~Remember This? Nothing like a FIVE YEAR RESOLUTION!~

I started this quilt January 11, 2009......... and finished it today,  January 11, 2014.   I don't think five years is too bad, do you?

Now, how long do think it will take me to machine quilt it?  And do you think Feathers are in order?  Crosshatching?   I can't decide - it might take another year or two to make up my mind!  Oh, good grief! 

~Shanda

~Tis a Thankful Time~

 The Squire and I recently took a much needed weekend jaunt to the mountains of Idaho for some family time.  I grew up in the Central Mountains of Idaho, very near the Continental Divide.  I forget how breath taking the mountains are!

 

  Mother and I aired out the quilts from the cabin:

 And during a Saturday afternoon drive with Mr. Squire, we ran into these magnificent and beautiful creatures:

And of course we had lots of granddaughter time at the cabin.  This red and white sweater was made for her uncle 25 years ago, and I brought it out of the cedar chest to keep Little Miss warm.

 

She was always up for anyone to give her a ride in the lawn wagon and she was a complete joy.  These times are what make life worth it.  We visited with neighbors, did some work to get ready for winter, and took country walks down the lane and down to the creek.  I did plenty of staring at the mountains, and slept so deep with the mountain air so fresh.  Yes, these family spent times are what makes life all worth it!

 

In the Fall, Every Woman deserves.......

  ...........A NEW IRONING BOARD COVER!!!!!!!!

My ironing board was YUCK!  Full of starch burns, worn fabric down to the padding, and just full of YUCK!

 

 So this morning, I worked for 45 minutes, and I am now in love again!

 

I had this really cute fabric in my stash that was full of company names of quilt fabric designers.  I know it is a Moda fabric, but have had it for quite a while, so I don't remember exactly where I bought it. 

Between laundry loads and pondering what I was going to fix for dinner, I am a happy camper. Every woman deserves to have a new ironing board cover.  Something I should have done months ago!

BOOYAH!


Enjoy a Simple Pleasure today!

Shanda

Life in the "Slow Vehicle Turnout" Lane?

My dear hubby (sometimes I call him 'The Squire') and I went for a drive in the Idaho mountains recently and just out side of Boise there are these signs that just crack me up!  The 'slow vehicle turnout lane' lasts about a half a mile, then merges again with regular traffic.  These lanes are to encourage those folks who want to drive a bit slower and enjoy the BEAUTIFUL scenery to pull over and let the speed demons wiz around them and speed on their merry way.  You would think after living in Idaho most of my life and seeing these signs I would become accustomed to them, but they make me chuckle everytime I see one.  On this particular drive, we utilized one of the 'slow turnout lanes' and caught some beautiful sights.  Maybe symbolically in my life I need to ALWAYS slow down and be living in the 'slow vehicle turnout lane.'  You get to experience so much more that way.  I would quite like it - and in many ways I have slowed down a bit and started to really enjoy things.  I vowed on this trip to do that ......... just slow life down another couple of paces.  Beautiful Payette River, huh?

When we reached our destination of Warren, Idaho, Population 8, (yes, EIGHT), and literally 50 miles from ANYTHING, I had an encountered with this sign:

I decided my life is great - I will stick with living my life in the "Slow Vehicle Turnout Lane" and be very content.  Warren, Idaho, was a bit too slow for me.  Beautiful wild flowers, but not enough quilt stores!

Slow Down!
Shanda

~Tis an Eternal Truth!~

Can you imagine a world with no October? Blaspheme!

I am getting ready for October... I am digging out my sweaters... knitting a new shawl... and decorating our home with bittersweet and pumpkins.  I am having my herbal maple apple cider tea every night while reading Susan Branch's new book "A Fine Romance" - an absolute beautifully done book which REEKS with charm!  I hope you are planning your fall days and looking forward to October.  Here are a few ideas:

~embroider a new flour sack dish cloth with a pumpkin on it.
~find and make a new pumpkin dessert recipe.
~take a afternoon walk amongst the falling leaves.
~pack a picnic lunch for a loved one and go to the park wearing a cozy sweater.
~finish that Autumn colored/themed quilt you started long ago!
~October 1st I declare to be 'homemade crock pot soup for dinner' day!
~Watch and cheer on that favorite football team!

Go on - have a perfect fall day, and Blessings to you for your efforts to enjoy it!

Shanda

Fall Quilting, Still Lifes, and Homemade Vanilla?

Getting the "Finish It" Bug and quilting some old projects..........

And why am I saving quaint little scraps? Let's get them made into something.....

Pumpkins are coming out of hiding...........

And the best for last........ fall baking with some homemade vanilla made by my FA (favorite aunt)!

What are your simple pleasures this fine day?

Blessings,

Shanda