In Between The Quilting!

As I continually looked at the weather app on my phone, trying to determine if the details were correct, or would they change, and in which direction - I set my sights on Saturday where temps would be firmly in the 60s.

Believing that the mud had enough time to dry a bit before I stepped out onto the first dirt road hike of 2026, I set my sights on a walk down by the river.

I walked along the creek at first (upper photo) and turned the bend where the creek meets the river (the MOUTH of Wilson Creek, hence Mouth of Wilson) and I could smell it - that river smell.  If you live near a river, you know it. 

You can't smell it in the winter with the snow and ice, but now that is all cleared up, I could smell the rier.  Spring.

(And this sounds weird, I know, but it's kind of like how you can smell the salt and tang of the ocean.  It's distinctive.)

So is THIS smell.  LOL!

But look what I see!

What are those pops of yellow?

Daffies on the hillside! Oh Happy Dance!

The cows were closer to the fence, but ran away as I came near.

I said "Hello again!" to the old Halsey farmhouse as I walked on by.  My legs could feel it.  I've been sedentary (nearly) too long this winter, the ice and snow was so bad.  It's time to start getting out there on more of a regular basis.

It's like a weight has lifted after carrying it around since October. It's time to reclaim my walking/hiking routine. I've missed it.

Back at retreat - this was going on outside now that the snow and ice is gone.

We experienced something we never had seen in the 6 years we've been running retreats here.

All of the snow and ice that slid off the roof encased the split unit compressor in all of that ice and snow.  We had to chip it away, and use a heater to melt what we couldn't chip off until it was loose enough to remove it.

Jeff is now building an awning the recommended distance above the compressor to protect it in future years of snow and ice slide-off.

It will also have a metal roof to match the metal roof of the house and be painted to match the house as if it has always been there.  Must protect the compressor!!

And the weather was so nice out that he brought Starky with him  to just be out in the yard in the sunshine.  He is the sweetest puppy. Those ears kill me.

Inside the retreat there was more progress being made on projects!

Double Rings was ready for borders -

Guild sampler top received its borders!

Happily Scrappily Irish blocks from Adventures With Leaders & Enders are growing in number!

Looking great on the design wall!  Have you made one?

More Quilts of Valor productivity happening here.

And a quick cowboy boot themed quilt top for a daughter.

Some small things are coming together too -

This is Renee's first mini and it is adorable!

One more cushion cover to share -

This is my Cross & Crown block from Quiltmaker magazine. Not sure which issue.

I backed it with a rust/brown/purple paisley. Perfection!

Only 3 more to go.

I caught this photo yesterday - shhhh - don't tell him!

Hubster Dave has also fallen in love with Hazel.  I tell you, she is the most affectionate lovey cat that I have ever seen and has worked her way into both of our hearts.

I was sewing on some blocks, and he fell asleep in my chair. Life is good.

Yes, there is more of this happening here.

Back at home - Tula has found her permanent perch - or is it preferred perch- on a pad we have placed for her against the loft railing.  She can peer out and see what is going on downstairs.  She can look out and see what is going on in the yard.

I have sent a photo of her healing eye area to the vet this morning, don't know if I need to get her another antibiotics shot this week or on.  It's not draining anymore, but there is a big scab I'm afraid to remove so I've left it until they tell me otherwise.

We are no longer sequestering the three cats apart from each other while we are home. Basement door is open.  Tula can come downstairs if she wants. If they run into each other, oh well.

I don't want any major tussles while we are not around, so we will close the basement to keep Lola down there, and now that it is spring Ivy is spending more time outside, coming in at night, but I'm tired of having to play referee between these animals so let them duke it out and deal with it when we are home. So far so good.  Mostly hissing and then retreating to their own corners.

Such is the life of an involuntary crazy cat lady.

Today: LAUNDRY!  The Lincoln Quilt Guild ladies checked out yesterday. I'll share their over the porch rail photos tomorrow.

It's colder - only in the 30s today. but definitely too cold to want to do another walk by the river, so I'll start in on making things ready for our next group coming Wednesday - The March Quiltvillians.

St, Patrick's Day is our next holiday and I need to switch out some quilts and some decor and make things fun for March.

What plans do you have for today? Accomplish anything quilty over the weekend?

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

You cannot force creativity, it has to take its own path.

But if you give it room to flow and leave self criticism outside the door, you will create an environment where creativity can blossom and thrive.
⁣
You just might surprise yourself!

Happy Monday -