"I started photographing my domestic world and writing not just about what I had made,
but why I made it, examining the thoughts that accompany creativity and the act of making."
Jane Brocket from The Gentle Art of Domesticity p. 189 UK edition

Friday, January 13, 2017

Five on Friday: *Winter Wonderland*

Did you notice I managed not to use the word "snow" in my post title as I did in the last four post titles? [False advertising since that is my main topic this week!]

One: Wonderment! 
Joy looking in wonder at our 6+ inches of snow!

A wonderful view from my room.

The front pond hiding under snow beyond our driveway.

A view of the back pond my youngest son, Tim, took.


Two: Sledding
The walking sticks my sisters gave me came in handy!

Some men in our household made a sled launch!

Dad and Hayley slide!

Rose and Dad made it down the hill and Molly is hiking up to be next in line.


Three: Window Views and Friends
The morning after the storm.

A geranium blooming as the snow fell.


Rosie kissing Sarah's cheek while they modeled hats G'ma B made.

Before the storm I met with friends and we exchanged gifts.


Four: Making
Quilt guild squares I was given to arrange years ago.

What colored squares shall I put between these squares?


A hat for baby Sebastian that Lavender Lamb reluctantly modeled.

Sebastian and his mom visited before flying to be with their Army dad/husband.

I started with a magic loop, six double crochets in it, *chain two and two double crochets in each of the six stitches, slip stitch at the end of the row into top of chain stitch* repeat between *  until crown is desired size, then double crochet in each stitch until the hat is the size you desire. [I did five rows.]  Then I made ear flaps on either side of the hat by making a row of four double crochets, chain one turn and make three double crochets, chain one turn and make two double crochets then chain until tie is desired length.


Five: Hearth and Home

The teapot Betsy gave me last year is often full of tea. I still marvel at the gorgeous doily in the middle that she made for me years ago,  and I have started knitting a dishcloth with  pretty cotton yarn she  sent me...such a generous talented friend!

Now " the moon on the crest of the new fallen snow

gives the luster of mid-day to objects below."


Thanks again Amy for the Five on Friday Link from your blog Love Made My Home.  I am looking forward to reading what Fives others have posted about.  I have had some more technical difficulties with my blog this week so I ended up deleting the link badges I had on the right for Amy's Five on Friday and Jennifer's Winter Project Party until I can resolve the difficulties I had.

Have you been challenged by difficulties or amazed by wonders lately?

Gracie xx

34 comments:

  1. Once again, how absolutely glorious Gracie. Today at 8.30am we had ten minutes of snow, this has all disappeared again...the rest of the country is snowed up, but our salt air and sea fret soon sees off any snow or frost...:(
    I love the long red coat or is it a cloak? So seasonal and bright.
    Gracie, what is the name of the plant in the foreground of your photo, the one with purple triangular leaves? Have never seen one like it before, it is intriguing!

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    1. According to its plastic planter information stake I amazingly found tucked away nearby, it is an Oxalis Triangularis, commonly called a Purple Shamrock that was a third of its current size when I bought it near St. Patrick's Day. In the photo there is a green variety to the left of the Geranium. I am thrilled and can hardly believe they are thriving in my care!

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    2. Thanks Gracie,will go look that up and see if available in UK.

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  2. How wonderful to visit today so much beauty to marvel at. The snow scenes were a delight, so much fun. The gifts of friendship were also a delight to see, how thoughtful of you all, it is such a pleasure to have someone make something for you, made with love. Love the quilting squares, a great project to keep you occupied. Take care.

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  3. All your snow photos are wonderful and such a contrast to the inside of your lovely snug home. You look very warm in your wonderful red coat:)

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  4. Your pics are beautiful. Snow is pretty. I'm in Wisconsin and we have snow. I'm rather sick of the beauty. At least it's not ice. I live, love, love your red coat!!! Where did you get that beauty? Have a good weekend.

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    1. Hi Karen! I ordered the coat online years ago. I don't remember from what store, but I haven't seen a long coat like it advertised recently. I got my first long raincoat when I lived on the coast in northern California because we often had sideways rain storms that soaked you all over quickly if you had to be out in it. A long raincoat helps for a little bit. I got rid of a long thermal coat I had in upstate NY for years when I moved back to the west coast, because I did not need it for years living on the coast...I would have liked wearing it the last few days ☃️ but I'm glad to have my Red Riding Hood Coat at least.

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  5. Hi Gracie, such wonderful photos! The snow is so beautiful and it looks like the family is having a lot of fun playing in it. Love the views out the windows, too. Lots of lovely needlecrafting going on during these short and cold days. Everything looks cozy and so do you in your fabulous red coat! Hugs xo Karen

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  6. Gracie this is just a beautiful post. I love seeing the pictures of your family playing in the snow and the absolute happiness on your granddaughter's faces. I'm also glad you're able to get out and about and enjoy time with friends. Please stay warm and safe. I think I've already told you how much I love your coat. You look like Little red riding hood in it.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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  7. I hate snow. I guess if you get that much you have to learn to live with it, but I don't like going out in it and driving scares me! You look like you're having fun though. As for the quilt squares, I think you need to bring out the brick red of the lighthouse.

