Flu and Garden Season

Next year I will not miss my flu shot. Seven days of nearly drowning in my own juices, and even keeping my dog awake all night with my  coughing.

We finally look like we might have Spring.

The little plants in the greenn house are looking happy.

We try and plant around 24 May  so they are in protection for another month.

They were very late in germinating and sprouting. I guess 7, 9, 11 degree temperatures are not conducive to gardening.

While I was off my feet, I experimented with some needle felting.

I found I really enjoy this . I have a few pieces done now and  hope they will be appealing to custom

ers and find new homes.

I got a nice order for dryer balls, so they are all set to go. I have a variety of colours.

Chelsea is getting tires of not having a real mom to play with. She wants the old mom back.

Talking with my daughter in law today, she says she tried to live a year buying only Canadian products.

She was not able to o

it. Even with diligent shopping, a whopper of a garden and doing all her

own bread and baking.  Maybe we should start bringing some jobs back to Canada.

I read two article this morning. One was that some balls, when bitten open by a dog, can ooze a nasty goo that will plug up their mouth and can

choke your pet.

Right I make food and biscuits. Now balls. THEN, I read one about US milk . Well there I draw the line.

I am proud to say that Canada would not allow the milk producing hormone to infiltrate out milk supply. Way to go Canada Island Farms Forever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JL1pKlnhvg0

I have sadly neglected my blog. Will try better in future.

Product alert! There are tennis balls made by Tretorn called “Tretorn X” that contain an inert substance which presumably helps with the bounce. However, when the dog pops open the tennis type ball while chewing, the substance makes a terrible gooey mess in their mouth and presents an aspiration hazard.. Here is a picture of one exposing the material inside.It seems that the material is non-toxic. However, it still presents a potential injury problem

Healthy and Economical for our Pets

Well today has laid me low. I had a good post of pollen and now I have laryngitis and a nasty bronchial cough. No energy and no imagination.

So I thought I would write a few bits of things that I do to spend my time.

I have a dog called Chelsea. 

I have read so many recalls on animal food, that I make all her food myself. 

The advantages are that I know what she is eating, and it is more economical than commercial food.

Her protein portion is a meat loaf style cooked meat that I make up every week. 

  I start with extra lean beef. I usually put it in water for an hour to reduce the red colorant  is that is used to make meat мore red and appealing.

I add steel cut oats, either brown rice or Aquino ( both precooked often left from my meal. 

 I add an egg, brewers yeast, ground carrots and either peas, or pumpkin. Then I bake till cooked and ready to give her a portion.

For her biscuits, I start with 1 cup raw cut oats and 1 cup of corn meal.I add one cup of boiling liquid. Let it sit 15 minutes.

 The liquid  can be water, if I want to add bullion for flavor, but I rather use homemade chicken broth or fish broth or boiled liver pureed in water heated and added.

 I like to add lentils if I have any left over or chopped celery.

I add 2 cups of coarse ground whole multi grain. Kneed for a few minutes. roll and cut out. and bake for 30 minutes  at 325 degrees. Then turn off oven and let them dry.

These will last at least two weeks, longer if thoroughly dry in a dehydrator.

New Machine Knit Club Launched

What a bust week. I have neglected my poor blog.

I went to a meeting Wednesday.

 Thusday we went to our spinning group and met some lovely new fibre that Wendy Mitchel had brought home for her recent European sojourn.

The tops were over 12 inches long and then the bottom was a very cause but prolific shorter fibre

. I know Wendy's speed of knitting and I would bet hands down on Wendy.



We sat and had a giggle while Wendy and i tried to assemble her new to her Ultimate sweater Maker.
The Ultimate part was putting it together.
Two of us plus reading the manual and we succeeded.


I note it made it beginnings in Knit shops at price near $300. Later to chain stores for $200 and now is in T.r us.

I received the following announcement which is note worthy. Please read.

In conjunction with the annual Consider The Lilies Fibre Art Show and Sale at the Heritage Church....(St. Mary the Virgin in Metchosin).....the Parish is re starting an old tradition of having a Lily Luncheon......this will be held at the big church (same parish) St. Mary of the Incarnation ....4125 Metchosin Road....opposite the Golf course.

The Fibre Art Show and Sale at Metchosin Heritage Church..will run Saturday, April 14 -22.....but

the Lily Luncheon will be Saturday, April 14 from 11:00 to 2:00 pm at 'the big church"

The lilies at the Heritage church are in full bloom right now and showing their usual amazing display. 

Friday we started our new Machine knitting club, which is yet unnamed.

Giselle has some technical problems that need to be addressed before next meeting on the First Friday in May.

patty-anne was running around  looking for tables and stands, and thinks she has that licked for next meeting.

Leanne was whizzing away on her bulky Brother making a fan lace scarf that is demonstrated on Youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaW9c9JGQz8

And Joanne was busy falling in love with her immaculate Toyota 950.

We find we are needing  several  cast on combs. If any one has any extra, please speak up.

We found that we could download the manuals for free for most machines at

 http://knittsings.com/knitting-machine-manuals/

Remember machine under the bed knitters, the two main things to check on your machine is the sponge bar, and oiling it. 

