Sunday Seven(Seventeen)s or How I Spent my Summer Vacation, Part 1

We have recently returned after whirlwind of activity over the last couple of months; travelling to Wales to visit family and then to California for my daughter’s and sister’s weddings. Some of you have asked for pictures, so I will oblige. I thought using Natalie’s Sunday Sevens format would work, but I have far exceeded the picture “limit”. However, there really are few rules, and they are very loose, so here we go……..

Oh, Canada!

We flew out of Toronto Airport, so our day began early with a three-hour drive. We stopped at Niagara Falls, but it was a very hot day and mama was too tired to move up for a closer look at the falls. Instead, we parked her walker in the shade, and watched the mist, listening to the roar of the rushing water. That was close enough for her, and we had lovely views of the both American and Canadian falls on our way to the airport.

Stopover at the Emerald Isle

Quick stop, and then off for an even quicker flight.

Landing gear engaged

Lovely Welsh farmland coming up to meet us.

Touchdown, Cardiff!

Even though we debarked on the back tarmac for wheelchair access, the famous Welsh Red Dragon (Y Ddraig Goch) was there to greet us.

Home away from home

 

After an hour and a half of drive time, we arrived at my cousin’s lovely bungalow, looking straight out upon the magnificent Brecon Beacons. Can you imagine a nicer view?

Remembering

Grandparents and other relatives gone long, buried on the parish grounds.

The Parish of Aberyscir. A recent refurbishment has left it absolutely spotless. Services are still held here, and it is open twenty-fours a day.

First home

My mother was born in this farmhouse and she lived here as a girl. It made me a little misty catching the first glimpse.

And the view

It made me swoon.

Little trekkers

Can you imagine? These four little ones clambered over the fence, through the bramble, down and up hills, over the river (or around it when flooded) for four hours to get to and from school. Mom is the cute little girl on the left. She is the baby, and the last of the siblings.

Ysgol

The school they walked to is now a private home.

A lovely little side trip

You all know Ali, aka THIMBERLINA….we met up in Chester to shop for some fabrics at Abakhan. She has already created a lovely jumpsuit from one of her pieces. Mine have, at least, been washed and are still waiting for some attention. (I have projects!)

Cruising the canal

In our one-hour cruise we saw lovely canal side homes with neatly manicured gardens, beautiful natural landscaping, wooden sculptures, lots of walkers, scads of dogs…

…and this handsome fellow.

Fabric and craftiness

Found a sweet little shop downtown, Bobbins of Brecon Fabrics and Haberdashery, and picked up a random assortment. (Now I have more projects.)

Schoolgirl chums

Mom and her old friend from school reminisced while my cousin and I made fabulous discoveries in the shop attached to this little cafe. We were sorely tempted, but very strong and didn’t buy a thing.

 

We had guests over regularly for tea, enjoyed a marvelous Indian restaurant meal, and spent our last evening at cousin’s golf club. Cousins, nieces and nephews came by to see their Aunty for the first time in several years. We saw nearly everyone (one cousin even came from London), told stories, identified people in old family photos, hugged, laughed and cried. We knew it would be so difficult to leave.

But leave we did, and after three weeks respite at home, headed off to California. Stay tuned.

Till next time, have a grand week!

 

 

 

 

 

Four Very Dangerous Words

“Did You Miss Me?”

An answer might be, “oh yes, of course!” or the scary one, “oh, were you away?”

My blogging (and sewing) activities have been severely neglected over the last few months, due to some of life’s little circumstances, and some very marvelous travels. The circumstances are at once wonderful and challenging, and the travels have been varied and filled with family love and celebrations.

Slowly but slowly, I’m getting back on the beam, and possible posts are in the works:

Our trip to Wales – during which time, of course, I met up with the fabulous Ali of THIMBERLINA,

Our trip to California – my beautiful daughter became a wife; one week later my sister did the same; hubby and I took a little trip within a trip. Such a whirlwind!

Our latest (and unexpected) construction project.

Jumping back into the 52-Week Photo Challenge and Sunday Sevens.

And projects! Holidays are coming right up, and I must be back at my sewing machine in short order!

