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Winter's Beauty!

2012-01-09T18:10:00.000-03:30

I took the camera out with me today as I walked around the yard, looking at winter's beauty. It was still and quiet but for the cries of ravens in the snowy trees.

Cookie Monster!

2012-01-07T14:32:00.000-03:30

Maddy is our little Cookie Monster, so it was very appropriate to surround her with cookies! I did the snow in two yarns at the same time; one is pure white and fluffy and the other, an icy blue, and less fluffy.

Maddy's name is done in a beautiful sari ribbon which I bought at Deanne's store last summer. There is sparkle in the ribbon and quite lovely sheen to it.

On the weather front, we are laden with snow at the moment and more coming tonight. But nothing better than the stillness and quiet which comes with snow and enjoying the comforts of home.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T08:44:00.001-03:30

New is the year, new are the hopes and the aspirations,
New is the resolution, new are the spirits and..
Forever my warm wishes are for you
Have a promising and fulfilling New Year
Here is a wish that the coming year is a glorious
One that rewards all your future endeavors with success..
Wishing my heartfelt and prosperous blessings
To you and yours.

May your world
be filled with warmth,
joy and good cheer...

Happy New Year!!

If Only??

2011-12-30T10:39:00.000-03:30

I finished Maddy and now, onto the snow surrounding her. I was reading Deanne's post this morning about ideas and it reminded me of an idea I had last night while hooking some of the snow background.

I thought that once I am finished Maddy's mat, I would design another one for each of the other dogs I have had; Babe and Bonnie, the Dobermans, Heidi and Pepper, the Schnauzers, and finally, Pee Wee along with Maddy for the Jack Russells.

Once finished, I could join the six mats into one large mat. Now, that seems to be a great idea!

If only??

Payback Time!

2011-12-28T12:13:00.000-03:30

Well, maybe it's over. Now, that we have Christmas and Boxing Day sales out of the way, it's onto the "lifestyle resolutions" treadmill.

Now that we have stuffed overselves with food and drink, maxed out the Visa cards, it's on to the television ads berating us for our overindulgence and pity for the starving children around the world. It's payback time!

Merry Christmas to All

2011-12-24T10:01:00.000-03:30

Merry Christmas to all my blogging friends. Thanks so much for visiting and also for sharing your own lives with me.

Blessings to everyone!

Happy Tipp's Eve!

2011-12-23T08:59:00.000-03:30

In Newfoundland, the day before Christmas Eve is known by Tibb's Eve, Tipp's Eve or Tipsy Eve. No one is really certain of it's exact origin but I do know that it is only in Newfoundland that this term is used.

It is thought that Tipsy Eve originated by the old custom of the men in the outports going from house to house on the 23rd of December to taste each other's home brew. Thus, becoming 'tipsy' by the end of the 23rd.

Happy Tibb's Eve to all but please walk from house to house and leave the car at home!

Dog Gone It!

2011-12-17T10:27:00.000-03:30

This is Alice's progress to date on our animal themed rug hooking project. I think her choice of her brother's Labrador Retriever, Abby, was a bold choice as there is a high degree of difficulty. After all, black is black but how to show the shine of Abby's coat and the play of light.

The progress on my project has not progressed as far but plodding along, when I can.

Seems All Too Soon!

2011-12-12T12:59:00.000-03:30

The older I get, winter seems to come all too soon and buries my garden with her cold, white arms.

And the Wind did blow!

2011-12-10T14:56:00.000-03:30

We had a unbelievable wind storm from Thursday evening into Friday and lost the power for 27 hours. The temperature soared to over plus 14 and then, dropped like a proverbial rock.

Now, we have had wind storms before but this one had us all nervous and afraid that the roof would blow off any minute. At one point, we watched a light fixture in the kitchen ceiling rock and sway like we were on a boat. Oh the North Atlantic, the winds are cruel and merciless.

Our portable garage which used to house the boat was shredded and collapsed like it was just cardboard. Besides that ,a piece of siding and part of a fence blown over, our little house by the Bay of Islands stood her ground and bravely survived another attempt to blow us off this rock!

Maddy's Off and Running!

2011-11-27T16:12:00.001-03:30

Here is the beginning of the portrait of Maddy. I have no idea how this is going to turn out, but here goes! I am following a coloured photo I took of Maddy last winter on the deck looking cute as a button.

The weather has been up and down, some days snow and cold, the next, rain and melting snow. Well, I guess that's winter in the North Atlantic.

Hard to believe that Christmas is less than one month away. The stores are starting to be so crowded and almost impossible. Imagine, in one month, it will be all over, except the bills!

I am not a "bah humbug person" but I hate how commercial Christmas has become. I guess it is up to we, the people, to make it less commercial and more about enjoying time with friends and family.

Finished and Started!

2011-11-19T15:05:00.000-03:30

Autumn Trio is now complete and it is quite nice, if I do say so myself.

And what comes after one hooked rug project? Of course, more rug hooking projects. This is the one that I am working on with my Day Job group and we picked pets. Here is Maddy and this should be a real demonstration of how many values of brown I can get into one mat!

The weather has been quite mild up to yesterday and for now, we have had a touch of snow which I am sure is only a sampling of things to come.

Sad Ending!

2011-11-08T10:12:00.000-03:30

This picture makes me very sad. Two glorious ferries beached side by side waiting their turn to be made into scrap in Alang, India. The Caribou and the Smallwood were only 25 years old and in the life of a monster ferry, that isn't even middle age.

These two Ladies of the North Atlantic which were built in Quebec, were replaced by two new super ferries, the Blue Putee and the Highlander, and were sold to the highest bidder who decided they are worth more in scrap that in transportation ability.

I spent many a crossing on these ferries, always feeling safe despite the rolling, brutal North Atlantic or the thickness of the ice crushing against their sides in the middle of the night.

My Newfoundland Connection!

2011-11-03T12:58:00.002-02:30

Catholic Church in North River on the Avalon Penisula where Mrs. Carroll is buried.

I have been coming to Newfoundland for almost 20 years before becoming a resident. I am known to islanders as a "Come from Away" and while, it isn't meant to be rude, it just means I am from somewhere else.

One time,I asked someone, how long do you have to live here before that term is inapplicable. I was told until you have someone buried in Newfoundland.

