Project 365

It might be Arctic temp outside but we are fine in here!

2010-01-08T17:26:00.000-06:00

New Ohio Star quilt for Fridge

2010-01-07T21:45:00.000-06:00

Kole's Baby Blanket has held up well!

2010-01-01T11:48:00.001-06:00

Kenzie's bright color quilt

2010-01-01T11:41:00.001-06:00

Kassie's quilt test layout half

2010-01-01T11:38:00.000-06:00

Ben's red, white and black quilt

2010-01-01T11:37:00.000-06:00

Log Cabin quilt for couch

2010-01-01T11:36:00.001-06:00

Kaylia's Purple Quilt

2010-01-01T11:36:00.000-06:00

Thanskfiving refridgerator quilt

2010-01-01T11:35:00.000-06:00

Kassie's top sewn together

2010-01-01T11:34:00.002-06:00

Bourgue Surround quilt top

2010-01-01T11:34:00.001-06:00

Dustin's quilt top layout

2010-01-01T11:32:00.001-06:00

Christmas Cactus Table Runner

2010-01-01T11:32:00.000-06:00

Orange you glad I choose an Apple?

2009-03-22T13:57:00.000-05:00

Well, the diet continues. There's just something so clean about a nice green apple.

I'd like to buy a vowel

2009-03-21T10:54:00.000-05:00

I'm starting to collect letters to make up a photo alphabet. And of course... all good things start from the beginning. So, I give you the humble "A".

Orange you glad......

2009-03-17T11:18:00.001-05:00

that spring is close, that the depression is starting to lift, that you can pick any day to start a diet and that really good food usually looks good too!

Roof Lines

2009-03-16T11:04:00.001-05:00

I really enjoyed how the roof to my wishing well looked against the clear blue sky

Chicks and Carrots

2009-03-15T11:00:00.001-05:00

Some of my spring flower arrangements

Bathroom Mirror

2009-03-14T10:47:00.001-05:00

A snippet of the bathroom wall. I always like how the light plays with my antiques here.

Woodburner Finally Burning

2009-03-13T10:42:00.001-05:00

We finally brought the wood burning stove home from our shop in Joliet. She now has a home in Jord's old barn. We've use it for both heat and cooking. This little corner is filled with great smells all weekend long as I cook out. Its sort of become a little cabin for us. It's nice to have a place to go on 'retreat' to, even if it's only out back.

30 years

2008-08-30T09:29:00.002-05:00

Happy Anniversary Big Brother & Roe

Flower Boxes

2008-08-26T23:10:00.001-05:00

No Hassel Tassel

2008-08-25T23:09:00.001-05:00

Tea for Two

2008-08-24T10:47:00.000-05:00

Another of my antiques for Brig. This little pair sit atop my stove and bring a bit of whimsy.

Olympic Shawl

2008-08-23T10:46:00.001-05:00

I knit this during the Summer Ravelympic Olympics. Original design: Lacy Kerchief Scarf by Lisa Daehlin.

Do You Know the Muffin Man?

2008-08-22T10:44:00.000-05:00

I'm finally feeling like I can stand long enough to tackle some baking. Coffee Cake muffin anyone?

Cheery Cherry Tomatoes

2008-08-21T10:43:00.000-05:00

Picked a few of the cherry tomatoes today for lunch.

Coke Machine

2008-08-20T10:42:00.001-05:00

This sits on our entry mud room. It works great and reminds us of the days before coin operated became the norm. You pay the attendant and then open the door and pull out your soda.

Garden Rides for Free

2008-08-19T10:41:00.001-05:00

Room for One

2008-08-18T10:40:00.003-05:00

Butterfly

2008-08-17T10:39:00.001-05:00

Antiques in Real Life

2008-08-16T10:37:00.001-05:00

Dan converted this old treadle machine into an adorable planter with a copper insert.

Heavy Feeding

2008-08-15T10:36:00.001-05:00

You can tell fall is close when the birds in the fields out number the cattle.

