Anne's Original Hooked Rugs

Valentine Give Away

2012-02-07T16:58:00.003-03:30

The winner of my Valentine Give Away was:

Jo-Anne Rossiter from New Brunswick, Canada.

Thanks to all of you who participated and keep looking for more....

Have a wonderful day....

Pet News....

2012-02-06T08:55:00.006-03:30

I haven't posted anything about my beautiful pets lately so today I decided I would....for those animal lovers out there, and I am sure there are plenty..
When the weather is "nasty" outside, this is how our pets enjoy it. I hook away and they snooze away the day. Hope you enjoy....Thanks for my new followers and DON'T FORGET MY VALENTINE GIVEAWAY TOMORROW....
Goldie likes to sleep atop the chair while Mocha sleeps below....cute!!

Mocha & Spedo rests on one bed at times;
however, Mocha becomes curious when a picture is being taken, sometimes, as he is very photogenic......:)

Spedo likes to rest his arm on the window sill and look outside and is happy he doesn't have to go out.

On Line Course

2012-02-02T13:44:00.002-03:30

Well, I have myself committed to something now that I have no idea about....with regards to the wool, that is. As a lot of you may know, I use all types of recycled materials in my rugs. Deanne Fitzpatrick, of http://www.hookingrugs.com, has offered this On line course to the public. I delved right in there because she is my inspiration, besides being a fellow Newfoundlander..:) Ever since I discovered her online when searching for tips of rug hooking, I have followed her and bought each book that she has written plus a little of her materials. She hooks in a style that I like and do. When this beautiful package of different types of wool arrived, I drooled but just want to keep it "to look at"....it is just so wonderful looking. I do hope that I can learn to incorporate this type of wool into my rug hooking in the future. I will keep you posted on my progress, if there is, indeed, any...OMENERVES!!!

My latest Mat/ Wall Hanging

2012-02-01T14:00:00.003-03:30

I am busily hooking away here but sometimes do not post a picture of a mat that I have already done but I will share this one (which I have done MANY times for people) that I did for a young woman from my hometown of Lord's Cove, Newfoundland, called "When Cod Was King". This mat has a heartfelt connection to her because her Dad was one of the Trap's Crew (as they were called) that brought in this huge load of cod fish in the more abundant years. This is a scene that will NOT be seen in my day because of the demise of the cod fishery here in my little Outport. Other members of her family has this mat ordered and I will make sure I will complete them later this year. There are just so many that I would love to do but can't seem to step away from the ones that I post because people see them and want to order...I have retired one already and this will be the second one that I intend to do just that with....There is no challenge in this one anymore.

Worst Blogger from Newfoundland

2012-01-26T14:21:00.003-03:30

Hi Everyone... Just dropping by again to offer you all a chance to win my Valentine Give Away...This little mat measures 5"x5" and is made using ALL recycled materials...If you would go to my Facebook Page and click "LIKE" at the top right, your name will be entered for the draw on February 7th. Want to make sure I have time to post it to whoever wins no matter where you live.

"GIVE AWAY"

2012-01-14T21:57:00.002-03:30

Would like to let those of you who are interested know that I am having another "Give Away" on my Business Facebook Page....It will be a small hooked piece, not sure of the size yet, for Valentine's Day...Draw date will be February 7th to allow time for delivery. Follow the link at the top of this page and click "LIKE" on the top right of my facebook page... Lots o' Luck, everyone...I will keep you posted on the progress....
First, I have to get an idea for it....:)

Two Small Hooked Mats

2012-01-12T13:06:00.004-03:30

Hello Everyone....A Very Happy New Year to you all...I hope you who celebrated Christmas had as an enjoyable one as my Family did...With our children and grandchildren around for a number of days, I have to say, it was one of the better ones....

I have not posted for some time but I am pleased that my followers are still faithful to me...

I want to share two small hooked wall hangings that I did for two of my friends as a Christmas gift.

The first one is for a good friend and relative of mine, Christina, who is a wonderful Quilter and has a facebook page titled "Love To Quilt"...you should visit sometime to see her work. As you know, I hooked a large, well two actually, "Women Hanging Quilts" on a clothesline and I thought this would be suitable for her being that she is a quilter.

Needless to say, she was very impressed with it and became quite emotional when I presented it to her..:)

The other that I hooked was for my Grandchildrens' other grandparents... I am showing you the photograph that I took it from and indeed, there are differences.

"And the Winner IS"....

2011-12-01T21:20:00.002-03:30

Hi Everyone,

thanks to those of you who entered my little "Mummers Give Away" on my Business Facebook Page...

The winner of the wall hanging is:
Margaret Ayad of Bay Roberts, NL.

Please keep looking at my page for more excitement later in the New Year...May be a series of those small wall hangings and maybe new mats to display...

My Give Away

2011-11-29T21:37:00.002-03:30

Just a reminder to you all that it is just two days away from my "Mummers" Give Away.....I need three more people to make the 200 mark......

A Variety

2011-11-24T18:45:00.004-03:30

Hello Fellow Bloggers...Since I wrote my last post, my Brother, Prosper, passed away from kidney failure. It has been a rough road but in between, there was a happy time with our son, Dale, being sworn into office as MHA (Member of the House of Assembly) for the NDP party. While Prosper was ill, which was eight weeks, Dale was campaigning in our Provincial Election in St. John's, NL., where he resides and was successful in his endeavours. Needless to say, we are very proud of his efforts and hard work and I am sure he will continue to work hard for the people who had faith in him and trusted him enough to elect him as their member.

Enough said on those two important items.

I am posting a picture of my "Give Away" on my Facebook Page named: "Anne's Original Hooked Rugs". There is just one week left for those of you who would like to visit my page and click the "LIKE" Button on the top right of the page; your name will be automatically entered to be drawn for this 14"x14" Mummers wall hanging. A few of you have already done so...There is absolutely no commitment and I WILL post it to you wherever you live...I just started this new page as a Business one a short time ago and for my visitors I thought it a good gesture, on the advice of others, to do that. Do take the time to click...more people make it more interesting....

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our American Friends...hope you are enjoying this wonderful day...We have plenty to be thankful for

.

Have You Forgotten Me?

2011-11-01T19:46:00.003-02:30

Hi Everyone:

"Life" has gotten in my way over the past couple of months. My brother is ill and I have been away from Home for some time, off and on...Besides that, this time of year is really busy for us with Harvesting, Canning, etc., etc., etc.

I said some time ago that I was hooking a mat for a project and I would show it when the Exhibit was over. The Exhibit was at "The Five Island Art Gallery" in Tors Cove, Newfoundland. It was to show our Irish / Newfoundland connection and was held in September until October 21st. Some artists and guests from Ireland attended this great event but because of my brother's illness, I could not attend; however, I was pleased to have been given the opportunity to have my mat displayed among the others there. Although this picture does not do justice to it, I am posting it anyways. Some day I may learn to use the camera...I need lessons...any pointers? :) :)

My Facebook Page

2011-09-17T09:50:00.006-02:30

Want to let my blogger friends know that if you click on the Facebook tab on top of my page, you will go to a Personal Page I have set up on Facebook for my Mats, only. You will be entered in a draw for a small mat on Dec. 1st...details are there...I will post ANYWHERE in the World..

I have to inform you all who visits this new page of mine that in order for your name to be entered for my little "give away", you will have to click on the "Like" button at the top of the page or under one of my photos in order for your name to be entered. You can then leave a comment if you wish. This is an automatic number/name system that I am not familiar with...Learning as I go...Sorry about that :)

Gift for My Aunt

2011-09-17T08:48:00.006-02:30

In August, my Aunt Frances visited with her two daughters, Marie & Stella and a grand-daughter, Michelle, for her 83rd birthday. She was born and spent part of her years here before beginning her new life in N.S. I found this old photo on Facebook of the house where she was born & raised and her Father's horse. I decided to hook a small wall hanging for her.

This is the result..

She remembered the horse's name and needless to say, was very pleased with her little gift...

Work and More WORK!!!!

2011-09-16T00:33:00.006-02:30

Finally, Hay-making is over with..I feel that I could compete with any woman wrestler anywhere in the world as I have more muscle build up than I ever thought was possible...not counting the calloused hands, the strained arm and oh yes, the aches and pains......:)

From the hay-making, I delved into the vegetable garden. Today was an exceptionally busy one with blanching. I have a husband who insists on growing enough vegetables to feed an army, literally. Here is a photo of the kale and spinach that is growing.......

Now, do you believe the above statement that I made?

Then there is the cauliflower...well, that is another story... I went to the garden this morning at ten o'clock to gather it to blanch. I was so pleased that I had this amount ready

and of course, cleaned it (that being a major part of the process) and got it all blanched:

and waiting for it to cool...so, in the meantime, I want to blanch some of that kale. Off I go to the garden again...only to discover another FIVE heads that I had overlooked in another portion of the garden...Oh Me Nerves!!!! Yes, I DID blanch these, too:

The end result was three bags of kale and SIX large bags of cauliflower. I have already done nine bags of broccoli in between times of hay-making.

I guess I shouldn't complain when there are so many people in the world who are hungry.
I think I have a DH who doesn't like to see me idle...Idle is not a word I can relate to because my rug hooking is not having justice done this time of year. I did stay up until 3:30 this morning to finish one that I have had in the frame for a month. I was determined to finish it off and here it is at 1:00 at night and I am still going...I must be like the Everready battery....just keeps going and going.....:)
Hope my post is not boring....Take care Everyone...

