Friday, January 28, 2011

Bring On Spring!

We were hit with another nor’easter yesterday.  Snow and howling winds and more snow.  It started yesterday morning as snow pellets and then after about a half hour, it changed into a full blown blizzard and didn’t stop until 10 p.m.  The snow plow finally cleared our road at midnight and left a mountain of snow…literally…at both ends of our circular driveway.  Bring on Spring!

These photos were taken yesterday…just before dusk.

The snow is piled halfway up the workshop doors.

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The backyard and barn.

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The driveway where I park my van in front of the other barn.

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Mr. Painted Quilt and Mac trying to shovel a pathway to the driveway.

Can you see the mail box to the right in the center of the picture?  That’s across the road…but the road has disappeared because it’s entirely filled in with snow!

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I think a snow blower might find it’s way home in the next couple of days. 

Bring on Spring!

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I received a nice surprise in the mail the other day from Stephanie.

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My very own mug rug made in Stephanie’s unique style.

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Thanks a million, Stephanie.  It’s already been put to use many times…and I haven’t even dribbled on it yet!

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My newest purchase from the Moose River Rug Hooking Studio…a Snapdragon hooking frame.

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I’m amazed at how much easier it is to hook on this frame and I’ve made more progress on my first rug.

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All the carpet, underpad and endless trash has been removed and is now residing at the dump.  It was our intention to pick up more paint yesterday but that didn’t happen due to the storm so our painting projects are in the ‘pause’ mode until we can get to the store.  That might not happen for a couple of days because I’m sure that’s how long it’ll take before we’re dug out.

Bring on Spring!

Kaaren ♥

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45 comments:

  1. Jenny's Place OnlineJanuary 28, 2011 at 6:21 AM

    Isn't it a shame we can't have a 'happy medium' when it comes to the weather...lol... At least what we have makes every day a nice surprise...apart from the cold and heat :))) Happy crafting, Jenny

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  2. Chookyblue......January 28, 2011 at 6:52 AM

    oh yes then temps could average out.........100F here today......I could meet you half way.......you sure have lots of snow.......

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  3. antique quilterJanuary 28, 2011 at 6:53 AM

    your new rug is looking great, I heard that you have to have a frame it just makes it so much easier. guess thats true!
    we were hit with that storm too another 20 inches in our yard, it looks so pretty. If it waits a few weeks to snow again I would be happy! Guess your going to make sure you have lots of things to do and be prepared for next winter after living here for your first winter!
    yes a snow blower needs to be purchased!
    Have a great day, hope your able to work on your hooked rug again today
    kathie

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  4. SiobhánJanuary 28, 2011 at 7:24 AM

    Oh my goodness!! At least all the snow is a good excuse to hunker down and create, right?! ;) I love your progress on your rug. Beautiful gift you received, too!

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  5. ElyteJanuary 28, 2011 at 7:29 AM

    From a distance that snow looks clean, cold and quite beautiful. We are facing 40 deg C (105F) on Sunday. What a contrast.
    So the frame means that you are hooked on hooking?

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  6. TudyJanuary 28, 2011 at 7:40 AM

    I agree where is spring. We also had more snow overnight. Not as much as you but still snow. My hubby loves his snowblower.

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  7. Abby and StephanieJanuary 28, 2011 at 8:05 AM

    Mother Nature isn't being kind this Winter. I'd be getting a riding snow blower if there is such a thing! If you're well stocked on provisions (food and crafting materials) then all is well. I love the name Snapdragon. Your rug is so pretty.

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  8. Sabrina @Falling Leaf Woodworkers and PrimitivesJanuary 28, 2011 at 8:34 AM

    Here in Maine, we got the light end of that storm, thank goodness, our snowbankings are so high... I am now counting the days til spring. Or as we call it here, Mudd season..LOL
    I love your new hooking frame, I guess that as I get started hooking that is an investment I should make, it seems that it makes hooking easier. Your rug is looking fabulous. Thank you for sharing your pictures

    Happy Friday
    Sabrina

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  9. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2011 at 9:09 AM

    So sweet of Stephanie....nothing like a package of warmth!! :-) I agree...I see a snow nlower in your very near future. YUCK....and I'm complalining?

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  10. pinsandneedlesJanuary 28, 2011 at 9:09 AM

    Agreed! Bring on Spring! We haven't had anywhere near the snow the east has but I really want to be done with the cold. Brrr.

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  11. onlymehereJanuary 28, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    Cute mug rug! Also, I'm really liking that rug. This is a hobby that I've never tried and it's fun to see what you're doing with it. Your poor aching back with all that shoveling. We bought a power shovel last year bz we knew we no longer had our boys here to help during those big snow storms. For our small driveway it works great but I can certainly see why you'd need a full blown snow blower for yours. I hope spring comes your way soon! Mine too!