Summer Rain

2008-08-14T15:17:00.001-05:00

We got a fast and heavy afternoon rain yesterday so I quickly snapped a few shots off through the window. This bright treatment came from Lightroom play. Hope you like it.

Progress on Day 3

2008-08-13T11:57:00.003-05:00

Yeah, knitting and pain meds aren't going as fast as I'd have hoped. But it going.

The Day After

2008-08-12T11:55:00.003-05:00

Had foot surgery on Monday on both feet. One has tube to an ice machine cooling device the other is cooled with a standard ice pack! But the knitting is going on.

Knitting the day before

2008-08-11T11:53:00.001-05:00

Watching the Olympics on Sunday and getting my knitting going! This is how the feet looked the day before!

Sunset Rays

2008-08-10T11:52:00.002-05:00

Sunday goes down with a great evening show!

Evening Glow

2008-08-09T11:50:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite moments in the evening are those few seconds when the sun peeks through the clouds and set a low shinning glow over the fields. It lights everything up like magic leaving some areas dark and some light. Saw this one heading home after a rainy picnic!

Fluffy Couds

2008-08-08T11:49:00.002-05:00

Tic Tac Moon

2008-08-07T11:48:00.002-05:00

Corn Rows

2008-08-06T11:46:00.001-05:00

Fields of Dreams

2008-08-05T11:45:00.000-05:00

Here in the midwest the fields of corn and soybeans go on and on as far as the eye can see.

Lightening Show

2008-08-04T11:44:00.001-05:00

One of the wildest storms we've had in a while!! Everything went wild black and then the lightening started. First time I've tried to grab the strikes!! Very happy to have gotten so many.

Sunset

2008-08-03T11:43:00.001-05:00

I happened to look into my rearview mirror Sunday and this sunset took my breath away.

Pipe Line

2008-08-02T11:41:00.001-05:00

Acres of pipes lay waiting to be installed in Sheridan, IL.

Yoga Moves

2008-08-01T17:03:00.003-05:00

Ok, so I've been taking Yoga classes for the past few weeks - and loving it! So when I went to do a sexy photoshot at www.sexysubaru.ca/ I couldn't help sharing the image I shot with you! Doesn't it remind you of Yoga?!?! If you visit the site make sure and share your image so we can compare.

Wonderful Sky

2008-07-31T09:23:00.000-05:00

Water Lily

2008-07-30T09:22:00.001-05:00

Bean

2008-07-29T09:20:00.002-05:00

Beanie at the park. Playing with different finishes.

Beauty Bug

2008-07-28T16:35:00.001-05:00

Normally we'd tag the trucker who parked here a litter bug. But it seems this road warrior loved Sunflower seeds as this small patch popped up all alone on the interstate ramp. Kind of like a modern day Johnny Appleseed!!

Crop Duster

2008-07-27T18:33:00.000-05:00

Alone and Horny

2008-07-26T12:43:00.001-05:00

We had a young couple move out of their little farmette last month. It was only about one and a half acres yet they decided a small barn and coral would add to it's country charm. They also added Bessy, this lone cow to grace the pasture. When they decided to 'give up' country life and return to the city they found Bessy unwelcome in town! So here she waits. We all take turns looking in on her and keeping her fed and watered. Its her horns that keep her from being adopted though. A hot and horny beast just isn't safe to add to an existing heard as she would undoubtedly end up goring one of the bulls as they tried to 'make friends". So - here she sits waiting to meet and greet potential home owners with a dream for the country life.

Morning Calm

2008-07-25T12:41:00.001-05:00

This early morning shoot of the Illinois River in Seneca, IL attests to the drop in temperature over night which brought on a lovely sun rise mist.

45 Feet Below

2008-07-24T12:40:00.001-05:00

They have begun construction of a new bridge to cross the Illinois River in Seneca, IL. This is my attempt to document the old one before it leaves.

Lily of the Field

2008-07-23T12:39:00.001-05:00

Walking the ridge this morning I found this one solitary Lily. It survived all the bull dozer's and equipment with a valiant attempt to grace the ridge with color!!

