turkey feathers

VERMONT - Red Clover

 
Well.  I finally got this one done.  It was SO nice to pick up my needle again!  I'm starting on the Black-Eye Susan (for Maryland) next.  In fact, I just stamped the next eight blocks and am ready to get busy stitching on them again. 

 

This is an interesting little flower. When I consulted the 'Language of the Flowers' for RED CLOVER, it was designated 'Industry'.  I'm not really sure what sort of message that sends in a tussie-mussie, but it is an interesting little tidbit!  I'm often intrigued by some of the old customs.  Did you know that the very first flower dictionary was written in France by Charlotte de la Tour in 1818, prior to the Victorian era?  It was called, "Le Languages des Fleurs".  In 1879, this work was followed up by a Miss Carruthers, and it soon became the standard for flower symbolism; also called 'floriography' or the practice of assigning meanings to flowers. 

 

Now back in the day, this was done mainly to express feelings within the boundaries of a strict etiquette, and was mostly practiced between "sweethearts" as a means of communication.

A secret language, so to speak. 

My favorite version is delicately illustrated by Kate Greenaway, depicting fair maidens, love and friendship, mothers and children, all in a framework of watercolor flowers.  It's an old book that gets republished from time to time.  I borrowed these pictures from this 1970's version . 

 
It is possible that the 'National Garland of Flowers' project of 1893 may have  been inspired by all this sweet talk about flowers and their meanings.  The state of Vermont at that time, was certainly eager to adopt a state flower that would uniquely represent their state, and the following year a concurrent resolution was introduced in the Vermont House.  A special committee took the matter under consideration and citizens campaigned for their favorites.  Among the contenders were the buttercup, mayflower, arbutus, and posy, but when all the votes were counted, the red clover won the day as the farmer's choice and favorite.

 
The Vermont Secretary of State proclaimed it to be, "Both an integral part of many cultivated hay field and a common sight along numerous Vermont roadsides, the Red Clover is symbolic of Vermont's scenic countryside generally, and of its dairy farms in particular.  Oddly enough, however, 'Trifolium pratense' is not a native of Vermont, but was naturalized from Europe."  On November 9, 1884 the Red Clover was officially adopted as the state flower, and became effective on February 1st, the following year.

I found out some interesting facts about Red Clover.  It's sometimes called "cow grass" or pa-vine clover.  It's a perennial herb in the legume family that can be found growing wild in meadows throughout parts of the U.S., as well as Europe and Asia.  Single plants can reach a height of up to three feet tall and survive up to three years, acting more like a biennial in some regions.  Seeds grow quickly in moist soil, but the mature plant is drought resistant.  The flowers contain medicinal properties and are usually dried for therapeutic use to treat a variety of ailments such as psoriasis, upper respiratory tract problems, and cancerous tumors.  The leaves are edible and nutritious, high in fiber, and contain a rich source of isoflavens.  So it's not just another "pretty face", but one with tremendous value to the land, animals, and people. 

 

DMC COLORS:  This flower ranges in color from pale pink to a true red.  Here's a nice photo of what they actually look like.  I used dark pink #601 for petals; and true green #702 for the leaves; color yours the way you like.

NOTES: Images should be 4 x 4 to fit a 6.5" quilt block.  This allows for a 1/4" seam allowance and a finished block that is 6 x 6-inches.  To get the image:  RIGHT CLICK to save it as a file, or for the size options; LEFT CLICK on the image (to flickr) and choose the 'all sizes' option link.  If you are visiting my blog for the first time, and/or just starting this project, you can download the original stitch guide and color chart here as a PDF:

STATE FLOWER QUILT DIRECTIONS

 
Alright then.  Stitch-On ladies!

 

Packing it Up

 
I forgot the name of the movie I got this picture from, maybe you've seen it. Thelma Ritter plays the hired housekeeper of a newlywed couple, but the wife (Gene Tierny) doesn't know she's her husband's mother and all sorts of comical mishaps and misunderstandings ensue.  I couldn't help noticing that stove, it's exactly like the one my mom had when I was growing up.  The kind with the pancake griddle right in the middle.  I wish they'd bring those back, don't you? 

Well, now.  The lovely sunshine didn't last long.  I'm back to hovering over the tomatoes again.  Ready to throw a blanket on them any moment, to stop them shivering.  September in the Rain drifted in over the air waves last night as we sat down to dinner.  The lyrics, composed by Harry Warren and Al Dubin, go like this:

"The leaves of brown came tumbling down

Remember, in September, in the rain

The sun went out just like a dying ember

That September, in the rain."

Even though it's meant as a love song it seemed perfect, under the circumstances, "as raindrops play our sweet refrain". Last night I heard the chorus of tree frogs mingled with the soft rain falling as I drifted off to sleep.  (Such a peaceful sound.)  Yet, while it may be the end of one season, it's also the beginning of another.  One filled with splashes of color, crackling fires, and often the scent of apples and cinnamon baking.  And PIE! 