For years, I have heard my dear Mother talk about a relative who lived in Newfoundland until she was 115 years old. But didn't know much about her, just a last name, Mrs. Carroll. On CBC yesterday, while listening to the CBC celebration, they played a tape of a Mrs. Carroll being interviewed by Joey Smallwood on her 113th birthday.

After a short search in I found this information;

The Oldest Resident
Born on October 21, 1828, Mrs. Ellen Carroll lived til December 8, 1943 when she died where she had been born in North River at the tender age of 115 years, 7 weeks.

In addition to her being Newfoundland's oldest resident, Mrs. Carroll is also known for her radio broadcast debut on the night of October 19, 1940 in celebration of her 113th birthday. Mr. J.R. Smallwood choreographed the broadcast and the following dignitaries were in attendance: Honourable Sir John C. Puddester, Vice-Chairman of the Commission of Government and Commissioner for Public Health and Welfare. Greeting were sent by the Queen and King, and His Excellency Governor and Lady Walwyn, as well telegrams were sent from the Bishop of Newfoundland, the President of the United Church, the Mayor of St. John's and Captain Bob Bartlett.

Mrs. Carroll in her lifetime had witnessed many changes in her community, province and country. For example, there had been rule by Governor, Representative Government, Amalgamated Government, Responsible Government, and Commission Government and when she was in her fifties the Dominion of Canada was formed. The first railway was built when Mrs. Carroll was in her early sixties.

I am not sure how or where the connection is, but now, I can honestly, say I am not longer a Come From Away!

New Project!

2011-10-31T14:22:00.001-02:30

I had to develop a new project for our rug hooking group at the Day Job. As Alice is working on a mat with an animal design, I decided to follow suit.

Somewhere in my travels, I discovered the Be Funky site which is great for added artistic flare to your photos. I took this picture of Maddy last winter and just loved the comical look on her face. I played with the Be Funky editing and came up with the black and white "inkified" picture. I will be attempting to draw this on red dot and then, transfer onto burlap for a small 11 x 17 mat.

You can find the Be Funky site on the right hand of my blog under Interesting Places.

Autumn Trio Finished

2011-10-30T13:58:00.000-02:30

After considerable redrawing and reversing hooking, the third and final pumpkin went back to its original design. I could not get by the grinning face and it didn't compliment the other two pumpkins. I am happy with the final outcome and will now, carry on with the whipped corded border finish.

Wordless Friday as the Pictures Say it All!

2011-10-28T09:57:00.000-02:30

Thanks Mom!

2011-10-26T08:55:00.000-02:30

I had a lovely weekend in Montreal with my dear mother. It was just the two of us and it flew by much too quickly. Well, this morning, I guess it had to happen some time, wet snow greeted me on the way to the Day Job. Let's hope the winter passes smoothly for all of us.

I had a visitor to my blog and when I checked out Yolanda's site, she had posted The Knot's Prayer. I had to share it with you as it is excellent and I will be sure to read it once it awhile for reinforcement!

Unexpected Trip!

2011-10-19T09:38:00.001-02:30

This is the view of the highway leading from Corner Brook to Deer Lake. There is irony in the name Deer Lake as we have no deer in the province. I guess Captain Cook should have called it Moose Lake, but at that time, we had no moose either.

Anyway, I will be headed up that highway later today as I am being sent by the Day Job people to another location for a meeting and of course, this means Montreal. Well, what better time to arrange a quick, weekend visit with my dear mother who lives only a few minutes from Trudeau International or as we call it, Dorval. In fact, if you have ever landed in Montreal, you flew right over Mom's house, or at least, pretty close to it.

I thought I would add a spectacular picture of the barrens outside of Stephenville with their beautiful fall colours.

Autumn's Splendor!

2011-10-12T08:59:00.001-02:30

This beautiful scenery is looking west towards the Blow-Me-Down mountains overlooking Corner Brook.

Autumn's beautiful splendor only diminished by thoughts of what comes after this season. It was a nice long weekend with a few pre-winter chores like chimney cleaning, bottling up beets and putting away the garden for the winter.

This week, my little rug hooking group will be starting up again and I will be finishing the Autumn Trio. I will be designing a small project to bring in and of course, revisit the Cheticamp frame which has the large project on it.

2011-10-08T17:14:00.000-02:30

New Toy!

2011-10-04T15:15:00.000-02:30

A few months ago, my dear mother gave me my birthday present and told me to buy something special. I don't think she understood my indecision as I wanted to get something I wouldn't even think of getting myself.

It took some time but I decided on a Bolivar cutter, the Cadillac of wool cutters. Of course, it will take some time as each one is made to order. Until then, I will be content using my rotor cutter and scissors but I will be dreaming of my Bolivar.

I want to express my sincere condolences to Mr. Bolivar and family on the passing of Joan Bolivar this past May 2011. Her legacy will live on in her inspiration on this beautiful wool cutter.

Look at What Passed My House!

2011-10-03T19:13:00.000-02:30

The Queen Elizabeth was in Corner Brook on Friday and over 1000 passengers were visiting our beautiful city. I waved goodbye to them from my deck overlooking the Bay of Islands while I could hear "Rule Britannia" on the ship's loudspeakers.

Home again, home again!

2011-10-01T18:58:00.000-02:30

A view from the Blue Puttee arriving in Port aux Basques.

The Port aux Basques harbour view.

Where did the three weeks go anyway? Oh yes, travelling to and from the island, lovely visits with family in Montreal and Toronto, shopping excursions, a visit to Deanne's studio, great meals and even better conversations!

I did absolutely no rug hooking during my vacation but I did look in to see what my dear fellow bloggers were up to and enjoyed everyone's posts!

Mat Progress

2011-09-05T15:12:00.001-02:30

As usual, I was saying this weekend as P and I put away the hot tub, didn't we just put this out? Time flies by alittle faster as each year goes by.

It was a nice long weekend, with visits to family members, barbeques and abit of hooking on Cathy's mat. I used Kim's idea of a little dash of contrast on the birds as if there is moonlight. I decided to make the third and final pumpkin, a Halloween pumpkin with a face. It looks odd right now, as I stopped hooking it to take the picture. We shall see how it works as it goes along.

One day of work at the Day Job tomorrow and then, off for the rest of September. Hooray!

Silent

2011-09-02T10:29:00.000-02:30

This beautiful picture was taken by Sharon from Newfoundland. She is an talented photographer and I often see her photos on facebook.

