A sweet ride for my salad

It is always a question of need versus want. Almost 17 years ago while working at a local kitchen store I bought some really good quality dishes. I spent more than I should have given the fact that I was a university student and living on my own...but I needed dishes and liked the idea of spending more and getting something that would last. So, I splurged. And I have loved them ever since...although I must admit that a few years back I started to wish they would start breaking...on their own of course....not intentionally or anything diabolical like that. But wow, they are enduring. Three little ones later and I believe that only one plate has ever met that fate. Enter want.





I have loved abi's work for a long while now, but I waited patiently. And finally I splurged again, with help from a well-timed tax return. 8 new plates. Sweet and simple. And ready to welcome years of use - I hope.

This moment

Happy weekend all!

The ceremonial changing of the cookware

Ah, finally it seems as though the last harbinger of spring has shown itself. In our house that means the final pot of soup is cooked and consumed - and that event took place yesterday. After going long and hard all fall and winter, my cherished soup pot is now officially on a well-earned hiatus (I hope, and I am sure my family will concur) until the colder temperatures return. I realize that there are many who enjoy a good cold soup during the hotter months...us, we are cold weather fans. Come the warm times, it is all about meals that don't involve soup. So, with that in mind, see you in the fall oh favorite soup pot of mine.

I do declare a winner

Linsiloo...you are it. Thanks to random number generator (aka Raine) and the fact that she thought of the number 7 in her head and there just happened to be 7 random articles on the table. It was meant to be. Thanks to all my wonderful friends, and their gratitudes.
I hope all of you are enjoying your day.
Karen

Bloom birds

Thanks to the organizational skills of one We Bloom Here I get to participate in a crafty bird swap. Here are my beauties. They are fashioned after the Eastern bluebird, who, here in Ontario are increasing their numbers after many years of decline. I hope your mailboxes are ready, oh, swap-mates of mine.


I can't help but smile - what I see in this last picture is a choir of birds, all singing their hearts out. And the happy heart of the peeps (I couldn't resist) that are privy to hear their song.
Chirp.
Karen

A Giveaway - just because.

I am really thankful that I did take the leap. There are so many wonderful people out there!
And today I am thankful for the warmth of the sun. It felt so great to be out digging in the dirt...although I feel a bit like the garden is getting away on me already...because although it hasn't been a great spring for humans, the plants seem to be thoroughly enjoying it.
And of course, where would we be without our Mothers..mamas..mums...whatever you go by - Happy Mother's Day.
Here is what is up - in celebration of all the above mentioned gratitudes - a sunshiney mobile that can be seen in closer detail on my etsy site affectionately called LittleWool.



All that is required to be involved is a comment about your gratitudes. It really is a "just because" giveaway...partly inspired by a "pay it forward giveaway" of last year by the Twig and Toadstool gals. Two weeks from tomorrow all will be decided. I will ship all over. Just because.
Happy weekend, and a huge Happy Mother's Day.

This moment

Note to self

It's spring. You are surrounded by babies being born and/or about to be born. It's okay to remember those baby days of the past. It's okay to miss them and remember them. They were wonderful.

Of small towns and maple syrup

We spent yesterday among many who seem to be all about the maple syrup. Perth, Ontario...Maplefest 2011.


okay, maybe not just the maple syrup...pony rides were the draw to the 5 and under city set.


and apparently the bright and shiny fenders of beautiful old cars appealed to some (look closely - that is me reflected in the fender)


Papa enjoyed the rushing waters in Stewart Park


and so did I. Those are my feet and shadow. Another time spent with mama behind the shutter.
However, after many a time of driving past, I finally got a very brief moment to explore Janie H. Knits. Wow. The setting, and the fibre and the lovely ladies. Next time though, a girlie roadtrip with no one allowed under 20.