Fragrance

Oh my, what a lovely fragrance that is filing the house tonight. We are due for severe weather, so I went out an cut the Lilacs.

Beauty of Moscow.

Blue Skies

I also went back behind the fence and got some of the Lily of the Valley.

White Lily of the Valley

Pink Lily of the Valley

Have a nice evening;

Joanne

Sunday, May 2nd

No, I have not allen off the face of the Earth, just getting the garden in shape for planting and racing photography season has started.

Yesterday I spent the day cutting the back yard... 2 DAYS AFTER THE GRASS GUY WAS HERE. I think he forgot to move the level to engage the blade. I did what any sane person would do, I fired him. The grass was so long that after cutting it with the mulching blade, I had to fire up the walk behind mower and bag all the clippings. Not how I want to spend my time.

Once that was done, I uncovered the 6 rain barrels and set them up. Normally, my brother does this but he is vacationing at Myrtle Beach. So, going by memory, I unhooked the gutters and set the shorter ones up and got the barrels all ready to collect rain water. Doing this saves so much money during the growing season. Each barrel is a 55 gallon drum with the hose connection WAY down at the bottom. Using gravity the water flows into a bucket and all the trees, shrubs, bushes flower gardens and veggie gardens get water. For the entire growing season, we only have a water bill of $11.00! that even includes water used in the house.

Today saw me at Nelson Ledges Road Course for the second day of the WERA motorcycle event. Forecast was for rain, but it did not happen. I was mainly out there to improve my portfolio and I want to rooster tail bike shots. Did not happen, but here is one.

Stitching wise, Ladybug, Ladybug is finished and I will write another post to include a photo. Next project is an older design "Believe" by Dew Dollies. Rather large design, finished size is 18" wide x 6" tall. Still have to design what fabric I want to stitch it on.

Until next time, enjoy your week;
Joanne

Sunday Drive

Today I had the extreme pleasure of shooting a group of classic Porsche 928. This car was the one I got to ride in. Man, can these cars grip the road! At one point we were exceeding the speed limit and taking a turn at the same time and for one brief moment I thought about how crazy it was, but then my sanity came back and I totally enjoyed the ride. Thanks to Rick for being a great driver and thanks to The 928 Buckeye Landsharks for letting me shoot their Spring Tour.

Joanne

April 17, 2010

55 years ago today, Mom went into labor and at 10:01 am on a sunny Sunday, I was born. Age is just a number and while I do not feel 55 years old (heck, I do not even feel like 40), Arthur (arthritis) is beginning to makes his presence known daily in my hands. As a cross stitcher, sewer and gardener, this spells trouble and alot of Advil.

Today, the weather front has come through and we are currently at a chilly 39 degrees and very cloudy. The forecast is even mentioning SNOW. NO MORE SNOW. I want to work in my garden! For my birthday, my brother and his wife gave me 2 gift certificates to local garden centers. I have found that buying a small garden centers, the plants are so much healthier and survive transplanting. Too bad I can not even go today to look. Bummer. So instead, I may just have to go to a couple of cross stitch stores to check out the new stuff and maybe place an order or 2 for some new designs that I have seen at The Needlework Show (http://needleworkshow.com/index.html).

Hope you enjoy your day. I know I will. Have a piece of cake (it's chocolate with buttercream frosting).

Joanne

New Moon TUSAL

My April TUSAL. 

Yes, I am stitching again! Ladybug, Ladybug by Little House Needleworks. If you look closely, you can see the 2 shades of green in my glass. There are a few counting mistakes in my work (that's what I get for stitching during playoff hockey), but I plan to cover them up with a few ladybug buttons. I use the ladybug in my photography logo, so when I saw this one someone's blog (forgive,me I cannot remember where or when), I knew I HAD to stitch this. It was just a few clicks away to my favorite ONS, 1-2-3- Stitch and within a week the chart was here at home. The 'beanie' ladybug was bought on a trip to Florida and I knew this month's TUSAL had to include her in the photo.

Hope everyone is having a good month.

Joanne

Sunday

After spending 7 hours in my garden yesterday, I am too sore to do any work today. Think I will make a quick run over to JoAnn Fabrics and then come home and stitch while I watch baseball. Hopefully, the Advil will kick in soon and my hands will stop hurting.

Here is the photo of the Easter baking and yes, it is all gone. The family (23 people) totally enjoyed themselves.

Have a great Sunday!

Joanne

April is here. The weather is finally warming up here in Ohio. The Daffodils are getting ready to bloom. My roses are waking from their winter nap. My 'Queen Elizabeth' rose has survived the winter and will be blooming for her 20th season! Bought my first plants of the season, 8 Provence lavender plants. Lost some during the winter and I have to fill in for the hedge to be complete. Cannot wait to harvest the flowers this year.

Today is the day I am doing all my Easter baking (pictures to follow). Lamb cakes and Apricot kolacky!

Stitching report.... I am stitching again! Had a lull for 1 month, but now the bug is back. After seeing this design on someones blog, I HAD to have it.... Ladybug, Ladybug from Little House Needleworks. I use a ladybug in my logo for my photography.

I will take pictures today and post them later of the lavender, the lamb cakes and my awakening garden.