Month: May 2025
Time for Change…and a Re-Boot…
I started this blog/website/podcast in September 2019 after my retirement. It started with a focus on women and I spent the first few episodes talking with a friend of mine – we covered women’s health, family, adult children, grief and loss, boundaries and books, and even more. I moved into a “solo” version for awhile
Sprucing Up the Garden
This year has marked the addition of a new garden. A new garden means digging up sod, tilling the soil, adding soil and then adding plants and mulch. If you are looking for mulch and soil in our area (Welland), we highly recommend “Plants Choice” https://plantschoice.ca/. They deliver to your door and they offer great
It is Gazebo Time…and Time for New Pillows
A couple of years ago, I sewed outdoor pillows for the various chairs that I have around the pool. Last year, we added a gazebo and an outdoor living room space. So, this year, I decided to update the pillows and give everything a refresh. Sewing pillows is exactly the same as sewing a zipper
A Scarf and a Coat
I spent several months over the winter creating a scarf to match my “coat of many colours”. It was a challenging pattern and I completed 4 rows each day in order to get it completed – and it was hundreds of rows. I am including the pattern if you want to give it a try.
Dishcloths…The Challenge…
This week’s dishcloth was fun and complicated. Anyone who know me is aware that I never back away from a challenge. When I have given away dishcloths, I often hear that they are “too pretty to use”. I always say that you should always have beautiful and practical things in your life that help you
What do you love about summer?
When people ask us what our summer plans are, we just smile a slow and reflective smile. Summer for us is biking, golfing, walking, rocking on the front porch each morning with coffee AND it is relaxing in our backyard. We spend time (and money) getting pots and pool ready for a long, beautiful summer
The Long Weekend…Get Your Gardening On…
Today was a BIG day…the beginning of the long weekend and a delivery of top soil and mulch and purchasing annuals and perennials. I am getting ready to create pots around the pool, plan a vegetable garden and “get my summer on”. The pool is open and any problem that occurs is definitely a “first
Rhubarb Cookies
I have several bags of rhubarb left in the freezer from last season and we are not entering rhubarb season once again. I found this recipe last evening when I was “scrolling” through my Facebook and I just spontaneously made them…I thawed the rhubarb for 30 seconds in the microwave and then chopped it up
Breakfast for Dinner – The Frittata
Do you need a quick dinner that is both delicious and healthy? Just look to the simple frittata with a Mediterranean twist. I recently bought a magazine created by Good Housekeeping called “Summer Mediterranean Diet” that will be on display until July 28, 2025. Sometimes, I buy a magazine and I get maybe one great
Keep Calm and Crochet On…
“I can calculate motions of celestial bodies, but not the madness of people.” – Sir Isaac Newton As we watch the happenings in the world unfold, this quote resonates. I try to stay out of the dark hole of watching and following the news all the time. Once a day, I do a deep dive
Prairie Points on My Latest Quilt
The quilt that I just completed included Prairie Points. Prairie points are a quilting technique where fabric square are folded into triangles and used as a decorative edge finish or inserted into seams to add dimension and texture to quilts and other projects. They are a classic alternative to traditional quilt binding and can be used
Keep Calm and Knit Some Socks…
Here are 10 ways to stay calm: 1. Deep Breathing: Inhale deeply and slowly, focusing on the sensation of the air filling your lungs. This can help to calm your nervous system. 2. Mindfulness: Pay attention to the present moment without judgment. This can help you to become more aware of your thoughts and feelings and how they are
Crocheting for Sale
This year, I am going to contribute some of my homemade items to some local markets. My neighbour is embarking on a side business selling soaps and things so, I had decided to contribute some of my dishcloths/washcloths and socks to the table. I have done this before – very unsuccessfully – long story but,
April 2025 Reading List
Non-FictionOpen When…..by Dr. Julie Smith This is a book with guidance for some of your tough days and times. Open When…it’s hard to be with yourself…it’s hard to be with other people…it’s hard to be with your feelings…you’re healing by the past…Listen to the positive voice within you when you need it the most. Eat