IN SPITE OF OUR TERRIBLE WEATHER

2011-08-17T08:47:00.010-02:30

The Garden is flourishing. Sorry, guys, it has taken me so long to get back to blogging. We have had an extremely "BAD" Summer this year....Rain, Thunder & Lightening Storms, Fog...utter and complete dampness. The flower garden is not doing well and I refuse to post a picture of that. Disgusting is the correct word to use. Hay needs to be cut and made but that is on hold, too.
If you see SUN in either of those photos, that must have been one of the half dozen days it decided to pop out to prove that it is still around. Today, the rain is just pouring and thunder is off into the distance...Great day for hooking!!

This is Kale and grows very well each year...Makes great Kale muffins...Anyone need a good recipe..???

Our New Grandson

2011-07-26T15:10:00.003-02:30

It's been so long since I posted on my blog, that I am almost ashamed to do so. However......

This is a mat I hooked for our dear Grandson, Kieran Arthur Kirby, who was born on May 14th. My DH. and I visited with him and presented him with this( which I hope to be) treasure. I made a special tag for the back telling the information about his Great-Grandmother, who taught me how to hook and his Great-Great-Grandmother, who had taught his G.G. ...a bit of history there for him. All names are included, of course . Hope he is as interested in genealogy as his Grandfather is.

Next post will be an update on our vegetable garden and other things as well...

"Our Extended Family"

2011-06-18T09:43:00.004-02:30

Just a few shots of our animal family. The sheep are so happy to be out and about. Each year when they are put to pasture, it seems so "lonely" around the barn because each time we entered the door all you could hear was "baa, baaaaa" , now there is just silence. There is something about that feeling that I can't put my finger on....

Our Pet....he is growing like a hop..... Bottle feeding is agreeing with him, for sure...

Gardening

2011-06-14T15:56:00.007-02:30

There is an old saying that goes "time flies when you are having fun" and even though this type of work is back-breaking, Yes, time does fly...

We have completed our Main vegetable garden and here are a few photos to show you what it looks like right now:

Then there is my flower garden and while I am not a" green thumb" person, I feel obligated to work on it nevertheless. These photos are just the beginning and hopefully, as time goes by, I can show some improvement. Of course, that depends largely on the weather which has not been co-operating with us over the past number of weeks. Today is the second sunny day that we have had since May....

My two sisters-in-law bought me these two tan colored garden lights when they came for a visit. Aren't they adorable??? Naturally, I had to shop around and found the little white guy..

Then there is my Inukshuk next to my bleeding heart. I think a solar light or two is needed here. I am in the process, so a lot needs to be done yet.

Remember when I told you that I would post a picture of a "BARREL" of flowers that I have done over the years. I truly love it. I fill the top with Petunia Waves and poke Regular Petunias in the holes in the side. This is what it looked like at some point last summer..

...

Happy Gardening to All of you good people who dare to take on such a task.. to lots of people it is considered "therapy". My therapy is hooking mats and right now, it seems I cannot get to it. Part of the reason is that at night time, I am "head over heels" into watching the HOCKEY games....

Carrot Recipes

2011-06-03T18:42:00.003-02:30

These are the two recipes for those delicious Carrot Cakes that I promised some time ago...Sorry it took so long...Enjoy!!!

Moist Carrot Cake:

Ingredients

* 4 eggs

* 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil

* 2 cups white sugar

* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

* 2 cups all-purpose flour

* 2 teaspoons baking soda

* 2 teaspoons baking powder

* 1/2 teaspoon salt

* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

* 3 cups grated carrots

* 1 cup chopped pecans

* 1/2 cup butter, softened

* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

* 4 cups confectioners' sugar

* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

* 1 cup chopped pecans

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.

2. In a large bowl, beat together eggs, oil, white sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Mix in flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Stir in carrots. Fold in pecans. Pour into prepared pan.

3. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.

4. To Make Frosting: In a medium bowl, combine butter, cream cheese, confectioners' sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in chopped pecans. Frost the cooled cake.

Surprise Carrot Cake Recipe

* 12-16 Servings

* Prep: 25 min. Bake: 55 min.

25 55 80

Ingredients

* 3 cups shredded carrots

* 1-3/4 cups sugar

* 1 cup vegetable oil

* 3 eggs

* 2 cups all-purpose flour

* 2 teaspoons baking soda

* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

* 1 teaspoon salt

* 1/2 cup chopped pecans

FILLING:

* 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

* 1/4 cup sugar

* 1 egg

FROSTING:

* 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

* 1/4 cup butter, softened

* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

* 4 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions

* In a large bowl, beat the carrots, sugar, oil and eggs until well blended. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; gradually beat into carrot mixture until blended. Stir in the pecans. Pour 3 cups batter into a greased and floured 10-in. fluted tube pan.

* In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg. Spoon over batter. Top with remaining batter.

* Bake at 350° for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

* For frosting, in a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add confectioners' sugar until smooth. Frost cake. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: 12-16 serv

"Hanging Quilts to Dry"

2011-05-25T11:40:00.004-02:30

Finally finished my "Hanging Quilts to Dry" Mat. This will be the last large one for a while as there are just too many other things to do.

I hope my rendition of quilts are not an insult to our Great Quilters out there. As you can see, my measurements are "Way" off...Measuring is not a thing I like to do.... :) I did enjoy hooking it, of course, and have others in my mind that I will get to eventually.

I am pleased to say that a piece of my work relating to "Ireland" has been accepted to be submitted to "The Five Island Gallery" in Tors Cove, NL. to be juried. Maybe I will be lucky enough to have it displayed there. Cross your fingers for me and my friend, Paula, whose blog is "Newfoundland Original Hooked Rugs", who also was accepted for an entry.

This is the one I submitted to our very own "Devon House" for a display named "BLUE". I know many of you have already seen it, but for those who haven't, I hope you enjoy seeing it. It is very meaningful to me.

Last, but not least, for today is to say a BIG THANK YOU to all of my followers. I notice a few more have decided to join. Very pleased...

Yesterday's Pleasures

2011-05-15T17:53:00.008-02:30

Yes, I enjoy baking and cooking so much that it is indeed a "pleasure" for me...Lots of hours went into this what I am about to show you, but with so much carrots left from last years' crop that I decided to do some baking and freezing....

The first thing in the morning began with "putting bread to rise" as my Mother called it, meaning, of course, making homemade bread...
And this is the end result:

Now, we in Newfoundland can't make bread without having toutons (fried dough) for lunch...Smothered in Molasses, of course...

Then I proceeded to making those carrot muffins:

Then on to a new recipe for me which turned out to be the most moist carrot cake that I have made. Found the recipe on the internet, of course:

Then, I made my favorite, "Surprise Carrot Cake" which contains cream cheese...it is just so delicious and freezes well...

Last, but not least, I topped my day off with a glass of Homemade Blueberry Wine...yep, made by my hubby and & I from blueberries that we picked with our own hands.... :) We have made every kind of wine possible from scratch, rhubarb, bakeapple, cranberries, partridgeberries, parsnips, etc...

Now, isn't that the largest amount of pictures in one post!!!!!

Willing to share my cake recipes......

"NEGLECTFUL ANNE"

2011-05-04T19:15:00.008-02:30

Where does "time" go??? I am ashamed that it has been so long between posts. Last Friday I needed to bottle more "marinated carrots" because we still have plenty of fresh carrots left from last season and doesn't want them to spoil.....'waste not, want not', as the saying goes. There is a long process involved in making those carrots. First to cut up all the veggies that goes into the batch.....

Then continue to adding the liquids....

Finally, the result... 14-500ml. jars

Now, when I am canning, my kitchen is in quite an upheavel and I always hope that no one arrives when I am in the midst of it.... :) Lo and Behold!! just as I had the first pot washed(out of about three) and umpteen other bowls, containers, etc., around, my good friend, Melaine (Wooly Hooker at http://woollyhooker.blogspot.com/) dropped by. I was mortified but passed it off and she and I had a great rug hooking chat and a nice' cuppa 'Tetley tea... Melaine saves some used clothing for me but this time had a precious piece of Wool material that she couldn't use...shucks, am I ever lucky!! beautiful purple....plain and plaid...I can just envision it being used in my next Mummers Mat....Thanks a bunch, Melaine!!! She has a lovely blog and you should visit if you have some spare time....Unfortunately, I don't know what that word means...

I have been hooking but one of my Mats cannot be shown right now because I am doing it in the hope that I may have it entered into a Gallery Show...As soon as I can, I will post a picture...

Can't leave without showing you all a picture of our beautiful babies....lambs, that is....they are all doing quite well...just one being bottle fed...

Tomorrow, it is MORE marinated carrots...Groan!!!!!

Exciting Times!!!!

2011-04-08T09:11:00.004-02:30

Just HAVE to share this picture of Beauty with you this morning. After some complications, here is what a Young Momma produced...The very first for her....Poor dear....We may have to raise two on milk replacement with a baby bottle but who is complaining? Not me...Hope she does well with those.
As you can see, they had just come into the world and hadn't been cleaned....