Black and White

2008-07-22T12:38:00.000-05:00

70 Plus

2008-07-21T16:49:00.002-05:00

As I was getting ready to leave the farm this morning we noticed a large storm approaching. I drove to the edge of the yard to get clear of the large trees. Anyway, this is what corn and beans look like with 70 MPH winds bending them low.

Crash Landing

2008-07-20T11:19:00.002-05:00

Queen Ann's Lace

2008-07-19T16:44:00.000-05:00

Hope you can handle one more!!

Queen Ann's Lace

2008-07-18T16:39:00.000-05:00

Dog? Where? Run!!

2008-07-17T16:41:00.002-05:00

Drive up

2008-07-16T16:43:00.000-05:00

One thing I LOVE about my library on Black Rd is the drive up!! I order books online, get an email when they are ready, and then drive up to collect them!! What a brave new world we live in!

Queen Ann's Lace

2008-07-15T16:45:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite wild flowers!!! Sorry for posting another one. I just keep seeing these on the ride home!

Room with a view

2008-07-14T16:47:00.000-05:00

This is the view to the south from my bedroom. I love the odd color before storms!

Shouldn't he be getting fatter soon?

2008-07-13T16:48:00.000-05:00

Leaves

2008-07-12T16:49:00.000-05:00

I just love finding leaf clusters.

Open Range

2008-07-11T16:51:00.000-05:00

Opening

2008-07-10T16:52:00.000-05:00

I really like how the trees act as giant gates into the next pasture

Money Honey

2008-07-09T17:00:00.001-05:00

I don't even know the name of this field weed. I do remember that growing up, we would gather the 'grains" along spiral and use it as play money.

They've Grown!!

2008-07-08T17:01:00.002-05:00

As the new fronds start to grow they begin to unfurl the tiny leaves. I love the spirally hearts it creates.

Baby Blue

2008-07-07T16:58:00.000-05:00

This were growing in my way and I needed to mow them down! What a shame!!

Green River

2008-07-06T16:56:00.000-05:00

I love the dark stones along this creek edge.

Rain

2008-07-05T16:55:00.000-05:00

Clover Bee

2008-07-04T16:54:00.000-05:00

Ahhh... must be summer when the clover begins to draw the bees.

Abandoned

2008-07-03T16:37:00.000-05:00

This old road sign sits along I-80 but is a bit too far back to be seen well. So it's just been abandoned

Natural Essense

2008-07-02T16:37:00.001-05:00

Another favorite spot to stop and mediate in the morning. The edges are covered with Wheat and Clover!! Smells great when the sun is on it.!

Linera Study

2008-07-01T16:34:00.002-05:00

A Storm is fast approaching causing the light to cast deep shadows and odd light.

One Day Free

2008-06-30T16:32:00.001-05:00

Yup, I've done it!! I've dropped my interstate speed to 58. My commute is about 50 miles each way. I've ended up saving enough in fuel to drive an extra day each week for free. I've also collected a group of "eco-minded" folks each day. We sort of make our own caravan - with "NO PASSING" being the rule!

Birthday Party

2008-06-29T16:29:00.003-05:00

I made this up for my mother-in-laws party after the style of the new fruit bouquet shops popping up around the area.

One of the nephews trying his hand at dinner during the birthday party.

Stately Pair

2008-06-28T16:27:00.001-05:00

The Midwest needs more swans!! These reside in a lonely highway pond. The kind dug out to provide enough new dirt for the over passes.

Finally New Fronds

2008-06-27T16:22:00.002-05:00

I have this odd little plant at the office that looks something like a small pineapple that grows long spiny fronds but is planted in a pot of rocks that are all glued solid. About once a year it starts to look sick and the three or four fronds dry up and turn yellow. I finally cut them off and wait for several weeks in worry. Finally (sigh) new growth begins.

Hot Rod

2008-06-26T16:20:00.002-05:00

Cooky Cutters

2008-06-25T16:19:00.001-05:00

It not very common to see these type of homes in our area. All the same and every door matching.

