Pillow for Jamie

A pillow made for my son's dear girlfriend's birthday. Then I was off to work this past weekend. It was a very busy 3 days I must say!
It was hard to leave as I have become addicted to watching the Olympics in Vancouver. The athletics have worked so hard and I feel, I need to give them the respect to watch. But really I do, enjoy hearing their stories and seeing their efforts.
On Sunday after having a long day at work, I was looking forward to coming home. I needed to find my comfy spot on the sofa.... but a snowstorm had moved in. I felt, I did not have the strength to fight it in the darkness and with the slick roads. DH said, it had been snowing for many hours and was unable to see the roads. Thank goodness, I have a place to stay with my MIL's and they were watching the Olympics! Yeah.
So I came home yesterday in the beautiful sunshine and with much snow still visible on the highways and roads. Especially as I came closer to home. We were the winner of 6+ more inches! The school district lost another day of school.
Today, I am enjoying the rest and reading the Forgotten Garden. It is even more loved then the first time I read it. The characters are so endearing and find I do not want to put it down once again. I hear Kate Morton is writing a new book and I cannot wait to get it!
It won't be long and it will be time for book club at my home. I do hope, the weather will be compliant. I also do need to pick up my stitches of the elusive fairies blocks.. maybe later today while watching the Olympics

Sights of Winter

Wishing for warm weather and the sight of my day lilies in bloom.....

But as I appear, out my backdoor, this is what catches my eyes. So many deer tracks in the new fallen snow! Busy little herd aren't they?

This morning the sun is shining and is that birds I hear? They are definitely chirping! That sounds like... they know today will be warmer.

I have have been busy working on a springtime project with some elusive fairies and water gardens. Trying out some new stitches from a new crazy quilt book. Quite Fun and wish time did not pass so quickly, because tomorrow will be time to return to work my weekend. I so love the warm fire and time for stitches. But if time is passing quickly, doesn't that mean Spring will soon be here?!

Inn of the Six-toed Cat

Yesterday, I mentioned this to be the honeymoon stop ... a few more notes on this quaint spot.
The hotel was named for the six-toed cat, found roaming the building, when it was purchased by Mr. Finley.
http://www.6toedcat.com/cat_comments.html

A small town treasure to be sure in the town of Allerton. A town that preserves it's heritage. Many turn of the century buildings remain and as you walk the streets, you may see several murals of past times to feast your eyes. This small town puts on it's own World's Fair every year and quite a wonderful playhouse production too. Many of the town members and young folks look forward to telling of past history through humorous and fun plays.
This 1909 Railroad Hotel was renovated in the 1980s and host spacious rooms and a quaint restaurant with delicious menu. The Bridal suite is a lovely place to spend your first night of your wedded journey. It worked out beautifully for my eldest daughter.
If you are ever in South Central Iowa do check out this hidden jewel.

Valentine's Day a Time for Weddings

My eldest daughter wanted be married on this special day... but if I remember right the 14TH fell on a Friday that day... so her special day was the 15TH. It was a snow felled day as today is found to be. We still had a beautiful wedding and they shared a honeymoon close by, at the beautiful restored hotel in Allerton. The Inn of the Six-Toed Cat. I want to wish them both a wonderful day of memories and happiness. Happy Anniversary Kristin & Marty.

This beautiful flower, I want to share is of course, our newest member of the family. Kristin's granddaughter and my great one. Such a sweet smile for everyone. Brings joy as a flower from a spring garden. I hear she is getting into everything these days. Keeping their household very busy indeed.

Much snow arrived here again yesterday. We are receiving sunshine now and a few flakes are still falling. The deer tracks are glistening off the pond and through the yard as I appear out my window. Drifts once again and my DH is plowing the drive, but I am very glad, I will be staying to just peek out that window this day.

"We turn not older with years but newer everyday."

Emily Dickerson

Happy Valentine's Day and Happy Birthday Dear Sister

Another snowy day here... And great to maybe bake and stitch or rather sit by the fire and read!

My sister Brenda was born this day and want to wish her a beautiful day. I had my parents to myself for 5 years then came a baby sister to rock my world. She grew to Be a very loving and best friend and I cherish your birth this day!

Happy valentine's Day Everyone!!

Book Revealed!

My OMBC choice for March.
A wonderful young author from Australia, Kate Morton.
A tiny girl is abandoned on a ship headed for Australia in 1913. She arrives completely alone with nothing but a small suitcase containing a few clothes and a single book- a beautiful volume of fairy tales....{http://www.katemorton.com/nanas-secret/ this is from Kate Morton's website..

My bookmarks... I made for all the members.. What fun preparing them. I do believe, they were well received. Such fun to share a piece of my joy.

Blessings to all and do enjoy reading everyday... it takes you to such wonderful places!

Fairies & Secret Gardens

I am thankful January month is now over! February hopefully will bring thoughts of secret gardens and fairies getting ready for summer fun? Will that ground hog see much more winter?
How I hope not, 6 more weeks of winter! Looking out my window...is that snowflakes?! Yes it is..
I have been busily working on my bookmarks for all the OMBC members. Tomorrow night will be, when I will reveal my book club read for the month of March. Discoveries to be read and thoughts of maybe ?? ... To be revealed tomorrow night.