the blessings found in very cold weather

Trying to find some good in things can be challenging.  Since we avoid going out as much as possible, I'm getting a lot done in the studio.  Bonus! Today, the clerk at Micheal's and I chatted about there being very little snow falling when it's so very cold. ?bonus?

Yesterday, I finished the McGrath Family Reunion 2000 quilt. (picture pending)  I might have finished it sooner, had I not stitched 3 of 4 corner blocks up side down.  David thought I should just unstitch the one that was right, but my soul wouldn't let me do it, so I spent hours unstitching 3 blocks and redoing them.  I've been working on hexie bags again.  Foolishly, I thought that I could re-use the beige lozenges I made for Oreo Inspiration, and just sew a couple together to get the piece for the hexie bag.  Not that easy!  Especially since I was sewing them by hand.  (I like to have a bit of hand sewing to do while watching tv,  but this was a PINTA, and just too much.)  So the second group of lozenges will be sewn together by machine, starting today. This means that David has to make me another set of wooden "handles", and we stopped into Micheal's this morning to pickup the supplies, on our way home from the dentist.

While out with Gail on Friday, we talked about how we organize and inventory our work.  I spent time thinking about this over the weekend, and finally came up with some long range, SMART goals for organizing, mainly, my inventory process, but I know there will be "spin-offs".  Like many things, once I set up the system, it should be simple to manage, with a little self discipline. lol

The opening reception was well attended.  There was some very nice food.  It was the first time Gail had been to the gallery, and I think she was impressed.  She spent some time going through the gift shop section, and I wouldn't be surprised if she tries to get some of her jewelry in there.  There were several fibre pieces in the show.  I was disappointed in a couple of them, one in particular.  Gail, however, loved it.  It's challenging, and invigorating to discuss a particular piece with someone whose view differs.  You are forced to deeply examine your feelings, and to then justify them.  In the end, we agreed to differ.  

Behind my problems with the piece was my belief that, with fibre being an emerging medium, and subject to controversy,  I worry that any piece that is poorly planned and/or poorly done diminishes the medium, as a whole. 

There was a second fibre piece we differed on, but it turned out that Gail knew the maker, and was more impressed at her moving in a different direction technically, than what she had produced, previously.  It can be a scary thing to try something new, and then put it out to the public.

 I can't remember if I mentioned that I've arranged for my piece to be included in a series of one-on-one critiques, with a respected local art critic, next Saturday.  I confess to being both excited and apprehensive about that.

 I saw one piece that I would have loved to own. A pottery trip-tych (sp.) made by the same woman who made all of my special coffee mugs.  At least my taste is consistent.

Tomorrow we may try to go to see Jumanji.  We found the local theatre so much less expensive than the fancy one we're been going to, that we may just try it again.  I'll still be on Phase one of my dietary regimen, so am a little nervous about buying popcorn.  I gained a couple of pounds with it last week, which disappeared as soon as I took my diuretic.  Not necessarily a good thing. Unfortunately, I can't imagine going to a show and not having popcorn!

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A Monday morning Hello

Snow and more snow over weekend so I have been getting my exercise in shoveling. Just the driveway and path to greenhouse mostly, as I am not worried about the rest. It will melt eventually. 
I am going over to Daisy's this afternoon for tea. I thought they had gone back to Toronto as planned but a call from the granddaughter outlined the issues they have at the house so have stayed on to rectify eg need for new water pump and holding tank, need to have bottled water because well water unfit, squirrels in walls, mould in the attic etc. Poor Michelle (the granddaughter) has been trying to work out the details and do the work mostly, except of course having a plumber in which as we all know costs $$$. So I'll go over and sit with Daisy and offer my ear. I haven't been in touch with neighbour Ruth for awhile either and I should really at least call her. Sometimes I feel that I don't want to be bothered or do anything but I guess that is an unhealthy, negative attitude?
Otherwise, should be a usual week here. Hoping that Harry will get his new glasses today so that will eliminate at least one stressor for him. 
How are things with you folks. How was the reception Pati at Craft Council?  Take care

Dream of summer folks!

Doing a "come quickly summer" dance here. Greenhouses and minus temperatures do not a happy person make haha!
Finally last evening I got out several quilts and struggled (by myself) to cover the entire greenhouse. This helped greatly. The inside temperature of the greenhouse rose nicely. Not heating the outdoors anymore, I guess. Snow and squalls predicted for this weekend so I am hoping I can leave the blankets on but I know Harry will want light to get in so I am preparing myself to taking them off and putting them back on morning and night. It is now that time of year where the planting and maintenance take precedence and other desires take on less time and consideration. So be it. 
And I, too, am thinking of your travels. Both of Cathy and Jim venturing to Vancouver Island, and also Pati and Dave travelling to Neepawa and all of you getting together....a  big hug from me!
I treated myself to a box of Twinings Earl Grey tea the other day - I said blow the budget and do something for yourself - so I did! I have enjoyed several cups so far and even sat down and watched a movie The First Wives Club which is one of my "go to" movies.
So on with the day - I shall have my breakfast and another cup of coffee before getting at it. Hope all is well with you folks.

P. S.

No, Rrain didn’t tell me you were coming but I have the day off work. We can get together

July

jim’s sister turns 75 in July and she wants everyone to join her. She has already arranged accommodations for everyone coming.  I have told my manager why and when I want it off. I am hoping my seniority and the fact that I have never asked for a specific time before will help me get it off. She lives just south of Campbell river on Vancouver island.  It is called oyster river. It is a really nice spot on the ocean. You can walk for miles along the ocean and come back to where you started.

Travelling

Where are you planning to go in July Cathy?  I didn't know you had plans.  As Beth says, most of the thrill of doing something is in the planning and anticipation.  Tell us more so that we can enjoy it with you.

Did Rrain tell you that David and I will be coming up on March 5th to hang the Fibre Art Divas show.  I hope we're be able to see you, or do you have exciting plans for that as well?

Winnipeg

Yes, I confess I was in Winnipeg this week so didn't see the moon either.  I was supposed to come in Tuesday morning for a 2 day meeting but they decided Monday afternoon that I should come in right away to miss the weather.  Probably a good idea as the snow and blowing snow just got worse over night.  I don't think I could have made it in on Tuesday.  I tried to write to the blog but my phone just didn't like the hotel I guess.  Couldn't do anything.  I did get a quick visit with Loren on Wednesday.  I was early for the meeting at the Union Centre so I asked if he was available.  We talked for a while.  it was really good to see him and catch up.  At the start of my meeting or rep said we would get together again in 4 or 5 weeks.  By the end of the meeting he was saying 2 weeks.  Got an email today...... Feb. 15th.  exactly 2 weeks.  Our contract is up again so we are heading to negotiations.  Last time for me.  Rrain house sat for us so we had no worries about the animals.  Jim came in with me and, can you believe it, applied for his very first passport in his life!  Now what am I going to put on his tombstone..... I was going to say "never had a passport in his life"  Oh, and while Loren and I were talking my rep came looking to see if any of us were there yet.  He came around the corner and saw  us and said "Oh!  I can really see the resemblance now"  I guess Loren does have some McGrath in him.  I know Amber does.  We are still hoping to get away in July.  Rrain is all set to sit for us again.  I just have to have the holidays approved.  It is Glenda's 75th birthday..... you'd think that management would take that into consideration.    I think I am going to have  to break down and buy myself a new computer at home.  I have 3 that each have something wrong with them.  One is so old I don't think it would work anymore.  the other was free and then there is my poor laptop.  Oh well  Back to work time.