tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29923830848218992952024-02-07T07:19:17.768-05:00Miss Maddie'sI am a vintage textile appraiser and collector living in historic Niagara.
Surrounded by the Great lakes, lush farmlands, and endless generational homes, this region is rich with antique textiles and pieces from the past.
I am privileged to be able to touch, discover, and research these quilts, needlework, coverlets, etc. that once clothed, cradled and kept warm our ancestors.
I am keeping this journal so I may share some of these stories with you.Susan McShannon-Monteithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14525642217533620081noreply@blogger.comBlogger209125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992383084821899295.post-32932051865503448682011-09-18T17:08:00.005-04:002012-01-01T14:01:38.933-05:00Journeys<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiOZpcIKUkRhE7FbmhjuQJUhU7hVJ-wky6-4kzWKlM5eC9wc4dBF0YX7HXHzNOeCKmwOhOkZCdqWqGqK4gtY-1xzXablob6UXgNSKmLaEpjE54aQbYS5vamqWyLTvXlp7VG30fKU0-Jc/s1600/P9092007.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiOZpcIKUkRhE7FbmhjuQJUhU7hVJ-wky6-4kzWKlM5eC9wc4dBF0YX7HXHzNOeCKmwOhOkZCdqWqGqK4gtY-1xzXablob6UXgNSKmLaEpjE54aQbYS5vamqWyLTvXlp7VG30fKU0-Jc/s400/P9092007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653810009692961346" border="0" /></a><br />Every journey has a beginning and an end... every story a tale to tell...<br /><br />Miss Maddies is embarking on just that; a new journey, a captivating tale...<br /><br />Thank you so much for sharing this one...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPeliS8LV7q3hpUS3xNq5ZMOIj7zvB58T99loBKnr2SVR6c3M-Rmn1D1qhbW0IR9Bf4kZen2iZctZ4ihFxLENLlKnZpYTaRYUcf0aHSCNpx5jlRti6M5Ki_5vCQ_oP5HzG21FOpTH35s8/s1600/P9152014.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPeliS8LV7q3hpUS3xNq5ZMOIj7zvB58T99loBKnr2SVR6c3M-Rmn1D1qhbW0IR9Bf4kZen2iZctZ4ihFxLENLlKnZpYTaRYUcf0aHSCNpx5jlRti6M5Ki_5vCQ_oP5HzG21FOpTH35s8/s400/P9152014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653810090945725570" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWIkuICdTVN7AQHWKeMTYCVFtNhzeCAgkfpoCXU9P5Z0M3L0sODdRkiDKTQvUADIYfjFHOis4JKHGA9qjZNQflMfuuGrJIPaiVk0JnnWb_RQujdp16ei5_6usyqFybi78p_N0ogwGCZM/s1600/susan.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 50px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWIkuICdTVN7AQHWKeMTYCVFtNhzeCAgkfpoCXU9P5Z0M3L0sODdRkiDKTQvUADIYfjFHOis4JKHGA9qjZNQflMfuuGrJIPaiVk0JnnWb_RQujdp16ei5_6usyqFybi78p_N0ogwGCZM/s400/susan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653810222860399634" border="0" /></a>Please visit me at my new blog LingLing and LuLu.<br /></div>Susan McShannon-Monteithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14525642217533620081noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992383084821899295.post-74819724616856327212011-09-06T09:46:00.001-04:002011-09-06T09:47:40.710-04:00Challenges<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BWNJRo4QT9PC8kWywm1Q7bFelkzr-lgF5RnDL1p0lHyUgGo-paWNA8R9Z1QBZ0JFoMvSA6m0UQkK4dfn40PDV2ZKVbgMKUrN6tuwy7BmQykx44HC19qDgOK2HD7s7khlrmcdjXslxVU/s1600/P9032000.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BWNJRo4QT9PC8kWywm1Q7bFelkzr-lgF5RnDL1p0lHyUgGo-paWNA8R9Z1QBZ0JFoMvSA6m0UQkK4dfn40PDV2ZKVbgMKUrN6tuwy7BmQykx44HC19qDgOK2HD7s7khlrmcdjXslxVU/s400/P9032000.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649242786619085970" border="0" /></a><br />Even though it is much easier to travel a well-trodden path adventure and fulfillment can be found by climbing a wall or passing through a gate...<br /><br />Life is laden with challenges, but alas strength comes from confronting them as overwhelming as they may seem... to find the velvet lining that lingers beneath.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35dWhTHXVVCzYc7ZkeJ0m3-5939axjLbr-_zDRbk_UUMIuVmKbAV7HensM8br3SG0IrX9lzjJuzB93OoFLU0Zhw8TMGVPFwSlYbK3yI3RYhyphenhyphenjhguL5FgHgOh8El5bC4xKSSnKYi0UdPg/s1600/P8301994.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35dWhTHXVVCzYc7ZkeJ0m3-5939axjLbr-_zDRbk_UUMIuVmKbAV7HensM8br3SG0IrX9lzjJuzB93OoFLU0Zhw8TMGVPFwSlYbK3yI3RYhyphenhyphenjhguL5FgHgOh8El5bC4xKSSnKYi0UdPg/s400/P8301994.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649242785403560802" border="0" /></a><br />As the month of September brings the final harvests closer to their climax, the Autumn rains begin to fall and the temptations of savory soups please our pallet may you find a moment or two to enjoy its splendor...Susan McShannon-Monteithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14525642217533620081noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992383084821899295.post-72411076434945818152011-08-18T10:01:00.001-04:002011-08-18T10:04:10.296-04:00Cozy
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGV6qh7BE3UR3-QRKStHY-L1KdwP_RjVLd7b_OaHA960UhH0mWezkKGADMzgJYaFifE9GyGvhh_waN7TK9mTZedCeIT1Fhu6nWAmfxS2oPYVBR16advbigxV759HWj5GJG6p0R8mbDJBY/s1600/P8161981.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGV6qh7BE3UR3-QRKStHY-L1KdwP_RjVLd7b_OaHA960UhH0mWezkKGADMzgJYaFifE9GyGvhh_waN7TK9mTZedCeIT1Fhu6nWAmfxS2oPYVBR16advbigxV759HWj5GJG6p0R8mbDJBY/s400/P8161981.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642195942832452770" border="0" /></a>
<br />With our obsession for large, audacious places, it is refreshing to find that some still seek small and cozy as a much more tranquil choice...
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4TzFgrIbY0mUyW1a4S3RbdGQSPghaUeSXFagXTRH9zoaVnk8IXFrSoDz6fbpAw-EWP2D8lTgED4n_Eaq6xiE4-74URDURzjeO3d-nQabyojvXoVNJOzzVzuIPIIOaLt_bWPVUAO6f1M/s1600/P8161979.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4TzFgrIbY0mUyW1a4S3RbdGQSPghaUeSXFagXTRH9zoaVnk8IXFrSoDz6fbpAw-EWP2D8lTgED4n_Eaq6xiE4-74URDURzjeO3d-nQabyojvXoVNJOzzVzuIPIIOaLt_bWPVUAO6f1M/s400/P8161979.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642195934475604914" border="0" /></a>
<br />This Lilliputian chapel along the Niagara Parkway has witnessed many a country wedding...
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtm7WIzf4dsALn1zxoiE2lEYCUUrq1K55Hc_LVOrDkRciwaynhPZxa31CGoCoBQzKD8Lz0y1ggnRAeY5bOCH4YoR6bdgLyHhNb2RgL-mWMH8zB2D_BZ1FQhBaGxF2r0zei5WIEDCSBdc/s1600/P8161982.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtm7WIzf4dsALn1zxoiE2lEYCUUrq1K55Hc_LVOrDkRciwaynhPZxa31CGoCoBQzKD8Lz0y1ggnRAeY5bOCH4YoR6bdgLyHhNb2RgL-mWMH8zB2D_BZ1FQhBaGxF2r0zei5WIEDCSBdc/s400/P8161982.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642195942301015186" border="0" /></a>
<br />A tiny clapboard cottage with its inviting front door beckons one to visit within and enjoy a comfortable chair by the fire...
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtNtzN_Huxv1-LSoBz8A0fTCRLsXgvFLHCPdd6NrMhs684lgcl0wU4EJ6tksVF8-zGX5bz0znYkk2htAF0kDm9z9nwqC-muRUx9mZQ7IDqhBCvraPoysHyEA2GXsfXA8ayvpXSTxdgBo/s1600/P8161986.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtNtzN_Huxv1-LSoBz8A0fTCRLsXgvFLHCPdd6NrMhs684lgcl0wU4EJ6tksVF8-zGX5bz0znYkk2htAF0kDm9z9nwqC-muRUx9mZQ7IDqhBCvraPoysHyEA2GXsfXA8ayvpXSTxdgBo/s400/P8161986.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642195951275447458" border="0" /></a>
<br />Even a simple stone home,
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamFNwmy_q8blcjCLoXq4mriYI2od8aC1_YZxazPiVbV3BGJbFWg_swVvwXGfAuWrYZchT4rBrMjxmDWxhFD-uVKpUHCckBKT4SeM9RB9HVrPmvGaGYY8JAbfsnoYdppTlsrkHCeqszeo/s1600/P8161985.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamFNwmy_q8blcjCLoXq4mriYI2od8aC1_YZxazPiVbV3BGJbFWg_swVvwXGfAuWrYZchT4rBrMjxmDWxhFD-uVKpUHCckBKT4SeM9RB9HVrPmvGaGYY8JAbfsnoYdppTlsrkHCeqszeo/s400/P8161985.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642195946175817842" border="0" /></a>
<br />with the path leading to the side door and right into the kitchen encourages a weary soul to rest a spell...
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRyZWvTTkfDZ-Ol2uqQsQNMI-vXWBasONZww3PVXbF3RTM-vRLmfjVopCuVfjszvqMUpHn4IsSbmu8jB-Wm5t0dD3XE6Ypg-C19RVYhDJ7piYj9Np5Z1FJfMTRTIZDXpsakSmjdOLbFE/s1600/P8161993.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRyZWvTTkfDZ-Ol2uqQsQNMI-vXWBasONZww3PVXbF3RTM-vRLmfjVopCuVfjszvqMUpHn4IsSbmu8jB-Wm5t0dD3XE6Ypg-C19RVYhDJ7piYj9Np5Z1FJfMTRTIZDXpsakSmjdOLbFE/s400/P8161993.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642196000800688578" border="0" /></a>
<br />Hope you too are enjoying these simple days of Summer and finding a place that's cozy...
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<br />Susan McShannon-Monteithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14525642217533620081noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992383084821899295.post-69301115115587681542011-08-08T11:14:00.004-04:002011-08-08T18:50:59.402-04:00Gifts From Nature
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIHvbjvOeI8EwtOlHZCkcu58Ffcx5fYykvW6smX9HGhQsFSdwXgHhlebXqWDk2DadpJyMUQtBKmuNOGaUl3WourRs3MALH-oAgHX07VugDJNCQDxGcrPQ03ZJ-_A3OmDNRdqwAP5wR5Q/s1600/P8071962.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIHvbjvOeI8EwtOlHZCkcu58Ffcx5fYykvW6smX9HGhQsFSdwXgHhlebXqWDk2DadpJyMUQtBKmuNOGaUl3WourRs3MALH-oAgHX07VugDJNCQDxGcrPQ03ZJ-_A3OmDNRdqwAP5wR5Q/s400/P8071962.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638504884588148226" border="0" /></a>
<br />The hydrangeas are beginning to wane and the sharp, shrill call of a new family of bluejays echoes throughout the treetops...
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkGOKlicyOy5CJMKw7az9H2yviwouuCwLqx9QXKyCzqOF6Ca4_bFmAQpFci6Zqi1u8hdfzJVJ1lvRDBJCFhDqK3qn7Qhjlr0ypH9qkW-zpqkB6Av20KYZppUirrIlPVtND5Hk-jlfG0Q/s1600/P8071956.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkGOKlicyOy5CJMKw7az9H2yviwouuCwLqx9QXKyCzqOF6Ca4_bFmAQpFci6Zqi1u8hdfzJVJ1lvRDBJCFhDqK3qn7Qhjlr0ypH9qkW-zpqkB6Av20KYZppUirrIlPVtND5Hk-jlfG0Q/s400/P8071956.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638504879244628546" border="0" /></a>
<br />It had been a dry, hot July, but August has renewed the garden with frequent raindrops, cooler nights and a bounty of goodies.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_5NuHkGAAyocXbraClA94Os0eBNAvIjYRmuduF7CsZGNt6R-EQFAWDPbT-wu-oK6tMJMFo1pPef9ELW5OFuCANeBcsa8CznZkW5GZj3zeqRIWmGrnZbd4Zm0mR53y1qqGQxhIju4OaU/s1600/P8071953.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_5NuHkGAAyocXbraClA94Os0eBNAvIjYRmuduF7CsZGNt6R-EQFAWDPbT-wu-oK6tMJMFo1pPef9ELW5OFuCANeBcsa8CznZkW5GZj3zeqRIWmGrnZbd4Zm0mR53y1qqGQxhIju4OaU/s400/P8071953.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638504707636571090" border="0" /></a>
<br />The aroma of fresh basil lingers in the air as you brush by to pick the tomatoes...
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJG4OUiLy4Wf_TTf3xbuJDAha62MEbl1IGfOxelfOmzSDWqQjBFg4aXBd9N2eoryjiz0bSTnIPZRalEzF_fZSgGEc8GrwfV7z7JcRk39ddI5qQgkvkK5VzLnr6hZxS0GnH8YH9RrdS3gc/s1600/P8071959.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJG4OUiLy4Wf_TTf3xbuJDAha62MEbl1IGfOxelfOmzSDWqQjBFg4aXBd9N2eoryjiz0bSTnIPZRalEzF_fZSgGEc8GrwfV7z7JcRk39ddI5qQgkvkK5VzLnr6hZxS0GnH8YH9RrdS3gc/s400/P8071959.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638504885570285698" border="0" /></a>
<br />Jam making, the canning of pickles, relish, salsa and pasta sauce occupy my days right now...
