Spring Sneak Preview

Went to the Philadelphia Flower Show on Tuesday! I love going by myself- can scurry arround at my own pace, if someone tried to track me they'd see a convoluted trail kinda like the kids' trails in Family Circus. As always, it was breathtaking, dazzling, too crowded, and tiring, and I hope to return next year!

























Self portrait inside a decorated, mirrored RR container car.

Eagles

This past weekend D and J noticed several big, frozen carp carcasses on the ice, near the juncture of our creek and the river, surrounded by coyote tracks. They also glimpsed two Bald Eagles and an immature eagle (without the white, head feathers ) hovering about. Our theory is that the eagles catch the large fish, and flip them on the ice for a winters' picnic. When I walked down yesterday, I spied about six magnificent eagles of both types (young and old) soaring overhead when I disturbed their feast. Couldn't capture all of them in one frame, or the wonder and excitement. I think this photo shows the mottled markings of an immature eagle.



These photos posted below show wing marks on the ice and sites of the winter feast.

Flowers. Fabric Goodies for Friends and February's Drawing

February is for Flowers,which always provide welcome relief from Winter's icy grip. Aldis is one of my favorite florists because for a few dollars I can improve my mood immensely. I try to bring Mom flowers whenever I visit her to perk up her spirits.

These orange and white roses lasted a long time on our kitchen table.

They never really opened into larger blooms, but provided a lovely greeting every time we entered the cool kitchen.

I've been drawing watery pictures for my 2011 calendar. This is the beginning of my creek drawing.

This is the photo I used as reference, taken behind our house.

Shhh! I made this fabric cupcake for my friend, Sheila, who celebrates her big day Monday.

My blog pal, Lisa, had her beautiful baby last week, and I sent her this quilt made especially for sweet Megan Anna.

January's Rushing Past

January's rushing past as fast as the swollen creek after Monday's heavy rains! I'm considering using this top picture for reference for one of my water illustrations for my 2011 calendar. Finally finished one of J skating on the river, in a month or two, may go back and add some finishing touches, like scruff marks from skates.

J,D and I took a walk a little ways up the creek beyond our home yesterday, and I was reminded how lovely it is. The sound of water erases any nagging thoughts filling one's mind. I should try and make an effort to take a little time out now and then to go sit by the creek! Now is a great time of year because it's not buggy or muggy!

Last week, my Dad, brother and I attended an evaluation of my Mom's progress in a nursing home facility. She's receiving excellent care, but it's so hard to realize that she may not become strong enough to return home any time soon. It's especially hard on my Dad, who visits her faithfully, everyday. The hardest part is dealing with her repeated pleas and demands for a ride home. I plan on visiting her today. I've boxed up some portions of soup and spaghetti to drop off at Dad's place, too.

We took R back to New Paltz on Saturday. On our return trip, we stopped briefly to sample the mountain air overlooking the town. Invigorating! D and J are toying with the idea of rock climbing someday! Not me! I like standing on solid ground!

Hung twenty of my calendar Quilts at General Hospital last week, too, but had to take down seven, due to fire regulations (Only one quilt allowed per panel) They are on exhibit through the end of February. Then they will be folded and stashed away in my sewing room, until another gust of gumption sweeps over me to get them on display somewhere!


I always liked this scene. Mom took this photo of one of our kittens near a porch step, teapot filled with hens and chicks. To complete the image, I just added the butterfly.

January's Greetings

New Year's greetings to all! I hope everyone's year contains bountiful blessings! We've experienced cold temperatures recently, great for skating on the river, which my youngest took advantage of while the ice was clear of snow. My kids also enjoyed their Christmas quilts, and we've finally got them tied and back on their beds.Our computer/piano/dining area looks huge without the Christmas tree dominating most of the room!









We attended a family party at Charles Decker's home, where my Grandma was born (as well as Charlie).


My Mom suffered a mild heart attack recently, although we didn't know it until she'd been hospitalized for a series of falls. She's in rehabilitation at a nursing home now and receiving excellent care, but the transition's been hard for all of us to adjust to, especially my father, who talks of when she returns home. Right now, we are truly abiding by the motto, "One day at a time".

I celebrated my birthday with friends and family.



Last Friday, I had a one night art show at the JAC gallery, sharing the night with one of my all-time favorite bands, The Susquehanna String Band, who put on an excellent performance in the Town Hall Theater. I was able to squeeze all twenty of my calendar quilts into the gallery! Each quilt represented one calendar year, containing a dozen of my Farmhouse greetings' illustrations per wallhanging.My best friend, Raurie, surprised me by showing up!






Stay warm!

Glad Tidings

Today's the fourth Sunday in Advent! This month's flown past us like "leaves in a wild hurricane fly". I've been busy with a couple drawing commissions, and piecing together quilts, decorating, baking (mostly cinnamon rolls) etc, etc. My niece, Kathy, from Texas, spent two nights with us last week, between business meetings in the state. We crammed a lot into her short stay, including a visit to my parents' home, making gingerbread cookies and dinner with the whole family at the Whole in the Wall in Binghamton.
Best wishes for a Great Christmas Season and a Healthy New Year to all, filled with many daily blessings!


Aunt May's wheelbarrow.


Aunt Sherry's wheelbarrow.



Celebrating Mom's Birthday


Thanksgiving Football!


Feast


BU Quilt Show


Afton Christmas parade


First SNOW Day


Mom and Dad's tree


D cutting our tree


E and me


K with Grandparents