Snow Churn Quilt Block and The Simple Woman's Daybook

Snow Churn Quilt Block Pattern Information

I am joining up today with The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook for March 7, 2014

Outside my window . . . it's snowing.  It's a nice, wet snow without wind and is just beautiful.  It's been snowing since this morning and is supposed to snow for 16 more hours.  I have nowhere I have to go and am happy to be home.  

I am thankful . . . for a warm home, good books to read, and quilts to sew. 

In the kitchen . . . I will soon be making Lasagna for supper tonight, using the meat sauce I made in quantity earlier and froze for such a night as this.  You can find the meat sauce recipe right here and the lasagna recipe right here.

I am hearing . . . E. B. White reading his wonderful Charlotte's Web on my CD player while I drink pomegranate blueberry tea (from The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf) and write this post. 

I am creating . . . a grocery cart cover for my grandson this week-end.  I've never made one, so I feel a little nervous about getting it right.

I am going . . .  to enjoy tonight and tomorrow at home while it snows.  I have plenty of things to keep me busy! 

I am reading . . . A Drunkard's Path by Clare O'Donohue for the Quilters' Book Club.  It's a cozy mystery - the second in A Someday Quilts Mystery series.  I'm enjoying it so far.  Last Friday, I was off work because I had parent-teacher conferences the two nights before, and  I read Before I Go to Sleep by S. J. Watson - all 359 pages of it!  I'm anticipating an interesting discussion at my next Raspberry Mountain Readers meeting.  And I finished Susan Branch's A Fine Romance: Falling in Love with the English Countryside.  I love all of Susan's books, but I think this is her best one yet.  If you have never read any of her hand-lettered books with her lovely watercolor illustrations, check this one out!

I am hoping . . . for a foot of snow!  The more snow we have, the better our chances of having a wildfire-free summer.  

I am looking forward to . . . getting together with two of my sons and their families (my daughters-in-law and grandson).  What fun!
  

I am remembering . . . lunch that my husband and I had with our youngest son last week.  Good memories!

Around the house . . . I am continuing to create a grandchildren's room.  Exciting to see it come together! 

I am pondering . . . how best to teach my reading students for the remainder of the school year.  I really want them to have excellent decoding skills and to become lifelong readers who love books!

One of my favorite things . . . getting together with my sisters once a month.  Last Saturday we got together for a 10-hour Call the Midwife marathon!

A few plans for next week . . . meeting with my book club and with my Persian Pickles quilting group - such good times with friends.  And getting my haircut.  Hurrah!

What are you looking forward to?  Inquiring minds want to know! By commenting, you'll be entering to win a copy of A Time for Peace (Quilts of Lancaster County) by Barbara Cameron.  If you are reading this via email, you must click on the title of my blog post to be able to comment and read the comments of others.  The winner will be announced on April 1.

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post Leprechauns, an Irish Castle, and Shamrock Biscuits.

 

Mountain Peak Quilt Block and The Simple Woman's Daybook

Mountain Peak Quilt Block Pattern Source

 

I am joining up today with The Simple Woman's Daybook.

 

The Simple Woman's Daybook for February 8, 2014

Outside my window . . . there's snow on the ground from recent snowfalls.  It was bitterly cold here this week, and I ended up with two snow days from school.  One day some of the buses refused to start because it had dropped down to -22 degrees F with a wind chill factor of -38 degrees F!  That is extremely rare for us.  Fortunately, it got up to the 40's today.   

I am thankful . . . for a warm home, good books to read, and quilts to sew. 

In the kitchen . . . Creamed Eggs and Asparagus on Toast - easy to make, warm, and filling. 

I am hearing (and watching) . . . the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia on T.V.  One of my students is there with his father, so I'm anxious to hear about his experiences there. 

I am creating . . . a Once Upon a Time storytelling quilt for my grandson as part of my Persian Pickles quilting group.  I'm joining the blocks together now, which is exciting. 

I am going . . .  to my quilting group get-together and parent-teacher conferences later this month. 

 

I am reading . . . Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini for the Quilters' Book Club and The History of Love by Nicole Krauss for my local book club.  I'm reading Little House on the Prairie as part of the Reading to Know Classic Book Club.  I'm participating in the 10th Anniversary Adult Reading Program in my local library district - 8 books in 8 weeks.  I've participated every year and have the mugs to prove it!   

I am hoping . . . that my students continue to grow in their reading skills and become lifelong readers.   
 

I am looking forward to . . . getting together with my sisters to watch Call the Midwives Season 2.  We watched the first season together at the beginning of January and had such fun together.  I've already bought some special tea for us.
 

