Icicle

Day 91


Social Distancing # 12

Not only is Covid-19 keeping us home, but also the biting wind and blowing snow is keeping us indoors~except to shovel the driveway and clean the snow off the car. (just in case we need to get out and get the bare necessities of life)


 I had noticed this icicle hanging off the rain down spout. It has its own unique shape. Looking at it I think it looks like a lobster or crab claw. 

Thank you for taking a look at my photos and reading my blog! 
I hope everyone is well, and is getting some fresh air. 

See you tomorrow!

Jewels.

 Advice from an Icicle

Keep your cool

Be clear

Know when to chill

Spend time hanging out

Avoid meltdowns

Get to the point. 

(Author Unknown) 

 Icicle 

   

Flay Lay ~ Summer Bag Supplies ~

Day 90



Social Distancing #11


On my list for my photo challenge was the words 'Flat Lay'*. I had to look it up. 

* A flat lay is a picture taken from a birds eye view of a collection of items laid out on a flat surface. 


My next project I am going to make while Social Distancing is a Summer Handbag. I love handbags, purses of every size and shape. Over the years I have made my own handbag, purse, totes, backpacks. As a teenager I hand stitched a tote bag for school made from pleather material from mom and dad's old couch, then crocheting several draw string purses, to more recent years back packs made from recycled denim.

 I love purses and handbags! I guess that is why I liked working in a Hand bag and Luggage Store!! 

Flay Lay ~ Summer Bag Supplies ~

When my Summer Purse is finished, I will take another photo to share with you! 


I hope everyone is keeping healthy and well!


I will see you very soon!


Jewels 

"I turn strings into things ~ what is your super power?"

A Game

Day 89


Social Distancing #10


Its not a game on the X Box, Play Station, Wii, computer, or cell phone.
 It is a board game played with another person in the same room! I remember classic board games like: Stock Ticker, Monopoly, Life, Risk, Sorry, Clue, Back Gammon, Dominoes, Trivial Pursuit, Checkers.
Now there are so many other board games, Catan, Cards Against Humanity, Ticket to Ride, to name a few. 
I remember dad teaching us how to play Battleship with just a pen and a piece of graft paper! 

 

A Game ~ Kings Cribbage ~

Playing a board game, lets me focus on the game instead of the world outside my door. 

The game so far is tied! 

One of the things I have learned  while playing board games is becoming a gracious looser as well as a gracious winner. It is all fun and games! 


 

Have a great day!


See you very soon!


Thank you

Jewels 


"We learn little from Victory, much from defeat" (Japanese proverb)

Baking Basic

Day 88


Social Distancing #9

It is the 2nd day of rain... and the snow is melting with the rain.. all is good. We have a cozy fire, food in the pantry, freezer and refrigerator.. life is grand. Thinking positive..missing my family and friends...but one keeps busy.

To warm up the house, I like to dig out a basic biscuit and scone recipe. They can be sweet or savory. The biscuits are savory, great with a stew, soup or with cheese and ham for lunch. Then I made orange scones... great to have with tea, a cup of coffee or breakfast with some fruit. 

Buttermilk Biscuit

Orange Scones

 As I was looking through my baking recipe collection, my mouth started to water! Now that we are home, and not visiting family and friends... I can bake and test out some new recipes!
(I also may need to dig out my Food Photography Book one of my daughters gave me!)


Thank you for taking a look!


See you soon!


jewels 

'The Secret Ingredient is Love' 

Photo Edits

Day 87



Social Distancing #8


Being at home distancing myself from friends and family plus it is raining outside today, which means I am indoors and keeping dry. This gives me the chance to play on my computer. Play, I mean, learning more about editing tools on my computer and on my cell phone.

Original Photo taken at 7am

 Photo was taken when I had my fox friend following me.  The sun was just beginning to rise. Had I stayed longer the colors in sky was incredible! In Light Room I added a bit more color for the sunrise. I didn't do any other edits..

Light Room Edited photo

 For fun I downloaded the first photo to my phone and played with an editing tool! The next 2 photos are the result.

