's another near perfect day in the neighborhood. I'm heading into Mass Eye and Ear later this afternoon for a follow-up after my recent ear surgery. Fingers crossed the news will be good. Anyway, I haven't posted an "In My Garden This Week" post for a while, so here goes.

The dish plate hibiscuses are in bloom and make quite a statement. You might note the small yellow teapot in the top left corner. I pick teapots up when I see them at thrift shops or yard sales. To some I have added a small strand of clear beads coming out of the spout to suggest water. They add a touch of whimsy to my garden. :-)

Instead of jumping from project to project, I have been concentrating on my hibiscus wallhanging. Here is a close up of one of the hibiscus petals. Normally I would just zigzag around each element, but I thought this piece called for something more. As you may recall from earlier posts, this quilted hibiscus piece was based on a photo that I saw on another blog.

I used all kinds of thread, and I will discuss that more in an upcoming post. Let me say that the variegated thread seen here was Superior Fantastico thread which was perfect for this section.

Now, I'm sure my quilter readers and friends are saying, "Why look at those even stitches!!! I had no idea that she could free motion quilt like that." Well, the truth is, I cannot!!! I keep my pressure foot down and  my feed dogs up the whole time. I stitch one way, lift , turn, and stitch back the other way. . . stitch  . . . turn . . . stitch . . . turn . . .  You get the idea. I dabble with free motion stitching, but I would not take the risk of ruining this piece after I have put so much effort into it. As you can see, by gently manipulating the fabric, I can even make curvy lines. :-)

I have at this point finished the entire flower and am starting on the leaves and the background.

On Monday, my cousin Linda and her boys ages ten and seven came for a visit. They knew just what they wanted to do:

1. Play with Emma

2. Have lunch at Jimmy's Diner 

3. Go to Hornstra Farms in Norwell for ice cream

We walked to Jimmy's Diner and along the way passed a neighbor's yard with a very large boulder. They couldn't get over how big it was, so I told them that after lunch, I would take them to see a really, really, really big rock.

Sure enough, after lunch we headed to House Rock Road which is not far from my home. There is a small parking lot, a swing set, and a basketball court, but the main attraction is House Rock. To say that they were impressed would be an understatement. They could not believe it.

 

Later, I researched House Rock and learned a few interesting facts. This boulder was believed to have been deposited here by a glacier about 10,000 years ago. Geologists refer to it as an "erratic" because there are no other rocks of this type in the area. Finally, it is one of the largest totally above ground erratics anywhere. The Madison Boulder in Madison, NH, is almost twice as big, but most of it is below ground. Who knew that Weymouth's big rock had such a claim to fame?

Before reading further take a good look at this second photo. Do you see anything?

People in bygone days claimed that it resembled the profile of Queen Victoria. I can see the eye and nose and I guess I can make out a face. From a different angle some people see a sphinx. What do you see? You may read more about House Rock here, here, and here.

And so ends today's geology lesson. Rock on!!!!!!

Update . . .  

Hear Ye . . . Hear Ye . . . Hear Ye!!! 

 Just a quick happy update on my follow-up appointment this afternoon. I am thrilled and relieved to report that my hearing has improved and is expected to continue to do so over the course of the next month or two for which I am beyond thankful.

This is the million dollar view from the seventh floor cafeteria at Mass Eye and Ear. These images were taken with my iPhone.

The Prettiest Quilt Shop in Massachusetts

During the course of our quilt shop travels, my friends and I have visited many quilt shops in Massachusetts; the loveliest by far is Meeting House Fabrics in Wales, MA.

 

 Isn't it positively delightful!!! They carry among other things: yummy wool, reproduction fabrics, and needlework supplies.

On our getaway, we visited Appletree Fabrics in Auburn, Charlton Sewing Center in Charlton, Quilt and Cabbage in Sturbridge, and also Quilting by the Yard in Vernon, Connecticut. I was somewhat restrained in my getaway purchases though as you can see I did purchase some lush blue wool, two Kaffe charm packs, a pattern, and a few fat quarters.   :-)

 

Here's Emma home from the groomers on Thursday afternoon.  The thought balloon over her head would read, "May I please go out and run around even though it's raining?"

 

The thought balloon over my head would read, "May I please get one quick photo of you all clean and spiffy before you go out running around in the rain?" 

Wherever you are in the galaxy,

May the 4th be with you!!!

Autumn in New England

     Is there any place more beautiful than autumn in New England? The other day I was lamenting that the foliage didn't seen to be as colorful or vibrant this year as it usually is. Then my friend Laurel, who came this morning to spend the day quilting, remarked how beautiful the trees were when she had driven past the High Street Cemetery in Hingham, MA. After a few hours of work and a quick lunch, I just had to see for myself. The sun was shining brightly against a deep blue sky, and we were struck by the simple beauty of this small, old cemetery.

A Lovely Day in Lowell - Whistler House Museum of Art

After our visit on Saturday to the New England Quilt Museum, we walked over to the birthplace of artist James McNeill Whistler which is now the Whistler House Museum of Art . Presently there is an exhibit "Out of the Blue: Art Quilts 2015." 

Before viewing the exhibit which is housed in a separate building, we decided to tour the house. There were a few things beside the artwork that caught my eye . . .

What do you think this is? I'll show you at the end of this post.

 I've never seen a copper-lined tub.

In the yard there was a wonderful birdhouse replica of the main house.

Here's the answer . . . a box to store your top hat!

One of the art quilts which received an award is Koi  by Sarah Ann Smith from Maine.

I loved her use of beading and the machine quilting on this piece.

That's another thing on my list . . . learn to machine quilt. They claim that you just need to practice for a bit every day, but when oh when would I fit that in???  I believe Koi  received the award for viewers' choice and now you can see why. It was wonderful!

On the way home we stopped at Piers Park in East Boston where I took this shot. The lighting wasn't the best, but I took this record shot anyway.

Alongside another pier was docked the Nantucket Lightship.

All in all, it was a full, lovely day out and about.