Happy Friday......

and a very warm one here on the Lane!  After a couple of morning with the woolies on the heat is on compliments of Mother Nature.  No complaints, let it be warm when it should be and cold and snowy when it's time.  Pure Michigan!

Last call for requests for invites to our sale here at YellowDog Lane coming up in July.  It will be by invitation only.  For your invite please email me your request at

yellowdoglane@gmail.com

I will be sending out invites sometime within the next week with all the info you'll need to make plans to join us.  This sale will not be advertised or announced other than by invite.

Something different...you know me, out of the box!

Also wanted to tell you that you can now see my punch needle patterns featured on

www.patternmart.com

Available as instant downloads or as mailed paper pattern.  

I will be adding the the Seasons & SaltGlaze Wool Appliqué patterns as well, very soon.

Of course, if any of you are interested they are available directly through me here on the Lane!

Think about joining us for one of the Open Stitching sessions or join us for a group class....

we have a great time and would love to have you.

Now....I am off to pack a bag for a short trip I'll be making tonight and then I hope to get out and enjoy a little of this good ole' summertime weather!

Have a great weekend....

Do something fun...

Make someone smile :)

From the Lane,

Sharon

Oh for gosh sakes.....

I have absolutely no idea why you all received, or I am assuming all, a post from September 24....

of 2015??  No idea.  Thanks MaMa Kay for the heads up on that!

I spent time yesterday putting together a really cool slideshow of pictures from all around the homestead....all three houses, the gardens areas mostly, along the Lane....just lots of pretty shots, in my opinion, that I wanted to share with you.  

Well.....putting it all together was a cinch, getting the thing to post was nothing short of a nightmare.  

It posted finally but it wasn't a good quality so I took it down and tried another way.  I finally got a slideshow of the same pics to upload but it wasn't the same neat format....I didn't really like it so I deleted.  Next thing I know a post from September comes through.  Good Lord, what next!?

I would really like to share the cool formatted slideshow and I am not giving up yet on getting it sent, so.....if you get some random post from April of August 2014, you'll know I'm working on it I guess!

A bit of a peek at what I had going.....

I will keep at it.  Keep your fingers crossed that I figure it out, but please don't hold your breath.....

that could be a dangerous choice for your health!

The not so neat formatted one is up on FB for those of you who like my page there but I really want you to see the cool one, so....try, try again!

Enjoy this beautiful day,

From the Lane....

Sharon

Off the Grid....

to use a catch phrase....at the Cabin, UP North....two curves past the last power pole....

that means no electric, which means no internet, no television....thinking it's kinda like heaven!!

Truthfully though, we do have a generator so that gives us the power we need for all that we want while there.  I can get a text and send one as well....if the timing is good.  The phone rings but most times can't answer it.  Make a phone call out?  Yes, if the booster is on and you're in just the right spot on the sofa!  Emails and internet....nope.   So of course I think of a million and one things I'd like to pop on here and share with you all, and I have the time.....then I get home and I forget most everything and have no time!  Still so good to be home.....

In my last email I mentioned the notion of a sale here on the Lane, sometime in June is what I shared and asked you to email me if you would like an invite.  Thank you to all who responded, I have added you all to the "invite" list and I will be sending those soon.....just one minor change, I'm thinking the sale will be in July instead of June.  The date will be shared with you on your invite and I will be sure to give you plenty of notice so you can RSVP....I just don't feel I can pull it all together like I want to by mid June and through encouragement of some wise friends will do it in July!  

If you haven't emailed me with an invite request and you'd like to join in the sale, there's still time.

Email me at yellowdoglane@gmail.com with your request and I will add you to the group.  

Lots going on here at the Lane right now and busy times these next few weeks.  

Open Stitch here in the Cellar Studio tomorrow and  Evening Stitchers on Thursday.  New punch needle and wool applique designs, too.  

If you would like more info on Open Stitch and/or our classes here on the Lane, just give a shout.....

we'd love to have you join us.

Hope you're all enjoying this beautiful day....

Till next time!

From the Lane,

Sharon

And they bloom......

The wild Lupines....here on the Lane.  For over twenty five years I have admired the waves of blue lavender blooms waving across the fields here on our homestead.  First as we build the barn back in the 1980's, then as we built the Saltbox in the 90's and through the 20+ years of living there.  As we started construction here on the Lane we tried to be careful to not disturb these beauties any more than necessary......and I wondered.  No more to wonder....they are here, they are blooming and they are as beautiful as ever!  

