Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Free Block from Bunny Hill

Bunny Hill Designs has a free block of the month. Check out the web site and flicker site to view some wonderful blocks!

http://bunnyhilldesigns.com/dynamic/?page=Free%20Patterns

http://www.flickr.com/groups/969252@N20/pool/

Monday, April 27, 2009

Pussy Willows and Tulips

My husband cut the pussy willows from our land last week. The tulips were purchased locally. The vase was a thrift store purchase. I love it.

My husband gave me flowers for my birthday in March. I told him he didn't need to wait for a birthday - he could get them for me anytime. So......fresh flowers quite often. So special!

What Exactly Are "Pussy Willows"?
Pussy willow trees are native to wetlands of Canada and the eastern U.S. As a willow, the trees are part of the genus, Salix. The terminology pussy willows is used loosely to refer both to the trees themselves and to the furry buds on its branches (also known as "catkins"). However, to make a distinction, I refer to the former as "pussy willow trees" and to the latter as "pussy willows." The Latin name for these trees in North America is Salix discolor, while its rough equivalent in Europe, the "goat willow," goes by the scientific moniker, Salix caprea. Technically, Salix discolor is a deciduous shrub that can reach a height of twenty feet, if not pruned properly. Indeed, as will be revealed on Page 2, pruning back Salix discolor to a typical "shrub" size is central to its maintenance as a landscape plant.
But for an exact identification, we must narrow it down even further. Pussy willows are dioecious. There are male pussy willow trees and female pussy willow trees. The buds, or catkins, on the male pussy willow trees look different from those on the females. The male catkins are showier, and it is the branches of the male trees that we seek for their "pussy willows." The catkins of males yield numerous tiny staminate flowers later in spring. From the decorator's perspective, it is at this point that the bouquet has "gone by." Likewise, the female catkins will bear pistillate flowers.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Raffle Quilt to Benefit the SLC Office of the Aging


Our guild made a raffle quilt to benefit the St. Lawrence County Office of the Aging. The name of the quilt is Aunt Betty's Attic. Members are busy selling tickets. We'll draw the ticket at our May group meeting right before Mother's Day.

The St. Lawrence County (New York) Office for the Aging provides service and advocacy for county residents 60 years and older. Noon meals and Home Delivered Meals are provided to county residents. Other services include Expanded In-Home Services For the Elderly; Family Caregiver Support; Senior Community Service Employment Program; Transportation; Home Repair; Legal Services; Weatherization, Referral and Packaging Program (WRAP); Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program; and the Ombudsman Program. Provides information and application assistance for many entitlement and tax programs.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Flea Market - Potsdam

Are you looking for a special gift - birthday, Mother's Day, Father's Day? Are you thinking about Christmas 2009 already? Do you collect anything?

Check out North Country Neighbors in Potsdam. There are thousands of items to choose from. I don't know where to start! Toys, tools, furniture, purses, clothing (name brands including Christopher Banks, Coldwater Creek, H & M, Old Navy, American Eagle), jewelry, pottery, dishes, CDs, DVDs, books, old records, coins, antiques, baskets, locally hand designed cards, pictures.....

Please stop in and check out the ever changing displays. It's a real treasure!

Their Mission:

North Country Neighbors connects craft, antique, and junque vendors with their customers. All can expect friendly and honest service in a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere.

North Country Neighbors
6 Main Street - Potsdam, NY 13676(315) 268-1055

http://www.discoverpotsdam.com/ncn/