February 1, 2026

Well, here we are in February.  For some reason, this date always cheers me up a bit.  We've escaped December and January in their entirety!  Next month we'll be into March, and that's when I always think of lots of new flowers gearing up outside for their ride into Spring.  You may remember this waxed Amaryllis, given to me on New Year's by cousin Joan.  In picture 3 you can see how vigorously in bloom it IS!  I love it!

I love this time of year more and more as it inches towards Spring!  This is the first year I've had a waxy Amaryllis to watch come into its own.  Below is the False Shamrock from Kathleen Seidl.  How joyously it incorporates the sunlight1

I wonder what I thought this first black figure was when I saw it outside.  The red critter on the right I was wondering about... it turns out to be a Four-Lined Plant Bug!

I've been experimenting with "art"work made by cutting existing colorful cardstock to size for a particular piece.  I'm hoping to give a class in the spring.  

I'm making quite a few "dolls" or figurines from fabric that comes with its own designs.  They make great baby gifts or just toys for our older fingers to work on.  My younger friends enjoy working on these designs as well!  And I enjoy making them for other people!

I enjoy visiting families around here only a short walk in the snow from my place - especially families who don't mind an older lady who comes for surprise drop-in visits every day.  The young women are quite good at making these froggy toys and I enjoy their company - and the delicious cup of coffee they always greet me with!  The picture at left is of the froggy fabric.

This is a short winter blog.  I hope everyone is doing OK!  much better than OK!  Please!  On our out-the-back-bathroom window it's almost 32 degrees F.  I choose to call it Spring Michigan Style!  I'm getting ready to go out there and celebrate, even if only for five minutes!   

Another announcement!  Same words as above, but with much more love slammed into the words!   Everyone take care and love that environment.  Love each other!  I hope to see you all soon, even if only in the words of a weekly Blog!   Love, Martha