My First Quilt

It took me 3+ years, but I finished it. The piecing was done by machine, the quilting by hand.

I can see each mistake, but I'm happy with it. I already have ideas for two more where I am a little more creative. We'll see how long it takes me to start on those.

A Busy Labor Day Weekend!

Well, I think we are ready for winter. This weekend after freezing 40 quart bags of corn, we started making tomato sauce. I haven't transferred the sauce to freezer bags yet, but I'd guess we made about 6 galllons to add to the 6 gallons we already have. We already have plenty of green beans and diced tomatoes in the freezer. I didn't take pictures of the tomato process - but have posted pictures of what it took to do the corn.

10 dozen ears of corn and 10 dozen husks.

One turkey fryer and one husband good with a knife

Hot bath and cold bath. All this equals 40 qt bags of corn in the freezer

My Blackeyed Susans

I love, love, love these flowers. We had them at our 1st house on Arcadia, transplanted one to Tallmadge Road when we moved there, then by the time we moved to Johnnycake, we had enough to plant several. They are along my drive and here in front. They are gorgeous!

Perseverance

While sitting on the porch last week, I looked down to see a bug hauling a dead spider across the deck. At one point the bug set the spider down, walked on for a bit (I assume to check his bearings), then came back. It soon became apparent that the bug wanted to take the spider underneath. He tried just pulling him down, but that didn't work so good. The spider was pulled back out and the bug went below. I can only guess at what was happening - maybe he had to move his stuff around to make room for this new aquisition. There were many trips up and down, with several attempts to move that spider. Eventually he accomplished his task. Imagine - I have a whole world under my feet! And people wonder why I don't get bored!

Disking the Garden

Nothing says new life and hope for the future like planting seeds in the garden. You nurture them (okay, Chet does), pray for rain and before you know it you are up to your you know what in tomatoes. I even got to drive the tractor while Chet sprayed!

Women in History

What a fun night I had! I went to a program presented by a group called Women In History" from Lakewood Ohio. They do history re-enactments. Last night's program was about "Crazy Bet" Elizabeth Van Lew and Mary Elizabeth Bowser from Richmond, Virginia. "Crazy Bet" was the daughter of a successful business man and Mary Elizabeth was one of their slaves. After her father died, "Crazy Bet" freed her slaves and Mary Elizabeth's family stayed in her employ. "Crazy Bet" became a spy for the Union and eventually recruited Mary Elizabeth - she "loaned" her to Mrs. Jefferson Davis (the wife of the president of the Confederacy.) In the Davis household Mary Elizabeth was able to get many of the Confederacy's plans. How did we not learn about this in school! It was really entertaining. The group is a non-profit and have around 90 characters they do - and yes they travel! If you are interested in more info, their web site is http://www.womeninhistoryohio.com/

Spring Time

As I was laying in bed this morning, I kept hearing a soft "knock knock" coming from somewhere. At first I thought maybe someone was at the door. I got up to look, and no, there wasn't anyone at the door. I made coffee, checked the computer, ate breakfast. I kept hearing this soft, "knock knock", "knock knock." There weren't any branches thumping against the windows. The back door wasn't ajar. I finally zeroed in on the guest bedroom, and low and behold, someone did want in!