Lovely Lilacs

I can't resist sharing Lilac Festival pics with you every year.

The annual Lilac Festival in Woodland WA is held on the grounds of the Hulda KIager estate. She was a famous horticulturist who created many lilac hybrids. This is the path you take when you first enter through the gate.

Straight ahead is her home which has been kept in period style.

There are so many varieties and colors of lilacs on the grounds. Here is just one example.

This wisteria draped arbor was the site of my son's wedding 20 years ago.

Everything in the gift shop is lilac themed or purple, including this sweet china set. I hope you enjoyed the tour.  We are having a warm spell this week. The sun is SOOOO welcome around here. I hope you are all safe from the tornados and enjoying spring. Thanks for visiting, friends.  -Derrith

Barb's Quilts Finale

This is the final batch of photos of my friend and prolific quilter, Barb Perkin's quilts. Her work is so varied and so beautiful. I hope you've enjoyed seeing her work.

Just have a stroll through her gallery...

...so spectacular!

She inspires me to try new things.

Isn't this one impressive?!

Well, I think you can see why I wanted to share these beautiful quilts with you. I hope to get back to some needlework once my kitchen and laundry room makeovers are done. Frankly, April has been exhausting, but I am determined that May will be calm and relaxing. (why do I hear laughing in my head?) Thanks for visiting today my friends.  Love, Derrith

Bunny Time

While visiting my kids in the Salt Lake area, I finished these bunny dish towels.

I added appliques to an embroidery pattern.

I thought they were sweet. I hope you are having a lovely weekend! -Derrith

Fuzzy Baby Chicks

I just finished these kitchen towels in time for these two little "inspectors" to arrive. They gave their approval, thankfully

I thought I would pull up last years baby chick towels to show as well.

Here's one more little chick who wanted to say hello.

And, since I am in a spring-y mood, I am including a pic from last years Tulip Festival in Woodland Wa. This year festival begins this weekend, but I will be in Utah for a visit, so you will likely get pictures from there instead. I'm so glad you stopped by. Please come again soon. Love, Derrith

Barb's Big Quilts

We are now on installment three of my friend Barb Perkin's quilt and studio. Today I am showing you some of her large size quilts. Many of them you will need to click on to get an enlarged view so you can appreciate the detail.

I'm sorry I don't know the names of the quilts. This one Barb made for her master bedroom, with the initials of she and her husband on the bottom. The applique on this quilt is amazing!

I love the colors and fabrics on this one.

I do recognize "A Tisket A Tasket". Everyone in my quilt group made their own version of this pattern...just before I joined the group.

More beautiful hand applique and I love the bunnies!

This quilt is really amazing. First of all, each barn is unique and fun, but the border is really spectacular. She actually had to make adjustments to the size of the border...quite the challenge, but she did it flawlessly.

The colors of this quilt are even prettier in person. Well, I have one more posting or Barb's quilts coming soon. Thank you friends, for your support of my blog. I so appreciate your visits and especially your comments.  Love, Derrith

Portland's Secret Garden

Let me begin by saying that Portland has MANY beautiful Gardens, but because of the "hidden" location of this one, it's known as the Secret Garden. It is located at the end of a gracious established neighborhood street in the Dunthorpe section of Portland. The Gardens overlook the Williamette River.

On a day that sunny, had the absence of rain, I dashed out to take some pictures of this beautiful place.

I had never taken he time to really explore the paths in this English style garden and it was really enchanting (OK-I know that's an old fashioned, corny word, but that's who I am).

As you can see, moss grows abundantly in this neck of the woods.

There were numerous stairs to climb and paths to walk...

...and in case you are wondering, I took the low road.

This was the original home on the property. It was bequeathed to the Episcopal Diocese many years ago so the official name of the gardens is "Elk Rock Garden of the Bishop's Close". I hope you have enjoyed the tour. See you again soon!  -Derrith