Number three: Nosegays and good times with friends!

I picked a couple of armloads of  flowers (yesterday) from the garden and  took them to a friends house to share a few tips on making nosegays.  This particular nosegay is made by forming a cone with attractive paper. (Scrapbook paper works well) Cut out a circle in the desired size, cut the circle in half and form the cone. Tape.
 A small ribbon is glued around the circumference of the cone to finish the edge. (See pictures below)

A water tube is used to keep the flowers fresh for days.
Fill tube with water and  flowers. Slip the tube into the paper cone. 

A ribbon handle can be added  by punching a whole on either side of the cone and tide off.  It can then be hung on a door, tree or twig.  Another option, without the ribbon, is to place it in a clear jar or vase. 

Didn't the ladies do a fine job?  Each person went home with a sweet nosegay!

Iris

It takes time to realize an Iris after the bulb has been planted.  Four seasons have passed since they were placed in our ground.  This spring is bringing us several Iris flowers and it's been worth the wait!

Iris

Thou are the Iris, fair among the fairest

Who, armed with golden rod

And winged with the celestial azure, bearest

The message of some god.


Thou are the Muse, who far from crowded cities

Hauntest the sylvan streams,

Playing on pipes of reed the artless ditties

That come to us as dreams.


O flower-de-luce, bloom on, and let the river

Linger to kiss thy feet!

O flower of song, bloom on, and make for ever

The world more fair and sweet.

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Thank you, Iva! The Iris are magnificent!

Walking daily......

....is a healthy habit. It gets me into another neighborhood that is quite different from our farm. The neighborhood I am referring to boarders Stone Creek Golf course and is the golf course. This route has been the same path I've taken, with my walking partner, for the past four years. We have worn out several pairs of shoes and enjoyed some pretty lively conversations! We often talk about the benefits of walking like: lower cholesterol, keep weight in balance, eye health, lower blood pressure and attends to vitamin D deficiency. I'd like to say that walking has allowed me to lose weight, but that is not the case. It allows me to eat without gaining. We walk in the rain and sunshine. There is also the exception of rain blowing sideways and extreme wind! Many times we have gotten wet down to our underwear but not as often as some report! Every day it doesn't rain is appreciated and noted! :)

A friendly neighbor puts out fresh water for those who walk with their dogs.

Daffodils grow freely against the fence and will be there for years to come.

Way up, over our heads, we hear honking. A gaggle of Canada Geese fly in V formation, heading towards the East, with a stop at the pond.

We head down into the wooded area, along the creek and behind the golf course.

Deer fern grow on the rocks and trees along the path. They are so pretty and won't grow in other places...like pots.

Trillium are scattered all along the creek and path.

Ahh..the sunshine is beginning to peek out beneath the fluffy white clouds!

Many of the homes along the golf course are large and very well appointed. We get to look at their pools and lovely landscapes as we tread by.

This planting is exceptional and if we ever saw the owners outside we would say, "thank you!"

In a few short weeks it will be changed out and another amazing show will be displayed!

I encourage those of you who want to walk to find an area that is safe and one that you enjoy. Start out slowly and build up to a distance that is further than you think you would like to go. Four miles sounds like a lot to me, but it is the distance that has built up my strength and given my body the opportunity to repair itself in areas that were lacking. It is also the distance around the golf course and back to my walking partners house. It's been a good thing.

Oregon Coast...Summer getaway with the girls!

I'm off to visit the Oregon Coast with my good friends. Tradition was set many years ago to gather for this time of laughter, walks on the beach, interesting movies, talks late into the night and good food!

Clam chowder and chocolate are a must!! I'll be back soon!

When a good friend passes....

When a good friend passes away it feels like time should stop. It doesn't and the days get busy before they get quiet. I am pausing to take a few quiet days to be thankful for the days that were and realise the impact one life can make. He was the father of four and husband of my friend. His life was too short, but he used it to honor God. And, that is what matters. The little speck in the middle of the picture is an Osprey. It is a majestic bird that lives in the highest of places. This bird reminds me of my friend. He is soaring. God Bless the family.

Getaway....in the high desert of Oregon

For the past four days the sky has been blue, the air warm and the water calm. Activity consisted of long walks through the high desert forest, canoeing down the Deschutes River, talking for hours with old friends, and eating well! Canoeing has become a favorite activity, and a time to connect with nature. The Deschutes River at Sunriver is at its calmest and wildlife appears at every bend of the river. Ducks flew in to greet us, fish jumped out of the water and we had the time noticed it all.

Puffy clouds floated through the sky while draft horses grazed on lush grass.

One meal consisted of home grown lettuce, which created a sumptuous salad,

lemon spaghetti with fresh basil and adorned with shrimp.

These are the kind of getaways that create lasting friendship and appreciation for the things that money can't buy!

Wreath making day...

Wreath making day is traditionally done the day after Thanksgiving at our farm. This year was no exception! My walking buddy and I met in the flower cottage, out by the barn, and began to weave fresh greenery into wreaths. Making a wreath takes a bit of time, energy and it pretty much ruins a manicure! We begin by snipping short lengths of fir, cedar, eucalyptus, holly, boxwood, bamboo and whatever else we can find. Then we make small bundles of assorted greenery, wire the bundles, and lay them on a wreath form, one overlaying the other. Soon we have completed the sphere. Then we add embellishments, like cones, bows, birds, nests, and berries. The wreaths above have been hung on home doors, and the wreath below is hanging over a window at our place of business. Wreaths are fun to make and we always make sure to have the Christmas music playing, a cup of something hot to drink, and a turkey sandwich to eat! Here I am with last years wreath. It was a large one and lasted well into January!

Sewing continued....

