Winter 2015 Update

We have had miserably cold temps the past few weeks. One day last week it was -22 actual with a -30+ wind chill. Brrrrrrrrrr... 

I have been enjoying this centerpiece that I made from a supermarket bouquet that J brought home two weeks ago.

This rusty centerpiece is actually a candleholder that I bought from Wayfair a few months ago.  I just put in some votive vases filled with water and cut the flower stems down.

I was thinking positive thoughts during the cold spell and ordered flowers for my summer garden. :)  I can't wait to get these beauties:


Little Blue Wonder Sea Holly - it's a miniature...I think I ordered 5 of these. 

Dahlias:

I ordered 3 of these White Feather Hosta just because they are so unique.

For the past two days, it's been a Stay-at-Home-Work-on-Quilts weekend.

On Saturday my goal was to make a bench-back pillow out of three bird blocks that I made a few years ago.  I am happy to report that I accomplished that goal. Here is the pillow:

Today I am crawling around on the floor getting this cardinal star quilt "sandwiched" so I can begin to quilt it. 

I am getting way to old to be doing this!

I  hope you are all surviving the winter in whatever state you are in!

Busy Saturday

I have this birdhouse planter in a corner of my deck.

I have had it for years, but this is first year that a bird has decided to use it for her nest.
How exciting!


I went to Joanne's today and they had 80% off their Garden Gate line.
80% off!

I bought 8 basket planters with liners and 2 bird feeders.


I do love a good sale.

My BIL and SIL are having their 25th anniversary today. They booked their party through me at the hotel (for those who are new to my blog, I am the Banquet Sales Director at a hotel). They are going all out with 140 people-- full appetizer table -- 3-entree buffet -- full dessert table and host bar.

It should be very, very nice.

It BETTER be very, very nice! I get so nervous when we are doing parties for relatives. I really shouldn't because I know we are the best facility in town and everyone will work hard to make sure the event is a success. But still I know if any little thing is wrong I will feel like it's all my fault. I'm especially worried that the Chicken Roma will be dry--you know how easy it is to get a dry chicken breast. I've talked to both chefs and we decided that a nice white sauce would give us extra insurance, so that is what I suggested to my sister-in-law. She agreed. I am crossing my fingers that it turns out good.

Off now to shower and get ready for 4pm mass, then off to the party.
The first thing I will do is head to the bar for a cold glass of white zinfandel to ease my jitters.

Keep Strolling...........

Feel free to pick a few weeds as we stoll along....

I've had this decorative birdhouse chair for a few years. this year a bird decided to use it to raise her new family. How exciting! I love to watch the antics of the baby birds. I have not yet seen the babies, but soon they should be big enough to peek out now and then. I plopped down on the grass with my camera and just waited to get this picture. It did not take long. Mama flew in and out 3 times in a five minute span. Is this a sparrow or a wren? Anybody know?

Update: Evidently this is neither a sparrow nor a wren. Thanks to Dianne, Jenn, & Sylvana who all agree it is a chickadee.