Sheltering in Place, from my home to yours

It occurred to me I haven’t shown to much of what I have been up to while sheltering in place. I have updated you on my projects for the HQAL and SAL that I participate in

but other than that I haven’t shared any of the other projects I have been working on. I finished 2 sets of tea towels/dish towels for two daughters.

Just last week I picked up a baby quilt I had started some time back. Its done in a simple pattern, the pinwheel, my go to favorite. I had hand pieced the middle pinwheels with about 14 completed and now have added the border by machine.

I don’t think I had shown you the quilt I picked up from the Goodwill quite some time ago, pre COVID – 19, I have it doubled up and folded over a fence line. It has all been hand stitched.  The back of the quilt is what the pinwheel blocks are photoed on.

I have continued to make masks for friends, requests are still coming in but more slowly now as more and more people are making them. These two were for friends heading into Seattle to a medical center for a scheduled procedure

My daughter Marissa (in Japan) had told me about using Instacart for grocery delivery. Monday we had our first delivery. Our experience was perfect, our personal shopper on the ball, efficient and friendly while texting through the store with what was and wasn’t available, replacement possibilities complete with pictures. The best surprise was learning her name was Marissa. It was like having my daughter shopping for me (they were both in the same age bracket too, 30’s)

The weather has been beautiful in our northwest corner of the country giving me lots of time outside and in the gardens. I have two strawberry beds like this one, loving the warmer weather

The raspberry are showing their beauty and leafing out. Last year was my first year for them to produce. I have 6 main ?canes? are they called canes? The 3 blueberry bushes are limping along still. Two lone tulips popped up – none of the others yet. The daffies are done.

There’s a real quietness to the garden this year. Only the established perennials will display their beauty, I will not be adding anything new or any annuals, it’s victory garden time here. On one of my last outings late Feb. to the local rite aid, I picked up some veggie seed packets. I have spinach started and outdoors in pots and these chives are gorgeous coming back from last year.

I killed 3 tomato plants I put outside to early and the frost got them. I have new seedlings sprouting again. I have radishes coming up, lettuce started, basil and peas all started indoors – a first batch of peas out doors is no more. Carrots and squash need to go in soon – I really have no idea what I am doing; this is a real learning curve keeping me busy.

The bread machine has been put to great use and while Easter was uneventful and quiet, I managed to whip up a picture perfect Pineapple Upside Down bundt cake.

Thinking about the virus and all the changes in our lives right now has kept me busy, reflective and thankful. I find I wake anxious to see who has posted what you have been doing and what is going on where you are. Like many I have spent countless more hours on the phone and face timing with family, checking in, confirming all is ok.

We have 2 resident squirrels who have kept us company and amused this spring, stopping daily for their peanuts and corn. And look at this little guy trying his best to get this peanut…..hey you have your own bird seed to eat.

My hope and prayer is that you and your family members are all well and everyone is safe.