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  12. KaHollyJanuary 28, 2011 at 9:34 AM

    The 'valley' does get hit the hardest with weather. It gets pretty hot there in the summer, too. I can't believe how quickly you picked up the rug hooking technique and made it your own!! Am loving your project. Stephanie is such a sweetie, isn't she? Her mugrug is adorable, as is all her work. Keep your chin up, spring is coming! ~karen

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  13. LoriJanuary 28, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    I do think a snowblower should be on the list!!

    Your rug is coming along so nicely!! So pretty!!

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  14. Linda - Behind My Red DoorJanuary 28, 2011 at 9:56 AM

    Yup looks like that here - sort of!! When I walk out of our garage, the snow banks on either side are much taller than me after 50 inches of snow in January alone. Don't know where anymore will go! And the snowblower died halfway through clean up yesterday. Poor hubby was exhausted hurling it so high and far by hand. Thankfully a new one comes on Tuesday!!

    So because of yet another storm and Audrey and I both having really nasty head colds, I have yet to be able to start my rug!!
    I am thinking I will be ordering a frame like that if I like hooking enough. Until I can cut wool though, I just won't know! LOL

    Stay warm and have fun hooking!HUGS

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  15. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2011 at 9:57 AM

    Good luck with all that snow. You got a great mug rug. I love Bliss fabric

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  16. BetsyJanuary 28, 2011 at 10:22 AM

    Oh my Kaaren, now that's a snow storm! I've just started rug hooking too and yours is looking really good.
    Have a great day and hope you stay safe and warm.
    Betsy

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  17. Robin CJanuary 28, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    Goodness Kaaren,

    how much snow do you have now? I guess you are going to be getting more this weekend. Did you have this much snow where you lived before? In Virginia if we get 5 inches it shuts everything down so with this much snow, I'd be stuck for a week.
    Good time to stay warm, make soup, read, nap and knit!

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  18. JocelynJanuary 28, 2011 at 12:00 PM

    WOW that's a LOT of snow! Even though I live in Florida, I am also ready for spring :-)

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  19. WoolenSailsJanuary 28, 2011 at 12:03 PM

    I think you got less snow than us, lol.
    I have definitely had enough.
    Using a good frame, makes all the difference.

    Debbie

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  20. DarleneJanuary 28, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    That's definitely a ton of snow!

    Since you're in pause mode then you can spend time hooking on your new frame.

    Stephanie's surprise is sweet. She's sweet!

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  21. AnnetteJanuary 28, 2011 at 12:15 PM

    Your snow is beautiful to look at...but I bet Nova Scotia is even more beautiful in Spring. I like your rug a lot!

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  22. Needled MomJanuary 28, 2011 at 12:19 PM

    It looks awfully pretty, but I am sure it is not easy to get around in it.

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  23. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2011 at 12:59 PM

    Kaaren Oooooooh, so much snow, AAAAB, it looks magical - from here, hihihi. Have fun with your new acquisition. Goldig your post was read ;-)))))) a great weekend wish you and your family, Christine

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  24. CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMSJanuary 28, 2011 at 1:21 PM

    Hello from Wintery Michgian. I see you are very busy making your new home yours. I have enjoyed seeing the progress. I thought NS was supposed to be a milder climate than Ontario. What is with all the snow I see. LOL Ya I agree bring on Spring. Hugs Judy

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  25. SueJanuary 28, 2011 at 1:44 PM

    So far your weather doesn't seem much like North Carolina! Good thing you have projects you can work on. :)

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  26. By Hoki QuiltsJanuary 28, 2011 at 2:33 PM

    Hi sweetie, look at the blizzard (as pretty as it looks)as natures way of giving you some R and R from the endless jobs you have been doing since the move.
    That new frame looks interesting, having never 'hooked' I'm really interested to see how it's used.
    keep warm honey
    Miche'le

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  27. DianeJanuary 28, 2011 at 3:03 PM

    Well it sounds and looks like your having quite an adventure! It looks beautiful. And I highly recommend a big snowblower....Mr Painted quilt will be grinning for a week (if he's anything like my hubby w/new toys: I mean "serious snow removing equipment!)
    that hooking frame looks quite impressive, I've had a feeling that it would be much easier with a frame. I think that's part of my problem with not keeping at my hook project-too clumsy trying to make the stitch and hold the hoop steady. I've been using a 14" Quilt hoop, which the directions gave as a way to do it.