I can feel the silent strength of this great raptor as it looks up from his meal. If you look closely, there are feathers on the ground under the eagle's perch. Previous meals, I guess. The cruel truth of nature.

And so, it is Labour Day weekend, and the summer although not officially over, always feels over.

Have a wonderful weekend filled with things that make you contented.

Autumn Progress

2011-08-28T16:02:00.000-02:30

I am making some progress on the Autumn Trio. I am doing the background in a hunter green wool with flecks of yellow and orange. But I had to make the birds, sparrows, as if I used black for ravens, they would blend into the dark background.

As Deanne says quite often, you just have to go along with your mat and sometimes, it works out and sometimes, you learn from the whole experience.

Icebergs!

2011-08-25T11:16:00.000-02:30

These spectacular pictures were taken in the Northern Pennisula where the icebergs have been plentiful. The last picture is of the Peterman ice island and you can see all the seals which are riding along with the ice island.

I have been continuing on with the Autumn Trio and enjoying the final days of summer. My dear mother arrived yesterday for a visit and hopefully, we will be taking in the sights in the next few weeks.

New Project!

2011-08-21T13:50:00.000-02:30

Sometime ago, I won a blog giveaway from Cathy at Orange Sink. At that time, I had other projects I wanted to finish and didn't get started until today.

Here is Autumn Trio by Cathy G. in its early stages. I will be using mixed fibres such as wool yarns and wool strips. With the summer almost at an end (afterall the Ex has started in Toronto and we all know that signals the end of summer), I think it is time.

Harry Potter's Lid

2011-08-20T15:50:00.000-02:30

I can't believe it has been so long since I last posted. Nothing special going on but certainly, now the summer is seemingly almost over.

I finished up Harry Potter and as you can see, it worked out although, it took some thinking of how to get it to hold on to the lid. I basted a 1/4 elastic into the binding and then, pulled it tight to shape it. I don't know if anyone else has ever hooked a toilet lid cover, but there you have it!

Aunt Bertie's Daisy Garden

2011-08-08T09:07:00.000-02:30

~~Someone~~, I had the brilliant idea of bringing my Cheticamp frame from the rec room, to the deck for the summer. Once I received Cara's permission to do an adaption of her piece, Aunt Bertie's Daisy Garden, I went to work on the large project. It will be approximately 26 x 44 and I added a border and some dragonflies and lady bugs.

It hasn't worked out as the Cheticamp frame is also a monster and took up most of the deck, so it got folded up and eventually, will be moved back down to the rec room. However, I thought while it was off the frame, I would take a quick picture for today's post. It will be sometime before Aunt Bertie's garden will be complete but I hope I do Cara's art work, justice!

Living the Dream!

2011-08-07T19:22:00.000-02:30

How many of my friends say that one day, they will sell up their big city home and move to a smaller town and take some time to smell the roses? Most times, this never happens, they never live the dream.

More than 10 years ago, Fate called my name and said, it's time to change things, and so I did and now, I feel like I am living the dream, not dreaming about living.

My Summer, so Far!

2011-08-05T09:09:00.000-02:30

This picture shows dolphins playing in the Bay of Islands. Every year, the dolphins come into the bay, probably chasing their food source. Even wild dolphins have a natural ability to play and frequently, jump out of the water and put on a little show for us.

My summer, so far, has been going along in a positive, but steady march. This year, we hired a student to help out with some projects, so my weekends have been freed up and not filled up, with painting, staining and other assorted duties that must be done.

We(the royal,we, of course) are developing a small boarding kennel business and it is to be called Kozy Kennels. I will post some pictures as the project goes forward.

On the rug hooking front, I have been working now and then, on the Harry Potter crapper cover as one of those UFOs that need finishing. The larger projects will wait until the fall.

I still am not able to post comments on some of my fellow bloggers sites as I am having the same problems that Kim did in the past. Anyway, I try to post but it is like being in a revolving door with no exit.

Wicked!

2011-07-29T14:37:00.000-02:30

This wicked sunset was taken one night this week overlooking the beautiful Bay of Islands. If you look closely, you will see a small boat probably heading home after a day of recreational cod fishing.

Wicked is one of those NL terms which doesn't mean what it does to the rest of Canada. Wicked is something great, wonderful, beautiful, unbelievable. Used like this; I had a wicked time last night at the concert, or that's a wicked tee shirt you have on.

Wicked is the equivalent of the word "sick" that the young people from away, use all the time.

Got to Love it!

2011-07-26T12:19:00.000-02:30

Imagine looking out your window every morning and seeing this big, old iceberg out in your front yard? This picture is in Goose Cove which is only a couple of hours drive from my house in NL.

I still marvel at the beautiful sights all around me in this place. The summer has been on the cool side but we aren't complaining. I overheard a visitor to our province ask someone what kind of air conditioning did she have? The answer was simple; "why, we just open more windows when it's hot".

Got to love it!

Goosed?

2011-07-20T09:07:00.000-02:30

I didn't have a chance to take out my camera this morning but this picture is exactly what I saw just as I left my driveway on the way to the Day Job. It was abit foggy this morning and my neighbour's gaggle of geese were in the middle of the road, taking their time, crossing back home.

Needlessly to say, where else would this happen but on the island of NL. We are so close to the earth here, so much wildlife around us and a small population of two legged beasts-we humans.

People in NL still hunt and fish, go berry picking and raise their own animals and yes, keep the craft of rug hooking alive. With 80% of the world's population living in cities, we are losing our ability to fend for ourselves but not, here in NL.

New Project!

2011-07-18T09:19:00.000-02:30

There are two incredible artists, Cara and Pam who live on the East Coast of NL. I have been following their wonderful blog for sometime and I really love their whimisical approach to art with a NL theme.

I just received permission from Cara to adapt "Aunt Bertie's Daisy Garden into a monster size rug hooking project. I am working on the pattern and going to use an interesting border with dragon flies, lady bugs and butterflies around it.

If you get a chance, have a look at the Grumpy Goat Blog and the fabulous art work as well as a good laugh at Cara's postings!

http://thegrumpygoatgallery.blogspot.com

Parsons Pond!

2011-07-13T20:11:00.000-02:30

Here is Alice's second mat which she just recently finished the whipped cord finish. This mat was her original design and was taken from a picture that she had and used as the model. Parsons Pond has a special family connection and this mat is a gift for a family member.

One of the highlights was the sign over the store which she had a local embroidery shop make for her.