One very special memory that makes these sweet wild flowers so dear to my heart is this.....

taken by their Mom, Tammy.  Makes my heart smile each time I look at it!  Where do the years go?

Seems like just a short time ago these two were strolling across the Lane to the Farm House....now they drive to see Gma at the Lane House.  Still making memories.....I am blessed!

One little note of business....we are planning a bit of a sale here on the Lane in June.  It will be an unadvertised sale and I will be sending out email invites with all info to any of you who would like to attend.  Please email me at yellowdoglane@gmail.com to let me know you'd like to come and I will add you to the group.  I will be sending out all invites the first part of June!  

Something a bit different.....think it will be fun!

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday weekend.  Hope it is filled with family, friends and fun!

Take a few minutes to wander through some wonderful flowers if you are able....

come wander through the Lupines on the Lane if you like.  Carry a memory with you of someone you have loved and lost.....reflect and remember.

From the Lane,

Sharon

This Little Tree......

and such a strong little tree at that.  How strong, you ask?  Well lets just say that five years ago this little gem stood guard of a very special place to me....to many in fact.  

This sweet weeping cherry stood guard at the front porch of Saltbox Farm.....it stood day and night, through sun and snow, rain and shine.... for about five years after being gifted to me in remembrance of my Mom after her passing.  It was placed by the shop for all to enjoy....and I think to eventually teach us.

You see, this tree not only stood those years at guard but it remained standing after a fierce fight with a fire from which we lost most everything.  

At that time I truly thought "everything" was lost....now five years later, yes it has been five years come May 22....I realize that all wasn't lost.  Lots of tangible goods were destroyed, many irreplaceable items charred beyond saving, gifts cherished by some who aren't here to regift.  

My beloved Saltbox Farm Home....not the house we lived in but the place that made the Farm what it was.  Not just a building but walls and a roof, a stairway, doors and windows all filled full of wonderful memories where friendships were formed and much more.  

I also lost my purpose for awhile but I muddled my way through the repurpose of the pole barn, just not the same.  But nothing is ever the same, I'd tell myself, change is good right?

We moved this little tree from it's home by the shop and relocated it out in the gardens near the "new" shop.  Each year I have waited for it to bloom to no avail.  The first year it barely leafed but seemed to get a bit better each spring.....and then, while walking to the Barn the other day I looked up to see this sweet little tree smiling back at me just full of blossoms.  

I stopped, I stared, I smiled.... and then I shed a tear or two.  

I think my little cherry has been waiting all this time for me to move on and past the loss, 

waiting for me to find my purpose and find the joy that the Farm gave me.  Waiting for me to realize that it was out there, I just had to look.   

I had a thought today of moving her to the new house here on the Lane....but on second thought, figured that from the looks of her she is pretty happy where she is.  She can watch over the Lane, the Farmhouse and even see the top of the house by the Road.

How blessed are we to have such a strong presence to make sure all is well here at our Homesteads!

Thank you all for the wonderful memories of past years.....and for all the new ones to be made as we embrace the changes put in our paths and refuse to let the challenges of the past, present or future define us.

Have a wonderful week!

From the Lane,

Sharon

April Snow Showers.....

are just plain ridiculous. 

And now on to more pleasant subjects.

Season's and SaltGlaze....

in punch needle!  Ronda has finished the models of all season's and the patterns are in the works!

Visit Ronda at

simplethymeprims and see her offerings!

I am having a bit of a love/hate relationship with Facebook....as if that's anything new.  I would truly like to just close it up and do all of my news and updates from here but I'm afraid I would be leaving out many who might want the news of what's happening here on the Lane, so.....

I will continue with it, for now anyway and see if they will address my Page issues!

It would help me to know how many of you are actually receiving this update to your inbox....if you could just send a quick reply or leave a comment it would be appreciated, and help me decide what direction to take.

I do have the plans in the works for a Spring/Summer Sale.....haven't decided on a date for sure but thinking mid May.  Lots of antique smalls, some great primitive furniture pieces, 

handmades, wool, candles, soaps.....and well, some of all the wonderful offerings you remember from the Farm!  We will be using the Barn at Saltbox too.  It's a perk to know the new caretaker so well!