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  28. SueJanuary 28, 2011 at 4:21 PM

    WOW.. that is quite the frame. Good job.... we got lots of snow also and have a very long driveway. We have a John Deere ride on mower that has a snowblower attachment... just the thing!!

    sue

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  29. JanetJanuary 28, 2011 at 5:14 PM

    You definitely need a snowblower! Feb and March are the worst of the winter months for snow around here, although with longer hours of sunshine and the sun higher now in the sky at noon - it tends to melt more quickly - maple syrup time is coming soon!
    Great little mug rug and what a nice hooking frame!
    Janet

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  30. Larkrise garden girlJanuary 28, 2011 at 6:00 PM

    That is a lot of snow!!! I can't believe all the snow your having. Were having great weather the last couple weeks in Southern California. My plants are thinking it's Spring, But come summer our water bills will be high!Cheri

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  31. SueBJanuary 28, 2011 at 7:56 PM

    I am with you Kaaren, come on spring. We also had snow yesterday. Your rug frame looks great as does your rug. Hang in there spring is only 51 days away.

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  32. SandiJanuary 28, 2011 at 8:49 PM

    I heard that Nova Scotia and the rest of the Maritimes was going to get hit with a bit storm yesterday, but that is ridiculous.

    Aren't you glad you have so much new stuff to do in your new home to keep you busy!

    I'm sure you would rather be out and about, but it does certainly look very preety Kaaren.

    Think of all the design inspiration it will bring you on those hot August days!

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  33. AllieJanuary 28, 2011 at 10:40 PM

    I think a snowblower is a must, Kaaren! Especially with the plows coming by - ours don't come by til we've already shoveled.
    I'm so in love with your frame, it looks like it means business, good for you! Your rug is looking gorgeous!

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  34. MichelleJanuary 29, 2011 at 12:23 AM

    I was just going to say when reading your comments of shoveling that you NEED a snow blower! Very pretty all that snow!

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  35. Surpresas do mar / cristiane nunesJanuary 29, 2011 at 1:23 AM

    ola, eu nunca vi neve de verdade, mas deve ser muito lindo como na foto.
    visite meu blog
    http://surpresasdomar.blogspot.com

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  36. Sue-AnneJanuary 29, 2011 at 1:48 AM

    Hi Kaaren, My goodness that is a lot of snow! It looks really pretty to me (living in Australia) but I bet it is quite a hindrance to live in. I hope Mac didn't get his feet cold.

    Your rug looks great, looking forward to seeing it finished.

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  37. HeartsdesireJanuary 29, 2011 at 2:21 PM

    Oh, I'm so glad I live on the west coast (tip of Vancouver Island). Even if they do call it the "wet coast." We have had some snow and cold temps, but mostly rain. Not to rub it in, but the snowdrops are blooming. I love your rug, it looks wonderful. And with all your snow, it's a good excuse to huddle inside and work on the rug. Happy hooking!

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  38. julieQJanuary 29, 2011 at 2:54 PM

    Amen! I am ready for spring too!! Although it is so pretty to look at!

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  39. SheilaJanuary 29, 2011 at 3:20 PM

    It looks like your area got hit a little harder than we did , we did get snow but not quite that much .Your new frame looks wonderful and I am sure you will have many hours of pleasure using it .

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  40. Mary on Lake PulaskiJanuary 29, 2011 at 10:17 PM

    Stay warm and safe Kaaren!

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  41. QuiltgalJanuary 29, 2011 at 10:43 PM

    Great photos of the snow! What a niefty Rug hooking gadget.

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  42. Rainbows in WoolJanuary 30, 2011 at 11:25 PM

    I so want one of those frames, and the time to make one of your pin cushions as well.

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  43. KimJanuary 31, 2011 at 12:11 PM

    A snow storm is sort of fun if we are warm and snug indoors. Looks like you really got pelted. I'm dreaming of springtime, too. Minnesota is the land of eternal snow fall, lol, with no end in sight. A very cheerful mug rug you have there and that rug hooking frame looks pretty serious - you must be hooked on hooking! :-D

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  44. HeatherJanuary 31, 2011 at 7:56 PM

    Yes! BRING ON SPRING! It looks like your place has about as much snow as our place in Alberta! Thank goodness for steel studded snow tires, a heavy duty shovel, and a neighbour with a snow blower! Also, that little cupcake is darling!

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  45. CandaceFebruary 2, 2011 at 10:08 PM

    Oh my goodness....and you were hoping to escape this by moving to N.S.!! I see Mac has put on quite the winter coat, but he's so brave to help with the shoveling! Love your hooking frame and the rug will be so cute!
    Cheers!

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