Monday, October 3, 2011

A Peaceful Walk

The weather is slowly turning to fall - absolutely glorious here in Kansas. I've been stuck inside most of the weekend working on projects for market (deadlines next week!) but had to take a break to enjoy the outdoors and the ever-changing colors. The new header on the blog is what I see out my studio window (if I had one) to the northwest - a row of sandhill plum bushes. I've done some investigating since the new line for market this fall is named Sandhill Plum (that's a secret) and discovered most of them grow to about 4-6 feet tall. Ours stand more like 10-12 feet tall in a row more than 40 feet long. Dad claims they were here before his parents homesteaded and must be over 100 years old. Maybe the sandy soil, which they prefer, and close proximity to the pond have made them thrive over the years. He and I both remember picking the tart, nickel-size fruit for Gramma to make pints and pints of sand plum jelly each summer. Unfortunately, the extremely hot, dry summer here did not allow for a good crop - basically enough to feed the birds. I guess we'll just have to make do with the beautiful foliage this year. In my wanderings, I found some other delights of nature to share. (More on the fabric line in the coming weeks.)

The last few clusters of sunflowers.

Goldenrod - some farmers spray it as a weed, but I won't let Dad kill it.

I found the pictures of the yummy sour orange pie Marty & Teri Wilson's Mom made for me while in New York at Material Rewards. They can only get these prized oranges in Florida each winter and hoard the juice all year. I was honored to share this treat with the Wilson's during my stay. Thanks, Ann. I can still taste the unique tartness - even better than lemon meringue.

Now on to the business of the day - the winner of Wrapped in Paisley Charming Thursday. This week's winner is Anne - congratulations and welcome to the KT Blog. I hope you all stick around for the grand finale in December and all the surprises we're cooking up for next year. Thanks for all your lovely comments. Reading them each day makes everything a bit brighter. See you again this Thursday for another Charming Thursday featuring Summer's End - how appropriate!

9 comments:

  1. Congrats to Anne.
    Your photos from your walk are pretty. I was amazed yesterday to see a lone Black Eyed Susan bloom on one of my bushes. Some of the leaves have started to turn but many trees are bare from the hurricane we had at the end of August.

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  2. Love the view from your window. Fall is slowly showing up in Kentucky, too, and I am loving it. Your new line of fabric is so beautiful. Congratulations to Anne.
    Have a great day!
    Gale

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  3. I have used goldenrod to dye wool, really makes a beautiful pale yellow.
    I love the cooler temps, but wish the rain would go away, that doesn't help.

    Debbie

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  4. Wow! I am so happy about winning the charm pack of "Wrapped in Paisley!" Thanks so much! I sent you and email. :-)

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  5. I have never heard of a sand hill plum, but plum jelly is my favorite. It will be exciting to see your market posts!

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  6. Sour orange pie? I've not heard of that one .... sounds intriguing and looks yummy in the picture. Happy quilting!

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  7. So fun to see the fall colors in Kansas. Things are just starting to turn here in Washington, the rain seems to be coming on in full force too! Can't wait to see your newest line Lynne, always exciting! Have a wonderful week and thanks for sharing with all of us!!

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  8. I love your fall pictures. This is my favorite time of year.

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  9. I know it is a little late but do you have the recipe for the sour orange pie. We grow citrus fruit and I have two sour orange trees but we use the juice for BBQ's. Can't wait for the new fabric to arrive at the local quilt shop. I truly love your line of fabric and patterns, I support you a lot from Sunny Florida. Thanks so much and good luck at market!

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