Our Miracle Lamb, plus

2011-04-07T22:36:00.004-02:30

It has been a long time since I have posted but life gets in the way sometimes...

Those little lambs coming into the world is worth every minute that is spent with them.

Here is the "Miracle Lamb" with His Mother. He is doing quite well and doesn't need any help from us, thankfully.

Here he is again.....Quite independent now.

And lastly, he is here with his sister and another "neighbour"..... :) :) They are ALL gorgeous...Still waiting on Four more sheep to bring theirs into the world...Hope there are no problems...

"And So It Begins"

2011-03-27T11:57:00.003-02:30

Just as we thought Spring was around the corner, Mr. Winter decides to come back again and I might add: "with a vengeance"...Just at the time when our Lambs are coming along. Trust me, it is not nice getting back and forth to the barn with the high, cold winds nipping at your cheeks...BUT, it is worth every bit of discomfort..

Our first sheep had numerous amount of problems and Tom & I spent about an hour trying to assist her in her job...poor dear...the result was four lambs, with one being still-born and because she was so distraught and exhausted from the ordeal that she could not pay enough attention to her babies...so one passed on within an hour and we rescued one of the others and brought her to our house...in the workshop area where the furnace is situated..We really didn't think there was much point in "trying" to revive her, but with many trips up and down the stairs to coax her to feed from a bottle, talking to her, nurturing her, we brought her through...here are two photos....and as you can see the poor mother hadn't even had the energy to clean her well....one in the box when she began to brighten up...after several hours; the other when I took her out of the box onto the cement floor...What a beautiful sight to see this little one back to life...She is doing quite well with her Mother now and feeding as she should be...from her Mom....

We have Eleven lambs now and have plenty more to come...Hopefully, the Moms won't have too many problems trying to bring them into the world...

"All In A Day's Work"

2011-03-22T23:42:00.003-02:30

Time goes by so swiftly when one is busy and as you can see, I have been busy...This latest creation of mine gave me some problems but I think I mastered them....to a certain extent...now if only I could just stop long enough to learn how to use that camera......!!!!!!!

This mat brings back so many memories of days gone by when my Dad, siblings, just about everyone in the small community that I live in, would arise before Daylight and go approximately ten MILES in to the country to cut fire wood...As we live so near to the Ocean, no wood grows close by so an extensive travel and plenty of hard work was involved...It was a full day's work with a "Boil Up"( as we are so famous for in Newfoundland), at noon and time for a little rest before getting back to the chore of wood cutting... By the way, there is nothing more tasty than tea boiled in a kettle on an open fire and molasses bread...yummy!!! When the wood was cut, then the long walk home...I can remember seeing about ten to twelve horses arriving home with their master and a full load of fire wood...Next day, if weather permitted, they were off to the same chore again...remember there were no ATV's or Skidoos as there are today. People had to be really exhausted at the end of a day such as this, don't you think???

"RECIPE"

2011-03-09T07:34:00.002-03:30

Here is the Recipe for those great "Green Tomato Pickles" that I posted the picture of in my last entry. Especially for you, Mary.....

4 pounds of green tomatoes
2 large onions
1 red pepper
1/4 cup pickling salt
1 1/2 cups white vinegar
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 tsp. mustard seed
1 1/2 tsp.celery salt
1/2 tsp. turmeric
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Method:
Cut up tomatoes, onions, and pepper; sprinkle with salt and leave over night.
Next day, rinse before combining with boiled vinegar, sugar and spices (brine)
Cook for 10 mins. Put cut up vegetables in brine; bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes.
Put in jars and seal.
Great with sandwiches or as a condiment

ENJOY!!!!!

NO New Mat

2011-03-07T18:10:00.005-03:30

No, no mat to show this time around...working on another that I haven't done before but I just thought I would like to share a few pictures of some of our canning, the majority using our home grown vegetables... Spring is in the air for the past few days now and this brings to mind gardening time...

These are Pickeled Beets and Marinated Carrots, both of which I have to say are quite yummy....

Cranberry/ Bankberry Jam....the berries practically grow in our back yard. We did this jam in large containers because we like it very much and is supposed to be a very healthy food. Thanks to Melaine (Woolly Hooker), who gave us a large amount of berries for this...She is a great berry picker.... :) Nothing like that beautiful Newfoundland fresh air and of course the sounds of the sea splashing against the shore while picking those type of berries.... does one's heart good.

Last, but not least, my first try at "Green Tomato Relish", which was a great success...Great on a sandwich or hamburger....Will can some again this year, if the crop is as good as last....

Can Anyone Relate to This Image???

2011-03-02T23:22:00.004-03:30

Well, I don't have ALL of my hair pulled out yet but close to it...This Mat sure tested my patience and nerves...I don't know exactly why; Probably because the images are small and many; however, I have done others that have had lots of detail and figures.....Could it be those memories of some cold mornings in a classroom waiting for the Pot Bellied Stove to give out its heat...Remember this, anyone? I'm sure it wasn't just in my area that these stoves, coal buckets, wood boxes, etc. were popular....Popular...don't know about that...That was all People knew and so we got some of our education in this kind of environment...Remember now, there were at least two grades in each classroom. How did the poor teacher ever keep everything straight? The Boys were responsible for bringing in the "splits" (kindling) to get the fire started, then coal would be added...I have added colors under the stove because our mitts, gloves, caps would be wet after walking to school....plow through that snow and there were not many days that we stayed at home because of the snow....When there were, I remember either my brother or father coming to gather us with a Horse and Slide...no such thing as in a vehicle; we didn't have one...And how I LOVED those stormy days when this happened....Loved that old White Horse...

The two girls in the front of the classroom are passing a note from one to the other...We always did that and were quite embarrassed when the teacher caught us and read the note and probably it was about a guy in class that we were admiring...Oh, the red cheeks!!!!!

I am not getting a good picture with this new camera that I have...probably if I read the manual, I would do better...The Border is a Green with just one row of Red....Just double click for a closer shot....hope you enjoy....

Frustration & Helpers

2011-02-24T17:45:00.004-03:30

I have been trying to design another mat...one that I hadn't done before and have been at it for three days...The picture is there in my mind and so clear; yet I couldn't seem to get it to the burlap...Talk about Frustration....I thought I should give up on it and not bother...go on to another one...but No Way, I persisted and I have begun to hook it...Not sure if it will be suitable to show after it is completed.... :)

While in a turmoil over this, I dropped some burlap on the floor and when I reached to pick it up, Goldie had planted herself on top...not sure why the picture is so golden color...but here it is anyways...

After three days of brutal mental work, I laid it on the floor, to see what it looked like, or if it should go in the garbage, when Lo and Behold, Spedo decides he would like to rest on it...He was looking at me as if to assure me that the pattern was ok....I praised him for giving me the courage to keep it...:) :)

And some people say: "Animals are dumb"....Not in my house....

Winter STILL

2011-02-19T11:39:00.005-03:30

Well, we had a nice sunny day yesterday but nature must have been just torturing us because today we are having a bunch of snow yet again...

I am posting a picture of my beautiful little hometown of approximately 150 people. This is a portion of it. So picturesque...and Winter sure adds its beauty...
The green building is my former Grocery/Convenience Store, which has been converted into a House now and the White two-storey house to the left of it is my mother-in-laws, who passed away a year ago but left it for those members of the family who wishes to visit in the Summer months, or whenever the spirit moves them...such a great gesture...She sure loved her old homestead and worked very hard to keep things together as her husband died at the very early age of 57, as did my Dad, because of an industrial disease..

We managed to open the Root Cellar to get some supplies two days ago...Have to be careful not to let frost get in there...:)

Also, a picture of our Greenhouse..

New Design

2011-02-17T15:44:00.004-03:30

Even though there has been plenty of snow to shovel along with every day life chores & activities, I have managed to complete yet another mat....this one being a New Design for me...I have always loved, and still do to this day, seeing clothes hanging and swinging in the wind on a clothesline...Brings back memories of when I was a young girl when Mom would hang the clothes and when it was brought in at evening time, the nice fresh smell would emanate through the house and when we snuggled in our beds, two or three to a bed lots of times, the smell was so heavenly..I swear we all slept much better that night.
At those times, there were no washers & dryers...just a washboard and tub and later a washing machine with a "dasher" and wringer in it...I don't know how many of you can relate to this as I can.....
Happy thoughts for me....

Great Giveaway....

2011-02-16T23:45:00.000-03:30

Check this Giveaway out?

The folks at Primitive Quilts and projects are giving away a free pattern for quilting or rug hooking. Follow the link and mention me in your comment. They are looking for new followers. Deadline is Feb. 28. They have some great stuff and are also getting their new magazine ready for release in April.
Thought you might like to check them out....

Snow, Snow everywhere

2011-02-14T11:05:00.004-03:30

Just had to share a few pictures of the "Mess" of snow we have at this time. Forecasting for more tomorrow....not sure where we are going to put it....This is the Most we have seen since we moved to this house and that is 26 years now...Wow!!

Spedo and Mocha likes it well enough..... :)

Once Again

2011-02-10T22:54:00.002-03:30

This is the Seventh time I have done this mat and enjoyed it just as much as the first time I attempted it...I think it is because there are so many memories in this mat from stories my Mother told me about how hard she, and plenty of other women, worked at this particular chore...It was a necessity as the dried fish was sold in the Fall of the year to buy extra supplies for the winter months...Nothing extravagent...just the bare necessities ,such as flour, molasses, salt pork as they had butter which was made from rearing cows and all their vegetables from the gardens...meals were very limited in those times...Lots of bread and molasses was eaten. But my Mother lived to be 91 years of age so hard work and lack of some food didn't affect her any....