I think that's it for tonight....I feel like I've bounced you all over in this post.  Hope none of you took a bad bounce!  

I'll leave you with a picture of one of the wonderful hand wrapped willow wreaths we'll have to offer.

....from teeny tiny cuties, to big bold and beautiful ones!  Great for indoors or out.  

Wishing you all a wonderful week.....
Open Stitch here on Wednesday....10am-2pm.  Just RSVP to join in the fun!

From the Lane,

Sharon

Stitching time......

Stitchers will be gathering here at the Lane tomorrow night, Wednesday...and of course the regular groups gathering in the month of April and beyond so I thought it appropriate to share this now as an important FYI for them and all of you who stitch.

Now, I am always working on the "mental preparation", I mean we're always thinking about what we're going to sew, stitch, punch or hook next....aren't we?  Never ever would we think of a 

lackadaisically approach to something so important....right?

For sure my dishes will be done and it goes without being said about making the beds, I mean, you know....to stitch and not have the threat of a fire and the fire department arriving to find an unmade bed!  Not gonna happen here.  My mind will be free.

Making myself attractive could require a bit more work but I do always try....I have those dresses out on the line right now and will bringing them in shortly to iron them up for the classes.  

The chalk is at hand and I have pockets in all my sewing dresses so I can just tuck that tube of lipstick and my powder right in.....just in case you know.  How horrid would it be to have a visitor or heaven forbid my husband to come home unannounced and find me in an uplipsticked, unpowdered, wearing a dirty dress mess!  

Not gonna happen :)

Gosh, I feel so much better having shared all of this with you.  Please feel free to share with any of your friends who don't happen to read my page....you just never know when....

We will be starting an "Open Stitch" here on the Lane on the first Wednesday of each month, 

10am-2pm.  Gather up a project you're working on or if you don't have one I'm sure I have a kit or two here that you'd like to get started on.  Lots of wools and threads to choose from and sewing novelties as well.  

An RSVP is required to attend so I will know how many to plan for.  

Coffee with all the fixings, water and a munchie of sorts to enjoy as well.

Cost to attend will be $5.oo and include all of the above as well as a coupon towards future purchase!

Call 231.629.1385 or email yellowdoglane@gmail.com 

to RSVP.  Come join the fun here on the Lane.

You might like it so much you'll want to join a Cellar Group!

I bet this makes you even more happy that I shared all the Sewing Prep info with you :)

Make it a great day.....

From the Lane,

Sharon

From the Lane......

Wishing all a wonderful Easter....filled with the love of God, Family & Friends.

The sun is shining bright here on the Lane this morn.....

May it shine on you and yours today as well.

Blessings,

Wayne, Sharon, Sophie and Isabelle

Robins and Redwings, Songbirds and.......

SNAKES!

Yup, this ones for you Miss Tilda....I'll know you've read in when I hear the scream :)

We've been out and about cleaning up things around the yard, making new brush piles and burning old ones.  Seems this big fella might have had a home in the big old brush pile that Wayne set afire.  He made his way out in to the driveway and I think he may have been "heated" out of hibernation as he was more than a bit lethargic for a snake.  Sophie didn't know quite what to make of him, nor him of her.  I tried my best to shoo him into the grasses but he just couldn't seem to get his motor running.  Sad to say that Wayne found him later in the day, more than a bit squashed.....I apparently took him out with the Blazer.  So this will be the last you'll see of Spark....although I'm sure there are siblings lurking somewhere amongst the leaves and grasses.

I gauged him to be all of 4+ feet.  A big boy at that!

Now that I've most likely caused many of you to eek and possibly even leave the page I'll offer you this pretty pic taken out the breakfast nook window.....

It's a beautiful Sunday first day of Spring morning here on the Lane.  So nice to hear the birds chirping, the peepers singing and oh that green grass popping!

A full week on the calendar here, with two groups of Stitchers on the schedule, two days of haircuts, a dentist appointment and a BOE Workshop.  I shan't be idle enough to find much trouble, but....that certainly doesn't mean I won't.  Trouble seems to find me all on it's own!

Oh gosh, one more thing that's coming this week as well....I'll be heading off to the Breckenridge 

Promise of Spring show on Saturday....can't wait for that!

Also finding time this week to get a few things scheduled in to the future dates spaces.  

