Spring is almost here.

Spring is almost here.
Winter is almost over here in Iowa, and we can now see the deer wandering around.

Still January!

We woke up this morning to a fresh snowfall - about 3 - 4 inches fell overnight. Yesterday was very cold - I don't think it got much above the single digits, so I was pleasantly surprised when there was no wind with this snow and clearing the walks and drives wasn't too bad.

My boys have grown up, so the only snowmen in our yard are these four! We made these when the boys were 5 and 6, so twenty years ago. They've held up well, getting a new coat of paint every so often and new scarves.

Belle came outside while we cleared the snow, and I took her for a long walk. She gets worn out playing in the deep snow, so was happy to come inside and sit in the sun and watch out the window. And fall asleep in the sun!


Doesn't this quilt look like the snowman is saying " I give up!"? Another month or so, and he'll be put away for another year.

So since the outside work is done, it's time to go play with fabric...hopefully I'll have pictures later of new accomplishments!

Stay warm!

Finally! Time to Blog!

This is how I've felt when walking Belle in below zero windchills!

It's been a long month already. January is usually busy for me at work with lots of deadlines on things like Payroll reports and W2's, Sales taxes, and the like. And this month has been plagued with server problems.

As of today, a new server is installed and (knock wood) all programs are running. Of course, that could change at any moment!

I've taken out some of my frustrations from work by cleaning and organizing my sewing space. It's amazing how much better I feel just going down there with everything picked up, dusted and vacuumed. Of course, once I spend some time down there, it won't stay that way long!

I'm going to a quilt retreat in 9 days. I've got 3 projects ready to take along, but want to get at least 2 more ready. I received a great book on "Stash Buster" quilts for Christmas and won a "Simple Stars" one at my January guild meeting, so have lots of ideas. Two of my projects did come directly from my stash, but I'm sure I'll have to buy something to complete them. :)

A friend had hip replacement surgery last week so I'm taking her this quilt to cuddle up with as she recuperates. It's supposed to warm up to 40 degrees tomorrow, but back down to 9 degrees on Saturday. I'm sure the quilt will get used.

Colors look different in different light!

January weekends are made for quilting!