Well done, Alice!

Eye Candy

2011-07-10T10:53:00.000-02:30

We are all settling into the lazy, hazy days of summer and here are some pictures of the garden. Time and tide wait for no one and before you know it, it will be over for another year. So let's enjoy it; the smells, the heat, the flowers and of course, the eye candy that surrounds us.

Fighting Newfoundlanders

2011-06-30T13:38:00.000-02:30

Long before my home province of Quebec was demanding Nationhood, my new home province, Newfoundland, was already a nation with its own flag and its own memories such as the Battle of Somme in 1916. This picture is from current day site in Beaument Hamel in France.

Our Blue Puttees or the 1st Newfoundland Regiment suffered unbelievable losses on July 1, 1916. Only 68 out of 801 1st Newfoundland Regiment members who fought at Beaumont Hamel in 1916 answered the roll call on the following day.

So tomorrow, July 1st, we will be remembering the Fighting Newfoundlanders of WW1 and celebrating being part of this great land, Canada!

Finished!

2011-06-27T18:37:00.000-02:30

"View from My Window" is now all completed except for the final blocking and steaming. I must say and I know you all have heard this before, this was a delightful project.

From the idea grown from our group project, it incorporated a few items that we all wanted to work on; a building, a tree, some flowers, an animal and we wanted to use alternative fibres.

I did use wool yarn, wool slub, wool strips and t shirt material but I did not like the t shirt material. I would use again but only sparingly.

P and I moved my Cheticamp frame along with the next large project onto the deck as I will work on it that way. If it stays in the rec room, it will sit untouched until the fall.

People to Note.

2011-06-23T08:56:00.000-02:30

Back a few years ago, when I first became interested in having my own blog, I came across a very special person. Her name is Roz Savage and she is an incredible person.

Roz Savage is a British ocean rower and environmental campaigner. Coupled with her solo row across the Atlantic in 2005-6, she has rowed over 11,000 miles, taken 3.5 million oarstrokes, and spent cumulatively nearly a year of her life at sea in a 23-foot rowboat.

Her personal creed of taking life 'one oarstroke at a time', and her promotion of the EcoHero movement, has inspired countless people around the world. This year, she has set out to complete the "Big Three" by rowing solo across the Indian Ocean.

I am following Roz's current ocean journey in her daily journal which you can find at www.rozsavage.com

Roz Savage, ocean rower, and one of those people to note!

I Don't Give a .......

2011-06-22T10:39:00.000-02:30

minutai. What the heck does it mean anyway? All the new words that we are using, gives me a head pain. What do all these words mean and who invented them?

mi·nu·ti·a: (m-n sh-, -sh, -ny-) n. pl. mi·nu·ti·ae (-sh-) A small or trivial detail.

segue: (say>guay)- the act of changing smoothly from one state or situation to another.

Leet: also known as eleet or leetspeak, is an alternative alphabet for the English language that is used primarily on the Internet.

Irregardless: is a word that many mistakenly believe to be correct usage in formal style. It is not a word!

If I hear Jian Ghomeshi(CBC) say "congrats" once more, I may short circuit.

Irregardless of the minutia, that is my segue into leetspeak. Who says George Orwell had it wrong!

Such Beauty!

2011-06-21T08:49:00.000-02:30

How often do we not even notice the beauty that surrounds us. I have been coming to NL for over 28 years but it has been only in the past few years, that I moved my "stuff" here. Afterall, home is where your stuff is.

I drive by this scene day after day and sometimes in the rush of daily life, I forget just how beautiful this island is in its crooks and cranies, so much like our ancesteral home of Ireland.

Stop today and celebrate the beauty around you! By the way, thanks for all the birthday wishes from my great blogging friends.

Just Another Day

2011-06-20T09:26:00.000-02:30

....in the beautiful Bay of Islands. The weather though, has been horrible. You can count the warm days we have had since May on one hand or even less. The only thing growing seems to be weeds.

This picture proves that beauty and art can be found anywhere, if you look hard enough. I am almost finished the border on the View From My Window and already thinking of the next project.

But first, a couple of UFOs need to completed before I get ahead of myself. A gemini trait? Oh by the way, I celebrated another year of wonderful life on this earth and as my dear mother says, I wouldn't have missed it for all the riches in the world.

Almost!

2011-06-09T20:31:00.000-02:30

Almost done with the View From My Window. Now, only the window frame to do. I have enjoyed this project from the very beginning. The design is original and it flowed so easily from my hook onto the burlap!

Spring Delight!

2011-06-08T09:37:00.000-02:30

Spring time has been on the slow side in the west coast of NL. Only in the past week, I have noticed trees are greening and my garden starting to wake up. The two oak trees beside the inukshuk are the final ones to produce their leaves as usual.

While the rest of Canada is ~~sweltering~~ enjoying the heat, we have only one or two days of 20 degrees. But truthfully, I prefer our moderate weather.

On the hooking front, I have been working on the View from My Window project and it is coming along. We are meeting today at lunch time for the first time in a month because of vacation and conflicting schedules.

Mat Progress

2011-05-29T19:46:00.000-02:30

I had a lovely, restful weekend. The weather wasn't great and we went from air conditioning on Friday to heat on Saturday and back to warm today.

I was able to work on the View from My Window and it is shaping up quite well. Only the sun and the sky to finish and then, of course, the border. I have really enjoyed this one!

We are Lucky in NL

2011-05-27T10:24:00.000-02:30

This beautiful picture was taken by a fellow blogger who lives in Texas. It is last night's sky after all the storms; beautiful and frightening all at the same time.

We are lucky in NL I suppose. It isn't that we don't have bad weather, storms, winds and the like, it is just that we always expect them, prepare for them and are quite happy when they don't happen at all.

Another thing, is that most NLers are all prepared and can be self sufficient without water and electricity etc. Afterall, we are parked out in the North Atlantic, all by ourselves and can be cut off so quickly from the rest of Canada.

My thoughts go out to all the people affected by weather and fires.

Hitch Hiker!

2011-05-24T17:57:00.003-02:30

I never pick up hitchhikers...well, unless I know them. Henry is the last of our cockatiels; Mom had two--Alfie and Sam, and I had three--Henry, Simon and Lily. Henry is the last of them and he is 16 years old which in bird terms, must be old.