Sticks and Stones

2008-06-24T16:17:00.001-05:00

Spotted this wall made of small fist sized common stones. Itwas about 10 yards long.

Fawn

2008-06-23T16:15:00.003-05:00

I love finding quiet places for reflection and meditation in the morning. Here is a colorful favorite spot. And yes, this is a green covered stream in Channahon, IL and it is a real fawn. I though it looked like a museum piece too, but it IS REAL!

Cloud Dreams

2008-06-22T16:14:00.000-05:00

Sun helps it grow

2008-06-21T16:12:00.001-05:00

There are days when the weather is just right where you can almost hear the corn grow!

Watching abundance grow

2008-06-20T16:11:00.000-05:00

I caught another shoot of the moon this cycle. This time she's looking over the abundance of packed barns.

One More Moon

2008-06-19T16:09:00.000-05:00

One more good moon before the corn starts to dry

BIG & little

2008-06-18T16:08:00.003-05:00

The big boys are field corn, used in food production and feed. The little guys are sweet corn eaten on or off the cob.

Sun Rays

2008-06-17T16:05:00.001-05:00

Remember when you were a kid and drew the sun with those rays shooting off around the edges? I guess it really does happen like that sometimes!

Couscous Salad

2008-06-16T16:03:00.000-05:00

A great salad for a summery day, filling and delicious!!

5 oz. Couscous
3-4 Cups water, boiling
3/4 Cup Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)
1 Red Bell Pepper, roasted, peeled and chopped
1/3 Cup Black olives, pitted and cut in halve
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
3 Tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
Salt, to taste
Pepper, freshly ground to taste
5-6 Lettuce Leaves

Add the couscous to the boiling water. Cover and let stand off heat for 2 minutes. Drain the excess water off and place in a dish. Add chickpeas, bell pepper, olives, onions and mint. Toss the ingredients with the olive oil and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Serve on lettuce leaves with freshly toasted pita or tortilla. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Makes 4 servings.

Garden & Ecology

2008-06-15T09:50:00.002-05:00

The raised beds help save water and help make it easy to move through the garden. Cedar mulch both reduces weeds and garden bugs (a very good thing). The straw beyond the fence is the melon patch and it also reduces water loss and weeds plus provides a nice soft dry spot for tender melons to grow. Beyond the hay field you will see the wind turbines. What a great way to harness power from without ripping up the earth and leaving behind toxic waste. Please note the storm fast approaching. I was about 10 minutes from a real whopper.

Summer Camp Badges

2008-06-14T16:02:00.000-05:00

OK, I'll be out for a few weeks.. but thought you might like to see the badges I dreamed up for the summer camp project. Two months of photography fun!!

Stove Collector

2008-06-13T11:32:00.002-05:00

This antique stove sits in the back room of my shop. It's not hooked up but instead serves as a storage area. It's a combination Moore Stove that can be run on wood or gas. One thing most people don't know about me is that I collect stoves. There are three more at home.

Mazon Watertower

2008-06-12T11:36:00.002-05:00

This lovely old tower sits in Mazon,IL and looks just like the kind model builders put on Toy Train layouts.

Who Knew??

2008-06-11T11:34:00.000-05:00

Remember the image I had last week of the truck cab For Sale along side the road? Well, it sat out in the ran all weekend and when I drove by this morning look what it had grown up into!! Not quiet so fuel efficient, but a pretty neat trick for sure! Who knew it was even possible?

Where the Angels Tipped their wings

2008-06-10T13:14:00.002-05:00

"And the sunset paints the mountains....... Where the Angels Tipped their wings" This great wing-shaped cloud formation reminded me of these line from the cowboy poet Ron Brinegar

Storm Front

2008-06-09T13:12:00.001-05:00

This huge storm front took almost 30 minutes to roll across the sky. It felt like a whale churning in and out of its self and I felt so small. You can see the rain falling out in the distance. The size and power of nature humbles me. I just stood here in complete awe and wonder. This is three images merged to capture its full size.