A Long Winter's Nap

What a superb time to follow the lead

of Mother Nature~

everything is at rest.

Spring is waiting right around the corner

to com endear our daylight hours.

Today is yours.

Find peace and appreciate the stillness of the season.

Go ahead ~ indulge

A nap

The word itself sounds like bliss unexpectedly found.

Visions of the 6 year old boy or girl you once were

exhausted my frolicking in the snow,

and the extra weight of the clothes,

now in by the fire, fed and full,

nose and toes warming and red,

wrapped in a favorite comfort,

and lids become heavy and soon close.

The clock on the wall making it's rhythmic tock

until it's no longer heard by little ears.

A nap

January for some reason evokes the image of a soft light

in a dimly lit corner,

a book in a quilted lap,

a half cup of tea left, now barely tepid,

maybe a beloved pet curled up near by, 

and a head tipped to be supported by the edge of the chair.

Alas, a nap

Until next time,
Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

Eating in Nature: Do's and Don'ts

I will state right away

that I am not a pro at knowing

all the 'foods' of the wild;

however, there are some basics that

I think it would be wise to know

even if you were just traveling.

Last weekend, Mr. LB went

motorcycling with a friend.

I went along, dropped him off, then

went into town to get some groceries.

I returned way before they were back

so I began to get my camera and walk around.

I found a bush full of beautiful rose-hips

so I went back to the pick-up and got

a cup so I could pick some.

DO

As I was picking,

there were several people who

asked what kind of berries they were.

One fella even said, after I had answered him,

"Are they edible?"

I told him they were.

I didn't think rose-hips were anything weird,

but evidently a lot of folks

don't even know what they are.

And just for your knowledge,

you are supposed to wait until after the

first frost to pick them.

So I decided to show just a couple

very common things.

DO

Elderberries can be eaten just as they are

or made into such things as:

jelly, syrup, or of course wine.

They are a little seedy if you eat them just plain,

but the juice is very flavorful.

DON'T

I only know these as coyote berries.

Do Not eat these!

They are poisonous.

Blackberries are common; however, 

there are two kinds around here.

The ones with the big fat leaves are good.

The ones with the skinny pointy leaves are bitter.
The berries look the same, 
but the flavor is reeeealllly different.

These aren't uncommon things,
but I sure get the questions
when I am picking them.

Until next time,
Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

Gifts

Just a quick post to let you know what is new.  I was fortunate enough to happen by a sale that was at the home of an artist.  I found typing paper, water-color paper, a bunch of cookie cutters, and several odds. 

The gold medals have already been removed from the board and cleaned and might become the 'pulls' for some creative bell-pulls.  I have a bit of a collection of tea cups & tea pots.  My dishes are all white (one of the smartest moves I've made) so this little sweetie just fits right in.  There were several fabrics - old small prints :)  and an antique compass that still works! 

I am still stitching on the same projects so won't bother with those, but will share with you a wonderful gift from God.  As I was looking out my front window to see how the sprinkler was doing, I spied this view.

That's mama eating my plum tree.

*One of the fawns*  I took these photos through my front window - I didn't want to scare them by opening the door.  The fun thing is - this doe and her twins have made their home in our yards.  Our neighbors (within a couple miles) and ourselves - have all been watching out for them since they were born.  They have enjoyed spending time in the middle of the road.  Either the pavement was warm for the babies or they are just suicidal.  We have 'shooed' them off the road more than once.  I hadn't seen them for a few weeks so was glad to see that all three are still kicken'.  We don't even mind them being in the yard - until they start destroying things.  It's all part of living in this beautiful place.  If I wanted a town yard, I would live in town.  We also saw a bear cub yesterday - think we spooked him.  He raced right up a tree and held on tight!  I didn't have my camera out and ready so no picture - sorry.  Just in case you are wondering, you don't try to get too close to cubs or spend much time trying to get their pictures.  Where there is a cub, there is a mama who doesn't want you bothering her cub.  It's best to leave them alone. 

Off to work on my challenge quilt - hoping to finish it up this week - will share after the show.  Until then, happy stitches and nimble fingers.