Happy Easter 2026

 

Wishing you all a very Happy Easter.  I hope the longer days and warmer temperatures are perking up your spirit. 

I am getting ready to have family over for lunch.

2026 Slow Stitching Project - Page 6 - C2

I am following K3N Cloth Tales challenge for 2026.

My fabric is white linen backed with white cotton invisible basted together.  Measures 7"T x 8"W.

This week the prompt was Community. I created Circles to represent Cobalt blue for family, Crimson red for neighbours, yellow for On-Line Community and the small Cobalt blue Circle because I forgot them the first time around. 

I added a large Circle done in Chain stitch to represent my world which included flowers.

I added 3 borders with Cross stitch. 

I placed a running stitch along the binding edge in white thread. I am caught up before K3N publishes on Monday. 

Sylvia's Simple Shots

Another terrific sunrise this week.

Dramatic, overcast with some sun.

We have had a lot of dreary overcast days since snow arrived which makes winter a little harder to take.

Sunny Alberta is missing so I just had to take a hint of sunshine when it arrived.

It was the first Sunday of Advent on Nov 30th.

The first candle of Advent is HOPE.  It symbolizes hope and the promises made by God especially the coming Messiah.

I need to read my Ann Voskamp book which provides information for preparing for Christmas during this Advent Season.

I had a chance to visit with a couple of my sisters, a brother in law and niece when my sister's grandson was playing in a minor hockey game in a town about an hour away.

I dressed up to sit in a cold arena and watched the last period of the game and his team won!

There were a couple of  options for lunch so we headed to the pub for lunch.

The food was very good and I shared Butter Chicken with a sister.

I was able to get home before the sun went down which I was very happy about.

We had a good visit - Christmas, trips planned, next Christmas which will be a large one, my niece's new job and much more.

I had a few gift cards to wrap this week so I checked out my sister's post and loosely based mine on hers. I did have to ask her about it.

It's a long piece of fabric where you fold in both ends of the fabric. Then press the ends even which folds the remaining fabric in half with a fold at the bottom.

Top stitch both sides closed and your are done. She put ribbon on hers I did not.

I did add some accent fabric on the front piece after I folded but before I sewed the side seams. Needs refinement I would say but I was able to fill mine and have them ready which was the goal.

We had a pot luck meal hosted in the social room of our building.

Everyone brought a dish and we shared a meal with our neighbors.

As always the food was very good and there was plenty. I had one helping leftover of my scalloped potatoes.  I brought home a piece of chicken and chocolate cheesecake.

It was a very good time.

Looking forward to next year when I am sure I will know more people.

Sylvia's Simple Shots

A robin having a bath and a lot of fun in a rain puddle morning.

There were several birds taking advantage of the puddles to splish and splash.

I found some more of the votive holders I bought a while ago for my Advent Wreath/ all year round candle display.  I had a mixture of cobalt and white before.  Now I can make it all white if I want.

Super happy to find these additional holders which gives me flexibility in my decor.

Some veggies from my sister's garden that my niece picked on her way to my place.

Fresh carrots are the best.

Some of the cucumbers are a bit on the large size but I love them too.

A few tomatoes we had for breakfast.

My niece and I had a great time at the ReUse Center and the thrift store. We came home and pulled out all our goodies before we headed out for supper at my sister's house.

Magazines, crafting stuff, each found a fountain pen amongst our tea and snack dishes.

We picked up take out and headed to my sister's house for supper.  Korean was the request of the birthday girl.

My sister had a friend visiting and her husband has been ill and was in hospital.

We talked crafting, life and much more.

It was really nice to spend time with family and friends.

I picked up this wax container at the Thrift store while my niece is visiting.

I thought I could use it when I wanted to wax my thread for stitching.

It is a high quality blend of paraffin wax.  I chose a mild scented one.  From my online research paraffin is the the best so I may try to find a beeswax candle that I can melt and fill this little container.

I was looking for a bin/tote that I could place under the phone table in the living room that would look pretty and disguise the contents.

I found the fabric tote at a thrift store for a couple of bucks, it works with the wood I have in my space.

The baskets were more expensive and now I see this is a better option for sliding on the new floor.  The wicker type basket would have scratched.

Excellent.

 

Sylvia's Simple Shots

Its been a week for improvements in the sewing room department.

I have started buying distilled water for my steam iron which lessens the amount of times I have to clean it.  The cost is minimal about $2 and it is better all the way around.