I am remembering . . . getting to visit via Face Time with my 9-month-old grandson earlier today.  He's gotten his first tooth and is very close to crawling.  So fun to see!
 

Around the house . . . I have organized and rearranged my tutoring materials.  It feels so good to open the door and see it all neat and organized! 

 

I am pondering . . . how to make a grocery cart cover for my grandson.  I have the fabric.  I just need to choose the best tutorial to make it. 

 

One of my favorite things . . . is watching my grandson grow and change.  It's amazing how much he's learned in his short life.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . .  going to church tomorrow, proctoring the state reading test for my third grade students, getting together with the Praying Mamas, meeting with my book club.

 

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post February Redwork Snowman and Valentine Food for Thought.

Snowball Quilt Block and The Simple Woman's Daybook

Snowball Quilt Block

 

The Simple Woman's Daybook for January 7, 2014

Outside my window . . . the evergreens are full of snow from a recent snowfall.  It's beautiful, but it's been cold here!

I am thankful . . . that most of my family was here together for Christmas, including my grandson.  Such good memories! 

In the kitchen . . . Cheese Soup, salad, and pretzel buns.  Also the makings for corn chowder and some very ripe bananas that need to be made into banana nut bread. 

I am hearing . . . the heater keeping the house toasty warm.

I am creating . . . a Once Upon a Time storytelling quilt for my grandson as part of my Persian Pickles quilting group. 

I am going . . . to make myself finish the blocks for my Redwork Little Birdies Calendar Quilt before I allow myself to start another handwork project!

 

I am reading . . . The Healing Quilt by Lauraine Snelling for the Quilters' Book Club, The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child, and The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan for my local book club meeting.  I just finished reading The Blue Castle by Lucy Maud Montgomery as part of the Lucy Maud Montgomery Reading Challenge.  This author is best known for her beloved Anne of Green Gables.  

I am hoping . . . that I can teach my students both reading skills AND a love of reading and books.    
 

I am looking forward to . . . my local book club meeting on Thursday.  Such a good group of women!

 

I am remembering . . . a day last week when my sisters and I got together to watch the entire Season 1 of Call the Midwife.  We usually meet for lunch once a month, but this time we had the opportunity to spend the whole day together.  We ate Toad in the Hole for breakfast and had tea with scones, clotted cream, and lemon curd in the afternoon.
 

Around the house . . . Christmas decorations are all packed up and put away for another year.  I am rearranging my sewing room to make it more user-friendly. 

 

I am pondering . . . how to create a user-friendly room for a grandbaby.

 

One of my favorite things . . . getting a video or photo of my grandson regularly from his parents.  What a bright spot to my day!

A few plans for the rest of the week . . .  Resume teaching my reading students at school and my tutoring students at home after a break over Christmas. 

 

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post Friendship Star Variation Quilt Block.  You can read other's Simple Woman's Daybook right here.

Colorado Beauty Quilt Block and The Simple Woman's Daybook

Simple Woman's Daybook for December 20, 2013

Outside my window . . . there is frost on every tree, shrub, and plant.  The sky is completely white.  It's beautiful!

I am thankful . . . that this is the first Christmas I get to celebrate as a grandma.  So exciting!

In the kitchen . . . I'm making chili ahead of time in preparation for our traditional Christmas Eve supper. 

I am hearing . . . wonderful Christmas carols on Pandora.

I am creating . . . a home that's ready for a 7 month old - with high chair, Pack 'n Play, baby tub, toys, plenty of board books, and stuffed animals.   

I am going . . . to do a bit more shopping tomorrow for groceries and stocking stuffers.

 

I am reading . . . The Christmas Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini for the Quilters' Book Club and The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan for my Raspberry Mountain Readers Book Club.  Just for fun, I'm reading the middle grade novel Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Jennifer Choldenko.  I had previously read her Al Capone Does My Shirts (a Newbery Honor book), and this book is the second in the series.

I am hoping . . . for good travel weather.

 

I am looking forward to . . . having my family here!

 

I am learning . . . how to prepare a home for a grandchild!

Around the house . . . the Christmas tree and decorations are up, and the house feels very festive.

 

I am pondering . . . my menus for the upcoming week.

 

One of my favorite things . . . is the Christmas season and getting to spend it with family.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . .  cooking, baking, cleaning, last-minute shopping, celebrating the 4th Sunday in Advent, a potluck at church after the service, and FAMILY! 

 

 

You can check out The Simple Woman's Daybook for December here. 