Henry hitched a ride back to the island so that Mom is free to travel later in the summer. This little bird has travelled more miles than most people and he is a great traveller. He has a nice compact travelling accommodations and sits on his perch looking down the highway on moose patrol. He can say a few words like "hello pepper" (Pepper was our oldest schnauzer) and "come on, come on". He whistles like a professional.

Henry used to be my bird but now, is claimed by Mom who misses him more than us. (just kidding, Mom!.

Before

2011-05-22T20:25:00.003-02:30

and after

What started out as a simple task of replacing a bathroom sink has become a task of many sub tasks. First, it isn't easy replacing a silver grey bathroom sink without a large price tag. But luckily while we were away, we were able to obtain a grey sink at a reasonable amount. Yesterday morning, we decided to go ahead with the replacement only to find out, that it wasn't the same shape as the original, so a new counter would be in order. Off to the hardware store and after much discussion, a black slate counter was decided on.

Now, a very vertically challenged person had put in the bathroom originally, so when you were brushing your teeth etc, you would have to bend over to get closer to the sink. So seeing we were installing a new counter, we may as well raise it at the same time. It took most of the day but here is the semi final result.

I say "semi final" because we still have to;

1) Put on the iron on side piece
2) Get a new mirror
3) New curtains
4) Using caulking on the edges
5) Paint the new piece of wood to raise the counter
6) Paint the bathroom
7) Finish decluttering the drawers etc.

The moral of the story is there is no such thing as a simple job when it comes to home renovations!

Where have you been?

2011-05-20T16:32:00.004-02:30

Well, I have been on vacation. To Montreal, Toronto and back again. The new ferries to the island are quite spectacular in size and amenities. I was even able to stop and shop at Deanne's!

It was a lovely two weeks of mostly great weather and wonderful visits with family, especially my dear Mother, who continues to amaze me!

Completed Project!

2011-05-06T12:18:00.004-02:30

Here is Maureen's completed project. This is the themed project that our rug hooking group was doing together. It had to be 50% tee shirt material, contain a buiding, flowers, a tree and a novelty border. Maureen is the first one of the group to complete her project and of course, what a job!

Maureen has moved away to another province but continue to work on the group project.

Awesome!

2011-04-28T10:28:00.003-02:30

How many times have you heard that word today? Maybe, we could design a button and every time you hear the word, awesome, we could push it to "bleep" out the word.

However, I heard an interview yesterday on the CBC about The Book Of Awesome by Neil Pasricha. After listening to this young man's explanation of how The Book of Awesome developed from a blog to a book, it got me thinking. At the end of it, the word awesome, from at least his perspective, was not so horrible.

The awesomest (if I can use that word) part about it is the realization that if you enjoy the simple things in your life, you will be happier and more complete in your life. It's the thousands of little things in life that are important or as my mother says, it's the moments that count.

So today, think of your own awesome moment or call it something else, if that word creeps you out!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T14:47:00.004-02:30

I am selfishly savouring the last few hours of the first long weekend of the year. This long weekend was just what I needed. The weather was not good on Friday, great on Saturday and rainy/cold today, but that didn't matter.

We were able to do some hard pruning of the winter damage on my willows, raked part of the lawn and even put out some solar lights. To me, holidays are never about the commercial value of them and all about the spiritual value.

Oh yes, and of course, some quiet hooking on the window project. Looks very nice, if I say so myself.

Coming Along!

2011-04-17T10:56:00.002-02:30

Along with the beautiful weather, the snow finally disappearing, tulips and crocus popping up, I have been working on the group project. I not only designed this piece but drew it out myself.

I found that the book, Drawing from the Right Side of the Brain, has helped me out alot. I couldn't draw a straight line before using this book, and now, able to draw my own designs.

Daffodil Day!

2011-04-15T13:18:00.003-02:30

It wasn't until I was out at lunch time today, that I noticed it was Daffodil Day! On my way out of the store, I stopped to purchase my small bundle of daffodils. I chatted with the three ladies for a few minutes. I introduced the fact that I am a 11 1/2 year survivor and each one, in turn, told me their "survivor" age.

One lady, more than thirteen years, another 10 years and the last one, just two years. The 13 year survivor explained that her husband was now battling the disease and was terminal.

Today, if you see the daffodil display, think about your own survivor story or someone close to you, their story. Keep the hope alive and we can see that some people are able to survive this disease because of all the support which enables research through funding.

Ghost Work?

2011-04-13T11:12:00.002-02:30

New Word: ghost work?

Definition: the tasks and duties of laid-off or fired employees that must then be done by the remaining employees

Example: The ghost work has been taken on by surviving employees, without their former colleagues' expertise.

Kim's blog post today made me think of my own word of the week and also, a new word for 2011, ghost work.

In an office haunted by the ghosts of laid-off employees, those workers who dodged the hatchet aren't necessarily the lucky ones. They must excel at their old jobs to avoid still looming staff cuts and must also juggle extra, unfamiliar duties.

I think I am going to make a sign for the bumper of my truck, "I'd rather hooking" and see what reactions I get!

Finally!

2011-04-10T18:58:00.004-02:30

Well, finally, spring has arrived on the West Coast of NL and here is my proof! Tulips coming up and small fishing boats leaving port in search of crab as the season has opened.

I seem to only be blogging now and then, as I have been on the busy side with the Day Job. I have been working on my hooking project and enjoying it quite alot. Pictures to come on the progress later this week!

No Joke, April, that is!

2011-04-03T18:42:00.004-02:30

I suppose everyone has the same story this spring. More and more snow. After a beautiful sunny, warm day on Friday, a spring storm blew in yesterday. But not enough to cause any real problems.

Here is the progress on my new project, View from the Window. It is coming along slowly as I am trying hard to stick to the plan of 50% tee shirt material. I have to congratulate anyone who uses this material regularly, like my dear fellow blogger, Anne Kirby. I am not sure I really like it, but I am persisting.

Sadly, one of my rug hooking members at work, has resigned from her Day Job and will not be hooking along with the new project. Maureen as you may remember, is destined to be a great hooker! I am glad that I started her on the fibre road with her hook, in hand.

No More Whining

2011-03-27T12:13:00.003-02:30

.....about the snow. Yes, more overnight and my little garden is buried once again. But I did cheer myself up with pulling a few loops while sitting at the kitchen window trying not to watch P push tons of snow out the driveway!

Anyway, that's enough of that. If you don't let it bother, guess what? It won't bother you!