I also found a water cup for the iron at the thrift store this week.  I have wanted one for a while and since I bought my iron second hand it did not come with one.

I have been reusing a disposable water bottle but it does not have the point to direct the water.

This cup works very well and it again was a bargain at the thrift store.

Another improvement in the sewing room was this clamp I found at the ReUse Center.

This the spool holder that my brother in law made me for Christmas a few years ago. It works well but the corner of my sewing desk is a bit short on space.  Whenever I pull the board to raise the machine it would topple over.  

This clamp is minimal but very effective.  It has been quite a while since I have worried about not toppling the spool holder.

I found this small bag of buttons at the thrift store when I met my sister in Wetaskiwin a while back.

They are vintage for sure with metal inserts in the holes for reinforcement.  There are about 50 of them so I am sure there is a project where they will fit in perfectly.

I had a visit with my youngest sister for Family Day.

She had a couple of friends over and we talked crafts, sewing, and all manner of other stuff.

We managed to make this puzzle while we chatted.

It was nice to be with family.

Sylvia's Simple Shots

This Christmas featured 2 big events in one day.  First in the morning was the 4 Sunday of Advent.  We light the LOVE candle.  

We are so loved by God that He sent His Son for each one of us.

May we truly take that in.

I spent most of the afternoon and evening on Christmas Eve with my sister, her husband and my brother.

It was a casual affair where we browsed food - shrimp, ribs, and pyrohy like Mom used to make them.

We caught up on our lives with all the good and bad and it was lovely.

We had blueberries, honey and cream for dessert.  

I headed home about 9pm with  my heart full.

Late on Christmas Eve we lit the Christ Candle which is the middle one.

I just love the sparkle that crackle glass brings.  

Unfortunately, one of the inserts is broken and so I plan on replacing this Advent Wreath next year.

I will keep my eyes out.

I spent Christmas Day at home.

I purchased sourdough cinnamon buns from Freesons for breakfast. They were delicious.  They came highly recommended and did not disappoint.  

Turkey with all the trimmings was on the menu for supper. 

This was the first Christmas without either Mom & Dad.  I missed them a lot.

I headed to my sister's and brother-in-law's on December 28th to have turkey with them.

It was a good drive with good temps, little traffic and a pleasure.

I decided that I would stop and visit a thrift store to get soup bowls to match my white dishes but they were closed till Jan 2nd.

This is how much snow was on the ground for Christmas this year.  Not a lot at all.

The deer came to visit in their neighborhood and I got a decent shot.

They always have a natural tree.  It is covered with personal ornaments each with it's special memory.  I don't think there was a commercial bauble of any type.

The Nativity under the tree with a stable of olive wood made in Germany and the Avon white pieces of the holy family and the additional members of that night.

I did not remember that we have the same Avon white set.  Mine has few pieces.

The birthday party was great.  

This is one of the gifts received.  A vintage Fisher Price tool bench with all the accessories.

A bench press, a drill, a hammer, wood that cuts on the table saw.

All in working order after 20 years in service.

It will be enjoyed for a few more years.

I rode with my sister and brother in law which was appreciated.

It's great to have like minded family that value something vintage and would prefer those to consuming something new and not as well made.

Sylvia's Simple Shots

I visited the Heritage Hills Wetlands this week on a day where the weather was considerably cooler than a few days ago.  

Also, there was not waterfowl to be found.  No Red Winged Blackbirds so I expect they had headed south.  I have not seen any V formations of Canada Geese headed south but I may have missed them.

Considering that it is almost Halloween we have been blessed with a wonderful fall.

I did find this sparrow.

Most of my siblings headed to the Big Mall for a get together, our first since both Mom and Dad have passed. 

My sister organized a night out to a dinner theater.  We made time before supper to visit but a pub was not the best venue though it was close by. Dealing with the crowds at the mall were stressful.

The dinner theatre - music was excellent, food was very good, company was great, but I have to say it was a late night for me.

We need to make the effort to continue to get together so I am grateful for the sister who planned and those that attended.

I did manage to get an appointment to get my flu shot and my COVID vaccine this week.   They were just made available this week.

I got the shots in my left arm on Thursday and I did take a pain killer to sleep that night. I did take pain meds another couple of times.  

I guess it was at least 3 to 4 days with a sore arm but no other side effects.

I did get my appointment at my regular pharmacy so that was very convenient.

I did get a big grocery shopping trip done before the snow came.

I found these dishes on sale at the grocery store and decided that I would get a set of 2 cups and plates since they were under $1 each. The color is marked as wheat.

