Calgary trip to drop off gifts

We went on Sunday to drop off Christmas gifts at the Farshori house!!  We had planned to do it earlier but they got a dump of snow the day before and travel was not being advised.  As it was there was  LOT of snow everywhere - no parking on the street because those areas had not been cleared.  We had an outside visit  - walked to the community center which is right next to Kale's school so he led the way.  Kale has really improved in his skating skills so did that while we were there.  He had made a few friends to play games with.  Mina took one run down the sledding slope and hit a tree so took it easy for a bit and then headed out on the skating rink.  I took several runs on the sledding hill which was really good but I was having trouble keeping myself facing downhill.  Those new sleds are fast!!!  Sal did bit of skating with the kids and we visited near the bench and walked around a bit to stay warm.  We dropped off our gifts and used the wash room and headed home.  It was great to see them and have a bit of a visit.     Therese

 

We have a new granchild - Selina Irene Malak

 

何小满， He Xiao Man, Selina Irene Malak

Born December 29 at 0014 in Chongqing China

3980g (8.77 lbs) and 55cm (21.65").

She was born at the beginning of a new day by emergency C Section.

Steph is doing well and so is the baby!!  

We are not sure how long they will be in hospital. 

TT is staying with friends so all is good.  

We are so happy to have the good news!!! 

Therese and Brian

Turkey for supper for Christmas

We cooked up this large turkey for supper yesterday and added all the trimmings for our Christmas meal!!  It was huge and filled the roaster completely!!  It was excellent and we enjoyed our meal with cucumber salad, coleslaw, fresh vegetables, sunshine salad, buns, gravy, turkey and stuffing!!  We had bananas splits for dessert - bonus from our breakfasts in Bonnyville!!

Therese

 

Neat bobbin storage using plastic binding combs

 

Neat bobbin storage is a blessing!!!!!! I have been struggling with how to keep my bobbins from all unwinding themselves and making a thread nest in the process.  This afternoon I decided to give a try to a process I read about a while back.  It uses pieces of plastic comb used in binding machines to bind documents.  I found a 1/4" - 3/8"  gold one in my stash and decided to give it a try!  I snipped the individual tabs off o the the main comb using regular scissors and then trimmed them to the width of my bobbins.  They are tight onto themselves so you have to spread them out and then place them over the thread end which has been neatly wound onto the bobbin.  Keeps the end hidden so it cannot snarl up and the tightness of the comb keeps it nicely bound to the thread on the bobbin regardless of how much thread there is on it.  The little gap allows you to see the colour of thread on the bobbin.  Works really well and I did not have anything to lose to use up this little gold binding comb.  I went searching on line for other options and there are several very inventive solutions others have come up with.   For example - clear plastic tubing from the hardware store cut to width and then split to keep the thread in place.  Great because you can easily see the thread colour.  There are some keeping the combs intact and using the whole thing as a bobbin storage unit.  That would be good too!!!  I have my other bobbins in my drawer and that will keep them neat.  Clear comb would be perfect!!!  I am happy to have my bobbins stored neatly on my thread holder.  I cut a longer length of metal bar which allows me to store more bobbins on my stand.  It is working for me for the moment!!!!!    Therese

 

Quilt with my little slow stitched tree square

I finished this little quilt today.  It has over the last week been left in the sewing machine when I was drawn away by other tasks.  I quilted the top to the polyester batting following both sides of the brown strips and then quilted this layer to my backing following both sides of the beige strips.  I chose a blue polyester cotton fabric for my backing which was wide enough for me to do self binding with it.  The blue draws out the blue of the tree squares and really helps to balance the weight of the dark brown in the quilt top.  I like the offset squares which creates a bit of a stepped look and breaks up the solid colours some.  It measures 38" x 50.5" which is the largest quilt I have made so far.  Went well and I am looking forward to getting one of my other tops started over the holidays.  Maybe the house one being as all the slow stitching is finished on that one.  I still don't have a plan but I will work up something that works.    Therese

 

Black and white fabric squares for Sylvia

 Mom sent along some fabric for Sylvia when we were there the other day and after a conversation with Sylvia she indicated that she would not use any squares smaller than 6" so this morning I trimmed six inch squares from the pieces.  I managed to get 38 squares!!!!!!!!  They have potential to be combined with a variety of colours to make some nice bold quilts!!  So they are ready to go and will be dropped off next time I connect with her which I expect will be sooner rather than later!!  

