Spring = Growing

At Cozy Acres spring is coming.

A few pictures of the Farmer’s winter/spring garden

beets                                            broccoli                                   parsleyand onions

cabbage, bolted          mustard greens,turnip flowers       lettuce s

cauliflower                   cauliflower leavings

The row on the right raspberries, boysenberries and Marion berries.

                                 

The left row grapes,   ??  the varieties. Grape cuttings have leaves.

West and south sides have glass, the east side will have a sliding door and window to match west. The back side will be wood. All the glass has been donated.  The floor is river rock covered with decomposed granite. the Farmer is getting anxious to begin planting seed.

We hope you don’t have skin problems as this tree does.

These iris have been blooming since November and still there are bubs.

Love these violets!

Part of our rose garden, it is amazing to me  –  how drastically the roses are pruned. They grow full and beautiful.

Ajuga  is 6-8 inches tall, I’ve never had them grow so well as here.

This is my row of hydrangeas, all have good new growth. To the left, assorted ground covers are being planted. All the varieties I brought from Grandma Crain are growing nicely.

Our current wall hanging is one I made in 2004. I entered a quilt challenge, given the musical note fabric make a quilt on the theme, Music in the Foothills for the Foothill Quilt guild quilt show. The pattern is a variation of delectable mountains. All those little half square triangles were made with triangle paper. I won  the Viewer’s Choice award. I was more pleased to win the award than on from the judges. The viewer’s choice award is received from votes from the public viewers and quilters.

Published in: on April 6, 2012 at 6:42 pm  Comments (1)  

What’s Happening at Cozy Acres, Outside and Inside

February 21 is a beautiful winter day on Cozy Acres. The Farmer said, ” Today I’ll get the planting done”   Walk around with me, I’ll show you.

Last week the Farmer dug up a wayward wisteria and put up this woven wire trellis. Monday 4 star jasmine were purchased with a gift certificate from Capital Nursery.




Compost, fertilizer and tools all together
The Farmer has planting sown to a science.

Star Jasmine at home at Cozy Acres.

Some plants are starting to bloom.

Three varieties of violets and primroses are coming up.

Christmas Rose from Grandma Crain.

Today’s Seed Nursery

Fig cuttings

Future Greenhouse

Behind the tractor shed, facing south and west

Railroad ties for footing, river rocks for flooring

Wood for framing

Poor picture, used patio doors and assorted windows
from Enterprise Glass, Mary’s employer

Winter Garden

Kind of weedy, still trying to perfect winter gardening.

Beets

Broccoli takes about a minute to steam to tender crisp.

Cauliflower, onions, greens

Monday the Farmer purchased 5 citrus trees, Meyer Lemon, Blood Orange, Navel Orange,  Rio Red grapefruit, and a Satsuma tangerine.

Trees will get planted in the front yard north side of house.

The Farmer on his knees again, praying while planting, I’m sure.

Grass will be removed inside the circle, tree planted, mulched thickly, river rock will border each planting.

You have to see the daffodils around the pecan tree.

Daffodils and china lilies from Grandma Crain and the Lincoln Avenue property.

View from north porch.

Of course, Grizz and Buster are overseeing everything.

Inside at Cozy Acres is not near as exciting, except to me.

Knitting stuff first.
I’ve been trying to finish some projects.

Only about 3-4 inches and the hood will be done on this sweatshirt sweater.

Tails are waiting to be woven in and these dishcloths are done.

This ‘Knit-a-long’ scarf is the most challenging project I have ever tried. I love the color of the yarn and the bronze beads accent it beautifully. My skills are falling short, but I’m not giving up.

I started this slouchy sock hat this week. I tried it on and it’s time to rip it allllllllll out. I knitted it  so loosely on size 10 needles,  that it is big enough for a giant, not the petite young lady I’ve in mind.

New yarn this month plus the hat yarn.

Quilting now.

My Christmas window hanging binding is pinned and ready to hand stitch and it’s done. Ready for next Christmas.

I’m on track with the Bread and Butter Quilting Club quilt for this year.

This year’s project.

The stripe  and all but 7 of the coordinating fabrics;   I found in my stash.

The center block, I fussy cut the urn from the stripe fabric, from cutting to final pressing about 4 hours.  For any quilters that read this, the flying geese were made with the one seam method.  I used method 4. I really like this method. I get  a good 1/4 inch from outside points to edge of block, so I don’t won’t loose any points that way and the three dimensional look is neat.

