Scrap Happiness

Has the cooking begun for all of you celebrating Thanksgiving this week?  I ventured out amongst them today to secure my turkeys for the feast.  We have so much to be thankful for around here.  It is nice to take the extra time to pause and reflect on all of our blessings.

I had a few spare moments over the weekend and was able to get near my sewing machine for a little stitch therapy.  My leader/ender project continues to grow.  I have the strips in a basket beside my sewing machine so I can add pieces whenever I want.  Right now it measures about 45x 57.  It is a work in progress and I will keep at it until I decide that enough is enough.  I do love the cheddar color though. 

I've had some super soft corduroy in my stash for sometime and I finally cut into it and made a little jumper.  I think it would look better with a black turtleneck, but I had a white one here. 

A Schnibble that I started about three years ago managed to find its way into the to finish pile too.   It's colors will go well with Christmas decorating here. 

While leaving my mom's place the other day, I saw the cutest little squirrel.  He had his palm tree nuts all lined up and was enjoying a bite out of each one.  I loved how he kept them all on the low fence.

Starting December 2 there is a blog hop sponsored by Jacquelynne Steves that I am going to be participating in.  She has some wonderful prizes and a grand prize worth over $100.  Be sure to pop back in and check it out for a chance to win.

I am wishing all of you who celebrate, a wonderful Thanksgiving. 

Still Here

I am still here, but have just been too busy having fun to do a decent post.  More important, life is good and we are having fun.

Along with a little wallpapering at my mom's and painting at my daughter's, this is a recap of the last two weeks.

Celebrated a birthday.

Babysat for the pianist.

Entertained this charming houseguest and......

her brother.  Their parents came as well.

Spent time in the sewing studio working on.....

Our blue and yellow swap blocks this month (exchanged with Emily).

Completed block one of the Jelly Roll Quilt Along.

Finished the first two Barn Quilt blocks.

Worked on my Pinwheels for the Pinwheel Quilt Along.

Finished piecing my March Schnibbles.

Completed my Shamrock quilt that I was going to do last year.  I did this in the Carol and Amanda Get it Done Sewing Retreat yesterday.  Now I can use it as a table topper for St. Patrick's Day dinner this week.  This was a pattern that was offered here if anyone is interested in doing this quilt.

And............ 

Made another doll school uniform for the grandchildren's school auction last weekend.  This one brought in $500+.  Each year I am amazed at what these little uniforms will fetch at the auction.

The siggy blocks have also been arriving.  I so enjoy seeing where they are from and reading a little about everyone who is exchanging them with me. 

Sooooo........that has been why I have not posted and visited lately.  I will try to be better.  I hope everyone has a great week ahead.

............................February Schnibbles

Today is the last day of February.  Do you know what that means?  Tomorrow is the Parade of Schnibbles.  Yeah!!!!  I always love seeing all of the different looks that can be acquired from quilters using the same pattern, but different fabrics.  My choice for this month's Schnibble is Nature's Notebook, an April Cornell fabric.  I haven't done the quilting yet as I am thinking that those open areas are calling for some special design.  I will have to decide what I am going to do with it before I tackle it.

Sunday Best Schnibble pattern.

Friday was my dear mother's 87th birthday.  We celebrated by going out for dinner and then back to her house for birthday cake.  My siblings and their spouses all went as well so it was a fabulous evening of laughter and good times.  This was a much better birthday for her than last years when she was in and out of the hospital with a septic hip.  We keep calling her our "Energiz*er Bunny" with the way she keeps on going with never a complaint.  What an inspiration she has been to all of us.   Unfortunately, I left my camera at her house with the pictures on it so will just share her birthday postcard I made her.

We have enjoyed yet more beneficial rain in our area and everything is really starting to pop out in the garden.  We are able to enjoy fresh citrus most of the year, but this time of the year sees some of my favorite - the blood oranges and the tangerines.  Even the tortoises have made an appearance this past week, out from their winter hibernation.

Please join me for a little stroll around the yard.

Moisture ladden spider webs everywhere.

In the Red Maple....

On the ground.

Citrus trees covered with fruit.

Stone fruit bursting with blossoms.

Blood oranges ready to be picked.

Valencia oranges - full of juice.

Blood oranges - so red and juicy too.

California Iris

Alstromeria

Raphiolepsis, ready to pop.

Lavender blooming in the pots.

Enjoy your week ahead.