Sunny and Cold

Our weather in south-central Kentucky has been cold this week--temperatures barely climbing above the freezing mark during the day and below that at night.

The sun has been bright but a sharp bite of wind has made it less than pleasant to linger outside.

I shivered taking the above photo as the sun came up on Monday morning, hastily aiming the camera toward the line of bare trees that line Big Creek.

I scuttled in to the fireside and wrapped my paws around a warm mug!

The warm spell [into the 60's F] the previous week brought buds out on some of the dooryard trees--not necessarily a good thing.

Another look at a chilly sunrise.

Hoarfrost glitters in the neighbor's pasture as the rising sun splashes gold on the farther fields.

The cats are obsessed with the activity of the moles in the dooryard.

Either there are hundreds of moles in residence just below the surface of the sod, or a lesser number of them stay very busy creating a network of tunnels.

This was a zoom shot which makes a neighbor's home appear much nearer than it is.

Pods of the trumpet vine rattle in the wind.

This tree, another of the maples, doesn't show signs of premature budding.

Pebbles, alert to the possibility of a handout.

Her winter coat is thick and rather scruffy.

I've taken advantage of the cold days to finish this quilt top. [Not the best photo with flash.]

I put together 5 of the double star blocks and decided that the effect of a whole quilt was going to be 'busier' than I wanted as a bed covering.

Gina pounced upon it as just the thing to embellish her 'rose room' aka 'guest bedroom', so I finished 

it to her liking.

I discovered a lady about a 20 minute drive away who offers machine quilting in several different stitching patterns at a very reasonable cost. 

It is what I consider neat 'everyday' quilting rather than the more artistic and creative quilting that the Wyoming shop featured.

G. and I enjoyed the time we spent prowling about in the little local shop.

There is a good selection of sewing supplies, quilting tools and notions as well as a small but nice quality selection of cotton fabrics.

The price for quilting includes the lining and batting!  Only one choice of batting--poly, which isn't my first preference, and a choice of a cream or white lining--but the pricing allows me to keep producing quilts that will be neatly finished.

G. is quite inspired to attempt some sewing/crafting projects.

She attacked the big downstairs room today, [which always alarms me] but she does have a knack for gathering up my supplies and stowing them more tidily than I manage.

I'm continuing with the double star blocks, but with more controlled placement of colors and a different 'setting.' I am definitely 'on a roll' of quilt making--and have been neglecting my blog and a certain amount of housework as I huddle over my cutting table and sewing machine.

J. meanwhile, builds a fire in his shop when he goes out to feed Pebbles.

By the time we have eaten breakfast his space is warm and he can continue with the restoration of his several current tractor projects.

The potted rosemarys have spent the winter on the front porch quite happily.
I didn't want to risk them there on these coldest nights of the season, so they are crowded in the dining area near the sliding glass doors.
I'm enjoying their scent whenever I--or the cats--brush by them.
There is noticeably longer daylight which is heartening during this time of cold.
There is plenty of firewood in the shed, shelves and freezers full of food.
A friend stopped in this afternoon to share a fat historical novel she had just finished.
We sipped tea and talked of families, pets and projects.
It has been a cozy sort of week.