Sunday, March 8, 2009

Spring Is Here

See the birds are flying north,I finally finished quilting and binding this little Mini. I showed it a good while ago. Just takes time to get these things done. But Spring has sprung. This was the first sign of it to me. Before I got the leaves off the front bed. This little thing had poked through and was blooming.This got me to looking around here on the mountain. Never know what you will find blooming this time of year.

The first crocus and here along the lower drive where I planted the naked ladies last year. Many may remember. A whole line of leaves coming up. I hope you can see them if you click and enlarge the picture. This really makes me happy. The thick leaves come up in the spring and then die back and then in August and September the shoots of flowers pop up out of the ground.. I want to get some ground cover like creeping phlox growing around them. Right now there is only rotten wood chips.

Looking up under the big oak tree in the front I saw something else which comes up every year. It is a wildflower but have not been able to identify it. Looks like a buttercup and has a distinctive leaf.
There are several here among the vinca. Again click to see closer. I have a closeup below.
Don't click on this closeup as it is very out of focus if you do.

When we first built up here on the mountain we soon realized that about all the gardening you could do was rock gardening so that's what I had up at the other house. But this is one wildflower I don't remember seeing until we moved down here along the road. Our 7/8 of an acre is heavily wooded and pretty rustic. The leaves lay where they fall until they blow to the neighbors, she thinks, But I do get them away from the house and shrubs.

Now they say that we are due some rain so that's where we get our spring flowers.

I also have something to show that isn't completely finished. Need the binding whipped down which I am doing while watching TV tonight.

This is the Chexx Mixx quilt. Swapped blocks from a couple years ago and I finally got it quilted. The one I was doing in the basement on my Juki. I'm not sure you can see the quilting but the border is plain to see. I did a free motion of a round of hearts in the setting squares of blue. Not very good I'm, afraid. Mainly because I couldn't see some of the markings on the lighter blues. I do want to go back and repair a couple but it's done. Also very heavy. I used an old Polly batting to get rid of it and it has been so long since I used this type that I didn't realize how heavy it made the quilt. I'm binding it in the light beige.


This is all for tonight want to watch the Amazing Race so hope you enjoyed looking at my little bit of Spring.










13 comments:

Kim said...

I love the Chex Mix quilt!!! Scrappy quilts are my favorite! :o)

Tazzie said...

Love the mini quilt, inspires me to make one of my own. And the Chex Mix is adorable too.
How fun to see Spring peeking through!
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

Sheri said...

Love the Chex Mix. I watch the Amazing Race, too. Don't call during that time because I won't answer!

Sew Create It - Jane said...

Love your chex mixx quilt...very pretty!

ranette said...

The Chex Mix quilt is just lovely!

How did you feel about the couple that got kicked off of Amazing Race? I'm sad :o(

Shirley--Knot-y Embroidery Lady said...

Wow, I have missed several of your entries - Sorry!!!

I love what you share and your quilting is so special to see. Even though I love your work inside and out, I noticed you have acorns. I love acorns. You are truly blessed.

Cheerio!

Millie said...

Beautiful Chex Mix quilt. Very nice warm colors.
~Millie~

quiltmom anna said...

Hi Eileen,
What lovely quilts you've made- the Chex Mix is very pretty..It must be lovely to see some spring popping through- We still are snow covered and have been very cold for this time of year.. My school kids have cabin fever ... they want to be outside and see some grass and mud..
How long have you lived on the mountain? Is it far from town?
Hope hubby is feeling ok these days.
Regards,
Anna

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

Both are beautiful quilts. I want to do a flying geese one like that - it's been on my to do list for a long time. The Chex Mix looks wonderful as well. I'm so glad spring is around the corner. The days are getting longer, and I am starting to get more of my energy back.

Snippen' Threads said...

Love the Chex Mix quilt - I'm working on one. I bought a kit from my local QS. I thought Spring was here in Virginia last weekend, but now it is sooo cold!!

julieQ said...

Your mini is so very cute, and of course the Chex mix quilt is gorgeous! I am glad spring is coming to your neck of the woods.

The Calico Quilter said...

The flowers along your drive may be what we have always called Surprise Lilies. They leaf out in the spring, then die off and later in the summer a pink lily shaped flower appears on a thick stalk, all by itself without any leaves. Mom had them for years, but I seldom see them anymore. Thanks for the memories!

Shirley--Knot-y Embroidery Lady said...

Happy St. Patrick's Day to YOU!

I found out today that it is National Wildlife Week. I checked out the National Wildlife Association website for the first time, and yes, indeed it is. I am passing this on to you incase you did not know either.... We both love the wildlife in our environment and might be able to learn more about our specific areas. I certainly can afford to join but they look like they have lots of free information. They also have a photo contest I bet you could enter, with the beautiful photos you take.

In our front yard I enjoy doves, robin, finches and assorted other wild birds I need to identify. They are such a joy to hear and see.

I hope you have time to stop and listen to the birds today.

Hugs