School's in Session

Back to school yesterday, and today we're hearing talk of Hurricane Earl causing a bit of a hiccup for the start of the school year. Although the full force of the storm dosen't look as though it will impact us, the "chatter" is very lively. Never mind that we're in the middle of a 4 day heatwave. Brutal when the school isn't air conditioned. We're managing with a couple of fans, but barely. With the approach and departure of the hurricane our local weather people are promising much cooler, more seasonable weather. Can't wait. Autumn is my preferred time of year. The colors are spectacular and the air is refreshing. I always take inspiration from the turning of the leaves, in both quilting and knitting. There something special about the earthiness of the sight and smells of fall.

Although I didn't blog all summer, it dosen't mean I wasn't busy. I did finish two promise quilts, (the names are "A Beary Nice Day in The Park" and "Which way To The Zoo"), as well as several pairs of socks, a various knitted accessories ear marked as Christmas gifts. Thank God for air conditioning, as we had one of the hottest summers on record. Also, one of the driest.....therefore the gourd experiment was a bust. Will try to buy some from local farms for crafting in the next month or so.

No Time Like The Present

Went to local discount store this afternoon and found seeds for the exact gourd I was looking for, and they were marked down to half price. I guess planting season really is getting short. But like I said before, nothing ventured, nothing gain. Seeds only cost $1.00. Planted then as per instructions. Below is one of the “hills”. Now I guess I just sit and wait, and take photos! The directions say they should germinate in 7 to 10 days.

If I get lucky, I should have some gourds sometime in mid October, if my calculations are correct (packet says they will be ready for harvest in 110 days).
I almost forgot to mention that while I was playing the farmer’s wife in the back field, I was paid a surprise visit by a local resident. She didn’t seem to mind I was digging up her “yard”.

Research and Development

Am thinking of starting something new, not related to knitting or quilting. I’m thinking of making birdhouses…quirky ones. Just some ideas starting to percolate. Not sure if I’ll actually do it, but the creative process is interesting anyway. Might be fun to try something different.

Did a little research these past two days and have found an interesting bird house craft.

I remember thinking about these 2 or 3 years ago and wanting to attempt to make some then. I like that they are easily renewable, economical, and natural. If you want to make them “unnatural”, they afford a large degree of creativity. Painting, carving, and woodburning are a very popular way of embellishing . Also they can be turned into several other objects d’art other than birdhouses. You are only limited by your imagination as to what they can be used for; bowls and vessels, jewelry, etc. Yes, I think this deserves a little bit more research. I’ve determined a good place on our property to try growing some of my own. Will try to locate some seeds today for planting, although it is getting late in the season. I’ll give it a go however, since I only have the price of seeds to lose. They do take some time to cure, about a year. I’ve heard of a local farm that sells gourds in season and plan on visiting then in the next week or so to see what they have to offer for this season, since I’m itching to get something going as soon as possible.