Cell phoned Editing Tool

 

Cell Phone editing tool

It was fun playing with these editing tools. In a way, it is like using an artist paint brush and creating a painting. Instead I used my camera its settings, and editing tools.
For me I would love the challenge of taking that sunrise, sunset or night sky photo! 

 

Thank you!

I hope everyone is taking care of yourself!

See you very soon!

Jewels 



"May the sunrise bring you peace and fill your soul with possibility"

Rock Painting

Day 86


Social Distancing #7


Mother Nature and Old Man Winter are not happy with the situation in the world today.. well at least where we are living! It is snowing... I think spring and summer has been skipped and we are back into winter. This dynamic duo are making sure we are kept indoors! 

So, today..since it is snowing so lovely out there (I am staying upbeat and positive here!) I decided to paint some rocks. I am so glad we collected rocks for me to paint last fall! :)

Social Distancing ~ Rock Painting ~

 I am very pleased how these stones turned out... I am not sure I want to hide them for others to find... I may want to keep them for myself. I have time to decide... from the looks of things out there, spring is put on hold.
(thank you Pinterest for the inspiration!)



Thank you for taking a look. 

I hope my family and friends are keeping happy, healthy and busy.



Hugs

See you very soon!


Jewels 

"Creativity is intelligence having fun". A. Einstein

Big

Day 85


Social Distancing #6


Sometimes you just need to get out and go for a walk, or even a drive. All the while making sure that you are keeping 2m/6ft. away from other people. 

So with tunes on the radio, enjoying the sunshine I did a wee drive around town. Seeing what the rest of the city is like during Social Distancing and Isolation.  Are the streets busy?  No. Are the side walks busy? No. Are the major box stores like Costco and major grocery stores busy.Yes.
I had no desire to stop anywhere not even at a local nature trail. I kept driving and singing with Garth Brooks then I ended up visiting Mr. PG for a photo session.   

Big ~ Mr. PG ~

Mr. PG greets everyone locals returning home and visitors alike! He has been on the job for 60 years!

Mr. PG ~ Lens Ball ~

Through rain, snow, sunshine, and the uncertainty of our world, you can rest assure that Mr. PG will greet you with his smile!



Thank you for checking out my blog!


I hope you are keeping safe!


Jewels 

"By the way, I am wearing the smile you gave me!"

What do you see?

Day 84


Social Distancing #5


As kids we use to lay on the front lawn, looking up at the clouds in the sky. We would study the clouds and try to find unique shapes such as turtles, rabbits, angels. 
Even now, when I see clouds, I look up and try to find familiar shapes. 

I was enjoying the frosty morning on the deck. At my feet I noticed interesting frosty shapes on the decking.

What do you see?? 

What do you see?

What do you see?

What do you see?

What do you see? 
Did you see cave man drawings? The Cartwright Ranch from Bonanza? An ancient Spanish Galleon Sailing among the waves?  A treasure map?  A face? Animals? A crown on a dragons head? 



Thank you for taking the time to check out my photos. I know with Isolation and Social Distancing things are tough for us all! I hope my photos created a smile or maybe even something to discuss!


Until tomorrow! 
Keep safe

Jewels 

"A true sign of intelligence is not knowledge, but, imagination"

(A. Einstein)

 

Self Care

Day 83


Social Distancing #4


Taking care of yourself while staying at home is important. Making sure we are  eating healthy, getting fresh air while staying away from others, keeping our minds sharp, working on our To Do Lists & communicating with friends and family.

Sometimes, even before we started to practice good Social Distancing skills, it is great to have a mini spa day at home. I think if you feel good on the outside and the inside... you have a great chance to keep you mind, body and soul healthy! 

 I had received face and hair masks in my Christmas Stocking, and I thought today was a great time to try them out. I loved the coconut and cocoa smell, delicious!! 

I have posted my before (yes you can laugh) and my after photos... talk about me being brave.. lol 

~ Mini Spa Day~ coconut hair mask and Cocoa face mask ~

Social Distancing ~ After~

  

I hope you are doing something to pamper yourself.. even if it is that extra 5 min. in the shower!