But first, you’ve all been carrying on without me, so I’ve lots of catching up to do with all of your adventures.

See you in a few……

 

 

Sunday Sevens – 8.28.16

Hi all, and welcome to today’s installation of Sunday Sevens, created by the lovely Natalie over at Threads and Bobbins. It’s a loosely-ruled challenge: just choose 7 (or so) pictures from your week, and post them on Sunday (or any other day). Check out her site, and think about joining in.

In no order whatsoever, here are a few snippets of my week.

New toy

Some people are easily excited by the most mundane things. I must be among that group of people, because I’m unnaturally thrilled with my new salad spinner.

Painting continues

My contribution will be the window facings and baseboards, when all the “messy” stuff is finished and cleaned up. I got off easy, wouldn’t you say?

So pretty

Haven’t had a cloud shot in some time, so here is dandy one for you.

Needles

So, why would anyone be lining up their needles and photographing them? Perhaps because one’s glasses prescription is outdated and one cannot read the fine print on the needles, thereby being unable to determine which is the proper choice for a particularly fine fabric without enlarging the picture. I’ve heard that can happen to someone….

A new hamburger joint in town

We tried a new place, and we were quite pleased. These three stooges gentlemen were apparently happy customers, too. (We did not eat any one-pounders.)

Curses

One of my nearly new tires was slashed. I don’t know where, or when, or how, but it went nearly to the cord. Spent an afternoon getting a new one. Grrrrrrr.

Cutting out

Oh look, progress! The muslin is finished, and the real fabric is now cut out and ready for stitching up.

More to come

And look, some new cloth bits.

That’s it for now, everyone. Hope your upcoming week is outstanding!

 

 

 

 

Sunday Sevens – Aug 7 2016

Good morning all, and welcome to today’s Sunday Sevens. Sunday Sevens is a round-up of sorts, little bits of your week that don’t really need a full post. Pop over to the creator Natalie’s site, Threads and Bobbins, to see if you’d like to join in. It’s fun, easy, and has no real rules. What follows are bits of my last couple of weeks, in no particular order.

No more blue room

Bedroom is now primed, and finish coats go on today. The color will be richer, a nice soft cream – this is just the primer – 50% saturation. Trim is glossy white. Hmmmm, what colors now to use for linens and such? I’m leaning toward a darkish shade of turquoise perhaps with printed curtains over white sheers? Maybe some coral? Any ideas?

Curvy corner closet

This will be my closet. Since it is so tiny and shallow, we will opt for shelving with some hooks for scarves, belts, bags, etc instead of a hanging rack (that will to go in another room). The tiny corner shelf already in place will hold my hat boxes. That is, if I had hat boxes, they would stack there. I’ll surely find a good use for it.

Sewing

This might explain why sewing has been so SLOW to get going. Until my sewing room is finished, I’m squeezed into a very warm (yes, it’s really hot) and crowded laundry/storage/”where-will-I-put-all-this-stuff-from-the-blue-room” room! Can you spot the sewing center in this embarrassing shambles?

In spite of the mess, I have started a new project…

My new blouse! Pattern printed, assembled, and cut from muslin. Gotta love finally seeing some progress.

Transformations

My oak leaf hydrangea outside the kitchen has transformed. Now that the bees have had their fill, the once vivid white flowers are now green, deepening to pink. So lovely!

Off to the races

We went to the local racetrack. Our friend’s son was in the main event, and although he didn’t finish well, he did finish. And in a crash-filled race, surviving with body and machine intact was a huge accomplishment.

Scary seats

The racetrack and the bleachers have been around for decades. It might be better not to watch your step when clambering around these seats; if you don’t see all the holes it feels less precarious. Pay no attention to the wobbly steps. Ack!

Relaxing weekend visit

After a sunny, Friday afternoon followed by evening at the fire pit, I awoke to a wonderful, misty morning.

Bridging the gap

We nearly drove past this jewel of a spot, but quickly turned around to see what it was…

Was this originally a railroad bridge? A foot bridge? What is it now? Next trip, we’ll make time to investigate the surroundings and story of this old bridge.