<br />Some might question the intense labour involved but when I open a fresh jar of wild blueberry jam with honey on a cold December morn to spread on a warm baked scone... the effort is worth its weight in gold.
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<br />Enjoy the yields of fellow farmers by visiting a local market or roadside stand... the freshness of field to table is heavenly.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQurum-7v6yp956lnjsJUUl3EjgWfN_COnqjxeD5MGDnlL-GP_q_RRNc0ixxPgevsVdXXi5BmzzhUQTryRXa0SikQNitztGgfll9s7ZWcS3krnJN9xBK1GGt_h0_pB_jvDGqIo3Psz4A/s1600/P8071966.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQurum-7v6yp956lnjsJUUl3EjgWfN_COnqjxeD5MGDnlL-GP_q_RRNc0ixxPgevsVdXXi5BmzzhUQTryRXa0SikQNitztGgfll9s7ZWcS3krnJN9xBK1GGt_h0_pB_jvDGqIo3Psz4A/s400/P8071966.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638504890422364194" border="0" /></a>
<br />There's even some new knitting on the needles, a cowl in Malabrigo Rasta yarn.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoph4_d_miDtAGs7MIu15o90nh1Dj_QeCIBp6PfA_DjX_TPJOfQc9IaUc8CqeScAXJBhycyAnKNnGyKiDsus5jff9Zcd4jRm5zH1Wb1t9jPA8Z7gOE430BBQlxKQAqA__dFuJyqwcb-M/s1600/P8071970.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoph4_d_miDtAGs7MIu15o90nh1Dj_QeCIBp6PfA_DjX_TPJOfQc9IaUc8CqeScAXJBhycyAnKNnGyKiDsus5jff9Zcd4jRm5zH1Wb1t9jPA8Z7gOE430BBQlxKQAqA__dFuJyqwcb-M/s400/P8071970.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638504888236919234" border="0" /></a>
<br />Archangel is the colour... reflects the beauty of the blossoms wouldn't you say?
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<br />Susan McShannon-Monteithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14525642217533620081noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992383084821899295.post-86084823103264942902011-07-28T09:35:00.003-04:002011-07-28T09:38:08.241-04:00Tantalizing Reflections<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxt8tP-2_XhCS4gO3eriJ1TQjxEv7aTrCYX5gPA8PJw__I2ZTV1aDsZ-VtY1BJ2XmOYDKL2bMhBBPgtSWfaz6eJQdJ3YhRhMpk-wfarENbYWls2S4S4Ab_LNkKYAHIs0CYRvumh1fONLc/s1600/P7261942.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxt8tP-2_XhCS4gO3eriJ1TQjxEv7aTrCYX5gPA8PJw__I2ZTV1aDsZ-VtY1BJ2XmOYDKL2bMhBBPgtSWfaz6eJQdJ3YhRhMpk-wfarENbYWls2S4S4Ab_LNkKYAHIs0CYRvumh1fONLc/s400/P7261942.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634396436358751858" border="0" /></a><br />Windows are like mirrors to the beauty of the great outdoors...<br />Depending on the time of day, the season or the angle of light, reflections dance across an outside windowpane...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxxOoBqWHTAEvnztPgt-CZsjaFC2el4uLRO76V2FxRzdfPh9vLGauyqifDU-0BsLJE4uhaNWKFQEOb_BG0-3BuokrQE8le97wYqGPGowTm2zqTN4lLva_gXhj5qfzNkDFDjTDLuFVRig/s1600/P7100913.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxxOoBqWHTAEvnztPgt-CZsjaFC2el4uLRO76V2FxRzdfPh9vLGauyqifDU-0BsLJE4uhaNWKFQEOb_BG0-3BuokrQE8le97wYqGPGowTm2zqTN4lLva_gXhj5qfzNkDFDjTDLuFVRig/s400/P7100913.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634396430960557666" border="0" /></a><br />Be it vintage textiles airing on the line amidst a cloudy day...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-EEnofNBw_4SUBi_vsI3y4d-GHOv0pnHe5W6d4yhGsY7diTKukVlKW8F_xkDCM9jVhqhdA2-AK9OM7t3GRTa7aS4UKKuUuHZDUefVf-9w4WrfYgIO6nan4XZy5PQE9JiuiRtrvZNM9E/s1600/P7261948.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-EEnofNBw_4SUBi_vsI3y4d-GHOv0pnHe5W6d4yhGsY7diTKukVlKW8F_xkDCM9jVhqhdA2-AK9OM7t3GRTa7aS4UKKuUuHZDUefVf-9w4WrfYgIO6nan4XZy5PQE9JiuiRtrvZNM9E/s400/P7261948.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634396438449981794" border="0" /></a><br />Or a country field captured by the village church window...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbKm2UF1ilQvpU3yzGhW8_d7xRz5d4BYZrQP-Rs07RtOfIqkBs-PS_daWCAJ6gSSnYEeE4hXb8bTYDhv1W-4YtyuptGZ4EkSGbK3MvAwA_i9j4853b7IuKVPnhWP3a36h-4h_OblQrQY/s1600/P7261934.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbKm2UF1ilQvpU3yzGhW8_d7xRz5d4BYZrQP-Rs07RtOfIqkBs-PS_daWCAJ6gSSnYEeE4hXb8bTYDhv1W-4YtyuptGZ4EkSGbK3MvAwA_i9j4853b7IuKVPnhWP3a36h-4h_OblQrQY/s400/P7261934.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634396428770750530" border="0" /></a><br />The ability of the wavy glass to refract the vision before it is amazing...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRMVYQHnA8XYonad1e2pJho-_agsv65XKldvcDq-5mrf3mGYl0iAWOUjDjMlyqlF6RWyWCHCQ25bCOYZsGy9Hsvf1RvcoqyFrBf3Z1fiDXmW3zm1SiKoj3Rzc3JY22cZTfrCT52J8rvg/s1600/P5250760.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRMVYQHnA8XYonad1e2pJho-_agsv65XKldvcDq-5mrf3mGYl0iAWOUjDjMlyqlF6RWyWCHCQ25bCOYZsGy9Hsvf1RvcoqyFrBf3Z1fiDXmW3zm1SiKoj3Rzc3JY22cZTfrCT52J8rvg/s400/P5250760.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634396427363237858" border="0" /></a><br />August is upon us... enjoy the dog days of Summer!Susan McShannon-Monteithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14525642217533620081noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992383084821899295.post-58185057663517732612011-07-12T10:32:00.001-04:002011-07-12T10:36:18.533-04:00Solitude and Serenity<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddZj_fgGI4gZvptJdiK1Xu8U5A57vsPcULh93aDhyADDtjsKe8L5EzWIIxkNy40ch2gqqjx1lm-zvDAqCBU4WOnbAO-qnSxWkM6CPdOC2lS6770141zE2fIMUAVFT3u6pFduDYmfM5xk/s1600/P6241895.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddZj_fgGI4gZvptJdiK1Xu8U5A57vsPcULh93aDhyADDtjsKe8L5EzWIIxkNy40ch2gqqjx1lm-zvDAqCBU4WOnbAO-qnSxWkM6CPdOC2lS6770141zE2fIMUAVFT3u6pFduDYmfM5xk/s400/P6241895.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628474174478908578" border="0" /></a><br />In this sometimes obligatory world in which we dwell it is an indulgence to seek solitude and serenity...<br /><br />As I come upon the stillness of a country cemetery, blessed with tranquil surroundings and soul stirring statues I find the moments I treasure...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOb_99EnCcU557i894OwJfNoD-MGGg1wINe30xIkOYd03JM7BIeHeKhsWSRIraNHHp8wAGTyUMXVDvCa9qJakS7nAckFfnKlXPMljICwKYMQwPos4LxkhKSLKXzENIajTvEPS0k90DArA/s1600/P6241901.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOb_99EnCcU557i894OwJfNoD-MGGg1wINe30xIkOYd03JM7BIeHeKhsWSRIraNHHp8wAGTyUMXVDvCa9qJakS7nAckFfnKlXPMljICwKYMQwPos4LxkhKSLKXzENIajTvEPS0k90DArA/s400/P6241901.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628474178594426850" border="0" /></a><br />Sometimes slumbering on the caressing folds of a much loved eiderdown quilt, good book or glossy magazine in hand... the time passes at an easy and gentle pace...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBgdyxLQWk04cGYgqdHQ0izS_ZfdGeLIOPvR9tVpdR1ycB-Xfd6BoJgLFk41mMcoMTX67HMFq_KmIaTpJbpE4DSA1CMyJuSJFqtufB28YBhgRmBTbY5PHoW2F0Ca__cRX_7f7tYJHXi8/s1600/P7091908.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBgdyxLQWk04cGYgqdHQ0izS_ZfdGeLIOPvR9tVpdR1ycB-Xfd6BoJgLFk41mMcoMTX67HMFq_KmIaTpJbpE4DSA1CMyJuSJFqtufB28YBhgRmBTbY5PHoW2F0Ca__cRX_7f7tYJHXi8/s400/P7091908.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628474177119916706" border="0" /></a><br />Even strolling amongst the pathways of the garden where bright candyfloss pink hydrangea beckon a passing butterfly ...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAvoVMH0Z7_KXvjUeMzU8VLBxaLuCo4FGOwdkEEukJNC2V6UMzG-XfEpZnXjiySVjv3-hcKOL_k7Y-rGplcX1oufaAMhXabvuureu3ZqxQF-k6YGglyL_AJs-g3eE2elXnhLJe8AoQkk/s1600/P7091915.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAvoVMH0Z7_KXvjUeMzU8VLBxaLuCo4FGOwdkEEukJNC2V6UMzG-XfEpZnXjiySVjv3-hcKOL_k7Y-rGplcX1oufaAMhXabvuureu3ZqxQF-k6YGglyL_AJs-g3eE2elXnhLJe8AoQkk/s400/P7091915.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628474186417047122" border="0" /></a><br />the fragile petals of the mop-cap variety appear like tiny elfin parasols and the first petite florets<br />begin to unfold on the gooseneck flowers I drink in the beauty that abounds...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZItqp-78PAkxAgmnNhOO1VynODpXq16sm_z8v0_NbI_0aaPMcxiF7GGirzUb8DW8YPea7aVVIAolu1PFAM9ZEycupEsaDKJMy73B-1uppct-GyF_ZSBen-LVdvICV0CgF91RYarRmBo0/s1600/P7091919.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZItqp-78PAkxAgmnNhOO1VynODpXq16sm_z8v0_NbI_0aaPMcxiF7GGirzUb8DW8YPea7aVVIAolu1PFAM9ZEycupEsaDKJMy73B-1uppct-GyF_ZSBen-LVdvICV0CgF91RYarRmBo0/s400/P7091919.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628474193758999842" border="0" /></a><br />Hope you're enjoying your Summertime splendor too!Susan McShannon-Monteithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14525642217533620081noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992383084821899295.post-33430653299947286502011-06-17T09:59:00.000-04:002011-06-17T10:00:54.184-04:00Tidbits<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4ZkqAhGfD0iGmpsPFeVRfhG8gnZMwIE3Yfd5cpWS22fxmEZp6KAPEQkpH9yak7sdxftxIlbKcROUbGPY2_ddfG2DZW3m9ALq1CY5EEj-sV1q1BRO4ZTn_K70ItyxZBJE7Df-FaZFsiU/s1600/P6071873.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4ZkqAhGfD0iGmpsPFeVRfhG8gnZMwIE3Yfd5cpWS22fxmEZp6KAPEQkpH9yak7sdxftxIlbKcROUbGPY2_ddfG2DZW3m9ALq1CY5EEj-sV1q1BRO4ZTn_K70ItyxZBJE7Df-FaZFsiU/s400/P6071873.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619188099702605234" border="0" /></a><br />Almost two months ago when our area endured relentless high winds for a day much damage followed...<br /><br />Trees fell and the outcome was devastating. In one tree a nest of baby squirrels barely three weeks old, cold, eyes unopened and orphaned were discovered by my neighbour walking her dog. Knowing I had a soft spot for critters and having rescued several in the past she came to me and I set out to save them.<br /><br />With feedings of puppy formula round the clock, they soon flourished.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3Xs3MHP_tUqJNL6velnqv2FStfCAN_M2ulaR-j247BIDAEOJ3G3BddcM7G0sFF3XYq4DSVa3laIck7EwvNCAeD42mO0k9jigooqSGhq4GJ23y-_2VPOmgHxqoV7IT2XQk6dJyeE24A4/s1600/P6051861.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3Xs3MHP_tUqJNL6velnqv2FStfCAN_M2ulaR-j247BIDAEOJ3G3BddcM7G0sFF3XYq4DSVa3laIck7EwvNCAeD42mO0k9jigooqSGhq4GJ23y-_2VPOmgHxqoV7IT2XQk6dJyeE24A4/s400/P6051861.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619188097822854562" border="0" /></a><br />Almost eight weeks later the two boys and one girl are now in the process of returning to Nature...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIlqqOB4hLdyF-VsRKJ503m_SiN-yVsqxbInLeKS0UstNTmdxRysxIn3rwOJ5fN39X7nE-B74Vy2S8Cw9Vo-nRi4pYrPjktvIVP6xjqQWdyYb4hmy2eHjjiP7bBcmThv95iVTC2BDA1s/s1600/P6161888.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIlqqOB4hLdyF-VsRKJ503m_SiN-yVsqxbInLeKS0UstNTmdxRysxIn3rwOJ5fN39X7nE-B74Vy2S8Cw9Vo-nRi4pYrPjktvIVP6xjqQWdyYb4hmy2eHjjiP7bBcmThv95iVTC2BDA1s/s400/P6161888.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619188112301614146" border="0" /></a><br />The peonies are at their peak in the garden right now. Sarah Barnhart's are my favourite. Their huge flowers and delicate scent fill my little cottage with unsurpassed beauty...