Living vicariously

I must be the last person on earth to to have discovered the PBS series "Downton Abbey."  A friend that works with me brought in a DVD of the first season insisting that I would love it.  After listening to a few other reviews from more friends, I decided this needed a looking at.  I have to say, they were absolutely right.  I found myself watching the whole first season in practically one sitting.  I couldn't wait to see how things would unfold.  Each character has their own draw,  some less favorable than others.  The actors portraying these characters are truly a perfect fit.   The costumes and scenery are so authentic, it pulls you right into the story.  Even the way it is filmed seems different.  I've never studied cinematography, so I don't know the technicalities of it,  but it's almost as thought you're living in the period.  It totally envelopes you.   I'm so looking forward to borrowing and watching the next season.  I'll try to restrain myself and watch it more slowing and make the "magic" last.  I know the 3rd season is a ways away.  But, oh, what a wonderful experience to look forward to. 

Blessings

More B’s (blossoms, birds and blessings)

This week my DH brought me the first blossoms from the garden.  A double blessing! 

This weekend, I finished another flock of soft sculpture birds.  I love making these little creatures.   There is something very relaxing about the process. 
  

Blessings

Birds and Bracelets

Finished a couple of little crafty projects this weekend.   I was looking for something different to do and  came up with something a little “retro”….Friendship Bracelets.

Brought me back to my old Girl Scout days, which was appropriate, considering this was the 100th Anniversary of the Girls Scouts of America.    Happy Birthday to all scouts past and present. 

Also worked on four stuffed birds using pieces of quilt scraps I couldn’t bear to throw out.   Thought the pieces were still big enough to make something with them and came across a site with a pattern for birds and instructions for making a mobile.  Check it out  here.  I found it very inspirational and interesting. 

       

Finally, with the weather warming up again, I found myself needing to visit my new “favorite place”, the Roaring Brook Trail.

   

Blessings

Pretty in Pink

My to do list is getting whittled down, little by little.  Today I completed a quilt, requested by a dear friend to give as a gift to a co-worker.  I’m very pleased with the way it came out.  I hope the little one receiving it will enjoy using it as much as I enjoyed making it.



(click on pic to enlarge)

         

                                                 

Blessings

And winter is back!!!

After a beautiful, balmy day yesterday,we were today reminded that it really is February.  Although only a couple of inches fell, it was quite a contrast to the sunny, spring-like day we enjoyed just 24 hours ago. 

 

I took advantage of the self-imposed “house arrest” and did our income tax.  Using a very popular software program designed to make the task faster and easier, I was able to make short work of that yearly bugaboo chore.

 

Leisurely

Today was spent sharing time with good friends…one of those truly magical days when everything was perfect.  It started with sleeping in until 9:00am.  After a leisurely morning, I met with the “Daisy Girls”  (explanation to follow) in Westerly for a leisurely lunch of good food and great conversation.  After lunch, we spent another leisurely hour in a local fabric store, perusing the shelves for supplies, I for another promise quilt.   (Daisy Girls refers to a small group of ladies, of which I am one, who are  generously chauffeured by the Dear Husband of one of the ladies.  Periodically, we are “chauffeured” to yarn shops, fabric shops and the like, just for the pure pleasure of shopping.   It is he who has dubbed us the Miss Daisies!!! LOL)

The second part of the day was a total ad lib surprise.  While speaking with my dear friend and neighbor, I decided I wanted to share a “secret gem” located very close to our house.  It’s called "The Roaring Brook Trail" found in the Arcadia Management Area.  I had just discovered it myself about 3 weeks ago.  It’s almost unbelievable that we didn’t know about this jewel as it’s less than a quarter of a mile from home.  The bonus was that here we are in the middle of February and it was almost 60 degrees with the sun shinning.  So off we went on wonderfully leisurely stroll through the woods.  Can you believe how beautiful this place is?  There are three lakes, a couple of waterfalls, ducks, picnic and sitting areas….a great place to walk and sit and enjoy nature…free of charge.  What’s better than that? 

(Click on each pic to see a larger view)

     
     

      

I really am blessed!

Blossom Blessings

Last week I celebrated yet another birthday.  My “Bestie” brought me this beautiful potted miniature rose plant.  Today, when I got home from work, this wonderful full bloom greeted me.  I love presents that just keep giving.  Thank you, my friend, for such a thoughtful gift.  I am truly blessed.

To the Point

It’s hard to believe we’re actually in January.  The weather has been so wonderfully warm for this time of year.  I was finding it difficult to stay indoors and knit or sew today.  So DH decided on a field trip, something to recharge me….a trip to the ocean at Point Judith.  It was the perfect remedy.  After spending a few hours of sitting and watching and listening to the waves, I feel renewed and ready to create again.