tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84609476290011238862012-01-24T16:31:35.243-05:00A glimpse into the life of a passionate gardener and avid quilter...Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.comBlogger371100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-49930352235422936162011-04-18T08:28:00.001-04:002011-04-18T08:31:00.709-04:00

If there is such a thing as reincarnation, I want to come back as my dog.  That is all. Cheers, Donna

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-7334519583341129382011-04-18T07:51:00.002-04:002011-04-18T08:33:22.021-04:00

I cook.  A lot.  I've been told I'm a heck of a good cook.  That makes me feel good because it's something I love to do (most of the time.)  It would be crummy if I loved to cook but wasn't any good at it. I also have active teenage sons with voracious appetites.  It's an unpaid part-time job just to keep them fed.  I love that job.  Last Saturday, I was again fortunate enough to purchase a load

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-46572395695465562332011-04-15T08:48:00.004-04:002011-04-18T06:43:47.064-04:00

My seed starting is well underway, and for me, it's a very exciting and hopeful thing.  It truly is a little miracle to put a seed in some soil, give it light and water, and watch the magic.  Life.  Food.  A little bit of the Heavenlies here on earth.  I've got seven varieties of peppers coming along.  Golden Marconi, Emerald Giant Bell, Tam and Coyame Jalapenos, Hungarian Hot Wax, Pepperoncini

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-58909969114343409302011-04-14T16:57:00.002-04:002011-04-18T06:43:01.023-04:00

When I'm working on a lot of repetitive patchwork that needs pressing in between stitching, it sure is convenient to have your iron nearby.  I also have some persnickety joints in my back and they do not appreciate me leaning at cattywampus angles to accomplish the task.  Sooo, I took my chiropractor's advice and made this little sidekick as a solution.     For my first test subject, I purchased

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-34210338651829077192011-04-13T08:35:00.003-04:002011-04-18T06:43:20.621-04:00

I just had to share this booty of treasure.  As a quilter, there is little more intoxicating than a quilt shop.  Yesterday, I went to Ohio with some dear quilting friends for a day of shopping and, well, mostly laughing.  Two and a half hours of driving each way (not done by me...great job, Janice!) to visit five quilt shops and the most awesome hardware store on earth.  Deep in the heart of

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-89591681684004951632011-02-10T19:15:00.005-05:002011-04-13T12:10:56.256-04:00

I've been making my own laundry soap for about 2 years now.  A friend sent me an e-mail about it and I gave it a whirl.  It's cheap, gentle on my clothes, leaves them fresh and clean and I can make 5 gallons worth in about 5 minutes or less.  Here's how I did it today... There are only four basic ingredients.  Borax, washing soda, soap and water.  I also add a little fragrance oil, but that's

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-70678795926590080982011-02-08T16:14:00.001-05:002011-02-08T21:03:01.778-05:00

Twelve days ago, the Bug From Hell invaded my house.  Nine days ago, it invaded me.  In the since time, being greatly sidelined by a nasty asthma flare-up, I've gone virtually nowhere with one exception.  My husband packed me up and took me to my in-laws house to watch the first half of the Super Bowl.  The getting ready and 15 minute ride exhausted me. The Candy Man came through (in the form

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-44699778441295783622011-01-26T20:06:00.000-05:002011-01-26T20:06:12.720-05:00

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-8022286107995562332011-01-25T19:19:00.002-05:002011-01-27T22:07:23.439-05:00

I have the most wonderful memories of growing up with my mother's homemade rolls.  Walking in the door after school and smelling a table full of her sandwich buns fresh out of the oven could turn any bad day into a terrific one.  It was even better when she'd take that same dough and make cinnamon rolls.  Oh, my eyes mist over with the heady memories.   I don't remember a store bought roll or

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-77299881366933851812011-01-19T11:25:00.000-05:002011-01-19T11:25:13.537-05:00