After saying we would share more of our finished sewing projects from our days of play, there was a realization that we can't show everything. It's that time of year to create things for our loved ones, and it would be a shame to ruin the surprise. I know you understand, but here are two bags that Barbara made. Last Christmas I sewed the bags for my girls, and Barbara had fun with the pattern this year! Her girls won't be looking... so we are safe. The pattern is called Brynne's Bag, and comes from The Pine Needle in Lake Oswego, Oregon. It can be ordered by calling 800-655-5632, or on their web site at http://www.pineneedlequiltshop.com/

The Pine Needle is one of the nicest quilts shops around, and the web site gives a good idea of all they offer!

The fabrics Barbara chose are rich, and add a certain flair to the bags! There are two nice -sized pockets inside, and each bag will soon have large buttons for a closure. These bags are large enough to use for books, groceries, or as a purse. Each is lined with a co-ordinating fabric, and the handles are long enough to throw over a shoulder.

One more quick wall hanging to show. Barbara made this one from a pattern called "Let it Snow", created by Country Lore Designs. She assured me it was not difficult to put together, and a fun one to do in fabrics to match a color palette of any choice. We have had a great couple of days and have many more to plan for!! Friends are a treasure!

Sewing.....

My dear friend, Barbara, arrived earlier today from the great state of Kansas. We have enjoyed knowing each other for about twenty-seven years, and make time for each other at least once a year. We enjoy sewing together, and before dinner time we had these chicken pincushions stuffed and sewn up! The instruction we followed were just about impossible to decipher. There was quite a bit of trial and error! Alas...three rock stuffed, quilted chickens are done, and ready for gift giving. Tomorrow we are taking a quick trip to two quilt shops near our home, and by noon will be back sewing. These are the best of times for us! As the week progresses there will be more projects to share. Do come back to check-in!

Each chicken has it's own personality, unique shape and size.

Concorde Grape Pie!!

First of all...I did not make this pie...but I have been eating it for the past two days! My walking buddy made it. She has given us a grape pie every year, during this week of October, for the past three years! It has become something we talk about as the grapes ripen, and a gift that makes my mouth water just in mentioning it. If you have any inclination toward the flavor of Concorde Grape you would enjoy this amazing pie for it's deep grape flavor and it's purely sensational texture. I've included the recipe below but you will see that it's not a quick recipe to throw together. It takes time and effort! I like that I don't have to make it!

CONCORD GRAPE PIE
3 1/2 c. Concord grapes1 c. granulated sugar4 tbsp. flour1 1/2 tbsp. butter1 tbsp. lemon juice9 inch pie shell, (recipe follows)Streusel topping (recipe follows)
Wash, drain and stem grapes. Remove skins and simmer pump for 5 minutes. DO NOT add any water to pulp. While hot, press pump through a sieve (or food mill) to remove seeds. Combine strained pulp with skins. Combine sugar and flour; add to grapes. Blend in lemon juice and melted butter. Pour into pie shell and cover with streusel topping. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.
PIE SHELL:
2 c. flour1 tsp. salt3/4 c. shortening5 tbsp. cold water
Mix flour and salt in bowl. Cut in shortening with pastry blender until pea - sized chunks form. Sprinkle in water and mix until it will form a ball, DO NOT OVER MIX. Divide dough into 2 parts. Roll out thin onto floured surface or between wax paper. Press into pie plate.
Makes 2 crusts.
STREUSEL TOPPING:
3/4 c. flour1/2 c. granulate sugar1/3 c. melted butter

Part two: A coyote was spotted carrying off one of our chickens yesterday. I saw him again this morning circling around the hen house. Any tiny hole there was has been fixed and reinforced. My biggest concern right now are our two cats, Bart and Simon. I have prayed for their protection and kept them in the garage as much as they will allow me. Many times today I have gone outside, to do my own circling, and have once again set out the radio with the loudest man on radio, blaring his opinions towards the woods!! Yikes...what is happening....I can come up with the most obnoxious solutions!! This solution has worked so far! :)

Bart has just one small gesture for the coyote!

Simon is our passive boy!

That's all!! Have a good week!

Cinnabar!

The beautiful bag, called Cinnabar, came to me from Tracy of Pink Purl. She made it for her Esty shop, I loved it and now it's mine! Tracy has many lovely things in her Pink Purl Etsy shop and each item is made with her personal touch. This bag has two pockets inside; one for my camera and one for my phone. I am using it as a purse for now, but it could also be used to carry books, diapers, lunch, etc! Tracy has several items on sale right now and if you run right over to her Esty Shop you can also find something that fits your taste!! Simply click on the link I've highlighted and poof...you will see everything!! Have fun shopping!! Thank you, Tracy!

When good friends gather.....

As the temperature rose in the Willamette Valley this last weekend, the Oregon Coast cooled down and provided an escape. The weather at the beach was inverted and the coastline became fogged in. It was so fogged in at times that we felt like we were walking through something unearthly. There were children playing on the beach, in spite of the fog, and people built fires to warm themselves. Everyone knew what the valley held, and appreciated the coolness.

We (seven friends from church) busied ourselves at making altered books to use as journals. There was a scurry of cutting and gluing, until each person had their own idea of what their journal should look like. The books didn't quite get finished, but can be easily finished at home.
One of the ladies brought hand quilting and this is the result of her time. It will be made into a mug rug. It was interesting to watch as she pieced and sewed!
Food was fast and plenty!! These pizzas were delicious and served us as one dinner meal. When seven good friends gather, there is an air of celebration and fun!! We have gathered together for years by taking a few days away from the busyness of home, with the gift of time, to value the friendship we share.
Now...back to home and getting some things done around the garden!