Time Marches On

..and Spring inches closer!  The air feels lighter and the pale sun plays peek-a-boo in a sky of drifting clouds.  From the window I am excited to see Western Bluebirds and English Sparrows inspecting the birdhouses.  And I wonder, who will make the first move--as bluebirds are most particular, and thus take longer to make up their minds, so that when they finally do, the sparrows have already moved in.  Someone needs to tell them, "the early bird catches the worm".   

We've brought in primrose, a free gift from our local nursery, to enjoy a bit before it goes back outside into the ground.  It adds a cheerful note behind the sink and stirs up enthusiasm.  The girls have been sorting out seed packets and making plans.  On such a day as this, with birdsong in the bower, I'm tempted to run outside and grab my garden tools, but I know better, and have to remind myself to slow down and allow my shoulder to heal a little longer; this the result of shoveling way too much snow (with a garden spade), a few weeks ago.  Lesson learned. (Note to self: be prepared--find a snow plow.)

However, some tools can be used for other things with delightful results and here we have proof.  Peanut Butter cookies with waffle tops.  I've always just used a fork to make the traditional criss-cross on the cookie top, but how about a meat mallet?  (Thoroughly sanitized, of course). Credit goes to my daughter for this idea.  For the cookies too, which were delicious btw.  Not a crumb was spared.

Speaking of crumbs, I've been busy with lots of yummy little things these past few weeks.  New patterns from old patterns; updated sewing projects soon to be added to my Vintage Stitch Shop on Etsy, along with the monthly BONUS motifs for PatternBee; all drawing on seasonal inspiration wherever I could find it.  Here's a sneak peek of coming attractions.  The new "Welcome Spring" designs will be up March 1st, which is tomorrow by this posting. The image link (left) will upload the new designs then and they'll be available (with purchase) until the end of the month.  I'm working on more free stuff too, will let you know when and where in coming weeks. 

Comments

[Lorrie]

Birdsong is such a welcome and lovely sound at this time of year. There's a lot of twitterings in the bushes when I go for my walks.
Have a good weekend.

[Account Deleted]

I'm so sorry to hear about your shoulder, Vicki. I hope it feels better soon.

I often bring in a few primroses to enjoy before I plant them in the garden too, and put them by the kitchen sink. That's a clever idea for the peanut butter cookies. My dad loves peanut butter cookies, so I'll have to remember that.

We've had a couple of days this week that felt like very early spring days, that lured me outside, and the birds here have been very active too. I can hardly wait for true spring this year.

I love bluebird embroideries, and this one is charming.

xo

[Barb]

I love the meat mallet pattern in the peanut butter cookies - very clever! I've sometimes used the potato masher to mark them. No matter what though, they get eaten - never a crumb left over :-)

[Vee]

Those cookies look way too good! I might have to test this today. Loved reading your words today...so lyrical and lovely.