I have decided to have an "Open Stitch Day", that's what I'll call it for now anyway....

thinking it will be the first Wednesday of each month here in the Cellar Studio.

Thinking of setting a date for a late Spring/early Summer sale as well.  I have some great pieces that need new homes and I also have managed to stitch up some things and I even ordered in a bit, so.....

check back in for more info on these and more.

Take time to listen to the song of the birds.....

From the Lane,

Sharon

So excited.....

the full patterns have arrived for our 

WillowTreeHill Sampler wool bedcover!  

The Cellar Stitchers will be the first to see and start the stitching of the Block of the Month,

Block 1 tomorrow.  Two more groups of Cellar Stitchers will start theirs next week.

Pattern/Kit for Block 1 are also packed and ready to ship for those that placed orders and the full pattern packet is available as well.  Full pattern price is $28.oo and can be picked up here on the Lane or I would be happy to mail as well.  All wools for each block or the entire bedcover are also available, please contact me at

yellowdoglane@gmail.com or 231.629.1385

Some "Open Stitch" Days coming soon.....stay tuned if you might be interested in joining us here in the Cellar!

Oh....and one more bit of news.

Sweet Ronda from Simple Thyme Prims has been very busy punching away on the new punch needle designs from YellowDog, a sneak peek....

SpringGlaze!  

All Valdani Perle Cotton thread.  

I am excited to be offering this design along with several others very soon in pattern form.

I am so grateful to Ronda for doing the actual punching for me on these, without her help I'm not sure I could have made these become a reality.

Thank you Miss Ronda xoxo

Visit Ronda at

simplethymeprims.blogspot.com

to see her wonderful creations!

Have a wonderful rest of the week....

please stay in touch.

From the Lane,

Sharon

What a beautiful day......

we were blessed with here on the Lane! 

The thermometer was very close to the 70 degree mark.....unusual for an early March day here in Michigan, but.....I embraced it.

For starters I located my tub of spring decor and pulled some things out that I think might work her at the Lane house.  This little tulip is perfect of the porch table but that about as far as I got with the decor as I got just a bit sidetracked with the outside work.  

Sophie and I picked up all the sticks.....she is really a good helper with that chore!  

Swept all the bricks off, the garage and then.....cleaned and tidied up the Herb Garden.  

A bit of a break in the midst of our day of chores to take a quick trip to our township hall to vote...well, actually we had already voted absentee but I will be working the upcoming polls and I wanted to go and get a feel of things and meet the ladies I'll be working alongside.  

Soph of course went along for the ride and as we pulled in I said to her, "gosh, I thought our driveway was a mud run but goodness this parking lot is even worse"!  We found a somewhat less soggy spot to park and I skipped here and there avoiding the worst on my way in.  Luckily I had my work boots on and they're hard to hurt.  Then.....the departure.

As I walked out to the Blazer there was a little car getting ready to leave.  I watched her drive out on what appeared to be higher ground.  Well, the ground here this time of year can be very deceiving.....and, was it ever.  Before long I was at the front of her car instructing her to come ahead a bit and then BACK, as I pushed.  On about the third try I could feel I almost had her out of the ruts she was in.....and that's when the tires started spinning and the mud started to fly.  Yes fly.  All over.  Mud on her pretty white car....mud up the front and side of me....a bit on my face and even some in my hair.  At this point a couple of voters coming in came to assist and we were able to get her free.  

I didn't know the lady....that didn't matter.  I just knew that I would want someone to help me if I were in that predicament.  Did I foresee the mud bath?  It did enter my mind but I really didn't give it a second thought as we still needed to get her out.  It was just mud, it will wash out.  She is unstuck and along on her day.  I have a good feeling because I could help her at least a bit.....

I hope she will smile when she thinks of me be plastered with the flying mud and know that it didn't matter.....I'll clean up good.  I have before.  

Now, I have mud on my face and in my hair...my boots are caked with it.  I also have dirt under my finger nails and a couple of small blisters.  My hip and my back hurt.  

Nothing a good scrubbing and a couple of Advil won't make better......

The best part is I feel joy in my heart for a day that was so blessed....

mud and all!

And, one more thing.....Sweet Sophie reached over and licked a bit of that mud off of my face when I got back to the car and crawled in.....that was the frosting on my cake today!

Hoping you day was as full as mine......

From the Lane,

Sharon