Please, No More...

2011-03-26T11:35:00.004-02:30

Snow!

True to fashion, it ain't over yet in the west coast of NL. Overnight, we received a nice big dump of the white stuff. Must be my fault for having the winter tires taken off too soon.

P has been out plowing for over two hours and still not finished as you can see. Oh well, I am at the "who cares!" stage of spring!

Spring has Sprung!

2011-03-22T18:35:00.003-02:30

Well, after a short, but very hard winter, we have signs of spring. No, no robins yet but I did have had the snow tires taken off. Perhaps, a bit too soon but I am willing to chance it.

I have been taking a small break from hooking but have continued cutting up tee shirts. I am still not sure if I like using this type of fabric but I will continue to plod along.

Last Day of Winter 2011

2011-03-20T13:15:00.003-02:30

Can it be here already? The last day of winter 2011. Considering our winter didn't even get started until January 15th, we certainly had a tough one. On the west coast of NL, we had over 10 feet of snow in only a few weeks.

Today, it is cold but sunny and bright. I am cutting up tee shirts for the new project and even pulled a few. I find using tee shirt material quite different. It has more texture in a way, but you can't control the stitches. They go every which way but adds some interest.

Supermoon and spring equinox, let's hope that is a good omen for a calm future!

Before and ......

2011-03-19T13:53:00.004-02:30

Maddy is a broken coat Jack Russell which really means her coat grows extremely thick in some spots and shorter in other areas. She has been quite warm lately, not wanting to bury herself in the covers at night. So this morning, while the idea was as fresh as the little bit of snow we got last night, P dug out the clippers and the rest is...

After.....

Maddy still won't talk to anyone as she is in a bit of a snit but I am sure that won't last too long.

Shiela Gets to Laugh Last!

2011-03-17T20:20:00.002-02:30

In weather legend, Newfoundland recognizes a winter storm that falls near St. Patrick's Day as Sheila's Brush.

Sheila is related to Patrick in some way. Now mystery has it, it's his wife or sister or mother or mistress or housekeeper.

The idea is that the storm is one of winter's last, and that Sheila is brushing the season away.

The legend is about the fact that after St.Patrick's Day, so from March 18th on, there is usually a sort of winter's last hur'rah.

True to legend, we are in for Sheila's Brush Friday into Saturday.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T08:55:00.004-02:30

Here's to good Irish friends
Never above you
Never below you
Always beside you.

May you be in heaven a half hour
Before the Devil knows your dead!

New Project!

2011-03-15T18:04:00.004-02:30

I haven't posted any news in awhile and it's not because that anything has been wrong. I just haven't had much to say which may be abit unusual but sometimes, it does happen.

I have been working on two projects that will be awhile in completing. Here is the project that I am preparing for our rug hooking group at work. We decided as a group on the size (roughly 14 x 24), common elements of a building, tree, flowers and an animal. We also decided to do something different in our borders. Either incorporating the border into the picture or adding a design.

My project as you can see is a view from a window and the window framing the view as a border. Another part of the design is we must use at least 50% tee shirt material. We liked the idea of working on new elements as a group for support and input.

And Another

2011-03-03T08:36:00.002-03:30

This is Maureen's third mat which I haven't posted before. She has completed four mats now since we started our rug hooking group in October 2010. During our lunch time meeting yesterday, we discussed our next project. We are working on our own patterns but will include highlighted topics we decided we need to develop such as trees, animals and flowers. Should be lots of fun.

I better get busy this weekend with my own design so that it is ready for our group next week.

More Mats Please!

2011-03-02T09:09:00.002-03:30

This absolutely gorgeous mat is another one by Maureen in my rug hooking group at work. It is from a picture that was taken of her cabin. I love the perspective and how she has framed only a part of the cabin and incorporated it into a beautiful mat.

The fibre is mixed including wool strips, wool yarn and tee shirt material. The small bush with flowers in the lower section is done in proddy and also, high hooking of yarn. The photograph doesn't really do justice to such a piece.

Maureen really wanted to match the colour of the cabin and sent samples to Deanne Fitzpatrick who came through with a custom dying order.

How High?

2011-02-28T08:48:00.003-03:30

Normally, when I look out from the rec room in the basement, I have a nice view of woods and the bay. After Saturday's storm which included rain, snow, wind and more snow, we have almost no place to put the snow.

The deck above the pictures is more than eight feet high, so it gives you an idea of the height of the snow which has piled up from shovelling the deck above. Needless to say, I feel like a gopher this time of year, living in my snow cave and peeping out once in awhile for a breath of fresh air.

Thanks!

2011-02-27T11:15:00.002-03:30

I took this picture this morning of some of the finch that my birdfeeder has been attracting. For the past two days, I have had many eating at Chez Julie. So much that I had to fill the feeder twice yesterday.

I use a type of a sock and fill it with niger seed (thistle). I have found this seed to be expensive but the birds don't waste it. It also only attracts finch and juncos, so bluejays and other larger birds stay away. I also put out some suet in a cage for the chickadees.

I love looking at the birds and during yesterday's storm, an odd sight caught my eye. I could see a finch upside down and oddly seemed to be moving with the feeding sock. OMG, I noticed it was attached. Somehow, the bird got its toenail in a long piece of thread from the sock. I hurried and dressed to see if it was still alive and it was.

I pulled in the clothesline and took the bird in my hand. I couldn't get its toenail out but I could snap the thread as close to its foot as I could. The little finch flew away, and I thought that was that. In a second or two, it landed right beside me on the clothesline as if to say thanks!

Pottering Along!

2011-02-24T08:34:00.002-03:30

I am working on Harry mostly now and then. The picture doesn't do his cloak justice. I used a black and gold ribbon for the folds of his cloak and it shimmers when you look at it.

I am also working on my new larger project on the Cheticamp frame and when I have the bottom border completed, I will post some pictures.

Yesterday, our rug hooking group decided on a project which we will all work on next. The size was decided at 14 x 24, it must be at least 50% tee shirt material, contained a building, a tree, flowers and at least, one animal. It is made up of all elements that we would like to practise on and it should be fun to work on a similar project together.

Parallel worlds, polar shifts!

2011-02-23T10:31:00.002-03:30

Even main stream media is now talking about parallel worlds, polar shifts and preparedness and that frightens me. A couple of us stood in the hall this morning talking about the strange weather, earthquakes, and the unsettling they have in their souls.