This is what our days are looking  like at Cozy Acres; and there are the chickens, and the little girlies 3 days a week, general yard work, juicing, and life.   I wouldn’t trade it for ……………..well, maybe I’ll think about this a little longer. 🙂

Published in: on February 21, 2012 at 2:19 pm  Comments (1)  

One Thousand Gifts — January Joy Dare

ONE THOUSAND GIFTS in 2012

January Joy Dare–capturing these gifts and joining Ann Voskamp at A Holy Experience.

“Joy is always a function of gratitude — and gratitude is always a function of perspective. If we are going to change our lives, what we’re going to have to change is the way we see.”

January 15

one thing you wore  —  a scarf/shawl knitted for me by my daughter
one thing you gave away  —   fabric waiting to be made into a quilt, and a
daughter doing just that


one thing you share  —  my love of quilting

January 16

three ways you witnessed happiness

a little girl’s “Thank you, Grannie!”
a grandson’s telling a feat accomplished


a special young lady sharing the doll she’d made all by herself for a younger sister

January 17

one gift that made you laugh  —  a grandson’s  grin


one gift that made you pray  —  a daughter far away and near again
one gift that made you quiet  —  acknowledging God’s all encompassing control of every situation

January 18

three gifts from God’s word

The gift of Salvation
The gift of Hope
The gift of an Unchanging God

January 19

a grace in the kitchen  —   the Farmer cleaning up after juicing
a grace in the weather — warm enough to let the doors be open to blow fresh air through the house
a grace that might never have been  —  a long life being lived after the doctor’s predicted less than a week to live

January 20

three gifts you saw only when you got close up

the beautiful quilting my daughter does on my quilts
dew drops on the poinsettias


color variations in last summer’s zinnias

January 21

one thing in the sky — a full rainbow
one thing in your memory — my daddy’s smile
one thing that’s ugly-beautiful  —  the gnarly oaks many years old

January 22

one grace wrinkled  —  a picture of the Farmer and me one week before we were married
one grace smooth  —  the way my knitting needles feel in my fingers
one grace unfolded —   God’s word, it’s new every morning

Gifts 156-180

Published in: on February 2, 2012 at 11:54 pm  Leave a Comment  

One Thousand Gifts and a Scripture

Tonight I am adding to my list of gifts I’ve been given. Most of these gifts can be found around Cozy Acres. The Mother-in-law, squirrel and red tiger lilies can be found in Redding, CA.

71. A wonderful, happy Mother-in-law
72. The Farmer’s busy, hard-working hands


73. A sunrise74. A moon rise

75. A frisky squirrel

76. Planting of the corn with Grandpa

77. Corn growing -on far left side

78. Corn ending for the year

79. Summer home-grown tomatoes

80. A tomato of perfection

81. Sweaters waiting for new homes

82. My first quilt -1960 or 61

83. Red tiger lilies

84. Passing on sewing skills

               

85. More Summer bounty

   

85. Bobo and part of his flock, waiting for Bro Bob

86. Fresh Eggs gathered by the Farmer

87. Finished projects

for Jonathan

for Elizabeth

for McKenna

And a scripture:

 . . . Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest.    Jeremiah 5:24b

Published in: on November 1, 2011 at 12:25 am  Leave a Comment  

Quilt Show Day Trip

One activity I really enjoy is going to a quilt show. Saturday, October 15, Mary and I set off on a day trip to the Pacific International Quilt Festival XX, one of the largest quilt shows on the west coast, displayed at the Santa Clara Convention Center.

We had breakfast on the way out of town, taking our time with no time pressure. The only way to go on a day trip. As I drove, we chatted and listened to an audio book, stopping the book often to chat some more.

Quilt construction techniques and styles have changed alot since I first started attending about 35 years ago.  Then most of the quilts were traditional patterns, with hand applique, and machine quilting was just started. Now a delightful mixture of traditional patterns, artsy designs, landscapes, some making political statements or supporting causes, i.e. breast cancer. Most of the quilts were machine quilted by long arm quilting machines or home sewing machines, few were hand quilted.

I prefer traditional patterns with a twist, something extra to add interest.  I look for color combinations that show thought and daring, just a little zing.

Mary and I liked A Quilter’s Dream wares. These two quilt patterns caught our eyes. The designs are simple, (reproduction would be easy) and the color placement makes the quilt.

This quilt on left is a simple design; one six inch block is made with another the reverse color placement. The color was very pleasing, the picture colors are not true to the original.

This quilt was very interesting, with the shadow effect.  The pattern looked more complex than it really was, again the color is off in the picture. The original was very striking.

Mary bought a pattern and fabric for a tote bag from this vender. The bag patterns were really neat. We’re glad we got the web site. It will be a place to visit as funds allow.

