Waiting for that first crocus

"Agatha reflected that the older she got, the shorter got the summers and the longer and darker the winters." (Agatha Raisin and the Wellspring of Death, M.C. Beaton)  You got that right, Agatha. 

The garden show is on this weekend -- a treat for all who can wait no longer for a glimpse of spring.  And these two are waiting for me. 

The Agatha Raisin series is a British cozy --a fun, light read on a cold, damp winter's day. 

A Shot of Color

23 days to "Official" Spring on March 21.  Eager? Nah.. not me... but that groundhog better be right in his prediction of an early spring... 

When auditioning color tone or value for a quilt, I stand back and look through binoculars held backwards -- it makes the design wall appear further away and gives a better sense of values & tones.  Have been doing this so long I don't even remember how I learned this trick.   

Squinting at the photo above to focus on values, my thought is a soft blue-grey (like the floor in the background) could work as well with the red of the carnations and the blue of the countertop as that old horse red-white-and-blue.   Left from Valentine's Day, those workhorse carnations still give a visual boost sorely needed.

Much better than looking at piles of snow

Maybe it's a side-effect of the economy, but I've been receiving catalogues from companies I haven't dealt with in years.  Yesterday one such arrived from French Country Waterways http://www.fcwl.com/Cruises.html -- @ 7 years since I last requested one.  Fun for looking & daydreaming.

This was on our "Travels to Take" list -- Southern France was the focus area.

"In total luxury, dine on world-class, gourmet cuisine and savor [an] exclusive wine list ... Visit historic châteaux, medieval villages, and taste wines at world-famous vineyards. Or, relax on deck with a fine wine in hand while the beautiful French countryside slowly unfolds before you.."

Do you get the impression that wine is a VIP Feature of this experience?

"Aboard  you will find the gracious ambiance of a fine country inn. Warm wood panelling, handsome provincial furnishings and plush carpets ...  you will be served by a friendly, bi-lingual staff.  ... fully air-conditioned ..  with private baths, full-sized beds, and generous storage for clothing and luggage. . Thoughtful touches like fresh flowers, extra pillows, and hair dryers are always included..."  and there's the opportunity to take tours of local sites.

My Other Granddaughter



http://daytonabeachmainstreet.com/dirtyharrys/



doesn't quilt, but she does Ride!  (in the sidecar). 

 

And this year she's off to Bike Week in Datonia.

Is there a Quilt Shop in Datonia?

"Bikes" on a purple ground or purple bikes on a neutral ground -- those would work in a block for her purple quilt, wouldn't they? 

Oh, and she's Not dressing like a "bike moll" -- many of flickr's bike week photos need to be triple-R rated!  Naive me -- thought this was a "Mom & Dad", family type event..

A Quiet Saturday Evening

"You watch As Time Goes By -- I'm having a nap."

Please ignore the week's newspapers -- just much too cold to take out to the recycle bin, which anyway is still buried under a slow-to-melt snowbank.

See that small square of green?  That's my tin of Bag Balm -- vaseline on steroids for quilter's fingers. 

Special Quilt Morning

Dear Granddaughter came over this morning and we had a delightful time working on her quit.  She's making 6" 9-patch blocks in blues, greens and yellows.  It's from a Jelly Roll packet with some added yellows.  

We made quite a bit of progress.  Another session and the top should be together.  With the sashing it will be an American Doll size small quilt. 

After a subway lunch, she headed home and I curled up for a nap.  Tri joined me on the couch while Goldie had his on a patch of sunlight.  Tonight they will demand extra snackies as a "Thank You" for sharing Their Home.  

More "It's a Small World"

There's been quite a buzz on one of my quilt groups about Mug Rugs.  With a birthday coming up in next month, I thought this would be a great project and a neat gift.  While googling for some blueberry themed fabric, I came across this web site:
http://www.jolenesoriginals.com/tea.htm


Jolene is actually located in the same town and knows the birthday gal!  (Birthday gal doesn't have computer/internet; if other family members are reading this -- KEEP THE SECRET! -- and yes, I did mean to shout that.)