THOSE KNITTED HATS......

Living here means we do need some warm hats. So, I decided to knit one for Roy and one for me. I really enjoyed making them and think perhaps I am not finished making hats!

THESE GUYS ARE HUGE!!!!

Seriously, they are 17 inches long! (according to the National Audubon Society Field Guide to Birds). They are called the Pileated Woodpecker and are the largest woodpecker in North America. A pair of them showed up outside the kitchen door this afternoon, assaulting our trees in their search for bugs. It was difficult to get the photographs because I used the zoom feature and their heads were really moving fast. I hope they come back! Aren't they magnificent!?

REMEMBER THIS?

Winter comes.......soon.......

HOW TO TURN A PLAIN VEST INTO WEARABLE ART....

This is a photograph of the left side of a plain black vest. (I had already started altering the right side when I remembered to get the camera out!) Here you can see the beginning of the transformation which was accomplished by laying cotton lace pieces on the vest and spraying over them with a mixture of 1/2 water and 1/2 bleach.

The other side of the vest front was altered by laying on a fern I cut from out in the yard and then spraying over it also. Because the spray bottle does drip occasionally this side looked a lot like a fir tree out in a snowfall.

Then I added some white and silver beads in a free form design and finished by removing those very boring black buttons and attaching five all different buttons to complete the look. The overall look is stunning!

THE DUCKS, THE FISH AND THE SEA GULLS...

Yesterday while out photographing the trees we ended up at Pymatuning State Park. It is located just west of us and actually goes across the state line into Ohio. The ducks are plentiful and compete with the huge fish for bread tossed out into the water. Add to this a large flock of sea gulls and you have an exciting flurry of creatures competing for crumbs! You can just barely see a big fish in the lower center of this photograph.It was a little chilly but still beautiful! (See, those jeans went out for the day)I am still amazed to see gulls here!

THE COLORS OF MY WORLD.....

Today was a beautiful sunny fall day here and the perfect moment to take the color photographs I promised you, my readers. So enjoy the colors and remind me of them in a couple of months when it will be all black and white!

MY EVERY DAY KNOCK AROUND JEANS....

...are now fun and funky! I decided there really was no reason why I couldn't have painted " stay at home jeans" right? In fact, maybe these are now "out on the town jeans". Ahhh...'tis good to be back......

THE "HUG ME" SWEATER.....

Well, that's the name of my first knitted sweater as shown in the knitting directions. It was not difficult and did not take too long. I wore it this evening and discovered that the sleeves seem a bit heavy and seem to drag on my shoulders. But,it is cozy warm and will be a real treat when the snow is deep! My next project is a knitted skull cap for Roy to keep his head warm.

THIS IS A WHOLE LOT OF FUN!

http://www.whatsatthebank.com/FineGifts.htm I have put some of my Wearable Art here and on the very first day sold a painted jacket and three of my painted wallets! Unfortunately I forgot to get a photograph of the jacket ! But, here is one of the painted clutches since I can't find the wallet photos. But, you get the idea. Just this past week a very large mural was installed on the side of that gallery/gift shop building. I will go back this week and take photographs for you. It is all quite exciting! Today I am working on my rose heather knitted sweater. It is finished except for attaching the sleeves and connecting the side seams. In the meantime I am doing some really mean bleaching on a pair of jeans. You will see them soon! Sure feels good to be back in the creative mode.....

THE QUILT STORY.......

My Mother has many interests, even as she confidently marches through her ninety-second year. However she does have two passions; making quilts and observing politics and the political process. She is more a patriot than anyone else I know. To this end she embarked on a project this year, to demonstrate her love of country and her support of our new president. With her permission I am sharing with you her letter to Our President which explains "the quilt story" told in this post. To President and Mrs. Obama; Dear Friends, As a proud American, I want to share with you my personal contribution to your 2009 Economic Stimulus Project. During 2009 I am creating a series of handmade quilts, using my $250 stimulus check to purchase materials, the money spent locally to support small businesses. As of September first, I have completed five full sized quilts, with the sixth one underway. These quilts will be given to friends and family. To further the stimulus concept, those who accept a quilt will agree to make a financial contribution to a local charity of their choice. In this way, the stimulus concept spreads to charitable institutions that are suffering as a result of current economic challenges. Enclosed are photographs of quilts that are ready for distribution. I share my story with you as an example of our support for your programs here in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Sincerely, Elizabeth Ongley-Jennings, Ed. D

This is a photograph of the winter quilt which was chosen by my daughter, Erin. This is a photograph of the autumn quilt chosen by my nephew Michael. This is the summer quilt chosen by my sister Carol, who was not able to attend the presentation event. It is proudly shown by the quilter herself!

This is the patriotic quilt chosen by my niece Wendy, whose husband served in Iraq.

This is quilt number six which is all about Christmas! My favorite time of year and it belongs to me. I love it!

This is the spring quilt and was chosen by my sister Suzanne.

You now know the quilt story. We have all watched the progress with amazement. Mother has indicated that she is "quilted out" at the moment and is getting back to her stack of books to be read and, between books, will continue the ongoing process of organizing the family geneology notes.

THE PERFECT DAY......

Walking in Our Woods with my son and daughter. The best day ever!

At one point, while carefully climbing down a slope, I managed to slip on the very wet leaves covering very wet dirt. Yeah, mud all over my behind......

FIRST ANNUAL OCTOBER FAMILY FEST....(photos by Bill Williams)

Getting ready to walk in the woods. The snowy holly bushes near the front door.

Trees, walking sticks and boots. A really big tree!

Roy bonding with that turkey...a platter of white and a platter of dark. It was fabulous!

Suze and Jude pondering the finer points of good wine....

Elizabeth holding court....with Erin, Chris and Suze

From the dessert table.....a three layer honey fig cake with apricot jam between layers and powdered sugar on top. It was indeed delicious!

A close up shot of walnut stuffed dates rolled in sugar. This tasty treat has been a part of my holiday memories created years ago and a favorite of Mother's.

A place setting which includes this really cool turban squash. I just loved the colors on it!

Two tables end to end to accommodate 13 people.

Family!

This post is dedicated to all the family members who were not able to attend this year. We all hope you can come next year for the Second Annual October Family Fest. We missed you!

Stay tuned for "The Story of The Quilts".............