<br />The aroma of yesterday's batch of rhubarb fig jam deliciously lingers in the kitchen...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Lv_HzdpS-hsmaPgX8TqP0beYeU7eMI_5vZXnKz75qKaWgCJfiobJcQGrxGfqLqPiqvwDeAM-aud415l01yX9l2MFj9puzFGJAGGInWKhoGLRJRT64_aD7jNdQ5SkJzhZmxGHnhZk_7U/s1600/P6161877.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Lv_HzdpS-hsmaPgX8TqP0beYeU7eMI_5vZXnKz75qKaWgCJfiobJcQGrxGfqLqPiqvwDeAM-aud415l01yX9l2MFj9puzFGJAGGInWKhoGLRJRT64_aD7jNdQ5SkJzhZmxGHnhZk_7U/s400/P6161877.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619188106320208706" border="0" /></a><br />I'd also like to send this special bouquet to June at 'Laughing With Angels' with the wish of a speedy recovery...<br /><br />Have a wonderful weekend!Susan McShannon-Monteithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14525642217533620081noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992383084821899295.post-48355936122910823892011-06-06T12:23:00.004-04:002011-06-06T13:08:01.488-04:00Illusions<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KjdV2cdMYpABHABxukUoB9FAPw6xyktpyddibsxhfw0Qa5H2ibOSWtvRX7XAO-M3LvOl69lUgz4UKOGnxUj0z7ydbxWob83Icc35v0MqfFsEe1x5QJesHxRgCrbgbY4oGROMdEhc_zY/s1600/P6011837.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KjdV2cdMYpABHABxukUoB9FAPw6xyktpyddibsxhfw0Qa5H2ibOSWtvRX7XAO-M3LvOl69lUgz4UKOGnxUj0z7ydbxWob83Icc35v0MqfFsEe1x5QJesHxRgCrbgbY4oGROMdEhc_zY/s400/P6011837.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615143301540157634" border="0" /></a><br />Though most of my gardening is devoted to growing organic fruits, vegetables and herbs the small plots of soil set aside for flowers seems somehow a reflection of my favourite colours...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTftnKagy87j1JuOeakOzJqRHwzBw94lGIq5d7SKhN6wuu7QFoxMfrHeIiOXPOcCCnYBpD51kryoOylDRftJAToOzC9gXnJmmjwG0u7puhZgorGB1hv8wVxnxXkCRtdV9hLzhClQvGCug/s1600/P6011840.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTftnKagy87j1JuOeakOzJqRHwzBw94lGIq5d7SKhN6wuu7QFoxMfrHeIiOXPOcCCnYBpD51kryoOylDRftJAToOzC9gXnJmmjwG0u7puhZgorGB1hv8wVxnxXkCRtdV9hLzhClQvGCug/s400/P6011840.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615143306431438706" border="0" /></a><br />Early June finds a passion for pinks and mauves from the azalea to clematis.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwtshNgJuhlN0WEBMRjEqbBM8Kc6UDjyjgjnPaD__PSVY05PjwqO_kfwcs0yhka6SODeiatIZ3c6OlyR2ciMdriLZLIplCgTnAULbTxlCsKToV2uSn9iAZtlsc1wNE2stmNMZrObRAinw/s1600/P6051847.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwtshNgJuhlN0WEBMRjEqbBM8Kc6UDjyjgjnPaD__PSVY05PjwqO_kfwcs0yhka6SODeiatIZ3c6OlyR2ciMdriLZLIplCgTnAULbTxlCsKToV2uSn9iAZtlsc1wNE2stmNMZrObRAinw/s400/P6051847.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615143308828368850" border="0" /></a><br />Even the first bloom of the David Austen old rose hidden well beneath the foliage seeking shelter from the hot afternoon sun is the palest of pink...<br /><br />A soft new Japanese Noro King yarn is on the needles too...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAYO3Gp5xOkEUztG6eHOyx0l9FFCrFEbvTW_rEnnQFzQ-MnAINZWMhVsyHjDVH3QAxO82dxupu2W2xcxQvXuZKqYq4Sf0kmvp4Osz9Qq1AmfKQloGaBO0wPqtABrKhpR6booh23lvqyI/s1600/P6051852.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAYO3Gp5xOkEUztG6eHOyx0l9FFCrFEbvTW_rEnnQFzQ-MnAINZWMhVsyHjDVH3QAxO82dxupu2W2xcxQvXuZKqYq4Sf0kmvp4Osz9Qq1AmfKQloGaBO0wPqtABrKhpR6booh23lvqyI/s400/P6051852.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615143315018424178" border="0" /></a><br />gentle earth tones with a touch of delicate pink, it is the beginnings of an early Autumn cowl for a friend's upcoming birthday...<br /><br />Have a great week.Susan McShannon-Monteithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14525642217533620081noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992383084821899295.post-19129636258232980372011-05-26T11:07:00.004-04:002011-05-26T11:11:16.199-04:00A Magical Place<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQipt8mMwrAQiYjccO6o1UzeALhWSw55pcLj9V9wj7dGFHrzL8vwIQ52jaIACtlhweAn_ZqHVe4bIVJtiGPTzqZOLI5r4PmViX0gK_GtEboOIqFQpbCymjk4GCjLar5VBe4mOgfPGeW8/s1600/P5241799.JPG"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk29WGdzkOmq8OlM39n34-lKpOtn-XK4Fh-7DexkNibAdG0x1f8u47ev9HsztSVGrr5d6Ky1Si2pqJSxvgQ29EYd5XsdHD1OBsLT3NxmD0gsDKtyZwMSgRx8HJXZ2DLM_laEGEoDDOR-o/s1600/P5241796.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk29WGdzkOmq8OlM39n34-lKpOtn-XK4Fh-7DexkNibAdG0x1f8u47ev9HsztSVGrr5d6Ky1Si2pqJSxvgQ29EYd5XsdHD1OBsLT3NxmD0gsDKtyZwMSgRx8HJXZ2DLM_laEGEoDDOR-o/s400/P5241796.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611041892027180210" border="0" /></a><br />When all is wrong in the world it is hard to imagine such, within the tranquility of the woods...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQipt8mMwrAQiYjccO6o1UzeALhWSw55pcLj9V9wj7dGFHrzL8vwIQ52jaIACtlhweAn_ZqHVe4bIVJtiGPTzqZOLI5r4PmViX0gK_GtEboOIqFQpbCymjk4GCjLar5VBe4mOgfPGeW8/s1600/P5241799.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQipt8mMwrAQiYjccO6o1UzeALhWSw55pcLj9V9wj7dGFHrzL8vwIQ52jaIACtlhweAn_ZqHVe4bIVJtiGPTzqZOLI5r4PmViX0gK_GtEboOIqFQpbCymjk4GCjLar5VBe4mOgfPGeW8/s400/P5241799.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611041897433011618" border="0" /></a><br />As you meander down the well-trodden paths venturing deeper into this magical place with the high pitched shrill of the meadowlark above it is easy to get lost in time and place...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XD4xYIXjc68AOF2rm8_4A_LfgQTY2M-l6ECQ9pnJ1OqoeNx12etcV3o98_pZP3w0Z38-9XcEp_O_ldz7NKgvyyP0qPnjdwHNivKhFErf9ffydYqNuhPzJpstMPikAOLImb8o2lukJ9Y/s1600/P5241793.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XD4xYIXjc68AOF2rm8_4A_LfgQTY2M-l6ECQ9pnJ1OqoeNx12etcV3o98_pZP3w0Z38-9XcEp_O_ldz7NKgvyyP0qPnjdwHNivKhFErf9ffydYqNuhPzJpstMPikAOLImb8o2lukJ9Y/s400/P5241793.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611041887364973042" border="0" /></a><br />Perhaps the forest fairies rest beneath a generous toadstool...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATHqqaYLIaf9zXvR_bSqXY9C8fevecBRMFk_usMqmtwbTua3jN-iCZ9pIwxWFDL5YhKIkg6kjbQJTMj2OW05Je533FzLZ9uP5WhUR5jtmaGrB9eSwQGex54NSQ3A3lTMROLnF4Il2V70/s1600/P5241803.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATHqqaYLIaf9zXvR_bSqXY9C8fevecBRMFk_usMqmtwbTua3jN-iCZ9pIwxWFDL5YhKIkg6kjbQJTMj2OW05Je533FzLZ9uP5WhUR5jtmaGrB9eSwQGex54NSQ3A3lTMROLnF4Il2V70/s400/P5241803.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611041899591007010" border="0" /></a><br />Or listening for the echoes of our ancestors seeking to find the huge oak burls that were once hand-carved into batter bowls...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JBCB2QbitPL7htJjjPbGmo2WZ4Ok6fkGMapR6A4g7gfVhDmXIpRi2Qg8rSkPvjiB4qYqctNly8wCF0YcEbzTfjazUyAcWNjXyjupoM9tdxRgRuId9lFZughm2zLEG8-_WCFXI1yK07g/s1600/P5241805.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JBCB2QbitPL7htJjjPbGmo2WZ4Ok6fkGMapR6A4g7gfVhDmXIpRi2Qg8rSkPvjiB4qYqctNly8wCF0YcEbzTfjazUyAcWNjXyjupoM9tdxRgRuId9lFZughm2zLEG8-_WCFXI1yK07g/s400/P5241805.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611041905645833378" border="0" /></a><br />Or a little pixie dancing amongst the decadent wildflowers...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzoOFTgyhYf4-1eJzSlWsifMa-2Gb0gDUzMhNmSvhzBuS3DszL7JZme0_RlDlb06lswdVlPoHHItO5i1xnxUpCfWKeaJscNnJRjspHaumXOerrr_8Ps7R-ceYFSsOxcB2LRAOrad1-7Fs/s1600/P5241810.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzoOFTgyhYf4-1eJzSlWsifMa-2Gb0gDUzMhNmSvhzBuS3DszL7JZme0_RlDlb06lswdVlPoHHItO5i1xnxUpCfWKeaJscNnJRjspHaumXOerrr_8Ps7R-ceYFSsOxcB2LRAOrad1-7Fs/s400/P5241810.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611041959998763906" border="0" /></a><br />Although Nature has her darker side with the beauty that lies before us all is quickly forgiven...Susan McShannon-Monteithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14525642217533620081noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992383084821899295.post-30752040581860079762011-05-20T12:09:00.002-04:002011-05-20T15:58:06.587-04:00Recipes With Memories<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-4qSR6gvmEhCvJZyoFRDpaRwhQvk0ujaYHqmXlr5Ap2g6tq9lAubVOMnZI9gW_O0AeXa2XxgLq3Kphlz8D3OZRTQHCDCpCNWPDY19OVrrxvsWsn5CEZx6aGj7h6NrdBMcktQuB8Nylo/s1600/P4241710.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-4qSR6gvmEhCvJZyoFRDpaRwhQvk0ujaYHqmXlr5Ap2g6tq9lAubVOMnZI9gW_O0AeXa2XxgLq3Kphlz8D3OZRTQHCDCpCNWPDY19OVrrxvsWsn5CEZx6aGj7h6NrdBMcktQuB8Nylo/s400/P4241710.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608831630651493698" border="0" /></a><br />There are ever present links to our past that follow us through the days of our lives...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqr4ahXlMDJVNDzEDT-P2NrDCGLBgQ3Z6YJUR_zrr9VAHzWIhZ3X2C7Wts3QL1bbi1ymrrvutD9UeLlsZEgix0Q5LTHcovcwwPprFRnX7exmqWT_jeSZUkELspNJdHJH4TXgmrMbhr2FU/s1600/P5191763.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqr4ahXlMDJVNDzEDT-P2NrDCGLBgQ3Z6YJUR_zrr9VAHzWIhZ3X2C7Wts3QL1bbi1ymrrvutD9UeLlsZEgix0Q5LTHcovcwwPprFRnX7exmqWT_jeSZUkELspNJdHJH4TXgmrMbhr2FU/s400/P5191763.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608831629781782626" border="0" /></a><br />As the rhubarb ripens and the tattered, spattered pages from my great-grandmother's recipes are readied, I find the recollections of her most vivid as I prepare to make her rhubarb marmalade.<br />Amidst the washing, the chopping and stirring, the aroma that fills the kitchen takes me back in time...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZx7__CsDWbyc0x0_cp-sfJqRKh46RwjGE91BXGZbamOhZbgYp8a8c3Rm3UKlB6UUvpkzj4Nibz-mpHn5NJ_nzLn79qyPhNvSZSwZCDyRxD6EqsR6DGlim5TeRbSBjlhFdo9OlDxnh2U/s1600/Rhubarb_marmalade.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZx7__CsDWbyc0x0_cp-sfJqRKh46RwjGE91BXGZbamOhZbgYp8a8c3Rm3UKlB6UUvpkzj4Nibz-mpHn5NJ_nzLn79qyPhNvSZSwZCDyRxD6EqsR6DGlim5TeRbSBjlhFdo9OlDxnh2U/s400/Rhubarb_marmalade.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608831637455436674" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtlsesXg90xBt7FbERZRyqAE7rz4ydAUzsLS_qdl2XOwoSGVupnrgNtvfq0J1WUmONOHJ3YO2KL96UsFbImmHip2V11F3ZxLNah6ZdPLVpt8v7Fud1kfDZR4-zM1LntalerAOhrg1PQ8/s1600/P5191774.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtlsesXg90xBt7FbERZRyqAE7rz4ydAUzsLS_qdl2XOwoSGVupnrgNtvfq0J1WUmONOHJ3YO2KL96UsFbImmHip2V11F3ZxLNah6ZdPLVpt8v7Fud1kfDZR4-zM1LntalerAOhrg1PQ8/s400/P5191774.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608831634684829762" border="0" /></a><br />The violets are ready for harvest too. Each blossom picked, infused and yielding the most delicious shade of purple-pink jelly... connecting me to the women in my family, long passed but whose memories I share with their recipes.