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  8. Wonderful photos. You can keep the snow! I've had enough of it for a while though I am sure we will get more. Snow is a given here in Michigan. Before I moved here I wasn't sure why old people seemed to go to Florida for the winter...the longer I live here the more I understand why! I was enjoying it a little more with daughter's dog around but they've gone now.

    Thanks for sharing your Five on Friday!

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  9. Jealous, jealous, jealous! I am SO jealous of all that snow. And your family always has so much fun together!
    I vote for red with the lighthouse squares.

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  10. I really enjoyed reading this post Gracie. Your red coat is amazing, it looks so warm and -well, red. I love red, it is such a happy colour. I am rather envious of all the snow you have. I long to go out sledging. Have a great weekend. x

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  11. I so enjoyed your post today! So fun to see your family enjoying the snow! You're brave to go out in it! Dayle cleared a path for me when I went out on Tuesday for a lunch with my sisters. I could not volunteer at the falls yesterday due to the snow. And I missed the DAR meeting as it was cancelled due to snow. I look forward to getting back in the pool and swimming with you. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  12. Hello Gracie what beautiful photos and though a lot of snow your post gave me a warm feeling.!!! At the moment I am challenged by knowing what is the best thing to do for my mum and my aunt ( her sister) My brother and I try so hard but it never seems enough or quite right. My blood pressure is really high and I am worried about it. Still there are worse things and I will carry on. Hugs Annex

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  13. Your snow does look fun especially with everyone sledging. I like the material you are using for your quilt, you've got quite a lot of stitching ahead of you, good luck.

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  14. Gracie, all looks sparkling and beautiful in your world. The snow is lovely. Hugs to you my friend,
    Meredith

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  15. Such lovely winter photos you have shared, Gracie. I know the Pacific Northwest has had quite the winter. Our family in eastern Washington had below zero temps and highs in the single digits. I really miss not having winter. We are getting some rain here so that's good. I'm excited to see your quilt. You are so multi talented! Keep warm and I send you hugs, Pat

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  16. Loved today's post with your gorgeous red coat, all the beautiful snow pix and your adorable lavender lamb! Your grandkids look like they are having SO much fun (cuties) and your pond is really quite lovely I think. Regarding the lighthouse quilting squares, I think either red or white would look nice. Have a peaceful weekend!
    Blessings,
    Aimee

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  17. Your snow looks great. Your Grandkids will remember going up to yours and having fun, stuff memories are made of. We had a dusting of snow and then it went. PAH!

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  18. I'm happy to see your snowy pictures, Gracie, as family members and you yourself are enjoying it, having fun and are well wrapped up. I love all the makes you are doing and, of course, the quilting interests me. I look forward to seeing progress on it! Have a good weekend! :)

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  19. So lovely to see what is happening in your part of the world, that is a lot of snow! You look like red riding hood in your red coat with the hood up, very cosy! Sorry to hear you are having technical difficulties, I hope you can resolve them. Not sure that I would be any help I am afraid. Enjoy your beautiful crafting!

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  20. Very entertaining post. Enjoyed seeing the self made sled launch and that red cape against the snow was so spectacular.

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  21. I LOVE THAT RED COAT! It looks vintage. Sledding reminds me of days gone by. Love all of your plants in the window sill. I do the same thing. Just have to have plants in the house. Stay warm. Personally, I'm ready for the white stuff to be gone!

    Cindy Bee

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  22. Snow is so pretty in people's pictures, but I'm so glad I don't live in it.

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  23. Now that I am retired, I love the snow. It is clean quiet and lovely here in our wooded lot. The birds are brilliant against it. I wish we had more. I want to ice fish and snowshoe . I've snowshoed twice but I want more!

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  24. Oh what fun everyone is having in the snow! I wish we would get another snowfall this winter. It softens the landscape and makes it so beautiful and serene.

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  25. I absolutely love that photo of the window and the snow, what a fabulous moment of wonderment. I enjoyed all of the photos today and the peek inside your crafty activities. Gorgeous little girls hats there. Sending you snow love this week Gracie. Jo x

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  26. Your shots of the snow are beautiful! And the sledding looks like a lot of fun! I remember sledding on rare occasions in Portland when I was little.

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  27. Tell Tim that I this his photo is perfectly framed - a masterpiece.

    I definitely vote for the color of the sails for the in between squares. Love that fabric.

    Loved your post today.

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  28. And now ice! Freezing rain is more dangerous than the snow--stay safe!
    I notice that your shamrock is thriving, too.

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  29. Forgot - you look just like Little Red Riding Hood. Beware that big bad wolf.

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  30. Such amazing snowy pictures of your winter wonderland! It looks like a lot of fun for your family too. You look so nice and cosy in your long red coat, Gracie. Love the little girls hats and the little boy's one modelled by the lamb :) Such a cheerful winter post....keep on enjoying these snowy days x
    Helen xox

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  31. Love all the pictures and the stories... so much snow!!!!

    Please visit: http://from-a-girls-mind.blogspot.com

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Thank you for visiting me today! I welcome your comments!