I will see you tomorrow!


Jewels  

 "You can not pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first"
(unknown)

Droplets of Milk

Day 82



Social Distancing #3


Photographers that like to take photographs of food, I wonder if they hear their mothers voices in the back of their head saying something like;

"Eat, Eat, don't play with your food" or "There are hungry children around the world, if you don't eat, I'll send them your food" 

During uncertain times that we are having, nothing has or will go to waste in this house. I roasted a chicken and the bones were used for chicken noodle soup! 

Social Distancing ~ Droplets of Milk

 Social Distancing ~ Droplets of Milk

 I did drink my milk, put some in my morning coffee and the rest in my hot cereal!



I love the creamy texture of these photos.... almost looks like coffee cream! 


Where ever you are, I hope you are well!

Thank you for taking a look! 


Until tomorrow!

Jewels 

"You only live once, so go ahead and lick the bowl"

 

Wood

Day 81

 Social Distancing #2

What to make, how to make it, where to make it, when to make it and who? 

We are pondering the idea of making something for the yard such as a tool caddy, a box or even a planter.  Creating something  to keep our minds and hands busy since we are hibernating and keeping our distance!  (while we are waiting for the snow to melt!) We need to keeping busy! 

Wood ~Social Distancing Project Supply

 I can't wait to see what Robert creates from this stack of plywood! 


Keeping your hands, mind busy.. planning projects.. challenging yourself...



What projects are you working on?


I will see you tomorrow! 

Jewels

"If you stay positive in a negative situation. You Win!"

Social Distancing

Day 80

The world is Social Distancing themselves and we are finding ways to cope by keeping ourselves busy by finding projects, finishing projects, spring cleaning, sending out text messages and emails to family members near and far. 

Today the temperature is -1c and I decided to go outside to enjoy the sunshine on our deck!
Coffee in hand plus a book, my journal I am all set to relax outside in the spring sunshine. On a day like today, soaking up a few rays of sun can heal. 

The birds are out singing, wood pecker banging on something metal, the local squirrel being cheeky. As I am writing in my journal, I am thinking about the people in my life, my children, grand children, other family members and of course my friends. I wonder what life will be like in their future. When things are said and done, will life resume as it was or will we be changed for the better? 

I know life is changing for some...and I worry about what the future.  

Relaxing in the sun, while Social Distancing

 As we are Social Distancing or going into self isolation... I will try photograph and blog about this experience and add that to my challenge. So bear with me.


I hope you are staying happy and healthy!


hugs


I will see you tomorrow!



Jewels

When you love what you have,

you have everything you need.

 

First Day of Spring

Day 79


As I was walking around Cottonwood Island Park looking for signs of spring. Today's temperature is -2c and every under my feet is still under ice and snow.  
All I could find was a few pussy willows, I didn't see any thing else that looked like spring has sprung!

I was heading back to my vehicle when I noticed flashes of orange/red in the trees! There were 2 males, showing off and challenging each other. I could hear the female cheering them on!

Spring has sprung with "love"? in the air! 

Face off

Flash of Color

The Opponents

The Looser? or The Winner?

He proudly hops away scouting out his next challenger! Not even the least bit concerned that I was watching and photographing the main event! 



Happy First Day of Spring!! 



Thank you for taking a look! I shall see you very soon!


Hugs


Jewels

" To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles" (M. Davis)

From the Oven

Day 78



Being at home and social distancing has its benefits. You get to get caught up on all the TV programs you have recorded to watch on a rainy day. Then there are those chores that we always put off until tomorrow..... or projects to start and finish, letters to write, books to read, closets to sort.

For me, I get to try out new recipes. Today was no exception!

I have heard about Mr. Holmes Bakeshop on the Food Channel on TV! He has a bake shop in San Fransisco that creates these cruffins. They sell out very quickly, according to the Food Channel. 
I found the recipe, today I  decided to give the recipe a try! 