I am cooking turkey today (Boxing Day) and we will have our Christmas dinner tonight.  Looking forward to it!!          Therese

Christmas lights

 After caroling we did a tour of the town and checked out the Christmas lights.  I took this photo of one house and very close after that it was too dark to take photos so we just enjoyed the lights and headed home when we were done!!           Therese

Caroling with friends

Christine - a girl who has been part of the choir at church - texted this afternoon to ask if Dad would be willing to be part of a group that was doing caroling at one of her friend's house a few doors down from them. He decided to participate!!!  There were 8 of us and we sang Silent Night and O Come Emmanuel.  It was a beautiful day and the temperature was just starting to drop so it was perfect to be out and about.  One of the couples asked if anyone wanted to join them caroling at another house so we did that and everyone was very appreciative!!  It was good to be singing Christmas carols!!   

Therese

 

Netflix - a few good series and movies

 DASH & LILY
A good Christmas series we are currently watching on Netflix.  Great for teens and adults which deals with relationships and has a fun way of the two main characters meeting which involves a red notebook!!

THE CHRISTMAS PROJECT
This show deals with a family of boys whose Mom is pregnant and their family traditions and shows how things are not always how they seem.  Funny and insightful at the same time.  Good for kids and adults together.  May be a segue to good conversations about choices.  

JINGLE JANGLE
This is a very good Christmas movie about a family's history and how things play out and the result of taking a chance and daring to stretch your boundaries.  Lots of great music worked into the story and some great dance moves too!  Great for kids and adults alike!!

KLAUS
An animated Christmas movie that features a postman and a woodsman who cooperate in growing a project that eventually morphs into a tradition.  Great for the kids!!

OPERATION CHRISTMAS DROP 

Great movie about a real operation out of the base in Guam that delivers goods to islanders at Christmas time.  Good one for kids and adults alike.  

A very high definition animated movie about the spirit of Christmas and how it manifested in a family of "Christmas" Santas.  Can be enjoyed by all!!

The Queen's Gambit is a series about a girl who is a chess whiz

with a complicated family history where she ends up living in an orphanage.  The story of her journey to being a Chess Champion. Good story with twists and turns.    Late teen and adult in subject matter.

Searching for Bobby Fischer is about another kid who has a talent for chess and his path to being a champion with the challenges he and his family faces along the way.   A more kid friendly movie. 

We anticipate watching a few more movies/series over the holidays and thought we would recommend the ones we have already watched that we thought were excellent and worth the time. 

Therese

Quilt top with my little triangle trees

 I worked on this quilt top on Saturday and managed to get it finished in one day.  The little tree squares have been sitting for a while and after finding them a few weeks ago I decided to find a pattern for a quilt top to incorporate them in.  After some research I got started.  I decided on light and dark around the squares but after a few different detours in my plans I have ended up with this top.  Detours - I did cut the light and dark into 4" strips but did not sew them into place they way I designed them to be.  So sewing them differently made the squares look different and meant that the lines were much more connected that I originally designed.  I would have to have had every other tree upside down to make it look less blocky.  Not ideal!!  So I played with the squares and decided on a quarter turn instead which got all my trees standing up right and a reasonable distribution of the lines but then I realized I needed another set of half squares and that I had made a mistake when I stitched the last set of half squares together putting the centers next to the edges instead of the edges next to the edges of the other squares.  So I took the one I had stitched apart and redid it and then stitched up another one after finding fabric that coordinated for the center.  As you can see I stitched the rows together before cutting them to the same size which could have been disastrous but as it was I had sewn them close enough to the right place that I only had to trim less than an 1/8" on the my full sized squares in a few spots.  The dark lines overwhelm the tree squares SO  I am having to re evaluate whether it needs a redo or not.  It might just be a learning experience and I will do better next time.  Not yet decided!!               Therese

2 hour buns

 I made buns (2 hour recipe) before we headed up north so I could bring some to Mom and Dad.  They worked out really well with whole wheat and rye flours so I will be making those again. I expect they will come in handy for turkey sandwiches over the holiday season!!  

Here is the recipe:

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Two Hour Buns

3 1/2-4 cups all-purpose flour or any combination of white, whole wheat and/or rye

3 tbsp of sugar

1 Tbsp instant dry yeast

1 1/2 cups warm water

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 egg

1 tsp salt

1

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour, the sugar and yeast. In another bowl, whisk together the water, oil and egg. Add to the flour mixture and stir until well blended. Add the remaining flour and salt, stirring until the dough comes together.

2

Knead for 5-7 minutes, scattering some extra flour on your countertop if it needs it, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Let sit and rise for 15 minutes, then punch the dough down and let it rise for another 15 minutes.