<br /><br />Have a wonderful holiday weekend!Susan McShannon-Monteithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14525642217533620081noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992383084821899295.post-83061566653506667132011-05-10T09:04:00.004-04:002011-05-10T09:08:12.886-04:00Blossom Fever<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZaBpZmGUAyEg1vxA3DMB2AwHyIyaQU3iHJygS1-1oc6L-2P12aEalA-k7lkMF1DizcPE6-EgFnV_wPvbq58Yve_oD3H4j9-O9pFuC5clYRGTzK7VA2M0iBuNgbcRbfPBm1vO6nhZU3c/s1600/P5081757.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZaBpZmGUAyEg1vxA3DMB2AwHyIyaQU3iHJygS1-1oc6L-2P12aEalA-k7lkMF1DizcPE6-EgFnV_wPvbq58Yve_oD3H4j9-O9pFuC5clYRGTzK7VA2M0iBuNgbcRbfPBm1vO6nhZU3c/s400/P5081757.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605072863812671698" border="0" /></a><br />Living in a vast fruit belt affords one the chance to prosper twice in a season...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLUsPUior-LmyMw-SS36En1d1qLXzsW5cStkCkhT0CbixqN_DEf6xCBSLmFLmIYEZngpxANewHrY1n_COgwAVLznvilIBwq_AuWzM5qNvfUkjVXSQdPTkXPHltjQYWcpo_st0ThYQxGs/s1600/P5081748.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLUsPUior-LmyMw-SS36En1d1qLXzsW5cStkCkhT0CbixqN_DEf6xCBSLmFLmIYEZngpxANewHrY1n_COgwAVLznvilIBwq_AuWzM5qNvfUkjVXSQdPTkXPHltjQYWcpo_st0ThYQxGs/s400/P5081748.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605072858455694338" border="0" /></a><br />Once from the beauty of the blooms that paint the orchards endless shades of pinks and whites and again later in the Summer when the luscious cherries and peaches droop from the branches...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFVp8HZJjhQjALxWhwn6ZbjaskVbN66NAY1c7aPNcheA9r7WE8iObWRTUpEJwAu8UVXJAO7yAFDKyPvnVMxfU4JtQ8QneMXd7gJSlZGOo4X7WRJh8B6M2YLDFwMcDBsMQ39xGmGBWrpo/s1600/P5071742.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFVp8HZJjhQjALxWhwn6ZbjaskVbN66NAY1c7aPNcheA9r7WE8iObWRTUpEJwAu8UVXJAO7yAFDKyPvnVMxfU4JtQ8QneMXd7gJSlZGOo4X7WRJh8B6M2YLDFwMcDBsMQ39xGmGBWrpo/s400/P5071742.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605072850474970914" border="0" /></a><br />I am not the only one smitten by all this blossoming, French, Austrian and Prussian china makers<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rVC4sqoUlgjgOvT8QT2Qba3SZkhmfFZM6xnNSBsOYLJ-ATIbDLN_gzITGkjcWdMBi1FTIqjjYSE2bVjmKalbRdIEIy16sj3JNfYyLpK2HcEOpryo1yi5yG2a50eEtNBSijZstQ5fAOY/s1600/P5071734.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rVC4sqoUlgjgOvT8QT2Qba3SZkhmfFZM6xnNSBsOYLJ-ATIbDLN_gzITGkjcWdMBi1FTIqjjYSE2bVjmKalbRdIEIy16sj3JNfYyLpK2HcEOpryo1yi5yG2a50eEtNBSijZstQ5fAOY/s400/P5071734.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605072839941086050" border="0" /></a><br />once hand-painted their delicate porcelain wares in similar adoring motifs...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_Scu9ku_u4LV6QXtCZuCAX-k0vklDnODM-WUYr-aB1siuJxarXNIQCl7gbpAV_ljnSwtjN5WRECCSgZ2WrGUy0_wrnFa3wJQLLdhRa3-l6FJhtWYzFG_s_d3ib8uGU6Pkz-Cbe-WcZQ/s1600/P5071737.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_Scu9ku_u4LV6QXtCZuCAX-k0vklDnODM-WUYr-aB1siuJxarXNIQCl7gbpAV_ljnSwtjN5WRECCSgZ2WrGUy0_wrnFa3wJQLLdhRa3-l6FJhtWYzFG_s_d3ib8uGU6Pkz-Cbe-WcZQ/s400/P5071737.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605072847449060482" border="0" /></a><br />Alas Spring in all her glory...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5g3mP8DazZex1gfvktxJDAxPM8Rr7-eboDLt8Ou3ctjeQQ6mgAOnfTTbBalxG2r9gO1arGOY7_EidK0v2iIyVZzKDhYIqM0CZ-sf9BQvPhR9RH18qnrdHCyngZab9r0WQw2LzB8MKNs/s1600/P5081759.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5g3mP8DazZex1gfvktxJDAxPM8Rr7-eboDLt8Ou3ctjeQQ6mgAOnfTTbBalxG2r9gO1arGOY7_EidK0v2iIyVZzKDhYIqM0CZ-sf9BQvPhR9RH18qnrdHCyngZab9r0WQw2LzB8MKNs/s400/P5081759.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605072916260508370" border="0" /></a>Susan McShannon-Monteithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14525642217533620081noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992383084821899295.post-89684015865514211682011-05-03T11:14:00.003-04:002011-05-04T05:31:55.434-04:00The Perils of Nature<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFArXq4yzCtAGQD7R6X2YT7i4THAohO-du4OJB_pB15KcaZn_cwkEniz6MNEqul9vFwhQlJMRmnJR-I2zDlpdIBr2IXfBfnxwioe4j3oEvPbOcRGvUJaynwfaO8Ihyphenhypheni-8J-052X-Z6LZg/s1600/P4301729.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFArXq4yzCtAGQD7R6X2YT7i4THAohO-du4OJB_pB15KcaZn_cwkEniz6MNEqul9vFwhQlJMRmnJR-I2zDlpdIBr2IXfBfnxwioe4j3oEvPbOcRGvUJaynwfaO8Ihyphenhypheni-8J-052X-Z6LZg/s400/P4301729.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602508882820427074" border="0" /></a><br />When the perils of Nature strike it is often the inconvenience and suffering to humans that is felt most...<br />But trees, forests and wildlife also succumb to her wrath.<br />This past Thursday the winds throughout the peninsula reached 95+ km . (75m.) per hour and continued for the entire day... when all was said and done a path of devastation was left in its wake.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ee6JLZOI5r8WnuV8MwJBa9oCYVKTTw6MR1DjRIB8RZiiObUge-keNUZcMQzAPnXNFwYVFhsedF2rZ2nzHGPYifdJvDDbUq7hO9dSHlgiTRd3vViTUo8f5mpY4C-TReN3Kw-a5EsItwc/s1600/P4301728.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ee6JLZOI5r8WnuV8MwJBa9oCYVKTTw6MR1DjRIB8RZiiObUge-keNUZcMQzAPnXNFwYVFhsedF2rZ2nzHGPYifdJvDDbUq7hO9dSHlgiTRd3vViTUo8f5mpY4C-TReN3Kw-a5EsItwc/s400/P4301728.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602508878004310450" border="0" /></a><br />The mighty maple that stood at the top of our country lane, where once I waited as a child for the school bus lay victim to the gusts.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQvlbYlNpH83mV9mqswoy1dHC0CyADkvee55zi9PdiPISLdjq8MnrAxSyF_97aSwSGJJ9pNgRoICpr86HHLtG62vnY4rdTsyjBuomFTob2qsjZGcWuisRJwFElu9XTDae-1ag2zsCfJE/s1600/P2210528.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQvlbYlNpH83mV9mqswoy1dHC0CyADkvee55zi9PdiPISLdjq8MnrAxSyF_97aSwSGJJ9pNgRoICpr86HHLtG62vnY4rdTsyjBuomFTob2qsjZGcWuisRJwFElu9XTDae-1ag2zsCfJE/s400/P2210528.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602508854789319138" border="0" /></a><br />I gathered nests from the ground strewn willy nilly across the lawns... each a sanctuary but now no longer able to hold the eggs that were soon to be laid.<br />We may have had no power for 4 days measured by the stillness in the household but perhaps it was an asset, creating one to indulge in hand sewing, knitting, campstove cooking and reflection...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tyrLUVu3_Cvf7qinzb3A25fjrUiBnq06KziVk8G1c3_JeOzTLXTklSj0ZlrvKZkqA10R-QrigEcjJpdnhy3VuNMuBZ-ruNh_jJz7PX0IFVwwjwgtxcliBrPNL1HkbcxTKQXBYlDKPe0/s1600/P4190691.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tyrLUVu3_Cvf7qinzb3A25fjrUiBnq06KziVk8G1c3_JeOzTLXTklSj0ZlrvKZkqA10R-QrigEcjJpdnhy3VuNMuBZ-ruNh_jJz7PX0IFVwwjwgtxcliBrPNL1HkbcxTKQXBYlDKPe0/s400/P4190691.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602508870462262578" border="0" /></a><br />Strangely enough though the devastation was predominate in areas, beauty still dotted the landscape...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1JjxhfldImJhZHdHm5H2ZNe8EBm8xclM-mZ02zfiozAjTiF-YZ5Rvlcf2WKrT3001r4JQAeJ6Fr57esSRTw9qfBzbQQZdsireZhR4Pdr6NzdkTDbsmKaRM6q_kmIu3Mp7N4cyT-yLVU/s1600/P4190687.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1JjxhfldImJhZHdHm5H2ZNe8EBm8xclM-mZ02zfiozAjTiF-YZ5Rvlcf2WKrT3001r4JQAeJ6Fr57esSRTw9qfBzbQQZdsireZhR4Pdr6NzdkTDbsmKaRM6q_kmIu3Mp7N4cyT-yLVU/s400/P4190687.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602508861874381986" border="0" /></a><br />holding the promise of flowers and fruits yet to come...Susan McShannon-Monteithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14525642217533620081noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992383084821899295.post-11617794022163722872011-04-25T14:21:00.002-04:002011-04-25T14:29:11.565-04:00Lilliputian Lovelies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBflbhxoscorrLujS0HZfIhazE0sqK-wbCiQNyA-1_VSrkJ7lt9UWfV0d6vEgx0eKJkc5tu0tfzReR9LYz3t7ZQJLGjRcnhB57Mym9J-2x4gkV7d54nUnygH99yIT54AiVJPFgYCjc3o/s1600/P4241726.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBflbhxoscorrLujS0HZfIhazE0sqK-wbCiQNyA-1_VSrkJ7lt9UWfV0d6vEgx0eKJkc5tu0tfzReR9LYz3t7ZQJLGjRcnhB57Mym9J-2x4gkV7d54nUnygH99yIT54AiVJPFgYCjc3o/s400/P4241726.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599588233150440018" border="0" /></a><br />' Beauty can not be measured in size...<br />for it is simply a reflection of the loveliness within.'<br /><br /> SMM<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAoWvI2pizGcXcFK41TJy1mbdLidTtQdnnpWgqMQdBEFdzx0xwd8ESilG77qMJlxte1cqi4mqRBHoPGxJNcvnuPOWS850YFJ1iGrec4L5ob_yRTOIdriyCAlqclXfPluW0guhUkpfWZLw/s1600/P4241723.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAoWvI2pizGcXcFK41TJy1mbdLidTtQdnnpWgqMQdBEFdzx0xwd8ESilG77qMJlxte1cqi4mqRBHoPGxJNcvnuPOWS850YFJ1iGrec4L5ob_yRTOIdriyCAlqclXfPluW0guhUkpfWZLw/s400/P4241723.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599588228839340450" border="0" /></a><br />I am always amazed how Nature has endowed such tiny little flowers with the visual impact of those 10 times their size and the enveloping heavenly fragrance worthy of great stature...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOTccWoklTTbxJ447GrrkfYie6jXjYkMCWiw4QU5XfgcOGLZM1qLHKZAXYVU7UHh2A7kbAag_0TV84lRZJZTSblXwlmFvas446djV1oq3i6qeDQzxzq5QO1OKMe3aJcTGjbjSbxyQ6QE/s1600/lilyofthevalley.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOTccWoklTTbxJ447GrrkfYie6jXjYkMCWiw4QU5XfgcOGLZM1qLHKZAXYVU7UHh2A7kbAag_0TV84lRZJZTSblXwlmFvas446djV1oq3i6qeDQzxzq5QO1OKMe3aJcTGjbjSbxyQ6QE/s400/lilyofthevalley.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599588217535437154" border="0" /></a><br />From these miniature daffodils to the violets and lily of the valley that will soon follow in my cottage garden I feel assured that finally Spring has arrived...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv11NR_ckGC2gttHE_prbMr1RM6y5-7dn3AgSrHx3Sme6KGXC93NeVQ4eSj77wd6lWY8V-WSGaIFYv3SNAogjYCZjjN03B5R5VQZJ5k_uutcJJlVqrG5hEBMIcU6iX4iEUBtOmPTreVlc/s1600/P4241713.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv11NR_ckGC2gttHE_prbMr1RM6y5-7dn3AgSrHx3Sme6KGXC93NeVQ4eSj77wd6lWY8V-WSGaIFYv3SNAogjYCZjjN03B5R5VQZJ5k_uutcJJlVqrG5hEBMIcU6iX4iEUBtOmPTreVlc/s400/P4241713.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599588224382122306" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-Yupj6_KGOl4I-XzrmjjKK_Gpb-_8S0VZK-BYAo87AW2kSa94mbQupAUlfSyPUVHOFVA-Wal45XzyQLb7z0VcnsgTH6viepbv90Cxe8608KeXfEyZ50Nz4YwxWZHxBwTfdJp1PpGUx4/s1600/newpink.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 207px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-Yupj6_KGOl4I-XzrmjjKK_Gpb-_8S0VZK-BYAo87AW2kSa94mbQupAUlfSyPUVHOFVA-Wal45XzyQLb7z0VcnsgTH6viepbv90Cxe8608KeXfEyZ50Nz4YwxWZHxBwTfdJp1PpGUx4/s400/newpink.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599589823700249874" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And for those of you that love the Lilly of the Valley and the colour pink I have discovered that the two are now available together. How yummy!