Days Are Getting Shorter

Just last week as my shift was coming to an end, I noticed the sun was not quite up at it's usual time. This time of year always gets to me a little but. We are not quite able to sit outside as the day draws to a close unless we wear an extra layer of clothing. Some of my fall blooms are emerging. I just acquired this Chrysanthemums flower and I'm thinking I would love to plant it in the garden. I'll have to do more research.

A few other plants seem to be thriving.

When we are not exploring outside, or venturing off to work, I keep bust by reading, drawing, and sewing!  I haven’t really sewn anything other than curtains or Halloween costumes. I’m starting to get my confidence back with my little sewing machine!

I have been dabbling in various types of masks.

Pleated Mask:

3D Mask:

This one so far, I find most comfortable!

Fitted Cloth Mask:

More examples of Pleated Masks:

Anyway, it goes well!

Charlotte and Grisou are adjusting well to our home. Jackie has begun to accept that her little shadow might be of a more permanent nature. Everyone is eating well and giving up some space to make their new housemates more comfortable.

Charlotte’s favourite thing to do is sit outside and watch the birds.

I hope you are all keeping well. If anyone is interested in where I found the patterns for the masks, I’ll gladly share. 

Keep well and safe!

Beautiful Day

Today marks the last day of our vacation. I have thoroughly enjoyed many minutes of it.
This year it was a little different with the travel restrictions in place due to COVID, but overall, it really wasn’t that different from other stay-cations.
What was most missed was the annual visit from my parents. This was rather difficult on both sides. I could hear it in my Mom’s voice when she telephoned to wish me a happy birthday. But, we remind each other, it isn’t forever. We will visit each other again.
We did a few renovations around the backyard. Renovations is not really the correct term. It’s more like finishing touches, tweaking.


The gate will have a lovely added detail when it finally arrives. The path helps keep the mud down after it rains. The chickens will have electricity running in their coop for when the days get shorter.
We are really pleased with our progress so far!

My plants are doing wonderfully!
So far, these are my favourite:

It’s like outer space within a Petunia.

I also finally found the Hens and Chicks succulent!

I have been looking for these plants since I moved here! We happen to come across them in a home reno store.

Of course I have been knitting. It is much to warm to work on my sweater so, that is on hold until the weather cools. At the moment, socks!

My Vanilla Latte Socks, designed by Virginia Rose-Jeanes just flew off the needles.

The yarn I used was by Turtle Purl Yarns, Striped Turtle Toes in Gothic Plum.

At the moment, I am working on Zigzagular Socks designed by Prairie Girl Designs. The yarn is by Darn Good Yarn, Hand-Dyed Merino Wool Sock Yarn in Candy Pop.

These too, are a very fun knit. That little extra detail in the zigzag pattern keeps it interesting.

I also try to draw or paint a little each day.
I seem to be on a bird kick.


Also, we are all adjusting quite well to the new additions to our family.
Charlotte has a new harness for safety’s sake.

I’m a flight risk!

Grisou is being a little more social and no longer spending the majority of his time within the confines of the loveseat.


Now everyone can eat together without fleeing for their life.

Charlotte follows Jackie like a little shadow and Jackie tolerates it quite well.


Until Jackie needs a little me time and goes to just beyond where Charlotte can’t follow.


I hope you are re all enjoying your week end.
Remember to stay safe, wear your mask and


Talk with you later.

Good Evening!

It is the end of June.
We are still living in caution, mindful of trying to keep everyone healthy and safe.
In our region, some restrictions have been lifted but, but I really do not feel comfortable celebrating the little bit of freedom just yet. I still wear my mask in areas where I cannot maintain social distancing. I still wash my hands as often as possible. To be honest, it has almost become second nature. I know there is a lot of discussion and grumbling about the use of masks and limiting our social groups. I really do not find it that uncomfortable. Perhaps it’s my introverted nature.

With the warmer weather upon us, Jackie and I spend the majority of our time outside.
We begin our day by saying good morning to the chickens.



As soon as my feet touch the floor when I get out of bed, Jackie is making a dash for the back patio to visit her new charges. I must admit, I’m excited to visit with them as well!

After, we have our breakfast with the cats and then continue along our day.

Sometimes we sit outside and draw, or knit, or chase the chipmunk.


Other days, we are inside reading, playing video games, cross stitching, housework.
We are never bored, that is for sure.

We love spending time on the back deck. It’s very secluded and peaceful.


On the nights I go to work, our days are little shorter than we would like. We still manage quite well.

Recently, I treated myself and purchased a handmade watercolour sketchbook from PaintsPalettesPages. The one I purchased has feathers on the cover. It appealed to me because of my interest in drawing birds. I find for such little beings, they have so much character!

I’ve already completed a few sketches that I am quite proud of.


If the weather is decent, I will draw a few more.

I completed my Braided Lace Striped Socks.

They are amazingly comfortable. I thought they would be too big or too stretchy. They fit just right!

I’ve also been working on my 10 Stitch Blanket.


I absolutely love the random colour choice I’ve made. It’s like a working memory of all the socks I have ever knit.

Overall, it was a lovely week end. I work tomorrow night, so off to bed I go for a little nap.
I hope you are all well and staying safe.
Talk with you later.

So Now I’m a Chicken Mom?

The chickens arrived safe and sound last Friday.
Jackie is totally fascinated by these strange dinosaur like birds.



She visits with them as soon as possible, every morning. Throughout the day she sneaks away when she thinks we are not looking, to visit them again.

They are Leghorn chickens.
They are more slender than the average chicken. Their main purpose is to lay eggs. They are not meat birds. That is perfectly fine by me!



I now have some more inspiration for my artistic mediums! Be prepared to be inundated with poultry.



It’s a bit chilly today.


The sun keeps hiding behind the clouds. I don’t really want to sit inside, so I’ve found my sweater, and Jackie and I are following the sun as we continue to knit our socks.


The pattern is, Braided Lace Striped Socks with two cakes of Alanya Sock Yarn in Icy Waterfall colourway.

Hmm. As I type this, it’s beginning to look like rain.
Not sure how much longer we’ll be able to sit outside.

I hope you are all well.
Talk with you later.