About this Blog: Bread making recipes, knit and crochet projects, wood working, gardening, digital imaging, travel, cruise ships, Labrador Retrievers, and more....

About the Header Image: Idlebrook Wendy Darling Evensen "Wendy" one of our four Labrador Retrievers.

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Saturday, March 22, 2025

Ivy in the Trees

 Good morning,

This very hardy ivy is growing in most areas of our property.  It was here when we came nearly 46 years ago and I'm glad to have it.  I have rooted and replanted pieces of it as I've wanted to move it to new areas;  I've also pulled it out of areas where I didn't want it to be.  It has always been very cooperative.

In the image it is climbing on a tree near the back of our property.  It is also growing on and partially covering the retaining wall at the back of our property.  I'm going to encourage it to completely cover the wall now that we have removed most of the Honeysuckle Bushes along the back.  I love the aroma of Honeysuckle, but the bushes have minds of their own and are hard to keep contained.  

Spring!  It's so great to have things growing again!

What's growing in your garden?

All the best,

Lois

Friday, March 21, 2025

Storm Clouds

 Good morning,

We've had some tremendous swings in the weather here the last couple of months.  We can have a 50 F degree swing in temperatures in just 24 hours.

We can have beautiful sunny days, followed by terrible storms.

We are lucky we haven't had the worst storms here.  Those who have experienced the terrible storms across the country are in our prayers.

All the best,

Lois

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Needlework and Wood Working Update - March, 2025

 Good morning,

 Welcome to this month's Needlework and Wood Working Update.  I'm back to shades of blue and green to start the month.  I love these calming colors.  The New Large Afghan Blanket above is a great size for your couch, chair, recliner, or bed.  $185.  Only one available.  More images and information here.

 And, I continue to stock Cloche Hats that can also be used as Chemo Caps.  There are dozens of them available to ship now here.  From $8.

 I'm always working into the future so am already thinking about Fall.  Here's a Shades of Brown on the Diagonal Scarf that will be a stunning fashion statement when the weather turns chilly once again. $40. Only one available here

 And, here is a matching Slouch Hat.  $40.  More information and images are here

Kjell has been marking time in his workshop and man cave!  He's been making beautiful clocks that are so much fun to watch as they tick away the seconds and minutes.  This one will stay in his man cave (our recreation room).  Very cool, Honey!

 Kjell has many wood items ready to ship in the shop.  See them all here.

So, that's the Update for this month. 

We sincerely appreciate your likes, shares, pins, favorites, comments, and purchases, too, since we opened our shop in 2011.  This has been and continues to be a fantastic retirement project for us to enjoy what we do and offer it for others to enjoy, too.  We invite you to see the entire shop here.

All the very best,

Lois

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Daffs in Bloom!

 Good morning,

And, here they are!  The Daffs have bloomed along the sidewalk in front of our home.

These are King Alfred Daffodils.  We have several different kinds that bloom at different time.  I love that because from here into the Summer, something will always be in bloom.

Enjoy!

Lois

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Shiny Erik in the Sun

 Good morning,

Here's our sweet Erik enjoying some time in the sun.  

Erik will be 16 years old on April 4 and he is now really feeling his age.  I'm so glad the March weather has provided some warm days so he can enjoy being outside in the sun.  This was a suddenly-warm day after weeks of cold and snow.

All the best,

Lois

Monday, March 17, 2025

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

 Happy St. Patrick's Day
From Elsa and all the rest of us in the
Evensen Household!

Sunday, March 16, 2025

Daffodils Arriving Soon!

 Good morning,

I'm so happy to see these Daffs ready to bloom!  They are next to our front walk and provide a bouquet of beautiful color every Spring.

What's blooming in your garden?

All the best,

Lois