Delightful

Across our vast country there are still pockets of Winter, but here in Southern Ontario Spring has finally arrived...


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...


Pansies whose sweet flowers look like smiling pixies have a spicy fragrance that is captivating en masse.


The delicate petals of the ranunculus are tipped in the palest of pink...


Row after row of frilly flowered African violets create a carpet of visual delight...


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...


Happy Spring everyone!

Vast

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...


The air is rich in birdsong... each male heralding a mate with his saturating lullaby.


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.
Hopefully they will attract the busy builders to use them for their nests. I do hope my colour choices will match their decor..,.


A bright cotton market bag is on the needles. Doesn't that yarn just sing Spring...


Miss Maddie seems oblivious to the excitement... she's waiting for it to warm up enough to dig in the garden.

Have a wonderful week...

As The Crow Flies

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.

There is a vocal character cawing above me. I think she is stating her pleasure with the glorious day...

Projects have been simple knitted cotton bags for Easter gift giving.

Although I must confess I shall reserve a few for stashing my ongoing knitting.

Digging through piles of vintage fabrics, for remnants to make pillows for the front porch.

Alas Spring is on the way... I just hope its on the fast track... ' as the crow flies.'

Welcome March

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...


The first signs of Spring initiate many auctions that keep me working regularly but I still find a chance to play...


Making buntings from vintage scraps fills my sewing table.


And inspiration has stirred with knitting swatches to felt... amazingly in harvest colours.

There is a distinct chirping of a Robin outside.
Enjoy your first week of March!


* Pic of gate and lion statue taken at the historic Queenston Heights in much warmer weather.

Interlude

With only a week to go in February, we anxiously await the arrival of March...
Will she appear gentle as a lamb or wild as a lion?


Either way March will be welcomed...


Projects turn to using more Spring-like themes and hues.


And remember those snowdrops I'm so longing for under the pile of snow...


alas with the bright sunshine and warmer temperatures we were blessed with over the weekend they have begun to make an appearance.

Champagne anyone?

What's In A Name?

I've often wondered how the names we gift upon our pets come to be...


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.


My daughter's dog Kai that lives in Alberta was a rescue puppy she took into her home and her heart.


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.


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...
Perhaps it is simply that these devoted pet lovers have a common bond in their hearts too...

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...


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...

Creativity

So when the wind is howling and the snow is falling, what does one do to distract from the weather?


Well you dig through a pile of antique hand-woven blankets that have seen better days and been loved for a century...


Or you sort through a stash of vintage velvets...


Gather the jars of treasured buttons...


Rummage up a few spools of old thread...


And hand sew a silly rabbit of course.



Featured in Maggie Bonanomi's book, ' Nature's Offerings' its a perfect way to pass the afternoon...