It seems unimaginable that the rest of the country is having such severe weather.  Here, it’s like spring/summer.  For this months garden post, I took a few shots of my front yard and spliced them together.  My gardener is helping with a lot of yard clean up.  Today, I went to several nurseries to find some plants – more on that later.

I also went to my very first Quilt Show, Road To California, which took place in the city of Ontario, not too far from my house.  It was an amazing experience! The crowd got to me a bit, but I found some really nice things.  I took dear hubby on another day to see my latest madness passion.  I also wanted him to see the long arm machines – planting the seed for possible future purchase… He actually found the machines, especially the computerized ones fascinating, the quilts, not so much.

I also met a very nice woman demonstrating one of the long arm machines who turned out to be an author of quilt books.  Dear hubby bought me two of her books, and she even signed them for me!

And finally, I had to add this photo – only at a Quilting Convention, attended by mostly older women.  All the men’s bathrooms converted temporarily into women’s bathrooms 🙂

December in Southern California has so far been gorgeous!  The air is fresh and crisp with the sun shining upon us.  Satsuma mandarins are coming into season, as well as Meyer lemons. Just in time to make lemon squares – yummy! And the leaves have fallen from the persimmon tree, showcasing the pretty orange fruits.

As hectic as the season is, I have been busy with one or other of my quilting projects.  Here is another quilt requiring hand applique/embroidery.  Cowboys and horses on a red/white/blue background:

November is already half over, and this is my first post of the month.  I want to make sure to post my garden, and some updates.  I have two tiny persimmon trees, and they have generously produced some fruits.  I love persimmons, as I grew up with them, and they also have the vibrant orange color I associate with fall – so pretty!

And, I finally got a new sewing machine! Love love love my new Janome:

Here is a pillow that I made. A few of my quilty friends have been making them.  You cut out flowers and leaves from printed fabrics, lay them out, sew them on using free motion, and voila! – a pretty decorative pillow.  This method is really good for practicing free motion – very forgiving:

And, more fabric to play with 🙂 :