This is the one I chose for the Ecological Center in my area that I had mentioned a few posts back...

New Rug Frame

2011-02-04T22:45:00.003-03:30

Well, this is my sixth rug frame and while it is a "beauty", I am still not certain if this is yet what I am searching for. I guess I am spoiled by the fact that I can sit at my "Cheticamp" style one and see the majority of the mat I am working on, while with a smaller one, I am limited. This frame I bought on EBay and is solid Oak, swivels, turns 360 degrees and can be lowered, if need be and made by a man whose surname was "Turney", thus a Turney Rug Frame...I bought the cover because it has gripper strips and even though I have it, I still manage to nick my finger somewhere along the way and find that when I move the mat around to work on, I manage to tear out some of my work....choice words follow sometimes.....

Also, on EBay, I bought this beautiful "sari silk" yarn. It was sent to me all the way from INDIA, with no shipping charges...I couldn't believe that and thought there must be a catch there somewhere, but no....and all six pieces for less than twenty dollars...Needless to say, I am quite pleased with my purchase..

New Project

2011-02-02T10:59:00.002-03:30

Sorry I haven't been here in a while..Life got in my way AGAIN.... :) I have always made my mats in size 24"x36" because that is roughly the size my elders used for their floors to keep the feet warm. I guess any smaller wouldn't suffice; however, I decided to try a smaller one because mostly today, these mats are used for walls. I have to say I didn't enjoy hooking this small size as I have with the larger one. I think I spent just about as much time at this one as with a regular size....

I am working on one now that I am sure eveyone is tired of seeing, which I have titled "Women Spreading Fish to Dry in Outport Newfoundland", for an Eco Center in my area. Isn't it great when you get a telephone call asking to display one at their places of business? It excites me to the fullest...

My Latest Mat

2011-01-14T14:57:00.006-03:30

I was asked some time back if I would do a "Newfoundland & Labrador" Flag. I pondered as to how it would look in such a large size; however, when I completed it this morning, I thought the result was ok and it would be great for a Den/Family Room.. The former Newfoundlander who ordered it now lives in Manitoba, so I guess everyone from home likes to have keepsakes of our great province...

The BLUE represents the sea.
The WHITE...snow & ice of winter
The RED...efforts & struggles of Newfoundlanders & Labradorians.
The Gold...Confidence Newfoundlanders & Labradorians have in themselves & the future.

These are my tags on the back of each mat that I make...

As you can see, I am no seamstress..... Enjoy!!!

Mat frame with Cold Feet????

2011-01-12T16:34:00.005-03:30

Because I work in my family room/sitting room, which is upstairs, I didn't want to put my rug frame on my NEW floors :) so I decided to put wool socks on the feet/legs. Looks kinda cute, dont' you think? I have a new camera and am not familiar with cropping the pictures yet..can't you tell?

I tried once to work in my downstairs area but have to say... I Do Not Like a Basement...as my Mother said at one time when we offered to make an apartment there for her: "I'll be Underground Soon Enough"....that's my MOM.....:)

As you can see, I have begun hooking again...It's about time.....
Also, the container next to my frame is not laundry...it is my material that I am using for this project...

My Blog Hits.......

2011-01-06T23:35:00.002-03:30

I am just so excited today...You may think that I am crazy saying this over what some of you may think is "trivial". My blog tallied at over 10,000 drop-ins up until today from people all over the world. It is such a great feeling to know people DO read what we have written about hooking and every day living. I started my blog a little over a year ago because my blogger friend, Julie, whose blog site is": http://www.rjmsworld.blogspot.com/, suggested I do so.

Thanks Julie, for encouraging me to do that. Plenty of times I have not blogged because life gets in the way but I do enjoy reading responses and just to know that people takes the time to look gives me a great feeling.

A big "THANK YOU" to one and all. I hope I can blog more this New Year and hope to see more people dropping by and I do hope to share some of my hooking later on.

Good Idea for a Mat

2011-01-03T11:52:00.003-03:30

This photo of my hubby, Mona and Alexis, I have a feeling, will be made into a mat for next Christmas...What do you think?

Also including a picture of Alexis' daughter, Mona....She is just as loving as her Mom.

Sad Christmas Day

2011-01-02T21:27:00.003-03:30

Even though Christmas is supposed to be such a happy time, we were saddened on Christmas Day when our dear sixteen year old {approx.} Maramma Sheep Guard Dog, Alexis, passed away.

She was given to us a few years back when an acquaintance of ours was selling his sheep farm and wanted a home for his girl. We thought about it for a number of days before deciding we would take her; after all, we knew she was old and didn't know how long she would last. We had bought her daughter, Mona, three years before (as a puppy) and because She proved to be such a great guard, not only for the sheep but for us as well, that we couldn't go wrong. Sure enough, Alexis proved to be just as good as Mona. She was a dear dog and my hubby and I loved her to pieces. She had a good home with us. She has been cremated and put with the rest of our animal family on her favourite spot....atop the hill where she could have a good "eye" on her sheep....

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T12:44:00.004-03:30

Wishing each and everyone of you Happiness, Good Health and Prosperity in the New Year. Thank you all for being my cyber friends..We all need and appreciate that at times in our lives when there is no one, it seems, that we can reach out to..Rest assured, YOU are always there. All the Best, my friends...
As the famous "Forrest Gump: saying goes: My momma always said, "Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."

BEEN WAY TOOOOO LOOOONNNNGGG!!

2010-12-24T12:42:00.003-03:30

Greetings my fellow bloggers and drop-by friends. I feel like a complete stranger here today as it has been such a loooonnnnggg time since I posted. I have been busy, busy, busy. My brother had to be situated in a different nursing home and it was a complete worry while trying to have him placed. You see, my brother has been blind from birth; my mother kept him with her until she was too old to care for him, so he went to a private home where the caregiver's husband became ill and my brother had to be moved. I'm telling you, our health system has lots of wrinkles to be ironed out. It is unbelievable that it can take so long to have a person placed in a nursing home. It was close to two months before it was finally done. Thankfully, he is settled and is content.

Take my advice on this one: Don't ever attempt to have your complete house uprooted before any Holidays. We decided to have our flooring replaced...it was time after 26 years...and the only available time was on the 13th of the month. I have to say it is just today that I can say that things are put back into place...what didn't go in the garbage or is saved for the Good Will Center, that is... What havoc!!! There was furniture, etc...all over the place. My husband has about five hundred books, no kidding, that had to be boxed and taken to the basement and then brought back to be packed on the bookshelves again..My poor back!!! It was just yesterday morning that I did my tree and believe me, AGAIN this year, if there were a contest for the ugliest tree, I would get it...I have no baking done and am about to attempt that after this post...

I want to wish each and every one of you "A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY, HEALTHY NEW YEAR".

I have to make a resolution concerning my blog again this year. Apparently, the last year's one didn't work..

Take care everyone and enjoy family time..that is the most important of all....

Tomatoes & Green Peppers

2010-11-19T23:37:00.005-03:30

We had a huge amount of tomatoes this year as you can see from this photograph. These were brought from the greenhouse because of the fear of frost and we sure didn't want to lose any. They have all been ripened now; some are canned, others were made into salsa....a first for me but are scrumptuous plus some green tomato relish, which is also a first and is great for hot dog or hamburger relish. As you will notice, the last few green peppers were rescued, as well....I am really proud of our green peppers this year and thought I would share this picture. Now isn't that just wonderful!!! Nothing better than "home grown" veggies from your very own greenhouse....

My Sister-In-Law's Work

2010-11-16T21:19:00.005-03:30

My sister-in-law, Bride, does wonderful work using fabric. She has a blog, which is in progress, http://fabriclandscapes.wordpress.com/ and if you visit, you will see exactly what I am talking about and why I am so proud of her. She sells lots of different size pieces of this art at Craft Sales and in different stores in Newfoundland... She also does acrylic painting and is one of my very patient teachers, the other being her sister, Jean, who is also very talented and actually taught the last lesson of Still Life ....yes, all three of those pictures that I have posted on my blog are proof of their talents. I am posting one picture here of her work to make you really curious.....

Getting Ready for Winter

2010-11-15T19:10:00.002-03:30

In between rug hooking, I am lending a hand at stacking wood in our basement for the Winter. This is a beginning and hopefully the weather will stay as nice at it is right now, with exceptionally higher temperatures than we are used to, then our wood supply will last for longer than normal; however, there is no worries about shortage of it for a year or two......

I finished my third mat today and now on to the fourth. I can see an end in sight or do I????

"If At First You Don't Succeed....Try Again"

2010-11-13T17:14:00.002-03:30

And that is just what I did!!!! Last year, I submitted some photos of my mats to our Great Provincial Art Gallery called "THE ROOMS" during their "Art Bank of NL. Program" to see if I would be lucky enough to have one chosen for display, but alas, I did'nt. This year, when the time rolled around I thought I would try again and guess what? ONE WAS PURCHASED and will be displayed for a period of time and then put into the Archives there. I was so excited yesterday when I received the email telling me the good news that I was doing the "Happy Dance" for the remainder of the day. I cannot tell you how delighted and honored I am to be able to have just a teeny, tiny, display there. After all, that is where Deanne Fitzpatrick, our well known Newfoundland Fiber Artist, had a huge display two years ago and I went to see it and couldn't believe the beauty in her mats. I don't know which mat was chosen as I submitted three photos and I was not told yet which one it is. I have it ready to go at a minute's notice.

