I've been pretty-much totally distracted from blogging lately, and have not been out and about much either, so sorry if I've neglected your blogs.
I thought I'd better do a quick fill in post to my blog.
In April, 2012, one of my Canadian cousins, who I'd never met before, came to visit with us for a few days. We had a splendid time! Carol (my cousin), knowing my interest in owls, brought me a pair of what I now know to be called Mug Rugs. These were beautifully crafted fabric pads featuring images of owls - one of which is shown below.
Wind the clock forward by 37 months and we had Canadian friends David and Miriam to stay with us. Towards the end of their stay, after they had gone to bed, I noticed that David had brought out his copy of the Collins Bird Guide, for which Miriam had created a fabric cover. I recognised the fabric - it was identical to that on one of the Mug Rugs that my cousin had given me!!!
I placed the Mug Rug and David's book side-by-side on the dining table and when Miriam came down for breakfast the coincidence became 'amazing squared'. Miriam's reaction was 'David, why have you brought a Mug Rug with you?" - or words to that effect! Miriam identified my Mug Rugs as ones that she had made!!!!
Miriam is a very talented needlewoman, and you can see some of her work here. An e-mail to my cousin confirmed that she'd bought the Mug Rugs in a shop, near to David and Miriam's home, which Miriam was using as an outlet for her work at that time.
I'd known long before David and Miriam's visit that my cousin lived only about an hour's drive from them which, considering the vastness of Canada is quite a coincidence in itself, but nobody could have dreamed up the magnitude of the coincidence described above!
Footnote: If all goes according to plan Lindsay and I will be visiting with my cousin, and David and Miriam, in 2017. I've got an amazing trip to look forward to!
Thank you for dropping by - There'll probably be owls next time!
Well,all I can say is you will have a fantastic time in 2017,we are thinking on going back there in the near future,we loved Canada.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad,I'm not the only one who's behind,not posted much sinse getting back from our holiday,must try harder,sorry for not keeping up,had loads of problems,which are now sorted,equipment mostly.
John.
I'm sure that we'll have a wonderful time - if we get there! At our age you never know!
DeleteSorry to hear that you've had problems, John. All this equipment is fine when it works, but when it doesn't it's a nightmare. Pleased to hear it's all sorted now - I look forward to your next post.
Best wishes to you both - - - Richard
Happenstance is what it is and I'm awed by the skill and patience required.
ReplyDeleteTalking of skill and patience, Adrian, you don't do so badly yourself !!!
DeleteBest wishes - - - Richard
That sounds like you have something fun to look forward to:) I love the mug rugs...the Northern Saw-whets are cute! I love how we all connect in strange ways:) That's what's fun about this whole business surrounding birds:)
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I'm really looking forward to our Canadian visit, Chris. For me, the social aspects of birding are nearly as exciting as finding the birds! Even when birding alone, I usually enjoy bumping into other birders and having a chat. I say 'usually' because I have met the odd miserable sod that you'd be hard pressed to get so much as a grunt from!!
DeleteI hope that your weather is getting less uncomfortable now. Best wishes to you both - - - - Richard
Hi Richard: Here's another bit of an amazing coincidence, although not quite so amazing as the first one. I just read this and Miriam's sister Grace, another accomplished sewist and quilt maker, is here picking up fabric from Miriam, so Miriam was able to share the whole story with her. Great to see you back on line. As for having a good time here, it's the only kind we allow! Best wishes to Lindsay.
ReplyDeleteThe story just keeps rolling on, David!
DeleteWe must pick up discussions on our visit to Canada before too long. I guess there'll be more time for contemplation and planning when the days get shorter.
All the best to you both - - - Richard
Hello Richard, Life is full of surprises. A amazing coincidence this is. The work of Miram is wonderful and made with such patience.
ReplyDeleteGreat for you to look forward to another visit in 2017 to Canada and meet up with your cousin and David an Miriam.
Regards,
Roos
Thank you, Roos. I have the greatest admiration for persons, such as yourself and Miriam, who have creative artistry, and the skills to execute what their minds conceive.
DeleteMy very best wishes - - - - Richard
That is amazing. I would love to have seen her faceat breakfast ttime. a trip to look forward too Richard.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is a trip to look forward to, Margaret. I think that we all had amazed expressions on our faces that morning!
DeleteBest wishes - - - - Richard
That is an amazing coincidence and wonderful that you and Lindsay are going visit your cousin and your friends in Canada in 2017.
ReplyDeleteWe're certainly looking forward to the visit, Linda. I suspect that there will be some serious research done this winter.
DeleteBest wishes - - - - Richard
Now that is quite an amazing story indeed, Richard!
ReplyDeleteAnd you know what?
Miriam brought us a lovely set with parrots and I didn't realise she had done it herself until I read this post!! UNBELIEVABLE!!! She is so talented! WOW, I can hardly get over it!
Enjoy your day and hugs to both of you :)
It continues to be amazing how all these things are interlinked, Noushka.
DeleteHave a great time with the deer rutting.
See you in just over a week! - - - - Richard
Wonderful piece of artwork by Miriam, it was certainly a coincidence that your relations had given it to you. Lets have another owl post and other bits and pieces from you. See you soon.
ReplyDeleteJohn
She's a very clever lady, John. Next time you're round I'll show you some other examples of her work.
DeleteI'll try and sort out an owl post over the weekend, but I'm probably a bit short of material!
Best wishes - - - - Richard
I love the Owls rug, beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bob - it's doubly special now!
DeleteMy very best wishes - - - Richard
"Mug rugs of a feather stick together" apparently! Such coincidences are amazing! What a wonderful trip you have to look forward to.
ReplyDeleteGini and I hope you and Lindsay are enjoying your weekend!
Yes, Wally, we're already really looking forward to our Canadian visit!
DeleteWe've got a busy weekend ahead of us. Our grandaughter has just arrived to stay with us for a couple of nights, and then on Sunday I'm helping our daughter shut down her shop - permanently! I should add that this last action is a really positive action, and will allow our daughter to enjoy life much more fully.
Enjoyed immensely your account of the beginning of migration in your neck of the woods!
Best wishes to you both - - - - Richard
What a co-incidence, Bet you are looking forward to 2017. I am way behind on blogs, too much fruit and vegetables for bottling and also having visitors! Keep well Diane
ReplyDeleteI really am looking forward to our Canadian visit, Diane.
DeleteI'm glad that it's all for good reasons that you are behind with blogs.
Have a great week - - - - Richard