<br /><br />* <a href="http://hautecottage.com/">Link for the pink Lilly of the Valley.</a>Susan McShannon-Monteithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14525642217533620081noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992383084821899295.post-64527891820569373942011-04-14T22:22:00.001-04:002011-04-14T22:25:19.133-04:00Daydreaming<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOKYBjXSFcHTpmNBaOL7fYjnzYfDBCAz2wtY94uA4HFoKe7luJ6SMqKCg0VXG9TcWgAB99OVRMAMiB5A1IYnjlSgBUROn51BvpwDF2uEXU_pBp5BcZJpDKlj6UMkqeRJTqDrN6GZgaV8/s1600/P1271416.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOKYBjXSFcHTpmNBaOL7fYjnzYfDBCAz2wtY94uA4HFoKe7luJ6SMqKCg0VXG9TcWgAB99OVRMAMiB5A1IYnjlSgBUROn51BvpwDF2uEXU_pBp5BcZJpDKlj6UMkqeRJTqDrN6GZgaV8/s400/P1271416.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595630283580709186" border="0" /></a><div><br /></div><div>I sent this antique late 19th century jar to a dear blog friend and it has arrived safely into her hands...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2m2qlA_08uBVkwI_RI8OuFKYcQD1ot6GiUVs3ttPvxJqT_iOmvIHGk4aWhWGiovzruJlGC89uFOXdVOHFt95HRV0QY1r8e7-IUCja6BpDkGcsAQ3t8DNg55BUNynXJJOOB0oVuM6_7N4/s1600/P4141677.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2m2qlA_08uBVkwI_RI8OuFKYcQD1ot6GiUVs3ttPvxJqT_iOmvIHGk4aWhWGiovzruJlGC89uFOXdVOHFt95HRV0QY1r8e7-IUCja6BpDkGcsAQ3t8DNg55BUNynXJJOOB0oVuM6_7N4/s400/P4141677.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595630287554097234" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Its aqua hues always stirred memories of collecting water polished pieces of glass along the beach as a child... daydreaming that they were jewels from a mermaid's necklace.</div><div>The tiny bubbles so delicately suspended in it's making were captivating...</div><div> Whatever garden delights it once held it has been passed on to another to enjoy.<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lesVZo8oU8fDAT_ctBuqktYyeX3sB3Xqyu5aAnE0E22FGgJnBETy9RLhoazrkw9ILr4NQX50F7WYasVnk7wlIOnqkLAhhHHKNdU9o3cQ5t2bubhXNEech8cZpvjWFef1cMPBly0nDT8/s1600/P4141683.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-lesVZo8oU8fDAT_ctBuqktYyeX3sB3Xqyu5aAnE0E22FGgJnBETy9RLhoazrkw9ILr4NQX50F7WYasVnk7wlIOnqkLAhhHHKNdU9o3cQ5t2bubhXNEech8cZpvjWFef1cMPBly0nDT8/s400/P4141683.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595630296678362642" border="0" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Maddie is upon a rock looking out across the water... with her keen sense of hearing perhaps she can distinguish that very mermaid singing... calling out for all to find her treasured jewels.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHL_2_P6KWZS9xCoWOYdzZHyrjypLjRoK2BGdamuWWoQA_eGQ9tTRVCtnh5XD48pPXSmnDJ3nKt4AaDMKQAbUkKMfvOjifN5bqo9gOiIl-h8vOOrkNXFEmGrA5GRQzAmxhYd31jg9Pvf0/s1600/P4141682.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHL_2_P6KWZS9xCoWOYdzZHyrjypLjRoK2BGdamuWWoQA_eGQ9tTRVCtnh5XD48pPXSmnDJ3nKt4AaDMKQAbUkKMfvOjifN5bqo9gOiIl-h8vOOrkNXFEmGrA5GRQzAmxhYd31jg9Pvf0/s400/P4141682.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595630290604156594" border="0" /></a>Susan McShannon-Monteithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14525642217533620081noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992383084821899295.post-13074086439902311462011-04-07T09:45:00.002-04:002011-04-07T09:47:23.680-04:00Hope<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRIvpioA_Xk8IFJblgVyAXAms2yAwh_6-_0TH99R840Gr70E46oUVpZ7DJYXPzzc04ErjLCTf6r0IrK8AKyyu_cC_6JxBpd2yKzH5Pl7QTENRYFN0vcSKXJIDQcJa9NqnWHwcRy4WtPM/s1600/3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 229px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRIvpioA_Xk8IFJblgVyAXAms2yAwh_6-_0TH99R840Gr70E46oUVpZ7DJYXPzzc04ErjLCTf6r0IrK8AKyyu_cC_6JxBpd2yKzH5Pl7QTENRYFN0vcSKXJIDQcJa9NqnWHwcRy4WtPM/s400/3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592837581427055026" border="0" /></a><br />Yesterday marked a significant milestone for me...<br />A series of tests conducted over the past several weeks and a final examination by my specialist yesterday has concluded I am at last after 10 years cancer free...<br /><br />Not wishing to dwell on the specifics of my disease I must admit even in the darkest hour I never lost hope...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWI4tPoDEJ1ggN6-aB9DFefmDXP3Ly5MH0o70ojOKxnpPUehNqbRkamfBPPmkWysnydfWr8UPHNALlFq8Y62Cto3BOSSuPDGmMILSyTXaYp3kQOX5cG3QACOSuFFXadVdmVz5lDclyaIc/s1600/51rE0W2YEFL._SL500_AA300_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWI4tPoDEJ1ggN6-aB9DFefmDXP3Ly5MH0o70ojOKxnpPUehNqbRkamfBPPmkWysnydfWr8UPHNALlFq8Y62Cto3BOSSuPDGmMILSyTXaYp3kQOX5cG3QACOSuFFXadVdmVz5lDclyaIc/s400/51rE0W2YEFL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592837577890283074" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8epOWD6DNZ9dotNI03_SmdPIuD-bdA1ZWqyTTgUcMrl8nQ5HCi6z0m7XrfQeWCdgWuLuQdu4dtUAeu5f-WjHXNvi3RVZm5gr4Kx9941jcWZIxDADRJ0d29_c56fziF0oR9Sd-1soSeE/s1600/P4061672.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8epOWD6DNZ9dotNI03_SmdPIuD-bdA1ZWqyTTgUcMrl8nQ5HCi6z0m7XrfQeWCdgWuLuQdu4dtUAeu5f-WjHXNvi3RVZm5gr4Kx9941jcWZIxDADRJ0d29_c56fziF0oR9Sd-1soSeE/s400/P4061672.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592837589701932114" border="0" /></a><br />On a lighter note I have been playing with a ball or two of Noro's latest Spring coloured sock yarn. With its rich cotton, silk blend around here we're knitting light-weight cowls for cool days and evenings. (after all this is Canada and there are still a few flakes flying about)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcxyROUOJLLPEm9fiV_9BUa00GCSquaTN6gu8X-Jw9Z5VtRiwRY1bKdxSeOiqn4sLSWc2Q2cTSTLMleVrsemu_ToNPNM0-5feulZSJLsyjYEIyN1Y9FHI4HSLvpXaSDW-DbIT8g6u1mI/s1600/girl_with_birds_inspiring_victorian_dress_forest_girl-4c57db41f7092a9c7d311e492d4abad7_h_large.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 339px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcxyROUOJLLPEm9fiV_9BUa00GCSquaTN6gu8X-Jw9Z5VtRiwRY1bKdxSeOiqn4sLSWc2Q2cTSTLMleVrsemu_ToNPNM0-5feulZSJLsyjYEIyN1Y9FHI4HSLvpXaSDW-DbIT8g6u1mI/s400/girl_with_birds_inspiring_victorian_dress_forest_girl-4c57db41f7092a9c7d311e492d4abad7_h_large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592837585610787186" border="0" /></a><br />I bid you adieu and will close with the words of my favourite poet, Emily Dickinson...<br /><br />' Hope is the thing with feathers<br />That perches in the soul,<br />And sings the tune -- without the words,<br />And never stops at all....'<br /><br /><br />* Painting 'Girl With Doves' by Charles Chaplin French Painter 1825-91<br />* Image 'Girl With Birds' Author - Kaycee as seen in ISSUE 55Susan McShannon-Monteithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14525642217533620081noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992383084821899295.post-30878703877461603402011-03-28T14:52:00.002-04:002011-03-28T14:56:11.020-04:00Perhaps<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsR18gElp1TXttMvqnNAWueGTdJYVrdY1ew1UYB5Q-dTAcurPAP0zjCjXsylcDnW1hJRr65ovLnMjlueboHKU-esr_i2anLtDEvacp4kwzgTJqGpAFYFsPcIvMFvLH_JUda6FdOnBoCdc/s1600/P8300021.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsR18gElp1TXttMvqnNAWueGTdJYVrdY1ew1UYB5Q-dTAcurPAP0zjCjXsylcDnW1hJRr65ovLnMjlueboHKU-esr_i2anLtDEvacp4kwzgTJqGpAFYFsPcIvMFvLH_JUda6FdOnBoCdc/s400/P8300021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589205953327754082" border="0" /></a><br />With a 2<b>°</b>C reading on the thermometer just outside the door, perhaps Spring is hiding beneath a thermal blanket and having a bit of a lie-in...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWjzczpGUflLSg85a2gKGFPx2aBYIK1S0hxlfzkaZ5i1SAkORhalu79jIbxrser9kv80E0gwP5bJtTCt37g75ZdI-vWKt1vl7AUPzd3jBSmRd3td8xVlS-i3ZtcdvJ7gDNjTEFhwXEDs/s1600/P3281653.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWjzczpGUflLSg85a2gKGFPx2aBYIK1S0hxlfzkaZ5i1SAkORhalu79jIbxrser9kv80E0gwP5bJtTCt37g75ZdI-vWKt1vl7AUPzd3jBSmRd3td8xVlS-i3ZtcdvJ7gDNjTEFhwXEDs/s400/P3281653.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589205949715849922" border="0" /></a><br />But we shall not despair... with Victoria magazine's newest publication in hand, 'Gardens of Bliss'<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyNxcWPvW2cA1JyfusTsUGM_lIsMH_BYJK4USheDsdfvMz6OgzMyDynpgwa3cWx0U5hh6x6tQawcuPr7qy9A_O9Eb11jaaUexT76JXWYhrmdCCAIrOPKX8Ys6Ms2ZxY5r8bBaLbPApVo/s1600/P3141607.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyNxcWPvW2cA1JyfusTsUGM_lIsMH_BYJK4USheDsdfvMz6OgzMyDynpgwa3cWx0U5hh6x6tQawcuPr7qy9A_O9Eb11jaaUexT76JXWYhrmdCCAIrOPKX8Ys6Ms2ZxY5r8bBaLbPApVo/s400/P3141607.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589205843494990802" border="0" /></a><br />and a proper place to daydream (if only in my imagination) I shall indulge and savour every page...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOAb0AVweicmfjubfKCqcqwq_BgZMBQVEMExhxvNFPeZEiaDhU7rP6lAA4ypsaQSOypSm-276avzbCncdZGeMhG1kPFdqSESvdZhemd1u0DA8f5iYnRz7RKlgYMc_wZlQ57xF_eVfZUY/s1600/P3281635.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOAb0AVweicmfjubfKCqcqwq_BgZMBQVEMExhxvNFPeZEiaDhU7rP6lAA4ypsaQSOypSm-276avzbCncdZGeMhG1kPFdqSESvdZhemd1u0DA8f5iYnRz7RKlgYMc_wZlQ57xF_eVfZUY/s400/P3281635.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589205848504699362" border="0" /></a><br />As warm sunshine reflects off my sewing table and a sampling of French General's 'Pom Pom de Paris' fabric is calling out, I have chosen a fun project...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9ypqXhyphenhyphendqcgc0tgy5yyAdxfAWb6Wl0H0zLP01wwAoucDVsZcW7EZDurFHJQmTtb9U-J05JOtsTzgyXayGxHSXZuQlNDZWBkRjWTJxakbX1rJ6mkh5w_sskt2e6aRmZ6kb1m7KlvGblw/s1600/P3281644.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9ypqXhyphenhyphendqcgc0tgy5yyAdxfAWb6Wl0H0zLP01wwAoucDVsZcW7EZDurFHJQmTtb9U-J05JOtsTzgyXayGxHSXZuQlNDZWBkRjWTJxakbX1rJ6mkh5w_sskt2e6aRmZ6kb1m7KlvGblw/s400/P3281644.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589205859358330338" border="0" /></a><br />This Tilda booklet is bursting with cute and quick delights to create.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGs4khij3dhoHZ96I8Z36lTAuDz04nUjzDf2zIAR97003K0VPB68bdaPb0r221lurGMXKtyhizr9JGXznNqOgJg0vStBfRYrxV5-nH56eBZIQRyru5dVIr5DYul9723U_igCsnS2de83s/s1600/P3281643.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGs4khij3dhoHZ96I8Z36lTAuDz04nUjzDf2zIAR97003K0VPB68bdaPb0r221lurGMXKtyhizr9JGXznNqOgJg0vStBfRYrxV5-nH56eBZIQRyru5dVIr5DYul9723U_igCsnS2de83s/s400/P3281643.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589205852467803906" border="0" /></a><br />And with this wonderful antique ironstone soup tureen I captured at the auction, I'll plant crocus and hyacinth for a table top display... just so I can play in the dirt.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRzp_m0aLZEXYgEkq6bW050n10kotFvnZCeYZzX5n4qZHhezvYB4u22agR5ALJ6Q_Vv7ycBOPCxPu0JklBFWMfhMDLs6x9ZeqeZsuv1ERs3xxP0a9fFlsXxYB4jvgWM4KpZmvxl0pVMk/s1600/P3281649.