I added a nice glazed gourd and a small shiny glazed bowl. I believe this color was sunflower or something like that. That would have been the preferred color but there were no cups left in that line of dishes.

Just another option for hosting a friend for tea.

I decided to try my hand with a dip pen.  It has been on my mind for a while and Inktober came across my feed on Flickr I decided to try it. Inktober is a yearly event where drawing is encouraged.

I did have to unpack my liquid inks to give this a try.  I cleaned some nibs and got started. 

I really have no idea what I am doing.  I just created marks on a piece of card stock.  

I have view a few videos since this attempt and found better nibs in my stash. 

It's just a relaxing time.

Sympathy Card - Serene WC

I made a sympathy card for friend's who lost their son unexpectedly a few weeks ago due medical issues.

He was in his 50's and passed way too young.

It has to be a hard thing to deal with - the loss of a child.

I used one of the backgrounds I made ages ago and added a river, trees, and rocks.

I mounted the watercolor onto black card stock then adhered it with 3D foam tape to a Soft Suede A2 card base.

I added a black sentiment punchie in the bottom right hand corner.

Sylvia's Simple Shots

This is a series I have been watching on Roku.  

It follows night sky photographers or astrophotographers from across the world as they photograph the stars, planets and other sky phenomenon.

Armed with hi-tech cameras, telescopes and camping equipment, these intrepid astrophotographers travel to the ends of the earth, braving the elements, extreme climates, and dangers both natural and man-made. They are determined to help all of us experience the magic of the night sky, gathering spectacular images of sparkling constellations, blazing comets, shadowy eclipses, and shooting stars. 

There was an episode which captured the solar eclipse in Indonesia where the photographer educated the people, provided glasses to residents so they could safely watch the event.

Beautiful content with educational component.

I finally found myself a new purse.  I had been carrying my old one in a reusable bag since the strap broke back in early February. 

This one was found at the thrift store but it was a brand new condition.  Wonderful soft leather for more than I was wanting to pay but it was definitely worth it. It was big enough with enough zippers to keep things secure.

I had looked at others in the last month where the store wanted around $20 for a visibly used purse so considering I had the cash I just bit the bullet and took it home. Very happy with this purchase.

I had been looking for a funnel with a large opening so I could transfer my ground flaxseed from the blender to my storage jar each week.

I buy whole flax seed because it lasts longer than buying it already ground.  It deteriorates fast once ground.

I freeze the bags of whole seeds which allows me to buy it on sale and have a supply on hand for several months ahead.

Works well.

Another great book by Josephine Cox - Cradle of Thorns.

Nell Reese lost her mother early and her father's guilt about his wife has kept him cowed for years. They live with his sister who rules their world.  She is manipulative, abusive, and just mean spirited.

Nell has maintained her spirit and sense of self these many years living under these circumstances. Her father facilitates her escape from this tyranny now that she is expecting his grandchild.

Nell meets Kit along her travels, a ten year old orphan who has lived on the streets all his life. She takes him under her wing when she does not have much.  As the delivery grows near Nell depends on Kit and he rises to the occasion on the day of the delivery.

She returns to her father and the man she has been in love with for years. The obstacles to their union have been cleard and she now can live in peace with her new husband, baby girl and of course, Kit.

I have been released by the physiotherapist once the results of my MRI were discussed.

I have made excellent progress and I now have to move forward with the exercises assigned into my new life of mobility and health.

This is leg lifts with movements to the front, side and back with an elastic band.  It is a progression from my side lifts before.  It gives me options for a bit a variety in my routine.

This is a new balance exercise - Standing on one foot I move a ball from hand to hand

It is amazing how it changes things just to involve my hands.

I will use my massage ball.

I have been doing step ups since visit 4 but I had not documented them before so I have added them here.

I have a small stool that I use which is just high enough for me to maintain proper form when doing these.

I do have my areobics step which I can graduate to once I get stronger.  It has 2 more adjustments I can make to taller than the stool.

I am sure that will work out well

I visited my sister for Fish Fry on Friday supper meal. On Saturday we worked on a sewing project of a casserole carrier we designed and sewed together. Keep an eye out for that project in the next few days.

I delivered the quilting fabric I picked up at the ReUse Ctr and the cotton fabric donated at quilting to my sister.  