We walked for about 3 hours and only saw about a third of the quilts and vendors. Our eyes got full and our feet got tired.

Loving traditional sampler quilts with zing, this quilt was my favorite.

I think it is delightful mixture of traditional quilt patterns, unusual setting and beautiful applique accents. I wish the colors were true in this picture. Think wagon trains crossing the Midwest on the way to California.

The label pinned next to the quilt.  No ribbon was awarded, but it is a winner in my eyes.

Mary took more pictures,  I think I’ll borrow them for a later post.

We left Santa Clara and headed to Half Moon Bay, CA, a favorite area for ocean watching. We ran into stop and go traffic on the two lane road about 5 miles from the town.  Then we saw a sign “Pumpkin Festival, October 15-16”.  Bad Sign. This small town was over run with people walking, people on bicycles and people in cars. We drove around a little while, being stopped most of the driving time, then headed north.  We ate supper at a little road side fish restaurant on a man made boat cove, (I don’t remember the name).  We recommend the crab sandwich. The sun went down during dinner.

Since the ocean doesn’t have  flood lights, I drove home uneventfully, watching a harvest moon climb high in the sky.

Come the first weekend in November, I’ll be ready to visit the quilt show sponsored by the Pioneer Quilt Guild, Rocklin, CA.

Published in: on October 17, 2011 at 12:15 am  Leave a Comment  

On my mind – Finishing

On Friday DOWN TO EARTH shares what’s on her mind and
asks what’s on your mind?

This quilt is ‘on my mind.’

I pieced  this flannel quilt for my great-niece, McKenna.

My  goal for today: bind McKenna’s quilt.

Auntie Em did the beautiful quilting.

Postscript – Friday, 8:40pm, PDST   —   DONE!

Published in: on September 16, 2011 at 1:41 pm  Comments (1)  

On My Mind. . .did you ever build a log cabin?

July 22, this is my first time linking to this blog, the blogist (is that a word, am I the first to make it up?) lives in Australia. It is fun to read about different happenings because of different seasons.

I’ve copied her guidelines, hope I get it right!

On my mind …

This is a Friday photo feature that anyone with a blog can join. It opens the door to us sharing our lives through these photos and gives us all a new way to discover each other, and maybe form new friendships. Your photo should show something at home that you’re thinking about TODAY. If you’re in another country you should join in when you read this, even if it’s still Thursday.
To take part, all you have to do is post a photo on your own blog, write a short caption explaining it, and link it back to here. Please write a new post, don’t link to an older one. When your photo is published, come back and add a comment below, with a link to your blog photo so we can all find you. Please visit all the blogs that appeal to you and leave a comment. Slow down, take the time to cruise around and enjoy your cyber visits.

This year I joined the Kaye England, bread & butter society. Yule Logs is the 5th quilting project. SEE my pile of logs!  1 1/2 inch strips, darks and lights, red and blue chimneys, mostly 1800 reproduction fabrics.

May be on a future “On my mind” I’ll have a finished quilt.
Published in: on July 22, 2011 at 10:22 am  Comments (1)  

The Simple Woman’s Daybook –July 19, 2011

 

 

TODAY is July 19, 2011

 

Outside my window…since it is 10:05pm, it’s dark , but there is a big moon, not full, and stars

 

I am thinking…about a line from Walking through the Valley of Vision, the book of puritan  prayers, “May I view all things in the mirror of eternity”

I am thankful for…The Delta breezes of the Sacramento Valley

From my learning rooms…I’m trying to learn to use my time wiser so I can get done the many things I want to do.

From the kitchen…hash browns with bell peppers and red onions and scrambled eggs from the pullets and bantys for dinner

I am wearing…brown skirt and a brown and beige paisley t-shirt

I am creating…starting the 5th project of the Kaye England’s bread & butter society, it’s a log cabin quilt. I’m mostly using 1800’s fabrics from my stash

I am going…to get blood drawn tomorrow for my check up next week,

I am reading…The Scarlatti Inheritance, an early Robert Ludlum

I am hoping…our veggie stand does really well this year. Tuesdays and Saturdays, it’s my picture today.

I am hearing…the roar of the floor fan and not much else

Around the house…the laundry has piled up-do tomorrow

One of my favorite things…watching ocean waves crash on the rocks, I have a favorite spot at Pacific Grove, CA near Monterrey

A few plans for the rest of the week:the laundry, a little cleaning, some knitting and building log cabin blocks

Here is picture I am sharing…

                       

left–Saturday at the street              right —  Tuesday at church

Scripture to go with what I’m thinking  —  Col 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Join Simple Woman’s Daybook and me to pause and reflect on Tuesdays
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Published in: on July 19, 2011 at 10:41 pm  Leave a Comment  

Spring on Cozy Acres

After two nights of the Farmer and I kicking off the winter weight comforter, I brought out a lighter weight blanket for our bed.