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRzp_m0aLZEXYgEkq6bW050n10kotFvnZCeYZzX5n4qZHhezvYB4u22agR5ALJ6Q_Vv7ycBOPCxPu0JklBFWMfhMDLs6x9ZeqeZsuv1ERs3xxP0a9fFlsXxYB4jvgWM4KpZmvxl0pVMk/s400/P3281649.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589205864718296434" border="0" /></a><br />Have a great week!<br /><br />* Pic of chairs amongst the flowers taken during my visit to the greenhouse last week.Susan McShannon-Monteithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14525642217533620081noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992383084821899295.post-7157416245232938142011-03-21T11:49:00.005-04:002011-03-21T11:53:57.929-04:00Delightful<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDr6Oly5kJN0Nznpe3Ioc0cm-AgUUBy_zR_E_Q0cU626KjVy0qFe6y3KC_1w__KMAMQ2AYKjFxYvfOGXv1WA2a4hkH1kOf5oRNZF987unOwNluyD8eqB7bLlzqX05z2pmE3YN6hXW6YRA/s1600/P3141603.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDr6Oly5kJN0Nznpe3Ioc0cm-AgUUBy_zR_E_Q0cU626KjVy0qFe6y3KC_1w__KMAMQ2AYKjFxYvfOGXv1WA2a4hkH1kOf5oRNZF987unOwNluyD8eqB7bLlzqX05z2pmE3YN6hXW6YRA/s400/P3141603.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586561404373147826" border="0" /></a><br />Across our vast country there are still pockets of Winter, but here in Southern Ontario Spring has finally arrived...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsgvuUqpS_Oyy7Z6EPHhDnzPZMV4xg5B4Rb5B1geXPNkcuzgggrLF5TARZJfv6iTQ3JjM71azomUoVwXbqisD4uiTMwU3L0_PI_PuWLSV7B83v2AfBOcy1gdpKYp-a6OGD0H4nKXpSGs/s1600/P3141597.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsgvuUqpS_Oyy7Z6EPHhDnzPZMV4xg5B4Rb5B1geXPNkcuzgggrLF5TARZJfv6iTQ3JjM71azomUoVwXbqisD4uiTMwU3L0_PI_PuWLSV7B83v2AfBOcy1gdpKYp-a6OGD0H4nKXpSGs/s400/P3141597.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586561280205044738" border="0" /></a><br />The breathtaking beauty of a flower garden in full bloom is still months away but for a quick reminder of what's to come a trip to the local greenhouse tempts the senses...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELE0dyutKSjNfQ3kdNq_ydS3C9kWOHEdxGv4x8Rh_gQKStPkDTH7quE_vMNx2I6kBWSvuD4lGyBpUtbMOcRUGjCo-8wyXCugE-boJn-_URm-NmS33hU7kCBQ4R2iM9FT_4ROCPZ_79uQ/s1600/P3141605.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELE0dyutKSjNfQ3kdNq_ydS3C9kWOHEdxGv4x8Rh_gQKStPkDTH7quE_vMNx2I6kBWSvuD4lGyBpUtbMOcRUGjCo-8wyXCugE-boJn-_URm-NmS33hU7kCBQ4R2iM9FT_4ROCPZ_79uQ/s400/P3141605.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586561407246955522" border="0" /></a><br />Pansies whose sweet flowers look like smiling pixies have a spicy fragrance that is captivating en masse.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9PDqBBRyIB4xgE4GrQeBeCgbCiPMubB-PhkdQieoRwW5x3KmAOsaWzP0XqY3xQZe_PdneHGD960IlSJB1IEcWrvCOZLqqyhIJmUTOV7JHM5cjKFQ98cJqZsNbHQ_-qGXW2gX3-NabSk/s1600/P3141601.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9PDqBBRyIB4xgE4GrQeBeCgbCiPMubB-PhkdQieoRwW5x3KmAOsaWzP0XqY3xQZe_PdneHGD960IlSJB1IEcWrvCOZLqqyhIJmUTOV7JHM5cjKFQ98cJqZsNbHQ_-qGXW2gX3-NabSk/s400/P3141601.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586561291401319282" border="0" /></a><br />The delicate petals of the ranunculus are tipped in the palest of pink...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH66l2MWtsGqfsGqT8ZTPASSe1yDrfXVi7oI614wQ_MtJjnJFJP_xpmo4qIvKsVqOKraBcXne_7J88jZTel5altmnThDIianK0pM2WSDgzzB6zGgu8Qm63d-uu9XY1cPBYy6Co7N_IqTY/s1600/P3141596.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH66l2MWtsGqfsGqT8ZTPASSe1yDrfXVi7oI614wQ_MtJjnJFJP_xpmo4qIvKsVqOKraBcXne_7J88jZTel5altmnThDIianK0pM2WSDgzzB6zGgu8Qm63d-uu9XY1cPBYy6Co7N_IqTY/s400/P3141596.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586561277469699986" border="0" /></a><br />Row after row of frilly flowered African violets create a carpet of visual delight...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWH0sRzm_wX1n2Wz7vJBsKXcUtUeRoIk37DIWO9QbB0b-SLR-2yyFtfefAE5VWjEitvbRXzc_svEzK3QI8793_kD8k3ZlwizrtRRavq82CGbyuDQ5KVyXCfbcaqqTrhp2MWNshY2YNA8/s1600/P3141598.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWH0sRzm_wX1n2Wz7vJBsKXcUtUeRoIk37DIWO9QbB0b-SLR-2yyFtfefAE5VWjEitvbRXzc_svEzK3QI8793_kD8k3ZlwizrtRRavq82CGbyuDQ5KVyXCfbcaqqTrhp2MWNshY2YNA8/s400/P3141598.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586561282778311330" border="0" /></a><br />And the wonderful thing about a visit to the greenhouse is next week if one comes again there's always something new and fascinating to see...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfxizV-q2x6WLcoflzU1LYX08NZrn3JmpNQ80H3xHlcSg1KkFbXxRU58lPNJglCp05QgdeZJNcikEuZZMWaFENVXBQrzkgw6B3hz27bdN2vEQDucjVuEO0jtTt1eMsweqHf7N5WuI3J4/s1600/P3121575.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfxizV-q2x6WLcoflzU1LYX08NZrn3JmpNQ80H3xHlcSg1KkFbXxRU58lPNJglCp05QgdeZJNcikEuZZMWaFENVXBQrzkgw6B3hz27bdN2vEQDucjVuEO0jtTt1eMsweqHf7N5WuI3J4/s400/P3121575.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586561273496503442" border="0" /></a><br />Happy Spring everyone!Susan McShannon-Monteithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14525642217533620081noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992383084821899295.post-82372906487139607722011-03-15T10:22:00.002-04:002011-03-15T15:04:52.113-04:00Vast<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvG0QE6_c8eMjOUYJsiRjDk1odG9ibCBlYhapA28Kb_6ssZTVmYgjKhLSsOy4gRoT-fKtTXHDPqdCVux9zZM3cgJVZGkBQC0xsPqE6aK-id2k1u_EdfR8jlk0gWsmL5uV1Wxem4NoLoZc/s1600/P3141584.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvG0QE6_c8eMjOUYJsiRjDk1odG9ibCBlYhapA28Kb_6ssZTVmYgjKhLSsOy4gRoT-fKtTXHDPqdCVux9zZM3cgJVZGkBQC0xsPqE6aK-id2k1u_EdfR8jlk0gWsmL5uV1Wxem4NoLoZc/s400/P3141584.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584312049447779090" border="0" /></a><br />As sunlight paints her way across the morning sky reflecting its pale pink glow off the jet streams in the atmosphere another day is dawning...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqZp3gP2NElceQBfw9wQCdkc86wckpNL_HIoUvsm3kmoZQ2IY5JCYK_ItLkdYlJ2MocEEOK4fo8Ea_OQKmB6f3-sji4O1ZSO2xAbsQ6nl6TX04xBxtxgqCwud5oAbXYoWlsOl3exnTFQ/s1600/P3121569.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqZp3gP2NElceQBfw9wQCdkc86wckpNL_HIoUvsm3kmoZQ2IY5JCYK_ItLkdYlJ2MocEEOK4fo8Ea_OQKmB6f3-sji4O1ZSO2xAbsQ6nl6TX04xBxtxgqCwud5oAbXYoWlsOl3exnTFQ/s400/P3121569.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584312030705851650" border="0" /></a><br />The air is rich in birdsong... each male heralding a mate with his saturating lullaby.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzPiVvv3eAia9HA_RHFE4hazMtDn3cvd6JnC_oS1WE2cxwmfbU7ufcvkEK77c405UiC5n4fyraZYdrme4Lc4KyA066Q6GZ1TMS3ehRmrcdXhNNLw_f-jWqE-bkdwR9WJFhgOmX08Pr3U/s1600/P3141592.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzPiVvv3eAia9HA_RHFE4hazMtDn3cvd6JnC_oS1WE2cxwmfbU7ufcvkEK77c405UiC5n4fyraZYdrme4Lc4KyA066Q6GZ1TMS3ehRmrcdXhNNLw_f-jWqE-bkdwR9WJFhgOmX08Pr3U/s400/P3141592.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584312050480698002" border="0" /></a><br />I've placed little mesh bags of yarn snippets gathered over the Winter and hung them from branches and hooks. I call them nesting bags.<br />Hopefully they will attract the busy builders to use them for their nests. I do hope my colour choices will match their decor..,.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmhr3xW4QZbtdYvLgnPwpIdPmODsD_xgMHbUnhhcqXdEfJ0gMi10mdgMddHItyxypwr-fUJ7bN2PZvNUOQaiZpiW-_Mcw-RDTmwBF27oLPsqtdq0vFQyX9Q-WZuACyuFByhpfrYxTxz8/s1600/P3121579.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmhr3xW4QZbtdYvLgnPwpIdPmODsD_xgMHbUnhhcqXdEfJ0gMi10mdgMddHItyxypwr-fUJ7bN2PZvNUOQaiZpiW-_Mcw-RDTmwBF27oLPsqtdq0vFQyX9Q-WZuACyuFByhpfrYxTxz8/s400/P3121579.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584312036770163922" border="0" /></a><br />A bright cotton market bag is on the needles. Doesn't that yarn just sing Spring...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABZc1B6ZjHLGTKEZwnZrgvhQ4Dfq9UWq5pzydekIXLIwABQ6XdcaPyvKiQmbCRGvAoPyFLIzlwVxnYn5HdzLWKOrH4TD5q25GQSi0T1YdzXiiTqEN1oh6CRvvNvcN1aeFymQSxyf2VSE/s1600/P3121581.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABZc1B6ZjHLGTKEZwnZrgvhQ4Dfq9UWq5pzydekIXLIwABQ6XdcaPyvKiQmbCRGvAoPyFLIzlwVxnYn5HdzLWKOrH4TD5q25GQSi0T1YdzXiiTqEN1oh6CRvvNvcN1aeFymQSxyf2VSE/s400/P3121581.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584312043953654274" border="0" /></a><br />Miss Maddie seems oblivious to the excitement... she's waiting for it to warm up enough to dig in the garden.<br /><br />Have a wonderful week...Susan McShannon-Monteithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14525642217533620081noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992383084821899295.post-73576171185107631482011-03-08T10:58:00.002-05:002011-03-08T11:00:02.794-05:00As The Crow Flies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxbu9pJJwtvu_OeQWRMkhAoNj-N21kWx54eqkGgqc3fc63jqp3VRAa7fX9yYE7qLnPdkTmdEyNxE9Tk1BtY_oVDpiGZPA1hQAEuQ5cBBYYWLOlOOprncfAbgfHBdqp__Rg3yIFmMuzAU/s1600/american_crow_022704.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 323px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxbu9pJJwtvu_OeQWRMkhAoNj-N21kWx54eqkGgqc3fc63jqp3VRAa7fX9yYE7qLnPdkTmdEyNxE9Tk1BtY_oVDpiGZPA1hQAEuQ5cBBYYWLOlOOprncfAbgfHBdqp__Rg3yIFmMuzAU/s400/american_crow_022704.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581739227673883970" border="0" /></a><br />The sun is shining brightly on this brisk March morning. The birds are chirping and the laundry on the line is swaying in the breeze.<div>There is a vocal character cawing above me. I think she is stating her pleasure with the glorious day...</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHzDJRCDGa68ErdzB7Wg9sWTrnmzRKkdIitRPziFcL9PFSl6sZ_qjUKE4vgSAKuIvCJccNfQvPMe-2nucQWh2UE_amdLNzNqqVRgObHyneyklpsoMpFxERH05pVXh9GARSs48kvUcY84/s1600/P3071555.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHzDJRCDGa68ErdzB7Wg9sWTrnmzRKkdIitRPziFcL9PFSl6sZ_qjUKE4vgSAKuIvCJccNfQvPMe-2nucQWh2UE_amdLNzNqqVRgObHyneyklpsoMpFxERH05pVXh9GARSs48kvUcY84/s400/P3071555.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581739243924971458" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Projects have been simple knitted cotton bags for Easter gift giving.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lwtDDm0EYPe04Ld2BLxI_jyiJNdUKy_kybxd9JmkRfzFct2f4mZNlpj8DIX_tut01WSPuenL3qaSqWL4MhcREx9PiUOAxymyeLpnBRrz_0HCHigUMnPXrjVuTs1TwOodovSIhSG4ZiQ/s1600/P3071552.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6lwtDDm0EYPe04Ld2BLxI_jyiJNdUKy_kybxd9JmkRfzFct2f4mZNlpj8DIX_tut01WSPuenL3qaSqWL4MhcREx9PiUOAxymyeLpnBRrz_0HCHigUMnPXrjVuTs1TwOodovSIhSG4ZiQ/s400/P3071552.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581739238856569474" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Although I must confess I shall reserve a few for stashing my ongoing knitting.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmX7GWScsTtI6Z37H2H1QZaIF0i9kYj-sWSgGEU8dSnIqUUTdWZ-A8HjE_lLF25Py32yQEQ9wRX8IWu1tXksoxJZyXSWPWSADRF-VJmLn9qCXvjNqZ0Ewxe5Jow4pw2LKGvoN7uqeKxYA/s1600/P3071561.