It's a wonder what a little shoe box can hold.  Especially when the box's contents are scraps of fabrics saved long ago by the quilting grandmother of a friend.  (Thanks Lenna & Kevin!)  I received this box one morning a few months ago and opened it up later that afternoon in the short while before I was to start cooking dinner.  That was a mistake.  We ate quite late that night. Inside were

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-70478248863229751902010-05-04T12:07:00.001-04:002010-05-04T12:08:02.471-04:00

It's building.  That pressure of way too much to do and not enough time to do it in.  I know it afflicts everyone now and again, and I don't know a mom right now that doesn't have it.  Or a gardener for that matter.  I have no pictures today.  If I don't hit the 'publish' button, it might never happen at all. I know, I know, "If you have so much to do, then why are you blogging?" you ask.  Well

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-41228769487533651462010-04-01T15:21:00.000-04:002010-04-01T15:21:50.568-04:00

Forsythia, oh how I love thee.  Well, for at least about 3 weeks in early spring, after that I'm glad it's 300 ft. away in the back of the yard.  But it the meantime, it was lovely today... Cheers, D.

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-24577227143112263752010-04-01T09:04:00.002-04:002010-04-22T07:40:16.762-04:00

Here in my Pennsylvania garden, spring has finally spring, full force.  I was desperate for some greenery the other day and went in search of something blooming.  Now, many other bloggers post photos of their fabulous daffodils, hellebores, narcissus, and snow drops.  But not me.  I'm taking the more original route.  (Confession:  A number of years ago, my sister and I dug up many of the

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-6354082642674299302010-03-29T20:15:00.002-04:002010-04-01T08:21:45.330-04:00

A beast has been scratching the barn door. I soon realize the beast is our big dog girl. It quickly became apparent that there is something of great interest under the barn ramp.Likely something small, warm and fuzzy.  It makes little squeaky sounds. She can hear them. She can almost, but not quite, suck them up through the floor boards. Such torture, she can almost taste them!But (thank

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-20302619215873206942010-03-19T08:46:00.004-04:002010-03-19T11:15:37.797-04:00

I belong to a lovely online group of quilters (Hi Lally girls!) They are more like a circle of friends from all over the world than hard-core quilters, and that's a good thing.  I realize that some would laugh at the term "hard-core quilter", but trust me, there are some out there.  ;-)  *shiver* We are currently having a calendar BOM exchange.  There are 12 of us participating.  Each month, we

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-75893467279643305132010-03-18T14:03:00.000-04:002010-03-18T14:03:56.425-04:00

It's been far too long since I've been able to post.  My blog got its britches in a bunch with its layout and my sweet friend and blogger extraordinaire, Marcie of IamMarcie's Place, unbunched it properly.  I promise to never attempt the wilds of downloading a new layout without proper hand holding again. With a new lease on blogging life after so long without, I found myself unable to think up

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-41385266281637336082009-11-14T23:22:00.000-05:002009-11-14T23:22:45.876-05:00

You'll have to be patient with this blog, as I'm trying to be patient with Blogger.  I tried to do a facelift on my blog and all is goofed up. Layout problems abound.  *sigh* -Donna

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-74754226108061080182009-11-13T09:36:00.004-05:002009-11-13T10:02:45.791-05:00

It might be tacky to post more than once a day, but I'm catching up on my QOV show...Once I got my garden to bed a couple of weeks ago, I started quilting. I can't seem to start on any project for myself without making a QOV first. I leafed through a few ideas and this one struck me. I loved this RailRoad Crossing quilt. Vivid and manly, hopefully a soldier will enjoy it.I've been cutting a 1 1/2

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-69206512104180489662009-11-13T07:28:00.004-05:002009-11-13T08:01:29.455-05:00

Hello today...Continuing with my QOV show, here are numbers 5 and 6, made last winter. This snowball variation entitiled "Shooting Stars" is one of my favorites. It's a scrap quilt, which always pulls at my heartstrings to begin with. The narrow half square triangle borders are made from the lopped off leftovers from piecing the snowball blocks from a large square and two small squares. I

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-83185233078956345372009-11-12T08:41:00.003-05:002009-11-13T07:29:18.420-05:00