3

Punch the dough down again and shape it into buns about half the size you want them to be once baked. Place them close together in a buttered or parchment-lined 9-x13-inch baking dish, cover with a tea towel and let them rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in bulk.

4

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350F. Bake the buns for 15-18 minutes, or until deep golden. Makes about 1 1/2 dozen buns.

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Here is a link to the recipe on line if that works better for you:

https://www.dinnerwithjulie.com/2017/11/01/jasons-grandmas-hour-buns/

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I usually double this recipe to make about 3 dozen buns.  It does take only two hours!!!

Therese

Decorated the house

We decorated the house last week!!  Brian put the real tree into the stand and we brought it in on Thursday and let it thaw overnight.  We brought up decorations on Friday morning and started decorating.  Brian put lights on the tree while I took care of the wreaths, window sills, mantle and the other few decorations we put around the house.  Once the lights were on, we decorated the tree.  We did not put all the decorations on but we are happy with how it looks - we probably need to pare down ornaments anyway so that will probably happen when we undecorate in January.  

This is our birch tree tea light holder which we use for Advent on the table.  We acquired it several years ago at an event at Peggy's church and we love the simplicity of it!!  

We put our garland for the mantle in front of the sound bar this year but we did have to elevate it with books so the remote could communicate with the sensor.  It worked out well.  I added the three little angles and the stocking holders.  We actually lit the fireplace's pilot so hope to enjoy a fire several times this season.  

 The nativity has gained a new light which seems to be working well though quite a bit hotter than the other one so we may look for a new LED bulb for it which means we could leave it on for a longer period of time.  

We have been enjoying our coffee in the family room now so we can see all of our decorations!!!  It is fun to see the lights on the tree after breakfast when the sun is not yet up!!  

We had a good trip to Bonnyville to stay with Dad while Madeleine took Mom to visit with the surgeon.  She will have a full body scan next month and surgery will be scheduled or not depending on the results.  We pray for a good outcome.  

Therese

Christmas cactus is blooming!

My Christmas cactus is blooming.  Lots of buds too so it will be blooming for a while!!  I have turned it around because it was getting heavy to the front and hopefully will grow towards the light and balance itself out.  

Therese

 

3D Earth Puzzle

Dad gave Brian this puzzle when we were there the last time.  He found it too difficult so just put it back in the box!!  Brian did find it quite difficult especially at the end when you have to put in the final few pieces at the top.  You can see that the surface is fairly rough but that is how it goes when you try to make something round with little flat pieces.  It was a fun challenge for him and it looks very cute.  Because of how the  pieces go together it will not last as most puzzle do to be made again and again. It might have one or more times to go!!  We will pass it on to someone who is also looking for a challenge!!        Therese
 

Another little quilt

I worked on this quilt yesterday and managed to get it all done in a day!  I started with two pillow shams with beautifully embroidered accents.  Because they were wide enough to make a small blanket I just needed to find a way to put them together while adding some length.  I decided to put the patterns back to back and then added two strips of a small floral of quilting cotton and in between them another strip of the deep plum colour from the back of the shams.  It worked out really well!  I top stitched the seams on the plum before putting it together and stitched the floral fabric section once I had batting and a backer to create some quilting lines within the body of the quilt.  I added another line of quilting about six inches from each end as well.  I used a flannel sheet as batting and used a cool brown sheet for the backing.  I created 2.5" binding with the fabric from the back of the shams.  I finished the corners square.  It is the best I have done for keeping my layered together and getting my quilting done without too much bunching.  It is quilt light in weight but that works for the Linus Project because they have limited space in ambulances for carrying these.  It measures 34.5" x 46".  The embroidery is done is shimmery thread and looks beautiful!!  Happy with how it turned out!!!           Therese

 

Tom's clock in for an overhaul

Tom's clock returned for an overhaul once they got back from holidays and it had stopped while they were away because it had not been wound.  Brian has since he did Tom's clock acquired a better quality lubricant for the springs so Brian has been working on that project as well.  It has to be completely dismantled to allow access to the springs.  In the meantime, another little problem surfaced and that was repaired as well.  So you can see that it still does not have the face on it but is in the case.  It has been running on the stand for a week and it went into the case this week.  Another adjustment needs to be made which will require a complete dismantling of the inside to make but then it should be back together and then ready to head back home.  

Therese
 

Workshop projects - snowman, shelving and window trim

Brian has finally finished the snowman!!!  He started this project with Mina a few years ago and it has been a work in progress since.  Once he moved to the workshop and had heat he decided to get it finished for Christmas so has steadily been painting it for the last few weeks.  He did such a good job of finishing it!!!!  Fortunately, some good paints showed up int he art bundle I bought earlier this year that were perfect for painting it.  We were missing orange for the nose so bought that when were were out there other day. 