I have not posted for some time now because with canning....different kinds of pickles and relishes, tomatoes, moose meat, beets, etc. etc. etc...PLUS I am into my third of five mats that I need to have completed for people before the Holiday Season begins. Besides all that, we are planning to place some flooring in the whole of our house. I can only imagine the confusion that will cause...Wish me luck... :)

If you are interested, you may take a look at this link to find out a little more about "The Rooms"
http://www.therooms.ca/abouttherooms.asp

Carrots, Anyone???

2010-10-28T10:29:00.003-02:30

We have a "bumper" crop of everything this year and carrots is no exception. We pulled them yesterday because of a fear of frost and lo and behold, ended up with 18 trays of those lovely looking veggies. Must be the wonderful Newfoundland weather we have plus the composted kelp and of course, the hard work and green thumb of my husband, Tom...notice I didn't include myself in the "green thumb"...

We also pulled the beets and guess what? We are pickling beets today. There is just no end in sight. I'll never get at my hooking...... grrrr!!!

My Paintings

2010-10-26T19:38:00.002-02:30

Last week my two sisters-in-law visited for a few days and at night time, we got together for a painting lesson from either of the two...they are quite good at painting. I am the beginner. I would love to have more time to pursue this second desire of mine....acrylic painting; however, this doesn't seem to be case because there is just "no spare time". However, I thought I would share what I did. I know there is room for improvement and I hope to be able to see to it one day....

Here He Is...

2010-10-24T15:15:00.003-02:30

Ok, as promised, here is our new Texel Ram Lambe that we purchased a few days ago. Also, I am including a picture of our own, "Rambo", that was raised on a bottle and thought he had succumbed twice. He is a hearty little guy....and I think, better looking...Ya, I may be a bit prejudiced....:)

The Texel looks and sounds like a "Pig"...sorry newcomer... :) His previous owner did not have him sheared this year and of course, we will have to leave him "as is" because winter is coming on and it will be too cold for him without his fleecey coat. He survived the heat of the summer so he should be over the worst now.. poor little guy.

Is Everyone As Busy As I Am???

2010-10-23T16:23:00.002-02:30

I can't seem to find the time to hook lately. It is just constant work from one end of the day to the other and one week to the other. I had more free time when I worked at my full-time job. Guess I (WE) are after taking on many more projects these past few years. Not to say anything negative about my chores, because I love what I do BUT, I CAN'T GET AT MY HOOKING!!!!!!!

Yesterday I made Marinated Carrots while Hubby was away buying a Texel Ram Lamb. This is a new breed for us and have to say he is an ugly little guy. I will post a picture tomorrow. Don't know how happy our lovely looking sheep will be when they see him.......:) :) and they have to get intimate with him...LOL!!!!

Here are two pictures....one of my marinated carrots, the other a result of our gardening. Not every carrot is the same size, but we do have a lot of those huge ones....I weighed one and it was 2.86lbs. Wow!!!

Excellent Weekend

2010-10-17T17:34:00.007-02:30

Wow, again, what a wonderful weekend at the "Grand Bank Trade Show". Everyone's booths were superb and people had so many things to offer from French Jewelery, Decorating with Candy, Chocolate made in St. John's, NL., Bird Houses, etc., made from Driftwood, Baked Goods, ETC., and of course, Yours Truly with her "Anne's Original Hooked Mats"

Also, my good friend, Christina, with her display of wonderful, beautiful Hand Made Quilts.

I have only the finest words to say about our NLOWE's own, Paula Flood, who was at the fair, as well. She is one of the most courteous, industrious, sociable, friendly people that I have had the honor of meeting. I am so happy I met her at our "Rug Hooking Retreat" two weeks ago. Of course, Christina & I had to have a photo taken with her....

I could not sign off without complimenting the workers with the "Regional Women in Business Organization" in Grand Bank. I do not remember all of their names, Sorry girls, but to Judy Peach and Mrs. Douglas, who took care of mine and Christina's booths for us to have a FREE lunch, offered and Prepared by the Local Lions Club of Grand Bank, I have the greatest respect. Those ladies are very hard working and devoted to their jobs. They made us feel very welcome and special and were so interested in our work.

Although I sold just one mat, I was very excited about that and I was just as pleased over the exposure and the wonderful comments from the public. That in itself means a lot. Today I am still on a "high". I loved each and every minute of it and will, God willing, attend again another year.

True Signs of Autumn

2010-10-08T11:37:00.002-02:30

Autumn is my favourite time of year with the color changes, etc. I also like it because as Paula says on her blog: newfoundlandoriginalhookedrugs.blogspot.com,

she is liking the idea of winter's arrival because she can get a little more hooking done. By the time I get through all the harvesting, canning, pickling, etc., winter will be at my doorstep. I am trying to hook a little this morning (up with the rooster's crow) but every now and again I look around and think "Please don't let anyone enter my door this morning until I get some of my houswork done". Things do be really unruly in my house while I am hooking....but what the heck, there is no pleasure in housework like it is in hooking. Do you hookers agree??? :) :)

Posting two of my favourite Autumn pictures, spuds and salt fish......

Have a great Thanksgiving Weekend, those of you who are celebrating this week.

'SURPRISE'

2010-10-06T19:46:00.004-02:30

"SURPRISE" You say, what is this lady doing here? This is what I look like this evening after helping to harvest fifteen sacks of spuds today. (about a third of our total potato garden).

There are some wonderful & helpful people in our midst as I discovered while on our "Rug Hooking Retreat" on the weekend in the name of PAULA FLOOD, our organizer. Paula is employed with what is called "NLOWE" (Newfoundland & Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs). Honestly, I hadn't heard of it. While conversing on the deck of the boat enroute to our individual hometowns, Paula brought this to my attention and informed me that on the weekend of October 15/16, there is to be a "Trade Show & Holiday Fair" less than an hours drive from where I live and if I was interested, she would find out if there was a booth available. Sure enough, on Monday, I received a call (and since then, more calls and e-mails from her on this) A booth was available. Now this gives me an opportunity to display my Four Hooked Rugs that I have on hand plus a display of photos of my former works. I am soooo excited and yes, have to say "SURPRISED" that someone who had just gotten to know me for a few hours, would go through all this trouble to fit me in on this. This provides we women to receive some recognition, not counting the compliments, which are always wonderful to receive. Now a sale would be great, as well.. :) :)

I am not finished yet...I have a Quilter friend, Christina, who does wonderful work and after telling her about my adventure, etc., I knew that she was interested in the Show as well.. so I decided to contact Paula to see if Christina and I could share a booth....NO, Paula arranged somehow to claim a booth for Christina, too.

I can't believe this is happening. I am so excited and yes, a bit anxious, too.
This is the type of dedicated workers we need in our society. Another bonus to all of this is that Paula will be at the Trade Show and will visit with me and my hubby before she returns to her hometown....Now, isn't this a great world we live in?
You are an 'ANGEL', Paula...thanks so much....

"Wonderful Weekend"

2010-10-05T18:42:00.004-02:30

Well, what a SUPER Weekend at our "Hooking Retreat"!!! I enjoyed each and every minute of it. All the "Hookers" were wonderful and treated me as if they knew me forever...why did I worry so much???? I might have known if a group of us got together, there would not be a dull moment. Our organizer, Paula, did a great job and arrangements have been made for the same time next year. Wild Horses won't keep me away.

I learned lots....how to whip stitch and bind, three new techniques, plus sculpturing....I have to admit I will have to practice, but THAT I will. We also got a lesson on "labels, etc."....

The comraderie was great and so was the food and accommodations. We had live entertainement....great music and jokes in between.

I needed this little break. Now it is back to the grind with packing wood for the winter, harvesting the veggies and ooddles of other chores. I will try and sneak a bit of hooking in between (I don't know when that will be).

I have a surprise to announce to you but that will be tomorrow, if I am not tooooo tired after the back-breaking job of digging potatoes....

Rug Hooking Retreat

2010-09-30T19:50:00.002-02:30

Wow, Woweee!!!!! I am off to a "Rug Hooking Retreat" tomorrow until Sunday...I am so looking forward to it but honestly, I have taken the phone up more than once this week to cancel out.... The reason being that I do not know a single soul who will be attending. A friend was supposed to be going but complications prevents her from doing so... I do so want to see what other people do...their style of hooking, materials used, etc., etc., and another thing, the comraderie of it all. I have heard so much from other people, online, of how they enjoy such outings and it has inspired me to do this.

It will be held on a tiny island called "Woody Island". I visited there with family last August and enjoyed it to the fullest...

Please wish me luck and if I don't forget my camera, I will post some pictures....In the excitement tomorrow, I may leave my hooking frame behind, let alone my camera.... :) :)

Hay

2010-09-29T12:17:00.002-02:30

As you can see from these photos, we have been a little busy over the last while. Our barn is filled with hay for the hungry critters, sheep, for the winter. A friend brought their little grandson for a visit and a little walk around our small farm..Children, no matter what age, are in awe of those things because they don't see them anymore. We are the only sheep breeders in our town and we get visitors from time to time that are curious as to our duties. I'm not sure how I can convince my husband, Tom, to slow down....he is like the "Everyready" Battery....keeps going and going .........