More QOV's with a little help from my friends. A couple of years ago, Daisy in Louisiana made these Log Cabin blocks that I turned into a quilt for a wounded warrior. And Tooki in New Zealand made these Nine Patch blocks. It was a lot of fun turning these well pieced blocks from both of these friends into QOV's. Love ya, girls. Here are their presentation cases. Cheers,Donna

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-44163579141547003812009-11-12T08:00:00.009-05:002009-11-13T07:29:44.167-05:00

Some of you may not be aware that I garden all spring and summer and sew all fall and winter. Mostly I quilt, but I also make costumes for our French & Indian War living history hobby and misc. curtains and such.My main quilt focus for the last few years has been Quilts of Valor. I make quilts for our wounded warriors. I've been an Army wife for 22 years and have a soft spot for soldiers. :-) I

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-46544480990332700202009-11-04T08:46:00.001-05:002009-11-04T08:50:18.257-05:00

I know, I know, it's been far too long since I've posted. And I've missed it terribly. Between some very busy family time, then a long stretch with a defunct camera, blogging has fallen away from me. But it's been in my mind the whole time. So enough talk of all that, I'm jumping back in, even though my camera is still broken and I'm making the point n' shoot span the gap. Good pictures may not

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-84625045855008688872009-07-31T17:20:00.009-04:002009-08-02T08:57:14.836-04:00

As promised, albeit almost too late to remember, is the progressive continuation of the evolution of my greenhouse. I left off with it's exterior construction. You can read more about that in an earlier post here.We (Hunky Man, Jr. Hunky Man and myself encouraging cheerily) got the windows in just before the snow fell in November and we started working on it again in March. The bricks you see

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-41994459877240079212009-07-15T18:11:00.004-04:002009-07-15T18:47:30.106-04:00

So I noticed all the hip garden bloggers are participating in Bloom Day. Having no idea what it really was, but not wanting to be left out, I did some Googling and I'm getting myself in on the action.Bloom Day (as far as I understand it) is the 15th of the month and garden bloggers post photos of what's blooming in their gardens. (Gads, I hope I don't have to be licensed or pre-approved...I'm

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-78202600530055571122009-07-14T13:19:00.008-04:002009-07-14T19:13:37.959-04:00

I am blissfully alone this week. My menfolk are yucking it up at Scout Camp and I'm thoroughly enjoying my breather from the Men's Club. Don't get me wrong, I love them to death and all that, but a girl truly can die (at least on the inside, anyway) from environmental testosterone poisoning. A break from one another is always a good thing. Just not too long of a break.Anyway, I'm refreshing my

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-59151389993882945372009-07-08T14:43:00.003-04:002009-07-14T09:15:32.694-04:00

The travellers have returned from their summer jaunt. We deposited our eldest at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico (where he had a fantastic time) and took off on our week long exploration of New Mexico and Arizona. Here are just a few highlights.We rented this RV, which we affectionately called the "Desert Buggy." 25' long and slept five, but two adults and a twelve year old filled it to the

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-75390722342965627322009-06-23T14:51:00.007-04:002009-06-23T22:23:59.420-04:00

I stood at my new garden gate and snapped a few photos last week. Things are so much bigger now. What a difference a week makes! (Especially when you've got sunny days after 4" of rain.) I planted my garden late due to the construction and painting of the fence. So, no onions or sugar snap peas this year. Starting at the left of the garden, I have two small rows of corn. Peaches and Cream

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-49761374458739839382009-06-23T11:37:00.008-04:002009-06-23T13:20:15.380-04:00

So here we are in the third week of June already. *sigh* I love June. It's that delicious spot right between spring and high summer. My blood has finally and thoroughly warmed up and I believe in my heart that the nice weather will stay and snow flurries won't be flying tomorrow. I still have months of fabulous summer to go. I have the promise of tomatoes and fresh beans and corn on the cob, with

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-59482818172429462792009-06-21T23:36:00.002-04:002009-06-21T23:45:40.467-04:00