Use a good quality machine oil.

So lets see our numbers swell bring those beautiful machines out from under the bed, out in the back hall or down in the basement and lets hear then sing.

Juan De Fuca Art and craft Guild and VHSWG coming dates

This is not an official calendar, It is pieces I have gathered as I attended events.

Red is JDF

Black is VGWSG

Wed Apr 18 10:00am – 4:00pm Consider the Lillies – OLD ST. MARY’S 4355 METCHOSIN RD    JDF
Thu Apr 19 10:00am – 4:00pm Consider the Lillies – OLD ST. MARY’S 4355 METCHOSIN RD   JDF
7:30pm – 9:30pm MONTHLY MEETING – Elk Lake Baptist Church at 5349 Patricia Bay Highway in Saanich    VGWSG

Fri Apr 20 10:00am – 4:00pm Consider the Lillies – OLD ST. MARY’S 4355 METCHOSIN RD      JDF

Sat Apr 21 9:00am – 4:00pm William Hodge Design Workshop – Gordon Head Lawn Bowling Club    VGWSG

10:00am – 4:00pm Consider the Lillies – OLD ST. MARY’S  4355 METCHOSIN RD
Sun Apr 22 12:00pm – 4:00pm Consider the Lillies – OLD ST. MARY’S 4355 METCHOSIN RD
Mon Apr 23 7:00pm – 8:00pm The Cottage Crafts  4430 Happy Valley Road7:00pm – 9:00pm

Knit Cafe is Tuesday the 24th from 1-3-       4430 Happy Valley Road
Tue Apr 24 7:00pm – 8:30pm Drop-In meeting (informal) – Victoria Centre for Community Living, 3861 Cedar Hill Cross Road, Victoria, BC, Canada
Mon Apr 30 1:00pm – 3:00pm Knit Cafe – 4430 Happy Valley Road
Thu May 3 7:00pm – 8:30pm Executive Committee Meeting – Executive Committee Member

More information at the Victoria Handweavers and Spinners Guild

And the Deep Cove Spinners and weavers Guild

British Car Club is Coming April 15

Just like the sound of frogs in the pond serenading us, and the lambs in the field entertaining us, one of the heralds for me the Spring is here is the advent of the Old English Car Club of BC: Sunday, April 15 - Restoration Fair & Swap Meet 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM 

At about 9 o'clock or even before , they start to roll in; Thames, and Triumphs TR3's MG's and Morgans, Land Rovers, and a Porsche or two and number of other types and kinds. of other species.


 Everyone sets up the demo area,  with pictures of their restoration, some are for sale, some have parts for sale.


Picnic hampers are on side or trips to the Country Pantry, where hot food and drinks are available as well as sweet treats and cold pop.


Then the crowd come in and the ohhs and arrhhhs and" remember whens".

The owners wander around flicking a last piece of dust from the displayed beauties. Gossiping with folks they only see once a year, stretch stories. Then they look at all the improvements that are happening in the museum.

The other sign of Spring is the Easter Egg Hunt for the members children and grandchildren. The Easter Bunny hops around the grounds and lays eggs, and at 11 AM we let the kids loose. The big ones help the little ones and all      have a great day ending with a picnic.
So I will have a word with the Easter Bunny and he assures me he will there again this year.

The Heritage Acres is an umbrella for both Saanich Historical Artifacts Society and Victoria Amateur Model Railway.
The shortened names are SHAS and VIME..

The actual Property is 23 Acres of restored motor, tractor and and artifacts of all kinds. It is the type of place you can come for a whole day and a wonderful place to bring guests.
There are a few major events a year. and they are , at this point,

Event Name: ENGLISH CAR CLUB FAIR
Date/Time
Date(s) – 15 Apr 2012
9:30 AM – 9:30 PM

Event Name: SUMMER FAIR (FATHERS DAY WEEKEND)
Date/Time
Date(s) – 16 Jun 2012 until 17 Jun 2012
9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Event Name: FORD V8 PICNIC
Date/Time
Date(s) – 22 Jul 2012
9:30 AM – 9:30 PM

Event Name: HARVEST FAIR
Date/Time
Date(s) – 15 Sep 2012 until 16 Sep 2012
9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

In most events, there is at least on BBQ area with hot dogs fries and drinks, AND at most of these events, the model railway will give you a ride around the park on the mile of track for a donation.

Entrance fee for SHAS is by donation, except on event days where there is a modest fee.
Hours are from 9 Am till noon until after Father`s Day and then summer hours from 10 till 4 come into play. And like any organization, we welcome volunteers.

Bring the whole family on Fathers day and see the old steam engines and all the other exhibits.
Be sure to check out the gift store for T shirts, engineer hats and many other treasures.

Signs of Spring

I drove to Happy Valley Road today.

 As I drove, I felt the soft touch of the sunshine on my face. After months and months of rain, what a welcome kiss.

It is warmer there than here in the shadow of the mountain, where I call home.