Brian has also started on the shelving system he will be creating for the shop.  They will be supported at the back using a french cleat system which make them moveable and a bit modular.  We acquired some fir plywood this fall during Trash to Treasure and then just a while ago some unfinished plywood furniture left behind by a tenant in Red Deer that was being offered for free. 

He has also started the trim on the windows so he can build his shelves to meet up with it.  He has chosen 3" trim with a flat face and just tapered the top slightly.  This is how Richard did his window trim in the condo and Brian liked the simplicity of it.  

So things are progressing in the workshop!  He has several other projects on the go in there this week in hopes of having some finished by Christmas.            Therese
 

Sourdough buns for Christmas

 I have been blessed with a new sourdough starter from my friend, Paula, after mine developed some dark mould and had to be thrown out.  I was so happy to have more sourdough because Mom and Richard no longer have theirs.  I have been experimenting with making bread and cooking it in pans instead of the crock pot because the crust when cooked in the crock pot is quite robust.  Quite OK for toast but not the best for making sandwiches.  This morning I thought I would make buns instead of loaves which I made last time.  They turned out really well so we will have sourdough buns for Christmas!!!  I made them a bit on the large size because they are more likely going to be used for making sandwiches with turkey leftovers.    Therese

Refurbished my wreath with new ornaments

 I refurbished my wreath with new ornaments to give a new life.   The glass ornaments had cracked paint and were looking old.  I tried to buy ornaments last year that were the right colour and was unsuccessful so this year I made another attempt to make it work.  I spray painted the burgundy ones and because I broke the rose/gold ones removing them I had to replace them.  I found some very acceptable ones at the $1 store and though they are much less in quality they were the right colour so on they went.  I am happy to have it looking much better than it was and it will likely last another decade or so!!  Therese

New heart art in support of the front line workers

I created some new heart art in support of the front line workers this week.  I used hearts cut from my own "art" on napkins, tissue paper, paper towel, dryer sheets, etc.  I started by ironing the pieces, folded them several times and then just cut out half hearts from the edges using scissors and just eyeballing it.  I created a LOT of hearts and then used thinned white glue with gold glitter in it to collage them to a sheet of white tissue paper.  I placed the white tissue on a piece of plastic on the freezer and once I was finished gluing all the hearts I left it there to dry overnight.  I was able to easily peel off the collage in the morning.  I made another one for the other window and by late afternoon I was able to peel it off the plastic.  I have mounted them to the front windows using bull clips and suction cup hooks.  

Really happy with how they turned out!!!!!!!  Once they come down they will make great backgrounds for cards!!!

Therese

 

A small pink blanket

I have been working on this little blanket for several weeks.  It took a bit of sorting out as I incorporated a prequilted piece in the middle which required that what I added was also quilted.  I quilted two pieces of coordinating fabric to batting which I added above and below the main section.  I used a three stitch zig zag decorative stitch to hold them to each other.  Next, I enjoyed the process of "quilt as you go" while I was  creating the sections for the sides and top and bottom.  I simply stitched strips of fabric to my batting, folded it over to get the right side up and stitched on another strip.  It went very well and I created a strip for each side.  Due to a measuring error I ended up with my sides pieces too wide so I trimmed each side piece and added them to the top and bottom which balanced the proportions of my quilt.  I stitched the side and top pieces to my main center piece with the same decorative stitch I used on the other pieces.  I then cut strips from this same fabric to make the strips I used to cover the joints between my pieces.  Before stitching them into place I decided to add my backing so that the stitching from adding the strips would provided inner quilting for the quilt.  The strips were cut 2" and both edges were folded to the back to meet in the middle giving me a 1" strip to sew on.  I pinned them into place and stitched on one side and then the other.  The outer ones covered the ends of the inner ones which worked very nicely.  I created a binding from one of the pink fabrics I used in the quilt that featured little kittens.  I added the binding to the top and then the bottom and then to both sides.  I find this binding method easier though the corners are a little less elegant.  This blanket is joining the last one and will be delivered to my sister for donating to the Linus Project.  Therese
 
 

Telescope project

A friend of ours dropped off his telescope off a while back as it needed a bit of fixing.  Brian is always up for a new challenge so recently he got started and managed to get it back to good working order.  It is pretty cool to see the moon up close which is what he used as a test.  We did have to wait several days to get a clear night.  I remember Brian taking astronomy when he was at University.  Not so bad in September but by the end of the semester he often went out on very cold nights.  He often had to go past the perimeter in Winnipeg to see the stars well enough to do his assignments.  