Fun fest

We made our first visit to the Park Avenue Summer Art Fest. The weather was ideal, there were arts and crafts, home services, and food choices a’plenty! We opted for poutine, a delicious mess of French fried potato strips covered in gravy. I chose the vegetarian version, and pretended it was calorie-free and absolutely healthy. The residents along the avenue were out in force, playing music, even offering cheap lemonade from front porches. Businesses also were open for business and they were packed! We found a coffee purveyor, serendipitous as we just finished our last bag. Timing is everything.

Well, I guess that just about covers the last couple of weeks. Hope your last weeks were lovely, and the next one even better!

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Sevens – Week 94

Hello All and welcome to today’s installment of Sunday Sevens, invented by the lovely Natalie of Threads and Bobbins. Why not give it a peek and see how you can join in.

Seems like a rather uneventful week…but I’ve been up with the birds every day and walking about in the neighborhood. Here are a few shots of what I’ve been enjoying…

Early morning sunlight

This is one of my favorite trees, the light makes these puffy flowers just glow.

A tiny detour

The surrounding woods offer paths and trails for hiking, biking, walking or running – or in my case, simply meandering.

Street art

The whole intersection in this quiet family block is painted in such vivid, colorful, happy nature scenes.

Veggies galore

Healthy eating can be a joyful experience…just look at the delicious beginnings of this 15-bean soup. Yum!

Or how about a “deconstructed” salad, served with a little balsamic, cheese and homemade bread (there must always be bread).

Out my kitchen window

The sweet aroma wafts in and fills the kitchen, and I happily share these blooms with the birds and bees.

We watched a bit of soccer

Gareth!

Not really construction

We are just painting a bedroom, but poorly done repairs by previous owners necessitated some new plastering, new molding, and new closet interiors. Just a quick peek into the entry. More to come.

The double rainbow in the feature photo was taken by my hubby after a recent, welcome rain.

Have a great week, everyone!

Sunday Sevens – Week 92 ( I think? )

Good afternoon everyone and welcome to my latest version (and I’ve no idea what the real number is, let alone my own) of Sunday Sevens, invented by Natalie, over at Threads and Bobbins. Check out the non-rules, and see if you’d like to join in.

It seems as if we’ve been housebound lately, but I do have some photos of short strolls and wanderings around the house and environs.

Feline Shenanigans

When one walks up the stairs, this little kid stops in front and demands a back scratch.

Upon reaching the first turn landing, she then needs her belly rubbed.

Breaking Bread

My hubby is quite the bread maker…this lumpy darling is my first loaf. Yum!

Cleaning Up

Lots of bare patches to fill in after recent street work was completed. One day as I watered, this little fellow jumped in for a quick shower.

Kiddie Garden

The children work this garden in the elementary school around the corner.

Empty Room

Ah yes, more renovating. Much as I would love this to become my dedicated sewing/dressing room, I believe it will be the new master bedroom.

Wise Words

This sign at the zoo is a bit hidden, I feel it should be more prominently displayed.

Out for a stroll

All kinds of families enjoy a nice summer outing.

Have a most marvelous week everyone!

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Sevens – Week 84

Hello and welcome to Sunday Sevens on MonTuesday.

Sunday Sevens, devised by the lovely Natalie over at Threads and Bobbins, is a great way to share your week (or a couple of weeks…) by posting photos that don’t necessarily call for a whole post of their own. Check it out to see how you can join in.

Spring is springing!

In spite of some still chilly evenings, I do believe spring is finally here! Tender beginnings on the first front yard tree to bloom.

This is the one I’ve been waiting for so anxiously. You may remember its scary dormant state, a far cry from this brilliant green becoming fuller each day.

And what in the world are these things? They look like some sort of alien landscape, and will be about 2 feet high in a few days. Not a fan.

Walking around the neighborhood

Clearest, bluest skies imaginable!

Does anyone recognize these? Mom picked one up, waved it at me, and chanted “Obbly obbly onker….my first conker!” Had I reacted properly, we’d have had a little conker (sword) fight on the curb.

Our City likes to jazz up the mundane. Here is a traffic signal all decked out.

Are you talking to me?

