12/26/21

Best Of 2021


 
Well, it's been another heckuva year, hasn't it? Thank goodness we're able to do something about the risk of COVID these days, and there's hope for a better year in 2022. There was a lot of sewing, and a lot of gardening, and a lot of traveling here at the Three Cats Ranch. I've participated in this "Best of" party for the past several years, and it's good to look back and see the fun we've had and all that we've accomplished. 

In choosing these posts to re-share, I went through the list of comments on my dashboard and selected the ones that generated the most "conversation." So let's just get started with one from back in January. 

1. OMG: A Finished Flimsy. If you're a regular reader, you might recall I was dealing with a broken shoulder and a broken thumb at the time. And if you're not a regular reader, welcome! Very nice to meet you! The first sewing I was able to do was worth celebrating. Here's my post about the first finished quilt top of the new year, sewn carefully, so as not to hurt myself any worse.



2. The Reveal: Flights of Fancy. For a little over a year, I've been a member of an online art quilt group called The Endeavourers. Quilts are made according to prompts and a new one revealed every 3 months. This has been great fun, and a challenge to boot. It's forced me to think creatively and try some new things. These quilts always generate a number of comments, but my favorite from last year was this one I call "Flights of Fancy." The prompt was "color theory," and I was prompted to recall the days when we kept a mixed flight of colorful exotic finches. My process of making a quilt in their honor is discussed here.


3. Picture Perfect Weekend. We celebrated our 46th wedding anniversary this year with a trip to a favorite restaurant on the Oregon coast. Any time we have good weather in May on the Oregon coast is a gift. Also a gift: having our kids help us celebrate. We had a delicious meal and enjoyed a sunny weekend in Cannon Beach, Oregon.


4. A More Productive Day. We planted a vegetable garden for the first time in many years back in 2019. Little by little, I've worked at getting a "bee garden" going in an unused portion of our large vegetable garden plot. This year's bee garden was successful beyond my imagining.


5. Chaco Culture National Historical Park. We usually take an RV trip toward the end of summer or the beginning of fall. This year's trip had us riding ATV's in Colorado and Arizona, and doing some sight-seeing in New Mexico. It was a great trip, and we saw so much! These travel posts always generate a lot of comments, but this one to see Chaco Culture National Historical Park was a favorite.


I'm writing this post a little ahead since our plan at this writing is to be heading out on another trip on Christmas Day. Hopefully, we're on our way, and I'll be back soon to update you. For now, I hope you've enjoyed this trip back through 2021. To see more "Best of" posts, head on over to Meadow Mist Designs and join the party.

12 comments:

gpc said...

What a lovely year of travel and creativity. I hope the coming year will be just as good, but with even more health and happiness.

Karen's Korner said...

Thank you for sharing your posts.....it is lovely to be able to look back and review the year. Hope 2022 is better for us all.

Jenny said...

I always love tagging along on your trips. And seeing your gorgeous work too, of course,

Dawn said...

Hi Barbara! Nice to catch up with you via your blog. I am so impressed with your Flights of Fancy quilt! I loved reading about your inspiration and how your beautiful colorful quilt came together.

The Joyful Quilter said...

Lovely quilts and lovely memories to share, Barbara!

Kathy S. said...

Yes, it's been another crazy year. Wishing you healthy and happiness in 2022, Barbara. I look forward to reading more about your quilts and adventures.

piecefulwendy said...

Always enjoy your posts, your quilts, your recipes and your travels. The kitties, too, of course!

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Looks like you've had a most productive year, despite the 'owwie'. As for me, I'm looking forward to vicariously going along on your travels over the next year - AND seeing what you create!

Cheryl said...

Congrats on such wonderful finishes and travel in 2021! Thanks for linking up and Happy New Year!

Mel Beach said...

Oooh...the flights of fancy is stunning with all the pops of color. Yay for challenges that inspire such beauty.

Unknown said...

I really like it and I hope there is something new

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Lyndsey said...

Great choices from your posts. I love the flights of fancy.