Do I look like a proud mama? I should because I am! My son has earned his Eagle Scout rank after many months of hard work and several years working his way up in Scouting. We had his promotion ceremony two weeks ago followed by a party at our house. What a fun day it was. Lots of food, good music, and a house and garden full of people. Everyone seemed to have a good time, especially Brad,

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-61983285281506113502009-06-21T22:30:00.010-04:002009-06-21T23:35:20.790-04:00

I've been meaning to tell my greenhouse's story, so now is a good time. My birthday is in April. For several years, my husband asked if I'd like him to build me a greenhouse or garden shed. Feeling indulgent (but all the while really wanting one,) I said no. So last year (2008) he asked again and I finally said yes. He said, "Well, good, because I was going to build it anyway." :-)We went to

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-11560411565736573802009-04-08T09:25:00.005-04:002009-04-08T09:32:06.665-04:00

I just had to share this shot. My little guy and his best friend were occupying themselves by terrorizing passing neighbors. Somehow, I don't think their camouflage worked and the neighbors still knew who the ruffians were.Yes, those are evergreen boughs on their faces. They were hiding up in the evergreen tree behind them. Maybe I should stick with the beef this week, they could use some beefing

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-87137021688226089582009-04-08T07:21:00.006-04:002009-04-08T08:25:31.064-04:00

A mom's ever present dilemma and a kids constant question: "What's for dinner?" I keep an old chalkboard on the bathroom wall. It's a handy place for messages and jokes. Last week, up shows a dinner request list on the board written in young hand. Last night it was updated:Wed: Shepard's PieThur: LasagnaFri: BurgersSat: Meatloaf (non-chuncky)Think the kid likes beef? Notice mashed potatoes are

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-10161352697725999702009-04-07T14:29:00.003-04:002009-04-07T15:13:13.271-04:00

Lately I've been feeling pressure. It's almost entirely self-induced. True gardeners, (people like me, who think about plants all the time and bore other people to tears who actually posess the ability think about other things once the ground begins to thaw) feel this way on occasion. My mind has been a whirl of things to do, things that are of the utmost priority for me, and sadly, of no

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-80660159942248476602009-04-01T07:15:00.005-04:002009-04-01T07:48:20.062-04:00

So, it's the time of year for cleaning up the garden after some winter weather abuse. Yesterday was a drop-dead gorgeous day, clear blue and 60-some degrees. Mostly working in my rear perennial and herb beds, I cut down the dead plants that I left for the birds (ooh, that sounds like a bad offering, I left some seed heads up for the birds to eat.)We have four Pin Oak trees that deposit their

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-11691407682491615612009-03-26T07:05:00.014-04:002009-04-08T10:04:29.582-04:00

It's the beginning of spring here in Pennsylvania. The earth is waking up and tiny bits of green are poking through the ground, reassuring me of things to come. If you've never spent time in Pennsylvania in winter, it can be very gray. But I love it here. It is my home. We have the blessing of four fabulous seasons, but none for too long. (Except those pesky gray skies hang around too long.)I've

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-4716353319871908862009-03-25T18:14:00.003-04:002009-03-25T18:23:09.761-04:00

I belong to this great group of online quilter friends from all over the world (hi LQ!) and we exchange quilt blocks every now and then. We exchanged Nine Patch blocks made of homespun fabric and I've just finished my quilt. Here 'tis.I bordered each block in a simple gray tiny check, sashed it all in a buttery twill stripe, then bordered it all around in the gray check. I machine embroidered

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8460947629001123886.post-32947007139394373102009-01-21T15:18:00.004-05:002009-01-21T15:23:51.281-05:00

In the beginning... God created Donna... and she needed to blog...Hi Everyone and Welcome!I couldn't resist jumping on the cyber bandwagon. Something inside me said, "Blog, baby, blog." I love the idea of a blog. A place to express myself where family and friends can catch up with me and I can make some new friends in the process. Really, just a place to show my view of the world and a view

Contrary Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02944537745937525825noreply@blogger.com1