Unless it’s a call to dinner, Ms Freida prefers to be uninterrupted.

Lake Ontario shoreside

We took mom for a ride/walk out in the sunshine. This old place has been around since over 70 years, and hubby went there as a kid for “hots”, which is the local way of saying hot dogs. We sat outdoors at old picnic table and enjoyed a hot, for old time’s sake.

Ready for 5K

Nazareth College hosted a 5k run/walk for charity. We were walking for Gigi’s Playhouse, which is a soon-to-be-built facility for people with Down Syndrome. A worthy cause, a lot of fleet-footed runners and not-so-fleet-footed walkers, a gorgeous campus, and a glorious day!

New digs

Believe it or not, my new (temporary) sewing room is seeing some action! My machine was relocated from the dining table to a corner of the laundry room upstairs. It sits on one utility table, and two raised utility tables are cinched together for a cutting/folding table. Happy stitching to me.

Getting out the vote

Our polling place for the presidential primary is at a neighborhood elementary school. Since school was in session, there was an official door-opener, and she didn’t appreciate me taking a photo, so this was hastily snapped.

 

That’s all for today, gang. Hope your week is most marvelous!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Sevens – Week 81

Hi all, it’s that time again…Sunday Sevens, which is the invention of Natalie over at Threads and Bobbins, and keeps a few of us (well, me) blogging while sewing posts are slim. You might want to join us in the Sevens, it’s fun and easy; pop over to her blog and check out the rules (or lack thereof).

I’ve taken a few photos over the last couple of weeks, and here they are:

Over the Top Easter Goodies

We were overcome by the immense variety at our local chocolatiers (not to mention the mile-long line) and came home with a sampling. The little marzipan pig reminded mama of her childhood Easter baskets.

UK v US

A recent blog discussion on the inferior quality of American chocolate (I tend to agree) included the mention of Cadbury Flake. I happened upon some of these bars at in import store and picked one up. Thoughtlessly I tossed the wrapper, so I don’t know if this an American version or truly an import from the UK, but I was sadly unimpressed.

On Baby Watch

At the bend of the gutter next to the brick post, you can see a nest. A little brown mama bird has been adding to it recently, so we should have a passel of wide open, tiny mouths very soon.

Bulbs

Daffodils! Or….are they Narcissus? They seem too small to be my hoped-for Daffodils, but they are all yellow, so maybe?

It’s Spring! Just kidding.

It’s April 3, and this is what I awoke to this morning. And just a couple of hours later…

…sunshine! But still oh, so cold! And every few minutes the clouds would obliterate the sunshine…mama was having quite the time reading the newspaper with the “lights” going on and off all day.

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme

And bay leaves and carrots and celery and onion and turkey. Making soup from Easter dinner. I had to save the wishbone, just like in the old days.

Line Up

My hubby likes to arrange things. These old chairs, which have wintered indoors, are moving downstairs and out  to the front porch. Right now they look like a time-out spot for naughty little children, don’t they?

That’s it for now, wishing you all a most wonderful week!

 

 

Sunday Sevens – Week 77, oops 78, oops 79!

Well hello everyone! It is time for a Sunday Sevens post, don’t you think? If you’re unfamiliar with Sunday Sevens, hop on over to the lovely Natalie’s blog, Threads and Bobbins and check it out. You might want to join in. It’s fun and couldn’t be easier as there are really no rules.

Here is a little sampling of what’s been going on around these parts over the last three weeks.

Casting

Hubby took a tumble down the stairs and massively ruptured his quadricept tendon. Ouch! He is not impressed with the full leg/foot cast to keep his knee immobilized, and has at least two weeks to go before they will even consider a switching to a locking brace.

Not sure whether Frieda considers herself nurse or guard, but whatever her position, she is very important.

We discovered, quite by accident, that the box seats at the symphony are fabulous! After arranging for a handicapped spot for hubby, Mama and I proceeded to our assigned seats. An issue with his seat was resolved by sending the three of us to box seats which would accommodate his cast. His crutches rested comfortably on this marble shelf while his foot was placed on a box with pillow. We had an unimpeded view, and plenty of space all around. As good as it gets!