Beautiful Veggies

2010-09-26T14:47:00.002-02:30

Our vegetables are Organically grown in our own back yard...Kelp plus compost from our home, etc. is used and we feel that in using this mixture, no other veggies are comparable...Tomatoes, Green Peppers and Cucumbers are still growing in our green house, but I have used some cucumbers already for my lovely "Million Dollar Pickles" that I make every year. Much more harvesting to be done yet and can't wait to see the result....

Garden

2010-09-25T13:38:00.002-02:30

I had planned for some time now to post some pictures regarding our gardens; however, I have been so busy this summer that I didn't get to it. Today, because the weather is not great...raining...I decided before attempting a little hooking I would begin to post some...These are ones from August when our family were visiting. Our grandson, Liam, sure enjoyed the adventure...

Squid

2010-09-24T22:25:00.002-02:30

How many of you good people out there like "Stuffed Squid"? It is such a yummy treat for us at this time of year. I think this is the third time we have had this scrumptuous meal in the last while. At any restaurant, of course, it is called "Calimari"....but I don't think it would be as tasty as those you see in my roaster today.... :) BUT, the photo of a 'squid' before cleaned doesn't look too enticing.... :)

The Sea

2010-09-23T09:49:00.002-02:30

Even though the Sea can be very furious, there is still much beauty in it. These are shots from Hurricne Igor. His fury is depicted here, for sure...

"IGOR"

2010-09-22T14:20:00.002-02:30

Well, I have not posted in quite some time, having been busy with visitors, hay-making, canning, blanching and the list goes on...I LOVE having visitors BUT when IGOR visited yesterday and the day before in all his fury, I wish he had stayed away. While we did not have any major damage around our home, many small towns/communities are devastated with houses and sheds underwater, property that people have worked so hard to beautify has been torn to shreds. Actually, as I write this, we are stranded from the Main Highway by our roads being washed out and while workers are busy as many hours as they can to fix the problems, there is still no way out until possibly tomorrow...Let's hope no one becomes seriously ill at this time.

I am posting these pictures to give you an idea of what it looks like around some towns that are a stones throw away from me. I am not sure which ones to post... there are so many desperate looking shots. So sad....

Craft Sale

2010-08-12T01:52:00.004-02:30

This is the first time I have participated in a Craft Sale and have to say, I quite enjoyed it. I sold one rug and took orders for two more. The two are custom made so I hope I can do a good job on those. One is of a tiny fishing community about five minutes drive from me, named "Taylor's Bay"
and the other request was from a lady who lives in the U.S. but was born and raised in Scotland...She asked if she sent a photograph, if I could hook one of her homestead. That should be interesting, to say the least....I am enclosing a picture of my display that my daughter-in-law, Leigh, put together for me...can't you tell she is a School Teacher? I so appreciated all the help from her...
Also, I had help at the sale from my grand daughter, Alena, (to the right on the picture) and her friend, Sarah, who were home visiting with us for the "Come Home Year Celebrations"...truly enjoyed all of our company thus far...

Rambo

2010-07-26T10:36:00.002-02:30

This is a picture of our pet lamb. He was one of a quadruplet and we fed him with a bottle of milk (milk replacer for animals) for quite some time. Actually, twice we thought the poor little guy was dead but my DH persisted and got him back to life each time..

My beautiful niece, Carolyn, visited with her Mother, Cecilia, in July and named him "RAMBO"...with good reason I would say because as we walked along he was tight behind us and would give a little nudge on the backside every now and again. He likes to walk in the same footsteps as you do and is a little nuisance because he could "take you off your feet" pretty quickly if unaware of him. BUT, we wouldn't part with him for any amount of money...He is a keeper. Two weeks ago he weighed in at 70 pounds; I'm sure he is at least 80 by now.

Enjoyable Day

2010-07-24T19:08:00.003-02:30

I spent three hours today at one of my favourite past-times...no, not hooking---that is #1. I went Berry Picking. Even though it is one of the most strenuous, exhausting, back breaking things to do, I still like doing it..Walking on Marsh Land is so uncomfortable as the land is humpy and bumpy, and yes, right now, WET because we have had so much wet weather...It was sunny when I left but by the time I got back it was foggy and damp. I just go ten minutes walk from my house to get those beautiful Bakeapples, also known as Cloudberry. The pet lamb followed me to the area but when he saw that I was not about to share with him, he just up and left and went back home, baaing along the way...I guess he was fed up with me but it would need to be a bigger animal than he to have me give up those berries. Some of you may not realize that this container holds one and a half gallons of berries and that is not much for the length of time it takes to pick them...just remember they are not picked in handfuls as blueberries, cranberries or many other kinds but just ONE at a time and they are not always close together either...Lots of walking involved in this sport...I was exhausted by the time I arrived home but I will go again as soon as the weather is suitable.

Boasting

2010-07-22T12:53:00.002-02:30

I can't say that I can boast about blogging lately because I didn't realize it was so long since my last post; however; this is a busy time of year as a lot of you are well aware.

About three weeks ago I received the good news that my mat "Spreading Fish to Dry in Outport Newfoundland" was bought by the City Art Procurement Program. Here is an excerpt from their newsletter:

"the goals of the City’s Public Art Program is to engage the public with art and these new acquisitions enable the City to further its goal by displaying art in all municipal buildings. Through this program, the City also invests in its local arts community and builds a collection that will be accessible to future generations as public art. "

Needless to say, I am VERY proud of this. ALSO, one of them "Outdoor Mummers Scene" was selected by the Craft Council of NL. and is displayed at Devon House in ST. John's...If any my blogger friends are in the area over the Summer Holidays, you may want to take a peek...If you do, I would appreciate your feedback...

Before & After

2010-05-26T20:43:00.004-02:30

Rhubarb is growing" like it is going out of style"....We have a huge garden of it and yesterday decided I would make the pies that I had been craving for...They are yummy, to say the least. I use a recipe from many years ago that my Mother used and you know they did everything by guess whereas, I have to have a recipe in front of me to follow to a "T". I follow her recipe as closely as possible to what she told me but it is difficult when she gave me estimates...I'm sure they won't be thrown away...

My Mother would be upset with me over one thing though...her strips (fingers as she called them) were always so neat and even....Not so for mine....

Latest Mat

2010-05-25T07:23:00.002-02:30

I know some of my blogger friends have seen this mat that I designed last year, but I want to share it with those who haven't. I am entering this one {of three, hopefully} into the Craft Council's "Annual Members Exhibit" and if chosen will be displayed at Devon House in St. John's, NL. I am at the last part of another that I have titled "Mummering in Outport NL.", an outdoor scene, and will post it when I have finished...

It is difficult to hook this time of year because there are so many outdoor projects to do. Besides that, the HOCKEY has taken up a lot of my time, but I enjoy watching it immensely..I swear I will have a heart attack if it is not over soon.... LOL!!!

Nice and Bright.

2010-05-21T10:44:00.002-02:30

I am sure the majority of people have had their daffodils grow and are dying back by now but it is just this past week that mine are looking so lovely that I thought I should share a picture. I just love them. My lilies are coming along nicely as well. With a little more sunshine, I believe that all would thrive...Can't wait to see the petunias grow but it is a little cold to put them in yet...
We do have a sunny day today but of course, Windy ,Windy, windy.....

Sheep & Lambs

2010-05-18T12:55:00.007-02:30

The sheep are outside of the barn over the past number of days until night fall. The weather is really cool and windy most of the time...The lambs don't seem to mind as they jump and hop around as if they are living their little lives to the fullest...It is such a pleasure to watch them and thought I would share a few photos of them.

Of course, Spedo & Mocha are very interested in those little guys who are trying, as they think, to intrude on their property...so cute!!

New Mat

2010-05-15T14:05:00.006-02:30

On November 18, 1929, a Tsumami/Tidal Wave struck Newfoundland's Burin Peninsula..Houses were washed out to sea with 28 people losing their lives...Devastation followed leaving people homelss and destitute...My home town of Lord's Cove was hit by mighty waves and one house was swept out into the water which resulted in a mother and three children losing their lives, while a fourth child was in a bed upstairs and survived, she being still living today...Margaret Rennie Saint.

I remember my mother telling of the horror of the huge waves and people running to higher grounds to escape, she being 20 years old at the time. There was much chaos and fishermen lost their fishing stages, gear, etc....everything was in a horrible state for a long time...fear still lingers in the minds of those who are still surviving.

I have hooked this mat as a depiction of that Tidal Wave in my community...There are just two black and white photographs available from that time and because I work with bright colors, decided I would attempt it...

This is my result. If you are interested, this link will help you to understand more fully just how terrible it was:

www.heritage.nf.ca/law/tsunami29.html

Weekend Fun

2010-05-14T09:05:00.002-02:30

As I said in my last post...I had a "Super" Mother's Day with my family, Dale & Leigh, visiting. They enjoy seeing our lambs and visiting our trout ponds. The trout excelled in their aerobics when food was shaken out for them. Such a beautiful sight!!