I worry about the future sometimes in the quiet of night or while pulling wool in my latest project. But as my Mom says, the future will take care of itself.

I am thinking of a theme for our rug hooking group at work. A small project that we can all work on together and bring out our own level of uniqueness.

Do you have any ideas that might be fun! Let me know! More fun thinking of rug hooking than polar shifts!

Bound!

2011-02-19T13:04:00.003-03:30

I don't believe my rug hooking projects are completely finished until they are bound and steamed. So this week, I completed the yarn binding on both projects and steamed them this morning. I can finally declare both bound and finished!

No more talk about the weather but I can finally say that after receiving 265 cm or 9 feet of snow since January 16th, 2011, we have had a break and hopefully, the end to winter!

Signs of Spring?

2011-02-14T11:40:00.003-03:30

Or has this poor, lonely robin been caught in a wind and blown to the West Coast? This weekend was spent in long hours of snowshovelling, plowing and cursing at the weather we have been having.

Since the sacrifice to Url in January on Marble Mountain around the 9th of January, we have had non stop snow events. I wonder if there is a snow cessation sacrifice to some sort of obscure Viking diety?

On a brighter note, I noticed a couple of chickadees scoping out my birdhouse for a little love nest, so indeed, we are on the downside of winter!

Happy Valentine's Day, dear Hearts!

2011-02-13T11:38:00.003-03:30

To all the wonderful people in my life, a moment to reflect how loved we all are and how special, not just today but everyday!

Holy Cow, Batman....

2011-02-09T18:06:00.006-03:30

it's Harry Potter and the Holy Crapper! This another one of my crazy ideas for a gift to a Harry Potter fan. A toilet seat cover with none other, than Harry Potter pointing his wand!

I think that I have learned that there is nothing you can't hook!

Nowhere to Go but UP!

2011-02-07T18:00:00.005-03:30

Well, I am sure that everyone is tired of snow stories but here are some more pictures. In about 16 days, we have gone from none to lots. My inukshuk, Gabrielle is holding up snow on her shoulders. The garden buried under a mountain of snow.

Most of the weekend was spent on snow removal but I did get my new project outlined and on my wonderful Cheticamp frame. It is going to be quite large and hopefully, I will have some pictures soon and less on the snow front.

Happy Ground Hog Day!

2011-02-02T12:00:00.004-03:30

Ground Hog Day is an annual event to predict whether or not, there will be six weeks more of winter.

This is a nice picture of Corner Brook looking out towards Seal Head. No visible ground hogs.

Oh wait, I think Mikey spotted one. Hey, Mikey?? Where did the ground hog go??

Clogging Along

2011-02-01T08:57:00.004-03:30

I have had a couple of questions about those wonderful felted clog slippers on where to get the pattern etc. I found a free pattern at www.knittingatknoon.com and just look for the knitting pattern for the family of clogs. There is another website at Fibre Trends but there is a nominal charge for the download.

Well, I keep hearing how "exciting" it is to turn a heel when knitting. I didn't find it exciting but quite frustrating. After watching youtube videos and the videos from the Knitting at Knoon, I attempted the turn. I had to reverse knit several(read many, many) times and was ready to throw down the towel. But this morning, enjoying my coffee before hitting the shower, I had an "ah ha" moment, and turned the heel. Now, onto the gusset!

Hearts and Flowers!

2011-01-30T09:17:00.008-03:30

Happily, I am not posting any winter pictures nor doing any complaining about the weather. Hearts and Flowers came off the Cheticamp frame last evening and now, I will cord and use whip stitching to finish it off. It is 20 x 36 and done all in wool yarn.

On the weekend, I started alittle side project of Felted Clog Slippers. I first was inspired by Phyliss' work at Rughooker and decided to try out my first pair. I will certainly need help from some experienced knitters as I have never worked on circular or double pointed needles, or ever turned a heel. Could be interesting!

This is a picture of the finished slippers.

Repeat After Me?

2011-01-28T12:30:00.004-03:30

Think of happy spring thoughts? It's not working!

This is the view from yesterday and it is so hard to imagine that only two weeks ago, we looked like this.

Makes you want to curl up with a good book, some rughooking and not come up again until spring!

Winter is Here!

2011-01-24T10:39:00.002-03:30

I think western Newfoundland is paying for all the gloating we did up to two weeks ago about how warm it was and how green it was. WAS is the operable word! Winter is definitely now here!

It was a slow start to Monday as we had a blizzard overnight and my truck was surrounded by a meter high snowbank. But I did make it into the DAY JOB safely although, abit late. I was able to transfer one design on linen and started another one which is destined for the Cheticamp frame, so it's large. Only one more flower square to do on the Hearts and Flowers mat and then, abit of the border and it's coming off the frame...hooray!

Pictures are definitely in order for the next post!

Some Days

2011-01-21T09:54:00.002-03:30

It has been one of those odd weeks, when everything and nothing happens. Maybe it was not only Blue Monday but Blue week. The middle of the winter when spring seems so impossible and far away.

The week was filled with a truck that wouldn't start, snow deep in the yard, slow drives to work with knuckles gripped on the steering wheel, wool projects barely looked at, meals with too many carbs and not enough veggies, a silent treadmill but finally, today, a sunny day with a blue sky!

Some days you are the statue, and some days, you get to be the pigeon!

And it snowed!

2011-01-16T17:47:00.003-03:30

Well, we finally had a good dump of snow today and Maddy had lots of fun on the deck before it was shovelled. Now, Maddy is not too tall, so it wasn't that much.

Maybe winter has come to western NL!

More Pictures

2011-01-14T11:20:00.005-03:30

This lovely lighthouse was Alice's first attempt at rug hooking. She also designed it and it is hooked with wool yarn on Scottish Burlap.

This is Alice's second mat. This Santa was a quick Christmas gift and one of my own designs from last year.

Wings to Fly!

2011-01-13T09:47:00.003-03:30

When I started my hooking group once per week at lunch time, I had no idea how it would go along. There are only three of us but we meet every Wednesday in a small corner of a mill accounting office. This mat is Maureen's very first mat and not only did she hook it but designed it herself. It is a large mat of approximately 30 x 30 and is hooked on Scottish Burlap. Isn't it gorgeous?

This is Maureen's second mat, again she designed it and used a variety of wool strips and wool yarns. She even sculpted the lady bug and bee. although the picture doesn't highlight them very well.

