the dispatch of a nine patch...

We've just had our first 'big blow' of the season!

Three inches of snow was just the right amount for a beautiful blanket on the fields, and the bright sun made it extra pretty!

Lots of mysterious animal tracks...

...and the not-so-mysterious.  Here's Leonidas, coming in from the fields for his morning treat.

I love seeing the birds...

...and the horses.

The skies have been gorgeous!

It was the perfect time to finish a quilt, and I did...although the top was completed when we still lived in South Carolina.  It's a very simple nine patch called HOPSCOTCH with a slightly updated version of 1930s fabric.

It's quilted with a simple diagonal.

This is the best job I've ever done with finishing a quilt, and it's all thanks to my new sewing machine.  It's so much easier to work in 11 inches of space, rather than 5.  My shoulders are very grateful!

The cats have been staying warm, too, in their very own beds...

...or anywhere else where they can snuggle in.

Total opportunists.  :)  

Have a great week!

winter wonderland

It got cold!  Frosty windows, frozen ground.

Then, the unbelievable.  We had snow!  Just an inch, but...snow!!

Birds swarmed the feeders...

...and called from tree branches, seemingly impervious to the snow.

Our turkeys came out to play.

They left perfectly-formed arrow tracks in the snow.

Squirrels were out, digging up caches...

...and leaving their marks as well.

Some not-so-wild animals had fun, too!

The snow only lasted a day, but the cold persisted for a little while.  We saw beautiful ice at Lake Conestee this past weekend.

It really reflected the blue of the sky in places.

Air bubbles trapped under the ice!  A rare sight in South Carolina. 

The snow was melted by then, except in a few deep shady places, where heavy frost could also be seen.  I love it!

And, in keeping with the 'snow' theme, I made a simple chocolate loaf cake for a friend passing through town, covered only with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

It's Smitten Kitchen's Everyday Chocolate Cake and so good...one bowl, no fuss, and lovely velvety texture and deep chocolate flavor.  Perfect for a chilly January day.

Have a great week!