 

Cruffin  ~ resting/rising for 3 hours

From the Oven ~ Cruffin~ powdered sugar/cinnamon sugar coating

I must admit that I impressed myself! With a good cup of coffee, butter and homemade raspberry jam! We have a hit!! 
This recipe will go into the Pedde Family Recipe Book!! 





I hope all is well with you and yours.

Until tomorrow! 

Jewels 

Baking is Love made Edible!

Animal

Day 77


Today I wanted to take a photo of a Prince George Sunrise! I packed my camera and head down to Cottonwood Island Park. There are a couple good spots and I thought I would take some pictures of the rising sun.
I was all set, taking early shots to set my camera up for sunrise photos, when I sensed something, someone behind me. About 20 feet away (or less) was a fox. Watching me. And I watched the fox! 
I decided to wander away to a different spot, knowing where my car is and the path to it. 
I took a few more shots as the sun was starting to display color... and 10 feet away was the fox. He/she went through the brush near where I was standing.
I was getting a wee bit concerned. Usually when I see a fox at this park, they are skittish and disappear in the brush away from us humans. 
He/she was looking for food... am I food! This big human in a bright pinkish coat..yummy!!?? 
So, I decided that I would give the fox lots of space and let him/her go hunting for its breakfast in peace. 
I headed back to my car.. and the fox was following me, keeping a 10 foot distance behind me. 
When I was sitting in my car and the fox was not more that 4 feet for the drivers side of my car.. watching me... and I watched the fox. (I could of taken more photos inside my car!)
 I backed up and headed out of the parking lot.. and the fox was  then runny beside my car till I stopped at the stop sign to leave the park. (I did wave good bye to the fox!)

 

 

 

 

 

 I know a true nature photographer would of taken clearer shots... I was a wee bit shaken, amazed, fascinated, curious about this fox and my encounter. Is this normal behavior from a fox?  Has this beautiful creature been in contact with humans? Have humans been feeding this fox? Was I near its den and maybe babies? Why did he run after me.. that reminded me of a dog running after its owners vehicle? 



Good Morning everyone

I hope you have a great day!



Take care!


Jewels
PS, I wasn't in a panic to leave.. I too went on the hunt for my breakfast!

"Fill your life with adventures, not things.

Have stories to tell,not stuff to show."

 

Your Creation

Day 76


I love needlework, I love the texture, the colors, the possibilities, when I look at wool, fabric, embroidery floss... I let my imagination run wild and I dream of what I could created. 
There are so many benefits of creating something from a few meters of fabric, or grams of yarn. 

I admit that I don't normally create something from the top of my head.. I do rely on patterns that another designer had created. (Sometimes I combine 2 or three patterns to get the style I like) 
I get to use the materials I want, the buttons, add details, remove details, change the stitches etc. When my project is finished, its a one of a kind creation. It is created out of passion, love and a desire to make the receiver happy and proud.

I wonder how some of our top named Designers get their start in their craft? Did they learn from their parents, grand parents? Did they stay up till the wee hours ripping out and restarting a project till its just right? Did they take look in the department stores and not like what they saw and created their own fashion?  

Something I created~ front view~

 

Your Creation

This little sweater is for my youngest grand daughter. 


Well, time to cast on! I have a yarn stash to work through!!


Take care! 

I will see you tomorrow!!


Jewels 

 Knitter?... I prefer the term Yarn Goddess!

 

Amaryllis

Day 75



 I have three Amaryllis plants. I am pleased to announce that two of them are flowering. One plant is flowering the second time and one it will be her 4th! I just love how beautiful and exotic the amaryllis flowers!


 Amaryllis flower meaning:

"The Amaryllis means determination, beauty, and love. The Victorians associated amaryllis with strength and determination because of their height and sturdiness." 

Red Amaryllis ~ Macro photo of the pollen on the anther ~

I am sure I will be posting more photos of my wonderful Amaryllis flowers!!



Thank you for taking a look at my photos and reading my blog. If you have any suggestions or ideas of what kinds of photos I should add to my challenge, I would love to hear from you!  



Thank you for taking a peek!


Until tomorrow!

Jewels 

 "Let us live like flowers,

wild and beautiful and

drenched in sun. 

(E.E.)