I remember only a few months ago, how hard it was for Maureen to feel comfortable with the hook and making sure her stitches were pulled up and no puckering on the backside of the mat. Now, the student has wings to fly on her own!

A New Twist to Hook!

2011-01-06T14:01:00.001-03:30

Santa was so thoughtful this year and sent three wonderful books. How did he know? Anyway, one of the books was Jane Halliwell Green's latest book. She does a nice job of explaining "pixelating" but nothing does it better for me, than a video.

One the most frequent questions new hOOkers have is about the direction of stitches. I like Deanne's approach, let your hOOK dance against your mat and let the stitches twist and turn!

January 2011

2011-01-02T12:46:00.004-03:30

Well, what little snow we had last week, is almost gone today. It is beautiful and mild, and once in awhile the sun pokes it head up. Up early this morning and put away all the signs of Christmas. By this time, I have had enough and now, to crack on without any holidays until Easter.

Remember my hearts and flowers rug. I only have nine more squares to finish and it is done. I started it last year but as my Cheticamp frame is in the rec room, in the basement, I only work on it during the winter. When I rolled it ahead this week, I had no idea how many squares were left; I estimated 15 or 3 rows but was happily surprised to see only two. Once it comes off the frame, I will be doing a corded and whipped finish as this little rug is destined for floor duty!

Good Bye 2010, Hello 2011

2010-12-31T12:59:00.004-03:30

As the new year blossoms, may the journey of your life be fragrant with new opportunities, your days be bright with new hopes and your heart be happy with love! Happy New Year! - Anonymous

That'll Do !

2010-12-27T16:00:00.004-03:30

Look at the gorgeous skeins of alpaca wool that I won from Andrea in Ohio of That'll Do Farm. I don't remember how I found Andrea's blog site, but I did take serious note of her name of her farm.

A friend of ours from Nova Scotia had a grandmother who used to use the phrase.."that'll do" all the time and we now have made it part of our vocabulary from time to time.

Thanks Andrea, your wool will find a nice home here in Newfoundland!

The Day Before

2010-12-27T10:18:00.002-03:30

How fast time goes and now, it is the day before returning to the Day Job. Where did the week go? Oh yes, shopping, cleaning, visiting, eating, eating some more and of course, hooking!

Right now, we are getting some snow from the Nor'Easter that hit NY city and points south, but it was truly a green Christmas which doesn't happen very often. And today's snow, will be followed by rain. It could be a mess for the drive into work tomorrow. Oh well, thank goodness it is a short week and I am off again on Friday!

Merry Christmas to All!

2010-12-24T12:54:00.003-03:30

The good thing about living in Newfoundland is that we don't have to be politically correct and wish each other generic, non-sectarian greetings like Happy Holidays. Nor do we have to call a Christmas tree, a holiday tree.

I am enjoying the time off work and out of the stores. I also received a nice little gift of three books; two hooking books and one, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. Thanks to Deanne's new book, I have learned that even the most challenged artist, can be taught to draw. Well, at least, that's the plan.

Merry Christmas to all!

So this is Christmas?

2010-12-21T16:55:00.003-03:30

Right now, it is blowing hard and my little house on the side of a mountain overlooking the Bay of Islands is holding tight. I am off the rest of the week, having to use up the last of my outstanding vacation days. The old use it or lose it corporate mandate; so I am using it!

I didn't take these pictures but borrowed them from other people in the Corner Brook area. But as they say, a picture says a thousand words and these speak volumes on our weather. It is a bit frightening to say the least. We are either going to have another great (snowless) winter or we are in for a big dump in February.

Christmas in the Harbour

2010-12-15T10:00:00.001-03:30

This is certainly not Christmas 2010 as it is green in Newfoundland. The warmer than usual waters of the North Atlantic are keeping this province warm, windy and snow free.

While all around us, people are suffering one of the worst starts to winter 2010. My dear Mom has used her snowblower more this year than all of last year.

I have been hooking and today is the final meeting of our little hooking group until the new year! I hope to have some pictures soon to show you how well they have done.

Climate Change!

2010-12-07T18:11:00.002-03:30

We must be experiencing the dawn of climate change. It has been mild and not one snowflake in sight. Not only has it been mild enough to wear spring coats, my garden feels like it is going to spring to life once again.

No wonder I love pansies! One hearty little pansy soul has come to life, transplanted by the wind along the borden of the garden. We all have our fingers crossed that the mild weather will continue!

Where in the World ...

2010-12-05T10:52:00.003-03:30

..........is Gail? She has immigrated to the Bay of Islands and here she is protecting our harbour.

On my trip to the Mainland in November, I was able to spend some Christmas time with my dear mother. As we were packing, she kept saying, don't forget Gail? I thought she had lost it but soon enough the mystery was revealed.

Gail is one of her Christmas nutcrackers that she wanted me to take along to the island. And her name is Gail for a reason known to all Coronation Street fans.

Don't you think she looks like Gail Platt?

Come Dine With Me Canada

2010-12-01T11:37:00.002-03:30

I started watching Come Dine With Me (UK) and loved it. It was with anticipation that I waited to see Come Dine With Me (Canada) only to be sorely disappointed. It is horrible and I am not sure why?

No accents? Could be that the Toronto twang is affecting my enjoyment after spending some years in Ontario?

Not too boozy? Could be I have grown used to the UKs snockered dinner parties and miss the fun of drunken guests?

Terms of Endearment? Could be as I have now grown used to such terms as starter, main and pudding etc?

Recipes? The Canadian menus have been boring and one served a gazpacho as the main last night?

Whatever it is, I hope W channel puts back on the Come Dine With Me (UK).

Magical

2010-11-26T09:39:00.004-03:30

Last night, just before leaving the office, I had a strange occurrence. I don't know if you want to call it an out of body experience but it was indeed, magical. In a blink of an eye, I was whisked to dinner as if a spell was cast. No preparation, no dishes, and exactly, as I wanted.

Then, it happened again, I was instantly transported to a warm, dark place with nice smells of popcorn and snacks. Already satiated by dinner, I declined but was happy in my decision. Before long, it became even darker and in front of me, appeared......

Harry Potter!

Here we were among others in the same age bracket watching the second to last episode of Harry Potter and not one child present. What truly amazes me about this story is how well crafted the entire books have been. If only I had thought of it first!