The Blizzard of February 1...2011

The Monster storm that moved through 33 states. It hit us with about 13 inches but drifts that enclosed the doorways and drives. In rural Midwest, we are not the first roads to get cleaned by any means. We have a truck with a snow blade, but yesterday was even unable to get through some of those drifts. Yet by evening, a tractor had went through to do those farm chores of feeding cattle the hay bales. In doing this busted a path through a part of the road. I believe it probably was our eldest son Jared going through to get to his cattle. Although, I did not catch a glimpse of him. But i have been assured he was out and chores were done.

Our youngest son resides in Chicago with his wife. They chose to welcome the blizzard by having a party at their home. They invited the neighbors and watched the snow blow in the downtown streets of Chicago. 20 inches landed in this windy city and pretty much slowed business to a standstill. Even Al from the 'Today Show' has been broadcasting in the streets of Chicago. The picture is my son's view wondering how he might dig out his Liberty...

He posted many pictures and looks like they enjoyed much fun with friends, food, and old fashion snow fun. Thanks Stephen and Rachel for sharing your blizzo pictures.

Myself enjoyed not having to get out in the storm at all! A plus in this recuperation.

Definitely a groundhog day to remember... A good thing that little guy did not see his shadow. Spring will be here 6 weeks early. I will not believe he is only right 39% of the time...

Snowbound

Yes, the snow is blowing the roads are icy... but I am warm inside and wood stove is making wonderful heat. I must say, it is a good thing, I am recuperating on my sofa with a good book and just found " Old Yeller" on the TV. I always loved that story didn't you?
It is one of those movies, you always remember from your childhood. Just mention it and I believe most will remember this great Disney film.
I will keep warm this day and hope all of you will also.

Folly Beach

A wonderful way to spend a couple of wintry days... My sister Bev, suggested healing would go faster, if I listened for the sounds of the ocean and hear this in my mind. In order to get in that frame of mind, I decided to read this on my ereader, ipad. Brenda B. from the OMBC had introduce me to this author before and I liked her, so it was an easy choice. This author loves to write about beaches and the warm South.

This picture from the Folly Beach website in South Carolina. The book talks about the sea grass and warm beaches and sea turtles and ocean waves. Folly Beach is consider the last barrier island before the Atlantic. Where the people consider they are natives if they dress like a tourist and always wear flip flops. Sounds great! The author did a wonderful job of bringing World War 2 history of this area and tied in with the present of lost books with hidden messages hid in these books. Kept me reading quickly. I also learned a bit about bottle trees, which one of the characters of the book, Lulu created. Below is a pic, I found on the intranet from voodoo mama. Bottle trees have quite the legend and lore. The author weaves the bottle trees throughout the story.

I did finish this book yesterday and as you see it lead me to research some pictures and history. Just wanted to share and if sounds interesting ... read Folly's Beach by Karen White.

Beverly and Brenda B. I know you will enjoy this book also.

Thoughts of blowing sea grasses and sounds of the sea to you this wintry day...

The Garden Barn Gift Shop Indianola Iowa miniature garden

Wintry skies and thoughts of gardens. So many cloudy days, but how fun to think of those days spent at garden barns and shops. Baby bee sister, Barb was asking about a pic, I took at The Garden Barn at Indianola and whether they had a web site. This got me thinking of friend Brenda... who introduced me to the fun Garden Barn. Sadly, it is closed for the season but will reopen in April. But Barb, click on the link below and it will take you to her website.
The above photo is of another wonderful adventure with friend Brenda and Doreen to Creston called Windy Acres. Lois had beautiful vignettes to her gardens and fun antique shop, that we all loved browsing about. We of course, took some treasures home. It was a joy to meet Lois and her friends and had a delightful afternoon at her lovely home. So hope we can work another trip in this summer... What do you think Brenda, Doreen and Creston gang?
So while I appear out my wintry cabin window... I catch a glimpse of a bald eagle flying exciting. Though those thoughts of spring still remain.

The Garden Barn Gift Shop Indianola Iowa miniature garden

The Quilt Life: The Missing Man Contest

The Quilt Life: The Missing Man Contest

The Bird of Paradise quilt top...circa 1858-1863 at the American Folk Art Museum.

I read about this quilt today and find it a fun thing to ponder... why did she leave off the husband? What could of happen? Any ideas? or maybe some of you, feel challenged to entered this contest! Click on the the above link for more of the story and and maybe you have 100 words or less to email to Info@TheQuiltLife.com I'm thinking of ideas are you?
Blessings..

We Can Do Anything

"According to all known laws of aviation there is no way a bee should be able to fly. It's wings are too small to get it's fat little body off the ground. The bee, of course, flies anyway, because bees don't care what humans think is impossible!"
~ the Bee Movie~ Jerry Seinfeld
My baby bee sister, Barb sent me this quote yesterday. She wanted to make me laugh and to cheer me onto recovery. Thanks Barb. I remember, when it was her turn for our annual Sister's Retreat, she gave us all our very own copy of The Bee Movie. If you have not seen it , do rent it and enjoy the great one liners and cute story on the life of bees.
While catching up reading the many blogs... it seems many are recovering a bit at this time.
So I send this, to cheer all of you this middle of January.
Blessings to Brenda from Simple Pleasures~ Happy Birthday Lady!

Resting and reading...

Hello everyone. I have been busy after the holiday with a bit of recovery. I had foot surgery and been told no weight on my foot for 8 weeks. So far, nothing has been getting done but elevating my foot. This week finds me a bit more into the human race. I am trying to catch up on a few blogs. I have been getting excellent care from my DH and my daughters. It is indeed wonderful to have a very caring family. I thank them so very much. I also had a delicious meal delivered to me from my dear friend Brenda. thank you so very much also.
I plan on getting caught up on reading and posting occasionally to this blog.
Rebecca last night made a wonderful cheesecake from her favorite Paula Deen recipe with a chocolate caramel pecan topping. So believe, I will have to have afternoon snack. yummy ambrosia

Take care.