...this weekend! We are heading out on our latest "international" trip to our homeland and our most Beautiful Cottage....as you may recall we've had some major remodeling done - we did have one minor bump along the way (a door that is waiting to be installed) but other then that it is supposed to be all done for us. Can't wait to see it (and share pics with you). See you on the other side of the weekend. To all of my friends in the States - have fun and stay safe! Cheers, Jewels.
...I started running in the 80's - man have things changed since then. I look at old photos of me (no I'm not posting them) and am amazed how much running gear has improved since then, especially for women. In those days a women's running shoe was essentially a man's shoe but different colours. And the material was nothing like today - we also had those shorts (you know the kind, "short" and not too flattering).
I took a hiatus from running when we first moved to the States - reflecting back I did not realize just how homesick hubby and I were. Living in a different country, learning a new and busy job, trying to establish new friendships and connections - plus fitness "injuries" all collided and running got shelved.
But back in 2004 I started again and, except when the ole body won't allow it, I've stuck with it. Running has got me through a lot of things. It is the one time I can mentally clear my head and "problem solve". I've written entire reports in my head while running. I've also used it to "let go" when life throws curve balls - it can be very cathartic. It's also helped me set goals - I always said I would run a half (13 miles) and full marathon (26 miles) and I did. While I don't expect to do again, I can still do a 4 mile run and not feel completely whipped - though the older I get the harder it is to drag my keister out of bed in the morning.
Which brings me to today's blog. I decided to take my camera with me on my run. I am a morning runner which usually means it is dark out. But on weekends, especially in the summer, I have more day light. I have a four mile "block" from my house north of town which means I get to run on rural roads. We have had unseasonably warm weather this spring (in the 80's today). Going out there was a light fog indicating a humid day for us.
There are some interesting sights along my way...a park that get's used by horse riders and "mountain" bikers (say that tongue in cheek as Midland is as flat as can be).
I
n the winter it gets used for tobogganing and sledding
An old country cemetery..
Lots
and lots
of barns (I like old barns, don't you?)
And old colourful farmhouses
I'll not show you the number of "dirty ditches" I run by, but every now and then you come across ones full of flowers
At this time of year plenty of birds, including this red winged black bird who decided to follow me for part of my run.
Back at Maple Hill you can see the perennials are well on their way - I just have not had enough time to get to the nursery for my annuals (sigh)...anyway, thanks for joining me on my jog! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend to.
Suggestions?
I like seniors, I realllllllly do. My parents are seniors, and I'm pretty sure I like them. Some of my good friends, like Carol, are seniors - pretty sure I like them to!
...I started running in the 80's - man have things changed since then. I look at old photos of me (no I'm not posting them) and am amazed how much running gear has improved since then, especially for women. In those days a women's running shoe was essentially a man's shoe but different colours. And the material was nothing like today - we also had those shorts (you know the kind, "short" and not too flattering).
Suggestions? 
Picked up while thrifting of course...
Any other suggestions - 2 Baby Chenille blankets...
One in pretty good shape
The other has "patina".....
and a design that makes more sense on the reverse....
Last but not least - I almost put this in our Guild bazaar a couple of years ago but was quickly told by some of my quilting peeps to hang on..someone might come up with some ideas for them....
So I have all these lovely items sitting in a pillow case with really no place to show them...
Suggestions would be appreciated.....
And according to AARP I'm a senior - my hubby (who is a few years younger) laughed his socks off when I recieved an AARP membership - which of course I took since, even though I neither look or feel like a senior, I'm all for discounts (har, har).
I like seniors so I am happy to support Senior Cottage Industry....case in point...
Every year our Mall has a Senior's Craft Weekend which coincides with Mother's Day. For the last few years I have been visiting the booth of one lovely lady who makes garden art....
..and I mean NICE garden art. I first fell in love with her birdhouses - which she and her husband make from recycled materials (bonus) in a nearly (two years to go) Centennial farm (bonus x 2) . I just like the shape and creativity
After all - see that AARP headline - while I'm MANY years from 63, I may also need some young whippersnapper to support me when I'm selling stuff at the mall one day (LOL). Jewels.
It's ATC time again - last month with everything that was going on we decided to "skip" so I'll have a blank for the month of April. But I think I am making up for it in May.This month's "theme" is the colour purple - so pretty much dictates what we will use!
Here is my process (you can certainly tell the difference between the night photos and the day shots - that top material is really NOT that yellow)....After figuring out material...
and graphic...
I proceeded to cover a 5" x 7" square of pellum with Steam a Seam and scraps of fabric 
and stitched down using different cards for my machine
- not really sure how it was going to turn out
But once it got trimmed down to the size of an ATC (2 1/2 by 3 1/2) I was quite pleased and then I got to "play" - pulling my room apart for doohickies to add (after I just spent all weekend cleaning up from the Quilt Show, sigh! - its the process, its the process remember)
Here are two finished - looking quite lovely I think (see what I mean by the day shot). Cheers, Jewels 
Oh my - never know what you will find underneath the layers...
Unfortunately there were some bad spots that included lots of ants (yech) - fortunately they have all been fixed (with strong advise to get some new gutters installed) ...
Here is a preview of what everything will look like - the two walls they were able to finish
New doors and windows are coming this week - and everything will be done before Memorial Day weekend
I am a little concerned what we will find when we get there - you know how it is, one job like this leads to another, and another, and another ....
AND for my reliees who like to go up - the phone line is getting fixed! The problem was found (external) so no more crackly lines (I hope)....more to come....