We had a brain storming session about this beautiful linen fabric I got from the ReUse Ctr a while back and it will become a table runner.  I will use the embroidery part with maybe a strip of navy in the center. We separated the embroidery from the rest and thought we might dye the remainder denim blue but after reading the instructions more carefully it suggested fixative as well so we headed to the city to pick that up since my regular store in my city did not have it in stock.  She has a sink in the basement which we can use without danger of dyeing something precious.  This project will have to wait.  

I was visiting one sister when the other returned from her trip to Belize. 

We had a really good catch up visit with her and her husband.

Great meals and sharing.

With Mom and Dad both gone we have to make new routines to ensure we stay connected.

2022 Reunion Photo Booklet for Mom

Every time we have a big family reunion on Mom's side of the family I prepare a set of the semi formal photos taken during the event.

On recent reunions I have been the official family photographer so that works out well.

This year was no different.  This was the first one since the start of the COVID pandemic and the numbers were smaller than usual.

I had prepared the photos and ordered the prints in the 5x7 format.  I was not able to make the holder this year because my stuff is in storage.  Thankfully, my sister agreed to make the black 8.5 x 8.5 inch holder with the Zutter binding at the top.  Thanks Sis for helping out with this project. 

I quickly created this front cover showing my nieces trailer that Mom stayed in this summer while she was at reunion.  The canola field on the right looks a bit wonky but such is life.

I hand wrote all the documentation for the 12 photos in the folder.  With a 5x7 in landscape orientation I had a 2 inch strip of white card stock to write out the names of those in the photo.  

Mom & Dad's family had the most family members in attendance - I believe we were 20 people. Mom, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Several of Mom's siblings have passed. We had family members from 8 of the 14 siblings. Some live out of province and travel is difficult. 

I created a bit of a label for the back page.

Some of the pages only had a couple of people in the photo.

Mom is the 3rd oldest of the original family and we are pretty committed to attend as long as we can.

Mom appreciates being able sit with the book and look at her people.  When I gave it to her on Friday she recognized every one and knew which of her siblings families they belonged to.

I hope it brings her comfort in the days to come to remember being there with her family and siblings.

Pretty Things, Delicious Food and Family

My sister was out to visit for a couple of days.

She brought gifts she had picked up for me recently.  This is a nice classic shape flower pot.  My plant shelf had taken a spill recently due to my lack of attention so a new pot was in order.  I love it.

Next to it is a 15 minute timer which I purchased for my photography because the sand was yellow which will be a nice addition to my cobalt glass photos.  She also encouraged me that I could scrape off the black letters on the outside of it.  Indeed I was able to so now they will not be in the way during my photography!  Thanks.

The other flower pot was in the shape of a watering can!  Really lovely and it's yellow!  How perfect.

I switched out the plants until it all worked.

The plants are doing so much better closer to the window.

I am very happy and I remember to water them regularly.  I expect they soon will need a feed of plant food to keep then healthy.

She also brought a wicker hat which did not work for her purposes.

I hung this in the bathroom where I have had a winter snowman hanging year in year out.  It was time for an update.  I had recently made that decision and then the wicker hat arrived!

I will have to decorate it with some flowers I expect but have not decided yet what they will be.

Sunflowers are my first thought but not really fitting with the bathroom so I will think on it some more.

We had a good walk in the afternoon to a high end second hand store but came home empty handed.

Spent some time on photography door prizes for the barbecue on Monday.  More about that later.





We cooked a wonderful supper for ourselves.  Steak, mushrooms and onions, coleslaw, and asparagus.  It was delicious.

We headed over to my other sister's to visit, pick up some art from my niece and look over some sewing machines.

It was a wonderful couple of days.

Friday's Hunt 1.8

I'm submitting this to Friday's Hunt hosted by Teresa at Eden Hills. 

The prompts are:
Starts with H
Favorite
Family

H is for honey.  I took a photo of my honey jar with golden yellow sticky stuff.  It's a large, heavy and clear glass jar with a lid with a space for the honey dipper.  Of course the honey dipper needs to be yellow.  This is my second one as I melted the first one when I was melting honey in the microwave.  I've learned my lesson. 

This is my favorite image of the week.  I had to go downtown this week so I took some time to shoot some city images.  I love the reflection of blue sky on the glass windows of this building.  I liked the angles and the square spaces.  The contrast of lights and darks works very well.

This is a shot I have shared before.  My sister and I were out on a photo shoot near a lake where she lives.  It was summer and the sun was shining bright.  I grabbed this shot of our shadows.  I added the Sisters quote.  She is part of my large family and I really enjoy spending time with her.