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmX7GWScsTtI6Z37H2H1QZaIF0i9kYj-sWSgGEU8dSnIqUUTdWZ-A8HjE_lLF25Py32yQEQ9wRX8IWu1tXksoxJZyXSWPWSADRF-VJmLn9qCXvjNqZ0Ewxe5Jow4pw2LKGvoN7uqeKxYA/s400/P3071561.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581739252267347634" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Digging through piles of vintage fabrics, for remnants to make pillows for the front porch.</div><div><br /></div><div>Alas Spring is on the way... I just hope its on the fast track... ' as the crow flies.'<br /><br /><br /></div>Susan McShannon-Monteithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14525642217533620081noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992383084821899295.post-88022197094612754762011-03-01T09:13:00.000-05:002011-03-01T09:15:27.106-05:00Welcome March<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFe2SRrUvH7U6_Ci00p9jV4IidtAds1KLLv4HVlOLLCPq7RZC36ECG-G-PmWvAerHqorD7zVe00vdth33lpdGP0Z394TcyxRHc18i5B4ZM40kASEvu1PBx9MPqxW4VD6-x8zGdTOD8FIg/s1600/P9121041.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFe2SRrUvH7U6_Ci00p9jV4IidtAds1KLLv4HVlOLLCPq7RZC36ECG-G-PmWvAerHqorD7zVe00vdth33lpdGP0Z394TcyxRHc18i5B4ZM40kASEvu1PBx9MPqxW4VD6-x8zGdTOD8FIg/s400/P9121041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579114665988583010" border="0" /></a><br />As we open the gate to the month of March and even though the snow drifts still lie heavy in the fields, I am most thankful it has not arrived like a lion...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbnmwF_lkJGwrNP_ZeC_lFyMSIwWAQ-ILDj-z4sRVM3DRNx_-4VTSkhvqubR9XSw7kNT6VY-SCLlfBrKm024gQE-ARIYhXhyphenhyphen0LvQY3jN83mmvKQ1RdOFKzI00gykxKvWGFtGFSVy9rYc/s1600/P9121039.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbnmwF_lkJGwrNP_ZeC_lFyMSIwWAQ-ILDj-z4sRVM3DRNx_-4VTSkhvqubR9XSw7kNT6VY-SCLlfBrKm024gQE-ARIYhXhyphenhyphen0LvQY3jN83mmvKQ1RdOFKzI00gykxKvWGFtGFSVy9rYc/s400/P9121039.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579114663183585314" border="0" /></a><br />The first signs of Spring initiate many auctions that keep me working regularly but I still find a chance to play...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3-mQFKHl4LiJwJ4pKCnMRvVB6QFfM9VX0n-WreHdAF8e2mKjkt0qfk4hI-EXyX1GnCNBwDra1wwtGsbylqWE804opMM2Lsivo57GQEZ50FjdHZbASPCeOXTaI1rsNJ16oDJbMfIcfzA/s1600/P2281539.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3-mQFKHl4LiJwJ4pKCnMRvVB6QFfM9VX0n-WreHdAF8e2mKjkt0qfk4hI-EXyX1GnCNBwDra1wwtGsbylqWE804opMM2Lsivo57GQEZ50FjdHZbASPCeOXTaI1rsNJ16oDJbMfIcfzA/s400/P2281539.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579114657781109330" border="0" /></a><br />Making buntings from vintage scraps fills my sewing table.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7G1QpWBglI_JEPQPmNb5tTeebD0WekYoUYa7s6X6HzwevuuvpwnoInvQvTOSsYFOb6M_6DG3W7Gbnr_F0Y0s4mRXX1BSOBeP4dnoQgHN45TCpsNmHZtNsJdRX9P-5ncCY_IzN8xvnEJM/s1600/P2281548.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7G1QpWBglI_JEPQPmNb5tTeebD0WekYoUYa7s6X6HzwevuuvpwnoInvQvTOSsYFOb6M_6DG3W7Gbnr_F0Y0s4mRXX1BSOBeP4dnoQgHN45TCpsNmHZtNsJdRX9P-5ncCY_IzN8xvnEJM/s400/P2281548.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579114661458045090" border="0" /></a><br />And inspiration has stirred with knitting swatches to felt... amazingly in harvest colours.<br /><br />There is a distinct chirping of a Robin outside.<br />Enjoy your first week of March!<br /><br /><br />* Pic of gate and lion statue taken at the historic Queenston Heights in much warmer weather.Susan McShannon-Monteithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14525642217533620081noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992383084821899295.post-24282946377023965972011-02-21T12:03:00.003-05:002011-02-21T12:04:59.333-05:00Interlude<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdD65aKGfJ8ltjEGvkR1WyN0LOyZtSSuUX-qXj_H3qDmNxpzaaJOIKD9iA_REQ3h4USIRORrzc1HzPL0b41_PVsHExZa1nSLmWG9o4HMGk7mB2i-84w1slTi_o220_NAUKiM3aaOoD84/s1600/P7250944.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdD65aKGfJ8ltjEGvkR1WyN0LOyZtSSuUX-qXj_H3qDmNxpzaaJOIKD9iA_REQ3h4USIRORrzc1HzPL0b41_PVsHExZa1nSLmWG9o4HMGk7mB2i-84w1slTi_o220_NAUKiM3aaOoD84/s400/P7250944.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576189687792073074" border="0" /></a><br />With only a week to go in February, we anxiously await the arrival of March...<br />Will she appear gentle as a lamb or wild as a lion?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLu2b4EgmbojPovyuh8e1cO1fyWU770rRr-hMAO_YNpP3op9C4rm9Tj_cGaRXsuEyb_dUp6JL5pV33HdhyphenhyphenMiclqaKnaB-IrPPEOnUc57PCFAxH1hpTeQik2_ak0rQ44vaOAAKUV4qkuE/s1600/P2181513.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLu2b4EgmbojPovyuh8e1cO1fyWU770rRr-hMAO_YNpP3op9C4rm9Tj_cGaRXsuEyb_dUp6JL5pV33HdhyphenhyphenMiclqaKnaB-IrPPEOnUc57PCFAxH1hpTeQik2_ak0rQ44vaOAAKUV4qkuE/s400/P2181513.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576189679346303186" border="0" /></a><br />Either way March will be welcomed...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HC58SCY4svb11S6K7f7FILIgGg_FRVyJNpz7BGmycr6k1mB8dYzmnoi_AnvzBXNtYcFTL9Ut7LV2HeZ9BPkpGTp7ogII1Tm13wQauSd7D9smWAcamM5YDXaDwAMEDnLJzfO7DGtLVik/s1600/P2211527.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HC58SCY4svb11S6K7f7FILIgGg_FRVyJNpz7BGmycr6k1mB8dYzmnoi_AnvzBXNtYcFTL9Ut7LV2HeZ9BPkpGTp7ogII1Tm13wQauSd7D9smWAcamM5YDXaDwAMEDnLJzfO7DGtLVik/s400/P2211527.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576189686454505282" border="0" /></a><br />Projects turn to using more Spring-like themes and hues.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrmX5ksBVRSZBxAgIswVcY7pcxfMqy-uBpX0e3BLkuGOX4xgIl5PY2HraerguSV3ka8kXbx6j8XqfV76LGgklZiCIkS2ZCTrvcaOU1iULqGxcZHCH2uY0PHKTiB5sdm6TmQDdrWSn5wg/s1600/P2201520.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrmX5ksBVRSZBxAgIswVcY7pcxfMqy-uBpX0e3BLkuGOX4xgIl5PY2HraerguSV3ka8kXbx6j8XqfV76LGgklZiCIkS2ZCTrvcaOU1iULqGxcZHCH2uY0PHKTiB5sdm6TmQDdrWSn5wg/s400/P2201520.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576189680038932338" border="0" /></a><br />And remember those snowdrops I'm so longing for under the pile of snow...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0PNC3vvLPtlhom2DxoUZzYUB7HJb1I3Huig1kRGaDTwN1G4st_k6pYSHnJ0UPZPkdelnneVMdDBp0liRu1BtIgNwn4cfq9xhb9p1_Njdu06gGMsxMI034fp-_BVf9YPKGf9SQLtQc64/s1600/P2181510.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0PNC3vvLPtlhom2DxoUZzYUB7HJb1I3Huig1kRGaDTwN1G4st_k6pYSHnJ0UPZPkdelnneVMdDBp0liRu1BtIgNwn4cfq9xhb9p1_Njdu06gGMsxMI034fp-_BVf9YPKGf9SQLtQc64/s400/P2181510.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576189668660730802" border="0" /></a><br />alas with the bright sunshine and warmer temperatures we were blessed with over the weekend they have begun to make an appearance.<br /><br />Champagne anyone?Susan McShannon-Monteithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14525642217533620081noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992383084821899295.post-24848152310565135042011-02-14T09:55:00.005-05:002011-02-14T09:58:35.302-05:00What's In A Name?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEI87-_EDmiPYXvxujKh-AOg2FzHwW27BdBXAyQZNEy42Rw3WtMNYxwW-uzVDgJ7kQPSdJebHzz1_i64A53QQtlUpRmmIP649GCP5MRPCRAjR_qY3c5cvj0jWbHmGngVRmjlzBNk7boU/s1600/P5250757.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEI87-_EDmiPYXvxujKh-AOg2FzHwW27BdBXAyQZNEy42Rw3WtMNYxwW-uzVDgJ7kQPSdJebHzz1_i64A53QQtlUpRmmIP649GCP5MRPCRAjR_qY3c5cvj0jWbHmGngVRmjlzBNk7boU/s400/P5250757.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573559103919749794" border="0" /></a><br />I've often wondered how the names we gift upon our pets come to be...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwH8KhyphenhyphenLPYB6OQCd9W1aVdB-pW4b6jpbH33KtEKFioukqo6khAh83YAF1qim3mrUCX7mPPwXs1LEV3lwTAGA4ILGQEIqFLmOTY_YC5VlYfoqhnFQkhcHjZNLjTDp1Ule5oQRx6MoH-PDY/s1600/P2131482.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwH8KhyphenhyphenLPYB6OQCd9W1aVdB-pW4b6jpbH33KtEKFioukqo6khAh83YAF1qim3mrUCX7mPPwXs1LEV3lwTAGA4ILGQEIqFLmOTY_YC5VlYfoqhnFQkhcHjZNLjTDp1Ule5oQRx6MoH-PDY/s400/P2131482.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573559089115016850" border="0" /></a><br />My dear sweet Maddie (this blog's namesake) proper name is Madelaine Grace, joined our home almost 10 years ago and has added to the harmony and chaos ever since.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QCvdV4vvyYhgiUOjIUIAWSP7CBOJYcLDbIfNVeT2ml7KyOjCjSzdVoLbZivZLYp2iPO1HdA6UiJ7pX8wzGgkRsLOPOz_Rm2AmRdoztUQ61wzRmg-WxFy8zHBPFnoiU9pgo72FuUpRgg/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QCvdV4vvyYhgiUOjIUIAWSP7CBOJYcLDbIfNVeT2ml7KyOjCjSzdVoLbZivZLYp2iPO1HdA6UiJ7pX8wzGgkRsLOPOz_Rm2AmRdoztUQ61wzRmg-WxFy8zHBPFnoiU9pgo72FuUpRgg/s400/photo.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573559158512964002" border="0" /></a><br />My daughter's dog Kai that lives in Alberta was a rescue puppy she took into her home and her heart.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6d-ZaoZLXMW9Qf0XCsqlDVdJkjr1XdxmkIKvOYLCFLpKOZY4bQEHJ-hRHCYHFT7Vs6qTrEm851H8cybcPKSkiO6kAbgsoceeCQr8SMxT6MDMHfzXKQ9I7UwYCHKWeO_2asI_Ex0jQYE4/s1600/P2131484.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6d-ZaoZLXMW9Qf0XCsqlDVdJkjr1XdxmkIKvOYLCFLpKOZY4bQEHJ-hRHCYHFT7Vs6qTrEm851H8cybcPKSkiO6kAbgsoceeCQr8SMxT6MDMHfzXKQ9I7UwYCHKWeO_2asI_Ex0jQYE4/s400/P2131484.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573559094621287586" border="0" /></a><br />My two cats LingLing (Empress Ling) and LuLu (Tallulah when scolded) are a lovely pair of Siamese. Vocal and mischievous they add a dimension of adventure, conversation and humour to the household.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VwecFba337zLiFd4-SSYGxlACcl_0UBH5HzAaxrAuwkRfwnCZrxlVZdP63jvOaQkpIMH32LdQd8HYPxf5xLvI6rkXhqbdhaVwWtURmi-sveLblBojXzzZxmBS2AA3lmAT_Hu7o6EwwI/s1600/P8130009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VwecFba337zLiFd4-SSYGxlACcl_0UBH5HzAaxrAuwkRfwnCZrxlVZdP63jvOaQkpIMH32LdQd8HYPxf5xLvI6rkXhqbdhaVwWtURmi-sveLblBojXzzZxmBS2AA3lmAT_Hu7o6EwwI/s400/P8130009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573559107696426722" border="0" /></a><br />As I journey around my favourite blogs and new ones I encounter, I seem drawn to those that share a critter or two (or more) in their lives...<br />Perhaps it is simply that these devoted pet lovers have a common bond in their hearts too...<br /><br />So hug your partner, cuddle your children and on this special day we call Valentine's don't forget the furry, feathered and smooth skinned ones as well...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPc2kbjBAYwCfVLQ5jVcluQZVp8l8UfY-3w9jjHwEwTbZ51TIC9-ITNsFMYY4RSJ-NvccoPUhu8H_WHue4mvtjUzt9FLYO2obuj20VmzGkP_DNnwqufgK5ocPA_TVEdzpo8eiwszKrNs/s1600/P2131489.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPc2kbjBAYwCfVLQ5jVcluQZVp8l8UfY-3w9jjHwEwTbZ51TIC9-ITNsFMYY4RSJ-NvccoPUhu8H_WHue4mvtjUzt9FLYO2obuj20VmzGkP_DNnwqufgK5ocPA_TVEdzpo8eiwszKrNs/s400/P2131489.