Lilac Interference

It just poured yesterday afternoon and evening and we had no internet connection. This happens often with heavy rain as it affect the signal to and from our satellite dish. But this morning it was clear and sunny and still no signal. So Joel went up on the roof and discovered that the flowers on the lilac bush next to the studio roof had gotten so heavy with rain water that they had fallen down in front of the dish. So now I have a lovely bouquet of my favorite dark purple lilacs in the house and we are back in communication.

Finished Rugs

Well, the dark grey rugs are off the loom, fringes tied and tags applied. This one is actually in my Etsy store. The weaving is the fast and fun part of production. Then there is all this finish work to be done before any of my products go before the public. Phew.

Birch Tree Garden

One of my favorite little garden spots on the farm is under our big birch tree. This huge tree is one of several huge trees that are part of the original farm of 100 years ago. Under this tree I have planted bulbs and they bloom through a really lovely succession in the spring.

First are the snowdrops. They appear out of the dead grass in February and make a white carpet under the tree.
Next are the daffodils and grape hyacinths.
And now the bluebells. All the other flowers have died back and it is a carpet of blue. We carefully mow around the area until all the bulb leaves have died down so as not to ruin the prospects of the repeat of the display next year.

Dark Grey Rugs

I finally finished the second group of wool rugs. The wool for these varies from a very dark brown, almost black to dark greys flecked with tan or brown. I love the colors. The really dark fleeces come from the first shearing of the black lambs. Most sheep's wool turns grey after that first shearing so those really dark colors are in short supply.
Now to get the fringes knotted and the hems hemmed and wash them all. I hope to have some of these dark ones and some of the lighter greys from the previous warp ready for market this weekend.

Baby Pictures

So what do new Grandmas do but share baby pictures. So here is Charlotte Hope with her big sister Iris May, mom, Marilla, and dad, Jay. I can't wait to see this young lady in person.

Flower Seedlings

I spent yesterday and today planting out little flower seedlings. On the cart are three flats of asters and two of tall, single stemmed stocks. Today I planted three flats of statice. The weather has been great for transplanting, cloudy all day and now, this evening it is raining. All the little plants will be so grateful.

Market Customers and a New Baby

Another great market day as Lucy with her armful of napini and purple sprouting broccoli can attest.

BULLETIN: We have a baby. Daughter Marilla, gave birth to her second daughter and my fourth granddaughter, Charlotte Hope last evening. Pictures will follow when I get some.