 

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Simple Woman's Daybook for February 10, 2013

Outside my window . . . snow is gently falling, and more snow is expected tomorrow.  It's beautiful!

I am thankful . . . for the very special family times we had in January.  First, we celebrated my dad's 90th birthday.  His wife (my mom), all his children (three daughters), ten out of eleven grandchildren, and all two great-grandchildren were able to come from across the United States to honor him and reminisce about family times over the years.  Next, we celebrated my mother's 86th birthday at a fun restaurant with all of her daughters.  Finally, a son and daughter-in-law came for a baby shower for my very first grandchild.  It was a wonderful January!

In the kitchen . . . four loaves of banana nut bread are baking in the oven.  The smell is wonderful!  

I am hearing . . . Season 3 of Downton Abbey on T.V.  I am writing and watching at the same time.  I can also hear a fire crackling in the fireplace!  

I am creating . . . a Redwork Birdie Calendar Quilt designed by Little Miss Shabby.  I enjoy having a small piece of handwork always ready to work on.  I am nearly finished with the February block.   

I am going . . . to head to the living room with my redwork when I finish this post so I can enjoy the fire. 

I am reading . . . Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner with my 4th grade book club, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (Great Illustrated Classics) by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle with the Domination Readers (5th grade boys book club), and The Quilt Walk by Sandra Dallas.  I love being a reading teacher!

I am hoping . . . for more snow.  We need the moisture!

I am looking forward to . . . watching my hyacinths continue to bloom.  It's such a treat to have bulbs in the house during the wintertime as a sign of the spring to come. 

I am learning . . . how to run an online book club for quilters.

Around the house . . . my husband is reading a book in front of the fireplace.  I will be joining him soon!

I am pondering . . . how to organize my blog to accommodate the Quilters' Book Club! 

One of my favorite things . . . is the 5th grade boys' book club, Domination Readers.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . lunch with longtime friends, my book club meeting, and Valentine parties at school. 

Go to http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/  if you'd like to participate or read other women's daybook entries.

You might enjoy reading my previous blog post:

http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2013/02/lady-of-lake-quilt-block.html

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Simple Woman's Daybook for January 15, 2013
Outside my window . . . It is cold and dark.  It's 24 degrees but feels like 13.  We're expecting some snow later tonight, and there's still snow on the ground from yesterday's light snow.

I am thinking . . . I need a redwork project to work on by the fire!

I am thankful . . . for a warm home and wood-burning fireplace on this cold night.  I'm also thankful for quilting friends in my community and in my on-line community around the world.

In the kitchen . . . I ate chicken noodle soup by the fireplace for supper tonight.  Gladys Taber wrote, "There are many delights in winter, and eating in front of the fire is one of them."

I am hearing . . . the fire crackling in the fireplace - a fire I built.

I am creating . . .  a Variable Star quilt block in solid red and white.  I made it to go with the book The Christmas Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini.  It's part of my Curl Up with a Good Book Quilt. 

I am going . . . to participate in the 9th annual Adult Reading Program of my local library district by reading eight books in eight weeks.  It's my 9th year to do so, and I have the Adult Reading Program mugs to prove it! 

I am reading . . . The Red Tent by Anita Diamant to discuss with my Raspberry Mountain Readers Book Club and The Healing Quilt by Lauraine Snelling to discuss with my quilting group The Persian Pickles.

I am hoping . . . for warmer weather, blue Colorado skies, and bright sunshine.  

I am looking forward to . . . making Corn and Cheese Chowder from a recipe that my daughter-in-law Haley just sent me.

I am learning . . . how to transfer photos from my phone to my computer.

Around the house . . .  it's quiet but cozy with the fire burning.   

I am pondering . . . my word for 2013 - "Balance" and what it means to my life this year.

One of my favorite things . . . is to have lunch with a friend, which I got to do today.  So fun!

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . help students become better readers and be excited about books, complete two quilt blocks, and attend the January meeting of the Front Range Modern Quilt Guild.  It will be good to get caught up with these friends since I missed the December sew-in.        

Go to http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/  if you'd like to participate or read other women's daybook entries.

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2013/01/number-stars-quilt.html

The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook for Monday, January 7, 2013:

Outside my window . . . It is already dusk at 5:15 P.M. on this Monday evening in January.  Sunset was at 4:53, and the temperature is now 31 degrees.  There's snow on the ground, left from awhile ago.