Someone laughed.

That night the delta breezes of Sacramento came blowing into the valley.  The Farmer came to bed and immediately turned on the heated mattress pad.

Someone is laughing.

A little while later, I heard ” Is there another blanket, I’m shivering?”

I got up and pulled the winter blanket out of the bath tub. (Only if you are a full-timer RVer while you understand that showers and bathtubs are used for many things besides showering and bathing.) The comforter was laid over the lighter weight blanket.

Someone snickered.

After the Farmer and I warmed up, he slept comfy and warm, I, on the other hand, tossed the comforter and enjoyed the lighter blanket.

Psalms 121:4  Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. (. . .but He might chuckle)

Published in: on May 7, 2011 at 7:47 pm  Leave a Comment  

At Grandma Crain’s

I spent a week this spring staying with Grandma Crain while Shirley and William went on vacation. I always take a lot of  projects that have been sitting around a while, because I know I’ll not be distracted by life while I’m staying there. Life doesn’t intrude here. There is a doctor’s appt occasionally and the need for food, church once a week,  garden club meeting once a month, but that is about all if you’re Grandma Crain, and when you stay with Grandma: you are on her schedule.

Grandma’s schedule: Up about 7:oo, breakfast, devotions, some hand work (embroidery or crochet, mending by hand), get the newspaper and read it, a little gardening, lunch, nap/reading time, get the mail and read it, more hand work and gardening and reading, supper, more hand work or reading, 6:30 get ready for bed, about 7:00 lights out in the master bedroom.

So I have much time during the day and the long quiet evenings to catch up on UFP’s. (unfinished projects) This is where I worked on the quilt projects:

Grandma’s is a two acre plot of ground on a pot-holed paved lane off a main road outside of Redding, CA. The front half of property is developed with circle driveway in front of a 3 bedroom 2 bath ranch style home. Sounds fairly normal, right—but you’d be wrong. It is hard to describe the Flower Garden, Grandma’s on going project of almost 32 years.

I’ll try to give a small picture tour of what I saw this spring, March, 2011.

This is the view east from the front porch.

From here I walked down the driveway to left, back up right side, then to  behind master bedroom, the back garden and undeveloped area, flowers by the side patio door and the humming birds at the feeder.

The pictures got a little mixed up in the uploading, sorry. As you can see Spring is here. If I went back this month and took more pictures the flowers would be different and more plenteous. Each month more and different flowers to always have fresh flowers for church arrangements.  Yes, every Saturday flowers are picked and made into 4 bud vase size arrangements and one large arrangement placed in front of the stage.

I always enjoy staying at Grandma Crain’s, there is a peaceful serenity here where life doesn’t find a place to intrude.

Published in: on April 10, 2011 at 4:04 pm  Leave a Comment  

FLag Quilt Wall Hanging

On January 2 I signed up with a quilt group doing a series of small to medium sized quilts using the fabrics from designer Kaye England. I have many of Kaye England’s books and patterns, I love her stuff. I have even taken a class given by her. She makes quilting fun.

The third Saturday of the month I’m to go to Quilter’s Corner, a local quilt shop, and view, get instructions, purchase the kit and eat a goodie. This 3rd Saturday I was in Redding and a 98 year old birthday girl’s party, so 4th Sunday I was at the shop to get my kit, a flag wall hanging, 13″x19″, in red, cream, and blue.

On January 19, I met with my good friend, Shirley and my Singer Featherweight sewing machine, at her house and we both cut out, pieced, and sandwiched our wall hangings. Now the flags are ready to be quilted next week.

I’m thinking I will quilt in the ditch for the stripes,  a simple cross-hatch in the borders and sew shiny star buttons on the blue piece.

Don’t you wish you could have joined us?

The recipe for the goodies served is for

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

3 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 2 sticks butter softened, 1/2 cup peanut butter crunchy, 2 slightly beten eggs 1 cup grape jam ( or your favorite flavor.

Combine all dry ingredients, cut in the butter and peanut butter until coarse like meal. Mix in eggs and stir well. Press half of the mixture in a greased 9×13 pan, spread all the jelly and crumble the remaining dough over the top. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.  ( I haven’t tried it)

Published in: on January 20, 2011 at 12:01 pm  Leave a Comment  
Newer Entries »