 I live close to Malahat Mountain and get the cold winds from the mountain itself reinforced by the winds off of the ocean.

 The tips of the trees are pale green, just a few more
days and they will burst forth with their leaves uncoiling from the buds that encloses them for the moment.

The wild roses has huge red hips, bursting with vitamin C waiting to be picked and boiled. They are huge red orbs in the green bushes.

Lambs have been dropped and are nuzzling at the bellies of their parent looking for the milk that will nourish them and then they will grow up, and in due time,give up their fleece to fibre junkies like me.
.
Skunk cabbage, one of my favorite signs of Spring, is blooming as proud and as beautiful as the finest lily.

The slow sign in the picture of the blossoms is perhaps a reminder to all "slow down" and enjoy the approaching season instead of trying to push it through to summer.

As I came to clearings in the woods, I find no houses but the reminder that a home once stood there.

The apple tree is blooming, the daffodils are in clumps and putting forth in their yellow petty coats and their green gowns.

 There are wood violets and crocus, spreading from gardens untended now and keeping their secret of whose hands tenderly cared them and what their story was.

My mission in going to happy Valley Road, was to attend the Knitting Cafe.

 A hand knit club of ladies with the one token male, are all knitting with various degrees of skill.

It is another fine example of how the older people in the community, foster the learning of the younger women.

All clacking along with a cup of tea or coffee and enjoying just the glow of the friendship that is abundantly given.

The older I get,the more I admire the generous spirits of women

. And with each passing Spring, I appreciate the part of the world we live in.

Juan De Fuca Art and Craft Guild

What a good thing to be among like minded people.

I have just arrived home from the monthly meeting of the Juan De Fuca Arts and Craft Guild Meeting.

I had a co pilot  to reach the St. Johns Heritage Church in Colwood. I seem to have to drive by GPS

The majority of the membership were women. with the odd token male to set the tone.

It is easy to see why the Good Book directs the older ladies to instruct the younger ones. We have so much to share and such a lot more to learn.

The skills and trades we have are so interesting to share with a younger person.

The Guild is made up of all types of arts and crafts, fine art, metal and wood work, rock-hounds, quilters, knitters, spinners and weavers, collectors and creators.

And sitting there, I hear snippets of tips, and knowledge that I file away in my little brain box of data to sort out later.

At the beginning of the meeting, we paused a moment to present past president Joanne Burton with her past presidents pin. A well earned accolade.

I saw a beautiful picture tonight of torn paper craft. It was astounding.

Many had knitting on their lap as their fingers and needles clicked along.


When the business part was done, including notices of an auction to be held in May as well as a craft fair.also in May, we broke for coffee and goodies and then were treated to an art show.


Each piece done with love and talent. Some in water colour, some in oils, some in charcoal. It whetted your appetite for more and then they announced that more was to come at the Juan De Fuca Seniors Centre.
  

Follow this blog for dates and events to come.

In the mean time, take a peek at some of the art pieces presented tonight. I apologize for not having the names of the artist. I wasn't quick enough on the trigger to get a pencil and write the names. I will do better next time.

How I Felt Today

Well what a sight for happy eyes. Colour, texture, lace, silk, fleece, wool, silk, luxury.

The whole table full of beautiful fibres, flowing and floating around.

Laurie Steffler  had graciously visited the
  Victoria  Handweavers  and Spinners Guild..and introduce us tp some of the articles in her collection from her Gallery.

In Lauries words felting involves :"Fiber fushion and the nuno felting technique is so exciting to work with. Felting merino wool and specialty fibers with silk fabric creates luxurious art to wear. Its fun to explore because of its infinite creative design possibilities. Playing with colour,
creating images or being abstract and fusing other fibers in with the wool always provides wonderful results. We lay out our designs and then use hot water, soap and agitation."

I have been dabbling in felting, both wet felting and needle felting.

 It is liberating and exciting..

You start with lace, or silk, or chiffon. Add merino, or a drab of silk, stir in a large amount of free thinking and imagination.

You can create gowns, shawls,hats, vest and blouses as light as a feather that float around you like a dream on a warm summer night.

There is so much to show. Please look at her sight, or better still visit her studio or in the Summer at the Salt Spring Market

One of her many  skills is that of hat making.

 It is pure genius to see how she she takes fibre and creates hats with no seams.

 Even more enchanting is the way she refreshes her wardrobe.

 She will felt and reshape a hat, over dye a shirt or vest, chap a piece up and add it to a fresh creation. 

This can only come from a deep love of the art and colours on the West coast.

 She notes that if she  had her way, she would kayak around the Island, stopping to create what the day would lead us to in our soul then paddle off in the mists of the coast.

You can start with some needle felting.

 It is very inexpensive to start and their are course at Laurie's and other places like Notty by nature

Google for free patterns for felting, both wet felting and needle felting.

This young lady gives and excellent demonstration on how to make a felt hat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EP_5JXkFWg 

There are some excellent video workshops for free on You tube.

So far all I have sold are my felted dryer balls, but I have my eye on the bigger picture. I have a good book, needles, imagination, and who knows how I felt tomorrow.

.