LOG CABIN QUILT

Design is one of my favourite quilt patterns. I made the quilt wall hanging years ago. Due to many washings it is starting to fade. Taking a creative step can be hard for many people. It is easy to go to a store and buy a factory made product. The art of hand work is very pleasing. Lately my sewing machine has lay dormant due to other projects. There was a time that many small projects such as cushions, doll blankets, christmas decorations could be made using quilt patterns. I feel the urge to create a new quilt project. Beautiful quilts by crafters are such art works. Do you have quilts in your life? Have you ever made one or even a small square with a design? Quilts are part of our culture. The quilters perform a service to the cultural community. There could be a corner of your home that could benefit from a quilted article. If you do not want to make one then maybe buy something and keep the tradition alive!

OUT LIKE A LION

Describes the last day of March. Some light snow this morning and cold weather to warrant donning my winter coat again. As Canadians, we talk about the weather. It is a social custom. How cold is it? Looks like rain. So hot could fry an egg on the sidewalk! It is also a great way to avoid really talking about anything of importance. I wonder if other cultures use weather for conversation as much as we do. What do you think? By the way, what's the weather like there?

SUNSET-TIME TO REFLECT

A sunset brings an end to the light of day. There is always time after dark to continue to enjoy before bedtime. I love sunsets. Ordinary ones from my house, some sitting on beaches in faraway places or in crowded cities where glimpses can be seen between buildings. The sky aglow with colour. As we age, sunset often refers to the sunset of our life. Are we colourful? Does anyone stop to view us as beautiful or knowledgeable? A sunset can be romantic. Sitting with someone you love, watching the sun go down can be a memorable time. When you look at the picture, what do you see? Can you hear the water lapping against the shore? Do the clouds indicate rain or is it just overcast? Would you like a ride on the boat in the water? Do you wish you were sitting on a chair watching the sun go down on a summer's night? I know I do.

SUNSET-TIME TO REFLECT

Sunset always brings an end to the light of day. There is always time after dark to continue to enjoy before bedtime. As we age, sunset often refers to the sunset of our life. I love sunsets.

JUST DO IT!

Is a phrase made popular by a creative ad campaign of a major company. It says so much. We can procrastinate and put off things we need to do. But just do it, puts a fire under our butts to get started in the activity being avoided. Lately, I have been pushing myself to get some projects finished, some in process and start some new ones as well as planning for others. It feels great to be busy with activities that bring some satisfaction. Projects can be small-achievable in an hour, day, week or ones that need more time like a major writing project that require several drafts and reviews. I am finishing some small crochet and knitting crafts, making cards for special occasions, some spring cleaning and trying to find activities for the little grandchildren that visit. Of course photo opportunities! Are you avoiding getting started? Or are you using the change of season to review areas in your life? Start small so you can see some results! Scrapbook one page, take one picture, clean one drawer! You are on your way- You did It!

A GOOD MEAT SAUCE

With some homemade pasta is a meal in itself! The smell of a sauce simmering for several hours brings such an aroma to a home. Prepackaged foods are useful for a quick meal but taking the time to cook from stratch, allows food to be enjoyed differently.

My husband Adolph is a cook, not a chef. Coming home to a house where a meal is in progress creates an immediate sense of relaxation. Of course I do the cleaning of the kitchen after dinner. A bond is created when the work around meals is shared. Do you do the cooking? Or does someone else in your home carry the task of meal preparation? I cook on the weekends to give Adolph a break or sometimes we order takeout. Some couples take turns with the household tasks while other divide the load. Unfortunately,the majority of women do more in the home. Are you a couple that share tasks? Or does the woman in your home still carry the load? Adolph cooks- if only I could get him to vacuum!!!

DO YOU LIKE GARLIC?

We use garlic in many dishes. Named Allium Sativum, it is a member of the Onion family. Perhaps that's why one can have garlic and onion breath!! It is grown globally with the largest crops in China. Garlic bread, shrimps sauted with garlic or added to my bread stuffing for the turkey it adds flavour to food. There are theories stating it has medicinal purposes helping the body. Some myths say garlic fends off vampires- if you actually believe in vampires! Adolph uses it in many veggie dishes and roasts he cooks. Do you like garlic? Do you use it in your dishes?