Therese

Seaglass windchime for our friends

I have finally prepared this wind chime for our friends who live out east.  We visited their summer place a good many years ago and I collected this sea glass while we were there.  I promised to make them something with the pieces and though it is very late I am very happy with it.  It was my third attempt at securing the sea glass.  I had originally wire wrapped all of the pieces but the wire did not hold up (coloured aluminum) and so I had started over with different wire.  When I revisited that process I was less happy with how they were turning out so I searched online for ways if securing glass without wire.  I found several "new to me" ways and chose to use cording and glue for this project.  I added the marbles at the bottom for a bit of weight.  I found the wire wrapping for them on line - easier than it looks!!  I used a double length of this fish fly wrapping cord and tied double square knots at each stop.  I started at the bottom and tied a set double square knots to secure the marble, left a bit of cording and make another set of double square knots, added the sea glass and then tied another set of double square knots.  I did add ridges to the glass using a drill press and diamond bit so the cording 
 would sit more tightly around the glass.  I just kept tying knots and adding glass until I had created the first row.  I did the same for the next two rows.  I added a little dollop of GOOP at each juncture where the glass and knots met which secured the knots to each other and to the glass.  It is barely noticeable.  The video I watched used E6000 instead.  Once all three were ready I tied them to a little piece of drift wood.  I braided a hanger and added little dollops of GOOP to all those connections as well then trimmed the ends of my cording.  I did add a swivel joint on the hanger which should allow the chime to respond to the wind more easily.  I am happy with how it worked out!!  I will be packaging it and sending it off to them this week!!

Therese 

Denim coasters

I made up a couple of sets of QAYG denim coasters for Christmas gifts.  These are nice sturdy coasters that I made up with some of the jean scraps I have collected over a life of jean wearing - more Brian than my self.  You can check out how I made them on my Art Blog.   I am happy with how they turned out!!!

Therese

 

NOEL

 We received theses metal letters from Suzanne and family for Christmas and we decided to get them powder coated this year for Christmas.  We dropped them off last week and it only took a few days to get them done.  We chose a bright red colour!!!  Brian put them up this afternoon!!!  They will be a blessing for us and all those who travel down C&E during the Christmas season.  I know it is a little early but a little cheer will not hurt anyone!!!     I will be checking them out under the lights after the sun goes down!!    So glad we got them done!  They will store flat so it will be easy to find a place for them.         Therese

Tree quilt top with leaves

I worked on a quilt top today which features a neutral background in an oatmeal colour and three "trees" which are strips from  my very long strip of 2.5" pieces that I stitched a while back. It took me a while to figure out how to get my trees at the angles I was wanting.  In the end I stitched the background together and then cut the background and inserted my strips.  Worked out really well and just as I wanted.  Next, I cut 36 leaves from scraps of green fabric which I will slow stitch to the trunks of my trees!!  I am really looking forward to that process.  I may consider some slow stitching on the background as well as it is looking quite plain at the moment.  We shall see!!  

Therese
 

Slow Stitching - large leaves border - double blanket stitched edges and filling in with running stitch

I decided to do a double blanket stitch on my large leaves.  I did once around with the line of stitching a generous 1/8" from the edge and then another go around with the line of stitching on the edge of the fabric.  I used a variety of colours of thread which gives the edge interest and the double stitches between the lines makes a sturdy edging.  I think it will be ample to deter too much fraying.  My new glasses are very helpful in being able to properly see what I am doing and where I am 

putting stitches.   You can see below that I have now started filling in the leaves interior with running stitch in a variety of thread colours as well. Lots of nice texture!  Running stitch does not require too much thinking so it works well for slow stitching.  I did draw a pencil line for my first line of stitching so I could get the right angle from the center which is a row of chain stitches.  I am really enjoying this project and it will be a while before it get completed but I am looking forward to the process.    Therese

 

Vegetable stand has a new bottom shelf

 Brian has been working on getting my vegetable cleaning stand finished.  It now has a new bottom shelf which was just finished this week.  The different cedars are now very different colours and I really like the look.  It is now living where the white cabinet used to live.  The white cabinet has been around for a long time and stores every little thing  - screws, nuts, washers, tape, wire, etc, etc!!!  It weighs a ton!!!  Brian emptied the drawers into small bins this afternoon and walked the cabinet to the workshop.  The bins will now be sorted and the drawers refilled in their new home.    Therese