Speaking of pie . . .OH My!

I really LOVE this wonderful little book, by Susan Dahlem, our blog pal behind Not Quite June Cleaver.  In it she has shared her most treasured family recipes and secrets for making great PIE.  There are "cutie pies" (you can't eat just one), tarts, tassies, pastries, hand pies, half-moons, tartlets, dream creams, custards, fruit-filled, amazing meringues, nut pies, and even some no-bake types, plus tips and trivia throughout.  Two of her daughters, (she is the mother of six), did the photos for the book, which are beautiful, and mouth-watering I might add.  I'm dying to try the Yogurt Pie with Granola Crust.  (She graciously gives us her recipe for granola too!)  Check it out on Amazon (click the photo it will take you there), and then click on that picture to look inside.  Today is her "Foodie Friday" FAQ, plus she's sharing her recipe for Upside-Down Caramelized Apple Cake.  Yum!  Perfect for a gray day like we are having today.

  
I've got some projects I'm finishing and a new one I'm starting, but I wanted to let you know that I haven't forgotten the State Flower Quilt.  A new block will follow soon.  Right now, I'm still catching up on some neglected areas of my home, with a sewing project lined up for the weekend moving toward that end.

I also want to take a moment to say "Thank You" for the enthusiastic response I have received for my new book.  The whole time I was putting it together, it felt like I was making something for friends, and I'm SO happy you agree!  

Tomato Time!

 
Thanks everyone for the tomato tips!  There is hope for these afterall.  I was just about to resort to desperate measures, when the sun peeked out from behind the clouds and set the ripening process in motion.  The cherry tomatoes are turning quick; the Roma's are taking their time. 

 

Upon closer inspection though, I see there is hope!  Some things are well worth waiting for. 

 

But these little beauties won't wait long.  It's tomato time!

September Showers

 
Summer seems to have ended abruptly here in the northwest. 

Instead of the usual warm, glow of Indian Summer, we have gray skies and rain.  Which is actually pretty typical for this region, just not at this particular time of year.  (I just put up last year's autumn banner to remind myself what "autumn splendor" is supposed to look like.)

 
But despite the weird weather, it's still "harvest time" here in my kitchen.  I've been drying bundles of herbs, filling spice jars, and making more pickles. And keeping my fingers crossed that the remaining tomatoes still hanging on the vine will soon ripen.  At the moment, those green globes are in suspended animation and may never turn red. We even built a make-shift greenhouse for them this year to see if it made any difference.  Grace planted lots of different varieties as an experiment to find out what works for our own little micro-climate; soil, water, exposure. 

We did see an improvement.  But it hasn't been a stellar year for tomatoes in general.  The reason being, the sun was clouded or it cooled down too much at night.  The pickling cucumbers, however, grew to astounding proportions in no time at all and with little effort.  In contrast to the broccoli, which suddenly bloomed (while we were away for a few days), then quickly went to seed.  A few steps away the pole beans are still producing faster than we can cook them. 

It's always hit or miss with a home garden it seems.  We keep trying, and we keep learning in the process though.  Perhaps its time to consult the gool ol' Farmer's Almanac. 

And the winner is . . .

 
I know.  I'm late.  And just in case you're wondering . . . I didn't forget.   I've just been sitting on the edge of the world drifting along with the ocean waves these past few days.  Taking a little bit of a breather.  Long walks.  Lots of reading.  A little sight-seeing and some shopping.  The weather was mixed as it often is on the Oregon Coast.  Sunny and warm one day, rainy and stormy the next.

  
During the storm we had our first blaze of the season.  Which was wonderful in the big stone fireplace.  It was also the first time we've ever sat in a hot tub under the stars in the howling wind and rain, with plastic frisbees on top our heads (to keep our hair dry).  It worked!  Luckily no one was around to witness such goings on, except for one small racoon who bravely peeked through the fence and got more than he bargained for.  I'm sure he thought we were from another planet.

 
September is here and there's much to do!  I think I may even detect that unmistakable autumn nip in the air.  One of the first things I did when I got home yesterday, was run out to the backyard and check on the vegetable patch.  I'm always worried the deer, somehow knowing I'm away, will find a way inside the enclosure and eat everything in sight.  They didn't, thankfully.  Although they did nibble a few green beans that were hanging outside the fencing.  Can't blame them for that.  As you can see we still had plenty.  I was so grateful for this little bounty too.  Saved me another trip out to the market, as provisions were low.

OK then--no more yacking about beans, because I know you're excitedly waiting and I really do appreciate your patience.  But first I want to tell everyone who stopped by and left a comment, that I happily read every single one.  More than once!  And then I re-read them again out loud to my family, which made them happy!  We appreciated every kind word.  So thank you all very very much!  (And I also want to thank Susan and Christy for mentioning my books on their blogs, and anyone else that has done so!)

And now without further ado...the winner is . . . Vee!  Congratulations to you!! I'll be contacting you ASAP.   That's it for now . . .