We did buy some nice fresh lobster, as the lobster fishing season has opened here, and wanted to share this super picture with you all. Even though I don't like lobster, I love to see how my family enjoys eating them...even though they are a messy critter to get at, In my opinion... :)

Enjoy your Day.....

BUSY, Busy, busy.....

2010-05-12T19:57:00.002-02:30

Well, it seems like forever since I have blogged but with the abundance of lambs this year, shearing sheep and into the vegetable garden, there is not much time for anything but hot baths to soothe sore muscles and bones after a long day...However, today we had some rain and so it was to a little house cleaning and baking some bread...

I sure hope everyone had a Great Mothers' Day...I sure did with my son and daughter-in-law plus their two Schnoodles. Makes life all the more interesting..

I am posting two pictures of our garden to give you an idea of how much work is involved...But it is so nice to get outside regardless if it is a little cold or not. Fresh air can do one a world of good, to say the least.

I have hooked two mats and will post them later. I am about to hook two for "The Craft Council" for June...Hopefully, we will get most of our potatoes planted by the weekend so that I can concentrate on hooking with some flower gardening in between...Boy, how did I ever get this busy in my retirement???? BUT Life is Wonderful.....

Housecleaning

2010-04-12T22:59:00.003-02:30

Well, I decided to paint my ceilings some time ago and after seeing the paint sit there for three weeks I thought "I may as well "tackle" this job, which I hate because I am not a good painter...I remember those words from my DH as I load my paint roller....."make sure you have lots of paint on the roller" ...I take his word for it and Lo and Behold, when I raise the roller to the ceiling, I get splattered with the darned stuff...If I had known that, I would not have spent a bunch of money on having my hair hilited on Thursday...I could have saved myself the money and effort of going to a hairdresser and would have had a hair style that anyone would love to have....Besides the mess, my poor body is aching all over as if I were run over by a tractor and to think I have three more ceilings to go...
Surely no time for my favorite past time "hooking".

"EASTER WEEKEND"

2010-04-07T23:53:00.006-02:30

I hope everyone enjoyed their Easter Weekend as much as my husband & I....there is nothing more important than having Family around, especially at this very important time of the year for us which is " Lambing Season"... We had a "bumper" crop this year with all twins, triplets and one quadruplet....all have finished lambing and for 16 sheep, we have a total of 33 surviving babies... two hundred percent isn't too bad, which is wonderful...We are blessed this year. After last year's bad crop, we did not know what to expect....I want to share a few pictures with you of our Grandchildren, Liam & Alena, who adore the animals, although in the third picture I think Liam was thinking the lamb was going to charge at him....:)

The second is Liam playing in the hay stall...he sure enjoyed it and it was a joy to watch him...can't say how the sheep felt about it though..

The first is our grand daughter, Alena, feeding an orphan lamb. We had him stationed in the Garage in our hay cart for a few days; however, he is gone to the barn with the rest of his family now...

Another Framed Mat

2010-03-27T14:28:00.002-02:30

I have to share this great picture with you all.....I think the frame does wonders on our work...this is a mat titled "Hay Making in Outport Newfoundland" that I hooked some time in the past and my cousin {who is very artistic with acrylic painting} bought at Christmas time and he had it framed....I like it VERY MUCH.....

Blog Total

2010-03-26T14:42:00.003-02:30

I am really excited today....my blog has hit the 5000 mark...Thanks to all of you who have looked in on me.. I like looking at others as well....Sometimes I do not blog...it is because there is not much interesting to say... {I think someone else at some point said the same thing}... I would appreciate your all continuing to look in every now and again and even leave a little comment... :)

My day is busy today with bread baking, hooking in between and visiting the barn to check on the little newcomers. We have two more sets of triplets added to the flock...It is such a Marvellous day today...I guess a "brewer" for the freezing rain and snow tomorrow...Keep our fingers crossed that we will not have another power outage...we don't miss electricity until it goes; I guess it is the same for other things in our lives; therefore, we should always appreciate what we have....

Freezing Rain

2010-03-25T09:52:00.002-02:30

Even though freezing rain is not great....especially when one is in the middle of canning "Pepper Steak" and the power goes out for two hours....BLAH!!!, this picture shows the beauty of it...Everything is coated with ice and the seas are really, really high....but I know there are a large number of people would give anything to see this sight....enjoy!!

New Design

2010-03-23T08:45:00.002-02:30

My latest design is done from a photograph I took some time ago of our Church & Community Hall. As our "Come Home Year" celebrations are being held this year in August, I decided I would hook a few mats of things concerning my community.

I post this picture with a heavy heart today because it is my dear Mother-in-Law's Birthday; she would have been 92 years old today. Each time I designed a new mat, I would take it to let her see what I had done and of course, she always marveled at my work. She was very proud of the fact that she taught me how to hook many years ago, and I am so appreciative of that. According to her, there was never a thing I could change to make it look better. I hope she can still see what I am doing....R.I.P. dear Mother.....

SPRING

2010-03-22T09:24:00.002-02:30

We know when "Spring has sprung" when we see this beautiful sight...It is indeed a busy time for my DH and I because of those little critters coming along and it is a wonderful feeling....the sound of those little innocent lambs makes one's heart flutter...At this time, we have a set of twin and two sets of triplets; a good start being that last season the first sheep that lambed borned five lambs and all were still born...these sights are very disheartening....let's hope we continue to have good luck with them this year but more especially for the mother's.

My Two Good Buddies

2010-02-24T17:04:00.002-03:30

Today was such a marvelous day that I decided to take a walk with my two good buddies. I felt guilty, anyways, after having them" cooped up" in the car while I visited my dentist. However, Spedo & Mocha are two very forgiving little critters and they appreciated my attention, not counting the fact that every stick, bush, whatever was showing they had to sniff and "piddle" on them. But it is wonderful owning them. I love them to pieces.....

FRAMED MAT

2010-02-22T13:03:00.003-03:30

My New Year's Resolution is not working out very well. I promised that I would post every few days but since my Mother-in-law passed away, it seems I can't buckle down to doing anything. However, today we decided to kick each other in the butt and get moving and are in the process of making "Sweet & Sour Moose Meat"....have no idea what it will be like but I am trusting to my good friend that it is as delicious as she says it is. My mat hooking has gone by the wayside, but I WILL get back at it real soon..

I am posting a photo of the Mat I gave my Son and his family and they had it done with this rustic looking frame. I think it is quite nice and thought I would share it with you all....

Happy Hooking!!!!

My Donation

2010-02-10T22:51:00.002-03:30

I'm not sure how many of you will remember that I donated a mat which I call "12 Icons of Newfoundland" to my local Church Group to raise much needed funds. Today I learned that a total of $539.00 was raised by selling tickets on it and I am very pleased seeing that I live in a tiny community of less than two hundred people. Needless to say, the committee members are also pleased. So you see, our work does help!!!

A Tribute to My "Other Mother"

2010-02-09T13:27:00.002-03:30

Last Sunday, I lost one of the most precious people in my life. My mother-in-law passed away at the ripe old age of 92. In the 40+ years that I knew her, she never spoke a "cross" word to me. It may surprise some of you to know that not a word of disagreement ever came between us. We had a wonderful relationship and she always said I was her Daughter rather than an "in-law". She was a gentle, patient, kind woman who had gained a wealth of knowledge over her years with raising eleven children in very difficult times.
She was my mentor, confidant, teacher and most of all my Friend. I will miss her terribly.
Rest in Peace, MOTHER....

Progress Being Made

2010-01-28T11:34:00.002-03:30

Will soon finish my Latest Project..This is the latest photo shot of my progress.....Am anxious to continue on to something a little different, although I have to do several more of previous patterns that I have committed to do......

Hockey Pros

2010-01-27T07:37:00.003-03:30

This picture of boys playing hockey on one of the "ponds" in my hometown brings back LOTS of memories because when I growing up, skating was the past time....no such thing as staying in the house to watch TV {probably because we didn't have one}.......as soon as chores were done, we rushed to the pond for skating time. The boys would have a net set up on one end to play their game and the others who didn't participate joined the girls and boy, what fun we had....It seemed everyone, young and old alike, came to the ponds for skating. Too bad technology has changed our lives so drastically. I am proud of the kids who still take advantage of the outdoors.

This image was in my mind for a "mat", as well as sliding on the hills in my community, which was another BIG past time. When I saw this photo, I asked to have a copy because it is just what I need for a project in the future....

Next Project

2010-01-24T12:48:00.002-03:30

This is a picture of the mat I am hooking now. It is similar to the previous one I posted. People living "away" from Newfoundland seem to like this a lot; this being for a former Newfoundlander who is living in Nova Scotia...I will post a picture in the next few days of one I would REALLY love to do because it depicts life as I knew it......