I am thinking . . . of my dad's 90th birthday celebration last Thursday at my home.  My mom and dad, their daughters, ten out of eleven grandchildren, and all two great-grandchildren as well as three spouses were able to come - 21 in all.  One granddaughter and a great-grandchild missed their plane that morning but were able to catch the next one.  The weather allowed everyone to get here safely.  Several family members were sick earlier in the week, but all were able to attend.  We shared a meal, wonderful memories, and much laughter.  My dad spoke about each child and grandchild.  Others shared memories as well.  The grandchildren grew up together but are now spread out from one coast to another, so they enjoyed being together.  It was a very special time of honoring my dad.  

I am thankful . . . that my three sons were able to come for their grandfather's birthday celebration.  It was so good to have them all home together. 

In the kitchen . . . there are still leftovers from the party!  

I am hearing . . . the cuckoo clock letting me know it's 5:30.

I am creating . . . quilt blocks in red and white.  Each block represents a quilt novel that I'm reading with my quilting group.

I am going . . . to begin teaching reading again tomorrow to kindergarteners, 4th graders, and 5th graders.  Today was a work day for teachers at school.

I am reading . . . Great Illustrated Classics War of the Worlds with my 5th grade boys bookclub, Domination Readers.  (This was the book they voted to read.)  Tomorrow I am beginning Top Secret by John Reynolds Gardiner with my 4th grade bookclub.  

I am hoping . . .  for a good start to school after Christmas vacation.

I am looking forward to . . . my Raspberry Mountain Readers bookclub meeting on Thursday.  We'll be discussing Tony Hillerman books.

I am learning . . . to appreciate each moment.  Time goes by so fast!

Around the house . . . the Christmas tree is still up and the outside lights are still on.  Time to take them down!

I am pondering . . . my next long-term quilt project (still).

One of my favorite things . . . is spending time with my family.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . begin tutoring again after a break at Christmas, undecorate the Christmas tree, and get back into the school routine again.  

Go to http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/  if you'd like to participate or read other women's daybook entries. 

You might also enjoy my previous blog post:

http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2013/01/january-redwork-snowman-and-simple.html

The Simple Woman's Daybook



Our 10-week-old Grandpuppy Royer


Outside my window . . . It is already dusk at 5:00 P.M. on this 7th day of winter.  Sunset was at 4:44 P.M. today.  I can see the outline of the trees against the darkening sky.  It is 18 degrees, and a light snow is falling on top of the snow that's already on the ground.  

I am thinking . . . of our first Christmas without children in 32 years.  But we got to celebrate with our dear friend, Doris, and a cute grandpuppy, Royer, who was celebrating his first Christmas ever.  We had good phone calls from our children, who were celebrating Christmas with their in-laws, and my parents, who we'll see later.    

I am thankful . . . for my warm home on this cold night.

In the kitchen . . . there are homemade Sweet Petals on the kitchen counter left from Christmas morning and Cheese Soup in the refrigerator.   

I am hearing . . . Christmas carols on Pandora Radio and the hum of the furnace keeping our home warm. 

I am creating . . . a high school graduation quilt for my nephew Andrew.  My mother has made a quilt for every grandchild to take to college with them.  She has sewn the 5" blocks into 9-patches, and I am sewing the 9-patches together for her.  

I am going . . . . to enjoy the rest of my Christmas vacation from teaching.

I am reading . . . The Shapeshifter by Tony Hillerman for my Raspberry Mountain Readers bookclub meeting for January.  We're all reading different Hillerman books from his Navajo Tribal Police mystery series set in the Southwest.  My bookclub is made up of twelve retired teachers and parent volunteers who I know from teaching.           

I am hoping . . . for a wonderful 90th birthday celebration for my dad, with my mom and their children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  I am hoping that everyone will be healthy and be able to travel here for it. 

I am looking forward to . . . having my three sons here for their grandfather's birthday.

I learned . . . how to make Chrusciki with my friend Doris on Christmas Day.  Chrusciki are a non-yeast dough, bow-tie shaped pastry that is fried and then dusted with powdered sugar.  They're also known as Angel Wings.  Neither of us had ever made them before, so it was an interesting experience!

Around the house . . . all of the Christmas decorations are still up - including stockings over the fireplace, our nativity sets, the advent wreath on the table, and a beautiful, 10-foot Fraser fir Christmas tree.  The outside white icicle lights shine through the windows as I write. 

I am pondering . . . my next long-term quilt project.

One of my favorite things . . . is spending time with my family.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . get my hair cut, work on my nephew's quilt, take down the Christmas decorations, and prepare for my dad's birthday party.

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

You might enjoy reading my previous blog post:
 http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-sweet-grandpuppy.html