Recharging

Good morning, my friends, and a fine morning it is! The sun is shining, and it's still warm from yesterday's nice weather. It's going to cool off a little bit by tomorrow, but then we're looking at warmer weather for the remainder of the week. Is it possible that spring has sprung? I sure hope so.

There was no negotiating about getting in some exercise yesterday. I forced myself onto the treadmill, and I felt better for it. There's no way to know for sure if it gave me more energy for the remainder of the day, but it seemed like it. Mind over matter, you know. 

Before I could do anything else, though, I stitched Tiny Treasure #40. This one has backstitch, satin stitch, lazy daisy, stem stitch, straight stitch and stem fill.

It has occurred to me that this ongoing shoulder pain is probably interrupting my sleep more than I realize. And I can't recall if I mentioned this already, but my health insurance won't authorize the MRI my doctor has ordered until after I submit to six weeks of physical therapy. Rats. Oh well. I'll play their game, and it starts next week. Still, it means I have at least 7 weeks more of chronic pain in my shoulder, and then even more delay getting the MRI and whatever else needs done. I've resigned myself to at least another six months of this, and probably longer.

After my treadmill walk, I spent some time icing my knees, and then I got busy with the next row of quilting. There were three panel blocks in this row, each one has already been quilted somewhere else on the quilt.

There were just two pieced blocks in this row. This first one is a Sawtooth

And this one is called "Hole in the Barn Door."

I left it needle down at this Pinwheel block, and that's where I'll start today. There is just one row left to quilt.

After today, I'll quilt the black borders around the panel blocks. Depending on how much time it takes to do each one, I'll spend one or two more days on it before it's ready for binding.

From there, I filled the bird feeders and took a walk around outside. Finally, I was able to get a better picture of these little mini daffodils. They're only about four inches tall, and very cute.

Also, another new one has bloomed. This one is known as Kiwi Sunset.

Checking around the back, I was amazed at this over-achiever. I think this is the peony known as Coral Sunset, although I haven't checked the tag. (I'm relying on my memory, and that's never a good idea.)

But look how it compares to its brethren. It has at least a foot of growth over the next tallest one. I checked it for buds, but didn't see any.

Also, I'm happy to see flowers forming on the blueberries. We're hoping for a big harvest from them this year.

While we were in Alaska last year, they had their best year ever. Our neighbor enjoyed these in our absence.

Also, I noticed our cherry trees are starting to bloom. There are just a few flowers so far, mainly on the left side of the image below. I expect they'll be covered in flowers within the week. They're blooming at a good time because there's almost no rain in the forecast. Our plum tree is usually right behind the cherry trees, but I haven't seen anything from it yet.

Back inside, there was enough time left in the day to do the cutting for the March and April Inverted Stars. With the cutting done, I should be able to sew them together pretty quickly.

Back upstairs, I found Smitty trying to outdo Sadie for having the worst life in the world.

And we got our wish to eat outside last night for the first time this year. Mike was able to get the mowing done yesterday. One of our neighbors was firing a gun. (It happens in rural areas.) We hoped he'd stop, and he did. It was a peaceful way to end the day.

As I've been writing, Smitty has joined me to enjoy the morning sunshine from his window sill. 

Poor kitty. The misery never ends for him. 

Today will look a lot like yesterday. I'll finish quilting the blocks on the Amish Sampler, and I'm hoping to get the two Inverted Stars finished. If I can get those done, I'll start working on the second Gumballs quilt. Right now, I'm heading off to do the day's Tiny Treasure. Have a good day, Everyone! I hope you're enjoying some nice spring weather too.