COMPLETED

2010-01-22T10:02:00.003-03:30

I finally kicked myself enough in the past three weeks to complete this mat for my sister-in-law. I don't know why I had such a difficult time doing it, probably because I have done this particular pattern so many times, there is no challenge anymore. Guess I will have to retire this one soon BUT before I do that, I have two more to do. I am determined to get the burlap sewn down and the pattern drawn before this day is out for the next one. It's a Snowy day so that should kick start me for sure. I don't mind the snowy weather if I don't have to get out into it....
For those of you who have seen this pattern" umpteen" times, bear with me..... :)

Love Your Pets

2010-01-14T22:47:00.003-03:30

I was a little {??} disgusted yesterday when I visited the vet with Spedo, our oldest shih tzu for his yearly shot. While there, a gentleman had a five year old cat, a beautiful one at that with markings that I would just love to own, that he was having "put down" because she had become aggressive, he said, over the last short while. When his turn came to register and asked the secretary the price it would be, he became very irritated because the cost was higher than HE expected. Because he lived about an hours drive from the Vet's office, he was upset over the fact that he would have to return home to get the extra money that he needed to pay for this procedure. Can you imagine this day and age that someone would not have access to a bit of money, if needed...??? So, he came up with the big idea that he would return home to get the extra cash but leave the cat there. That was a "no-no" and he was to take the animal with him. Well, he stormed out the door and literally slapped the cage on the car seat. I have been tormented since yesterday over this because I am very fearful as to what happened to the poor cat. Some people are not meant to have pets because they don't know how to treat them and certainly don't know how to train them. Your pet is a reflection of how it is treated, in my opinion. I Love my pets....

Didn't Get Accepted....

2010-01-08T14:56:00.005-03:30

Well, I was all hyped about sending my entries to the "ART BANK OF NL. AND THE ART BANK OF CANADA"...REMEMBER???. You should because I was all excited about it..... :) HOWEVER, neither entry was accepted but honestly, I am not disappointed. I just like the feeling of getting it all ready to send and waiting for the result and really, I didn't think I would get approval. That won't stop me, though....I am about to enter 5 mats to the NLAC {Newfoundland & Labrador Arts Council"} " These artworks will be presented to award recipients, in select categories, at the 25^th NLAC Arts Awards Gala." I have to complete them by April.....along with others that I have taken orders for AND I have not begun to hook yet......Can't seem to get down to it.

I am posting a picture of one of my Custom Made mats that I did earlier in my hooking. For those of you who have seen it before, I am sorry....

New Design

2010-01-05T08:37:00.002-03:30

A friend of mine asked me to hook a mat for her as a gift to her daughter for Christmas. She didn't give me any idea of what she wanted just that the color "Purple" was to be in it. As I didn't have much time to think because I had so many mats to complete before the Holidays, I came up with this idea. Her daughter was thrilled with it. My camera doesn't do justice to the color because the border is purple, not blue as it seems to be here.

Happy New Year

2010-01-04T19:18:00.002-03:30

Hello Friends,

Wishing each and every one of you a Very Happy, Healthy New Year. Of course, I am late with my post; my maiden name should be "LATE".'

Here is a poem that I would like to share with you that my niece wrote a few days ago. Very meaningful, don't you think?

A New Year’s Toast

By Kimberly

A New Year’s Toast

….and so the year has resigned
and we accept the cleanness of a new one…

May the regrets we have had in the year that passed,
teach us lessons we never had the chance to learn.

May the disappointments we have endured,
be a discovery into strength we never knew we had.

May the failed attempts that left us frustrated,
give us focus and conviction to try again.

Because this year we will be wiser
and will learn more lessons.

Because this year we will know we have the strength
to deal with any disappointment.

Because this year we have another opportunity
to succeed in our attempts.

…and so I raise my glass to the year before us,
That we will learn more lessons,
Have confidence in our strength,
And acknowledge all our successes.

Happy New Year!

Christmas

2009-12-28T07:10:00.003-03:30

Christmas Eve was a very quiet one for my DH and I, with no company around. We reminisced about Christmas when our two boys, Sandy & Dale, were young and indeed about our own many years before. We enjoyed Christmas Day with my 91 year old mother-in-law, who lives in a Long Term Care Facility. Had a lovely dinner with her and chatted about "Old Times" , which she enjoys immensely. It is the first time in 40 years that I didn't cook a turkey....missed that part.......

HOWEVER, today our company arrives......... Our son and his family , all four of them and am really excited about seeing them, especially the grandchildren {of course} Alena, who is eleven years old and Liam, who is seventeen months old. It is as if I am waiting for Santa now. Family is what makes Christmas and I'm sure we will enjoy the next few days to the fullest......

Tipp's Eve

2009-12-23T20:36:00.002-03:30

Well, here I am again....sneaking back after such a long absence. I missed blogging and reading my friends/followers blogs as well. I took too many orders for mats this year and was "bogged down" in hooking, which I did enjoy immensely even though I was terribly rushed.

As my Title says: Tipp's/Tibb's Eve is here. For those of you who are not familiar with this event before Christmas begins, just follow this link and you may find it interesting:The origins of Tibb’s Eve | The Southern Gazette.

This may be difficult for some of you people to understand, but I DO NOT have my tree decorated yet. I bought a pre-lit one two years ago and last year had to take it down a little early or it would have toppled to the floor and stupid enough today to think that it had improved in the box over the year, brought it out of storage and began to put it up when Lo and Behold, down it came....top heavy. So off I trodged with it in box and took out the one that I had bought before which I have to decorate with lights, not a job I am good at; So it is in the corner staring at me as if to say : "are you going to do something with me?????"
Well, now being that it is Tipp's Eve, I am about to try some of my favourite liqueurs that my hubby has made for me and probably I won't know anything about the decorating until tomorrow morning comes and I'll bet you it will be a perfect job.....Wish me luck!!!

Here's wishing Everyone a "Very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year". I am so pleased to have everyone check in on my blog over the year from all over the world and that makes it very exciting. Hopefully, this will happen in the New Year, as well.

Fourth of the Seventh

2009-11-14T13:23:00.003-03:30

I can almost give a sigh of relief because I am doing very well with my mat making. This is the fourth of the seventh that I have to do--- it being When Cod Was King. I Have started on the Fifth one, Outport Fishing Community. Rest assured, my housework is not getting done. Sure wish I had a Genie in a Bottle......

Fruits of Our Labour

2009-11-12T06:39:00.003-03:30

This is the last of the pictures of our harvesting for this year. It is impossible to show ALL of the tomatoes as we ate as they ripened but there were a large amount left in the greenhouse and because the weather is so different this year, we decided to pick them and ripen them inside. As a matter of fact, we are still in the process. The turnip/rutabaga grew well too, as you can see.
Thankfully we had a Wonderful crop this year.

Remembrance Day

2009-11-11T19:58:00.000-03:30

Why Wear A Poppy

"Please wear a poppy", the lady said

And held one forth, but I shook my head.

Then I stopped and watched as she offered them there,

And her face was old and lined with care;

But beneath the scars the years had made

There remained a smile that refused to fade.

A boy came whistling down the street

Bouncing along on care-free feet

His smile was full of joy and fun,

"Lady", said he, "May I have one?"

When she's pinned it on he turned to say,

"Why do we wear a poppy today?"

The lady smiled in her wistful way

And answered, "This is Remembrance Day,

And the poppy there is the symbol for

The gallant men and women who died in war,

And because they did, you and I are free -

That's why we wear a poppy, you see".

"I had a boy about your size,

With golden hair and big blue eyes,

He loved to play and jump and shout,

Free as a bird he would race about.

As the years went by he learned and grew

And became a man - as you will, too."

:He was fine and strong, with a boyish smile,

But he'd seemed with us such a little while

When war broke out and he went away.

I still remember his face that day

When he smiled at me and said "Good-bye,

I'll soon be back, Mom, so please don't cry".

"But the war went on and he had to stay,

And all I could do was wait and pray.

His letters told of the awful fight,

(I can see it still in my dreams at night),

With the tanks and guns and cruel barbed wire,

And the mines and bullets, the bombs and fire".

"Till at last, the war was won -

And that's why we wear a poppy, son".

The small boy turned as if to go,

Then said "Thanks, lady, I'm glad to know.

That sure did sound like an awful fight,

But your son - did he come back all right?

A tear rolled down each faded cheek;

She shook her head, but didn't speak

I slunk away in a sort of shame,

And if you were me, you'd have done the same;

For our thanks, in giving, is oft delayed,

Though our freedom was bought - and thousands paid.

And so when we see a poppy worn,

Let us reflect on the burden borne

By those who gave their very all

And asked to answer their country's call

That we at home in peace might live.

Then wear a poppy, Remember - and Give!

Lest we forget....

Author Unknown

Canning Beets

2009-11-10T22:13:00.003-03:30

Our crop of beets was as successful as the rest of the veggies this year AND SO yesterday, the entire day went into pickling....Today I am hooking every minute that I can steal away from doing other things, like cleaning my house, for instance. I am half way through the orders so that is not too bad, I guess.

I want to share this picture of the beets because it is worth viewing when completed.....
The recipe is available if anyone would like it....

Another One

2009-11-07T12:06:00.003-03:30

Have not had much time to check my blog lately because as you can see I am up to my ears in hooking..... The third of seven mats is completed and here it is..... I added the gent playing the mouth organ because I always loved when people played this instrument at Christmas time when I was a child and into my later years ,when we partied, one or two of the guys would do this as well. This is the first time I have added "him" and this one is for my sister-in-law and because we did some of this mummering/jennying when we were younger, I am sure she will appreciate it. I have the fourth in the frame now "When Cod Was King" also for the same sister-in-law who lives in Saskatchewan and will need them very soon when she arrives for a visit. So offffff to hoooooking!!! Have a great weekend, everyone....