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573559097281544994" border="0" /></a><br />And you lucky Gals in the UK with the wonderful photos of your coveted snowdrops , mine are out there too, just under that snowpile that should be melted by June...Susan McShannon-Monteithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14525642217533620081noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992383084821899295.post-51778408693181306912011-02-07T12:52:00.003-05:002011-02-07T12:57:20.068-05:00Creativity<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUa5YLPk8btGSdVyvPfkTnIUvWSKe2Fl-rKPdmblC_QRiXY53Nkt5X0B8Ln4AIbF7_-eNQEfLciaUJkkHHFZDKQewSB4h_Y_p5LJpiwARw1O9xuXNDp73NQH20rN9gEb-TjxC-YAPzrw/s1600/P1291434.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUa5YLPk8btGSdVyvPfkTnIUvWSKe2Fl-rKPdmblC_QRiXY53Nkt5X0B8Ln4AIbF7_-eNQEfLciaUJkkHHFZDKQewSB4h_Y_p5LJpiwARw1O9xuXNDp73NQH20rN9gEb-TjxC-YAPzrw/s400/P1291434.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571007181512812290" border="0" /></a><br />So when the wind is howling and the snow is falling, what does one do to distract from the weather?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeiH2YYwLV_3RMOc9FhV9TohDoLWKe1_5khs6iTYeg5HT8kNHigrJm89GvZXQh8BUf-huyTPwnNp-D0NWRNMJg27wLxovqzDZBrwuUqHir6DWIi8sE4b8w_3aW8ty63FSswmKpjsf8hE/s1600/P2041446.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeiH2YYwLV_3RMOc9FhV9TohDoLWKe1_5khs6iTYeg5HT8kNHigrJm89GvZXQh8BUf-huyTPwnNp-D0NWRNMJg27wLxovqzDZBrwuUqHir6DWIi8sE4b8w_3aW8ty63FSswmKpjsf8hE/s400/P2041446.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571007190315643586" border="0" /></a><br />Well you dig through a pile of antique hand-woven blankets that have seen better days and been loved for a century...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZXCiaztOo1Jp5GcO60cA6zPoeVNrCIlP1swKyHXnvneGC_mNPkzAF9PuQ1bxvX3M7aiErZ-68HNGdYGvJoELzpEdzRHaBEyqG1l2hnXXxY-RgJZ62DEK-puCc4yDQq_y9f6_T0T8BS8/s1600/P2041464.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZXCiaztOo1Jp5GcO60cA6zPoeVNrCIlP1swKyHXnvneGC_mNPkzAF9PuQ1bxvX3M7aiErZ-68HNGdYGvJoELzpEdzRHaBEyqG1l2hnXXxY-RgJZ62DEK-puCc4yDQq_y9f6_T0T8BS8/s400/P2041464.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571007316791677698" border="0" /></a><br />Or you sort through a stash of vintage velvets...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9tkCsgpilRT4eMj-YecMjQK-QnpNqOW0S5cs02CGxRHMuytf_YH0S9iNgsfGqlgWE41B2HrSPoEqj6LaD93EM_HggB53Zf_Aof1TMFByVOx6QNOne0Rdl2JBhG5P8O_b7Sy5_xQrpeM/s1600/P1271422.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9tkCsgpilRT4eMj-YecMjQK-QnpNqOW0S5cs02CGxRHMuytf_YH0S9iNgsfGqlgWE41B2HrSPoEqj6LaD93EM_HggB53Zf_Aof1TMFByVOx6QNOne0Rdl2JBhG5P8O_b7Sy5_xQrpeM/s400/P1271422.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571007168784096418" border="0" /></a><br />Gather the jars of treasured buttons...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-swrFh9ZUIQ1zJ79VDNs07k6J-z0wZ93_hYOyn8kykVPM9PMi5Fz5vtCcpu8qbeGS9qfYJI233f72pvhhNowYhDfenWhPFfhXEjqT23aPjy92ok-dvtwT0J8Ob4RoGD42wtiLs7PF10/s1600/P2041452.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-swrFh9ZUIQ1zJ79VDNs07k6J-z0wZ93_hYOyn8kykVPM9PMi5Fz5vtCcpu8qbeGS9qfYJI233f72pvhhNowYhDfenWhPFfhXEjqT23aPjy92ok-dvtwT0J8Ob4RoGD42wtiLs7PF10/s400/P2041452.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571007193750069682" border="0" /></a><br />Rummage up a few spools of old thread...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_pztOXGNYpOFFrdt1A1Bk2pAdugGS5t71_4pp17BU_HOaeaKYyvZEvrN7RuSDuvdAWFaRDoZpjcM1BhWT80OHeNqI174LOZaAFTAnRPh0UmpKWk444YVT6cxR633V2OndOfaP5pxqxc/s1600/P2041457.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_pztOXGNYpOFFrdt1A1Bk2pAdugGS5t71_4pp17BU_HOaeaKYyvZEvrN7RuSDuvdAWFaRDoZpjcM1BhWT80OHeNqI174LOZaAFTAnRPh0UmpKWk444YVT6cxR633V2OndOfaP5pxqxc/s400/P2041457.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571007299081585810" border="0" /></a><br />And hand sew a silly rabbit of course.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipT5DlIV8kdFYpkKL1Ji6VfWKHxkcNr4P5mYqWyPIPgGrADt6ecnHLBoA8LGGgoY_pd_FUbXh7vqzlArCNEqA0OKl2T5UtXDEQo_maWX9XYGnZFYdY6WtvZTInT4QC-DSlOfNSYo74eH8/s1600/P2041459.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipT5DlIV8kdFYpkKL1Ji6VfWKHxkcNr4P5mYqWyPIPgGrADt6ecnHLBoA8LGGgoY_pd_FUbXh7vqzlArCNEqA0OKl2T5UtXDEQo_maWX9XYGnZFYdY6WtvZTInT4QC-DSlOfNSYo74eH8/s400/P2041459.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571007306225441362" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ37E9wV10s-YZr-XxavhHyKHMqYAp4_7GU2Cw82-73sVtK03vHbjJxG0CrM3vJAX3yrx6xaZ05mN8gRL5cLG0YdxYdjH_ME2kDbfGcqp-nVrLafBOPrkggJazGB2w5hKUQ4qgClE9lXI/s1600/mbnatoff.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ37E9wV10s-YZr-XxavhHyKHMqYAp4_7GU2Cw82-73sVtK03vHbjJxG0CrM3vJAX3yrx6xaZ05mN8gRL5cLG0YdxYdjH_ME2kDbfGcqp-nVrLafBOPrkggJazGB2w5hKUQ4qgClE9lXI/s400/mbnatoff.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571007155425661218" border="0" /></a><br />Featured in Maggie Bonanomi's book, ' Nature's Offerings' its a perfect way to pass the afternoon...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85CAO58sy14OqVKKSttN9ALl5qsSpUKepuHefLTMjntOtrhSWFroGJPfAT0h0AK9yWnXi661fMHlUeP37vBX_Vjq_kJe1Q4tEXORCURDFyP0_lb45t5Nj1iez0BEiv9Oy2GgUqGORu9g/s1600/P2041461.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85CAO58sy14OqVKKSttN9ALl5qsSpUKepuHefLTMjntOtrhSWFroGJPfAT0h0AK9yWnXi661fMHlUeP37vBX_Vjq_kJe1Q4tEXORCURDFyP0_lb45t5Nj1iez0BEiv9Oy2GgUqGORu9g/s400/P2041461.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571007307146918082" border="0" /></a>Susan McShannon-Monteithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14525642217533620081noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992383084821899295.post-68844784021196319332011-01-30T16:46:00.003-05:002011-01-30T16:49:33.175-05:00Memories<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UJ1iFD93bgdvbQJIxsOE1BAdVNYAkmwqwf2a5XMhnpHScKSU8qrYANjR3cc9WFe0TZQaNMeN1sgG1fmnAsL0QnPPc5vFWqau8R39lJnQx2NKKpTJOUP4l2ohNqoCPS-G6Qm3B1JT6yI/s1600/P9131044.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UJ1iFD93bgdvbQJIxsOE1BAdVNYAkmwqwf2a5XMhnpHScKSU8qrYANjR3cc9WFe0TZQaNMeN1sgG1fmnAsL0QnPPc5vFWqau8R39lJnQx2NKKpTJOUP4l2ohNqoCPS-G6Qm3B1JT6yI/s400/P9131044.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568098839268029970" border="0" /></a><br />As the short month of February begins and anticipating the first signs of Spring, it is a bit of nostalgia I find myself reminiscing about...<br /><br />The picture was taken back in September showing the beautiful blue sky and fluffy clouds. The remnants of the wharf in the distance is where once the ships docked bringing tourists to the infamous Crystal Beach Amusement Park along the shores of Lake Erie. ( if you would like to read more about it's history <a href="http://home.cogeco.ca/%7E1tamed/beach_house/history/history.htm">click here</a>.)<br /><br />Park goers came by ship or train, horse carriage and automobile... to spend the day, weekend or Summer riding the roller coasters, swimming at the beach and walking the promenade.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRf0b_g3XERZgfPpTiKunv2ftht7aWDavsLGm75FsBpAqPY72umgaPnUdbMyUMy1HKzawvI4Gt1C5LgjqeZRF-ZBwspXIG4aQiJStAdVTpS4E8VmzOCPyYxg-xH-OT3oQh2f3bRJThBc/s1600/P1291432.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRf0b_g3XERZgfPpTiKunv2ftht7aWDavsLGm75FsBpAqPY72umgaPnUdbMyUMy1HKzawvI4Gt1C5LgjqeZRF-ZBwspXIG4aQiJStAdVTpS4E8VmzOCPyYxg-xH-OT3oQh2f3bRJThBc/s400/P1291432.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568098833664926258" border="0" /></a><br />The other photo taken on the weekend, where neither the lake, the sky or the horizon are separated, except for the remnants of the wharf where once the tourists disembarked... Perhaps if it wasn't for the howling wind, one may be able to hear the ghostly voices of the fun seekers that came and went.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzItV6D-4Z0c2eGPMXsuePezINwt2aKNNlSbDoPpGymxtzIRiSPzxDP1IT2LlHilo64FpU2VnhGPAO9CPUL6JsrxCnKWqBhboy4TcwSWtE1upwNIVT44a-IM8sRGGTQT5r_i9jy_hlXE/s1600/P1301435.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzItV6D-4Z0c2eGPMXsuePezINwt2aKNNlSbDoPpGymxtzIRiSPzxDP1IT2LlHilo64FpU2VnhGPAO9CPUL6JsrxCnKWqBhboy4TcwSWtE1upwNIVT44a-IM8sRGGTQT5r_i9jy_hlXE/s400/P1301435.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568098834660964450" border="0" /></a><br />Meanwhile I've discovered the little pixie hats knit up quick and are a perfect opportunity to use some beautiful handspuns...<br /><br />Enjoy the week!Susan McShannon-Monteithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14525642217533620081noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992383084821899295.post-88026342077252892772011-01-24T12:51:00.001-05:002011-01-24T12:52:58.899-05:00WisdomA wise owl once said ' if it is frigid outside, stay cozy indoors...'<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbknciuM-T7GoN04bKb7tihK4wRqb6E-C8Ej2GqkUbJUkdwFcu5kMIa2ikKbClqOhmB7FzeWxakojni3pgVXGFukLKp8UWRi8E-3I6TT8xj-xktGhlG3zipoLb3AIbVfjRsZtnwlKthSU/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbknciuM-T7GoN04bKb7tihK4wRqb6E-C8Ej2GqkUbJUkdwFcu5kMIa2ikKbClqOhmB7FzeWxakojni3pgVXGFukLKp8UWRi8E-3I6TT8xj-xktGhlG3zipoLb3AIbVfjRsZtnwlKthSU/s400/1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565811760609006770" border="0" /></a><br />A magnificent Snowy owl surveying his kingdom...<br /><br />It has been bitterly cold here in the Great Lakes region these past few days. Heeding the owl's wisdom it is by the fireside I have remained.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_AT_pjBMaXRd-d3biAsYfsRT_KykQo_Jl7EgcZhxcn59vF31ObCsf0UmRAnHFnzj9zyaMIh5O3tUj_KjEph-GiVxP8ZUTt-ToAJ-YHyhSyRIzD4PMQuUH9SvVfJ_ODnTN5spzi1vOkw/s1600/P1231402.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_AT_pjBMaXRd-d3biAsYfsRT_KykQo_Jl7EgcZhxcn59vF31ObCsf0UmRAnHFnzj9zyaMIh5O3tUj_KjEph-GiVxP8ZUTt-ToAJ-YHyhSyRIzD4PMQuUH9SvVfJ_ODnTN5spzi1vOkw/s400/P1231402.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565811767074831634" border="0" /></a><br />Indulging in a few knitting projects, such as this darling toddler pixie hat in the most luxurious handspun South African wool top and blue- faced Leicester yarn. There is a hint of sparkle spun in making it perfect for a special gift...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizT6Fh7iaqXMbx0XK1BaZvt1kIHO1EVUlarXaep1ow4YnxdQujM6CCZc5AyNSR6_UyrOHqVHexkWqEBDQ1OxzoQH9il2cu8BhKSxkO_skzBqUtZiD88cYpcE1ltZ039_Bg130R2YeJT8/s1600/7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizT6Fh7iaqXMbx0XK1BaZvt1kIHO1EVUlarXaep1ow4YnxdQujM6CCZc5AyNSR6_UyrOHqVHexkWqEBDQ1OxzoQH9il2cu8BhKSxkO_skzBqUtZiD88cYpcE1ltZ039_Bg130R2YeJT8/s400/7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565811764584954818" border="0" /></a><br />Perhaps he too is thinking Spring... alas my kingdom for a Princess as he takes flight.Susan McShannon-Monteithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14525642217533620081noreply@blogger.com16