He had way too much fun scooting through the grocery store! Shouts of “wheeee”, and “beep, beep” entertained the other shoppers and store clerks.

Never one to be outdone, mama had to have a little cast of her own. After two days of pain with a very swollen finger (I call it Big Red), yesterday we spent nearly 4 hours at urgent care. Diagnosed with Tophaceous Arthritis, she was given a splint and referred to a rheumatologist. I’ll spare you the before picture and the details of procedure, as it could cause loss of lunch.

Spring

The temperature varies significantly from day to day, even hour to hour, so each new day is complete mystery. There are signs, however, of spring!

Fat robin on the roof.

Lots of shoots, and look, our first full blown, blooming flowers!

 

My favorite tree (does anyone know what it is?). This is the most gnarly, gangly, brown, unappealing mass in its dormancy. In a short time though, it will be a brilliant green and full of tiny white flowers (remnants of last year’s blooms still clinging on). Such a stark contrast, and I really do love how it wraps around the front porch.

Last stretch of country road before re-entering the city after dropping Mr LTSB at work. It will be a glorious drive as soon as the grass and trees are fully green.

Out and About

Cabin fever has been rampant here, as you might imagine. Last Friday, we had a little outing and lunch at Canandaigua Lake.

Rows of little houses built in the water off the pier. It was a dreary day, but the colorful “street side” of these cottages cheer things up.

Lovely pedestrian paths along the lake.

Walking the Neighborhood

And finally, we are out walking again! Taking of advantage of each warm(ish) day to get some exercise and enjoy the sunshine.

Lovely spring day for a walk around the neighborhood, the sky is blue again, and the sidewalks are busy with walkers, joggers, bikers and pups!

So that’s it then, thanks for stopping by, and I hope you have a most marvelous week ahead.

Sunday Sevens – Week 76

Today’s Sunday Sevens is a little different, serving to explain about my recent absence around the blogosphere. Please check out Natalie’s site, Threads and Bobbins to see what the Sevens are all about.

My sister dubbed December the “Month of Yes”. The Month of Yes was dedicated to enjoying all tasty goodness of the holiday season (it really began in November and ended in January, but let’s not quibble about a few days).

After  enjoying TMOY to its maximum and managing the first month of the new year, February has produced what I’ve dubbed the “Week of No”. In fact, there have been three such weeks resulting in either limited or NO progress in sewing, projects, exercise, cello practicing, my List of 16, photos, or blogging-reading, commenting or posting. Good grief!

The conspirators? A fender-bender in the bank parking lot. I pulled into an empty space, and as I had nearly completed parking, the truck next to me began to pull out. Yes, right into my right front fender and wheel well. Curses. Off we go to the collision department. I am stuck without a vehicle at home when hubby takes the truck to work.

In addition to lack of transportation, we are housebound due to a major snowstorm that dropped eighteen inches of snow. Mom and I exercise indoors, referring to our sessions as our “Knees Up, Mother Browns”.

You can see our little front fence before the snow storm….

and a few hours later. Withing an hour after this photo, fence was entirely covered.

Tough times bring out good people. Our generous next door neighbor and his snowblower cleared driveways and sidewalks for four of the adjacent homes. He made three passes for each of us.

I didn’t have pen and paper handy for phone numbers when same neighbor and another offered help with snow or transportation while husband was in hospital and after bringing him home. What? Did you read that correctly? Yes. My dear hubby slipped on the basement stairs and ruptured the quadricept tendon nearly completely. Surgery performed, a full length leg cast administered, patient finally released and hospital bed delivered. A very long recovery is predicted. Sigh.

My sad, empty makeshift sewing basket. It’s very tiny, the bottom is about 3″ by 6″, and in this picture you can’t see all the holes and “pointy” parts. Wouldn’t it be lovely to have a new one?

Oooh, there just might be a new post coming up regarding said basket.

Hoping to get back to some normalcy very soon. Sewing projects are gathered, washed, ready and waiting. In the meantime I’m just trying to stay focused on each moment, and keep myself healthy and strong for everyone else.

Wishing you all a week ahead with no trauma, and lots of progress and joy!