tree trimmers

 We had a tree company to trim up some Maple tree branches that were overhanging and touching our roof.   It was a local company that we hadn't used before but I would highly recommend them...Blankenship Tree Service.
It's family owned and there were 3 generations there to do the job. The grandfather, who started the company, his son, who is a certified arborist, and 3 adult grandsons.

They did most of the work from a cherry picker truck, lowering the cut branches with ropes. They had to take quite a bit off - the limbs hanging over the roof and also an equal amount from the opposite side to keep the tree looking balanced.

Then the grandsons climbed up and "cabled" three of the larger limbs together, for less movement in strong winds. 

Next, they moved the truck to trim some Sassafras trees behind the pool house.

Mike, the son, was very skilled at getting the bucket just where he wanted it.

That's grandfather, Earl, at the other end of the rope on the ground.

They were fast and efficient and cleared away all the branches. 

They even used a blower to clear sawdust off the roof and walkways.

I think when summer gets here we might notice that we have a little less shade but it had to be done to prevent damage to the roof and danger from falling limbs.

brown sugar pound cake

I came across this recipe online for Brown Sugar Pound Cake((click here to go to recipe). It sounded really good and, even better, it called for toffee bits and sweetened condensed milk...both were items that I bought on closeout after Christmas.

I scaled the recipe back a bit for a smaller cake but still used the whole bag of toffee bits. Also cut back on the amount of sugar used in the caramel glaze.

 It was a good cake - the recipe is a keeper.

 Here's what's going on in the sewing room.  I am sorting through my smallest fabric bits and cutting them into 1 3/4" squares.

I'm sewing them into nine patch units.  I'll be needing about 300 of them.

Hmmm...300 x 9...equals 2700.   Eek!   2700 little squares to cut!

Actually, it's fun to match them up and they're quick to sew.

And here's what else...I ordered a whole roll of batting.  I've been thinking about it for awhile.

It's always hard to get the wrinkles and puckers out of the folded packaged batting, and then there are the odd strips and pieces left over when it's trimmed to fit the quilt.  

This way I can cut just the width I need. It should cut down on waste.

I watched and waited until JoAnn's had a 50% off sale and used a free shipping coupon, and used up a gift card from Christmas...but it was still an investment.  And it takes up a lot of room.

This is a nice quality brand of batting and it's made in the USA.

It's 90" by 40 yards.   It will last me a loooong time.