Tuesday Tidbits: BUNNIES!!!

Can you see both baby bunnies?

It’s hard to come up with new things to post about with this pandemic in our faces 24/7. It’s all we can read about and see on the news and everywhere, but I’m determined to not let it take over all of my thinking and my life. So I want to talk about bunnies.

While my husband was mowing on Friday, six itty-bitty bunnies shot out of the ground in the middle of his path. Though their eyes were open, they were so small and ADORABLE! They scattered to all corners of the yard. He immediately stopped. We carefully gathered a couple who were far from “home” and put them at the entrance to the hole and they climbed back in.

 This little one was too far from home and

so scared. We got him back where he belonged.

Many years ago when my children were six, eight, and almost ten, we found some newborn bunnies in our side yard. They were so young, their eyes weren’t even open yet. We gathered around the hole to gaze at these adorable critters. We were careful not to touch them nor harm them. We merely looked. A few feet away, one of the parent bunnies stood watch, glaring at us. After a few more minutes, we moved away and left them alone. When we came out again later in the day to take a peek at them, the parents had moved the babies. We were all glad we were able to see them.
 

One of the parent bunnies.

Bunny Fun Facts:
~ Male rabbits are called bucks, females are does, and babies are kittens or kits.
~ Bunnies do something called binky when they are extremely happy. This is when they hop and do a twist in mid-air.
~ The Flemish giant rabbit can grow as big as a toddler, up to 22 pounds and 2.5 feet. My nearly two-year-old granddaughter doesn’t even weigh that much.
~ Rabbits groom themselves like cats, licking their paws and fur.
~ Though rabbits and bunnies are the same thing, hares are not. Hares are usually larger with longer back feet. They are less social and live alone, while rabbits/bunnies live in groups. Hares have a coat that changes from brown or gray in summer to white in the winter. Rabbits have the same color fur year round. Baby rabbits are born hairless and blind, completely dependent on their mommy. Hares, on the other hand, come out fully clothed, eyes open, and can move on their own soon after birth.
~ Their teeth never stop growing.
~ They sleep with their eyes open to be able to wake up to potential danger. Bunnies in captivity sleep about 8.4 hours a day.
~ Rabbits can jump a distance of ten feet and as high as 3.26 feet.
~ Bunnies’ ears can rotate 270 degrees and can hear a threat approaching up to two miles away. The ears also help cool the bunny.
~ Bunnies pur when happy. Ahhhhhhhhh!

The Quilting Circle series: Historical romances stitched together with friendship and love.

COMING SOON!!! Book 3 THE DAMSEL’S INTENT releasing June 1, 2020

A hermit comes down from the mountains to snag a husband. #TheDamselsIntent

AND Book 1 will be coming out in audio format SOON!

Book 1 THE WIDOW’S PLIGHT

FREE Preview: http://a.co/1riJfrA

A single mother steps out of the shadows of abuse and into the sunshine. But will a secret clouding her past cost her the man she loves? Get it here for FREE on Kindle Unlimited or Kindle to buy for $4.99 or paperback for $12.99: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CV4XDLH/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_XaM.DbMKBGBG1

#TheWidowsPlight

Book 2 THE DAUGHTER’S PREDICAMENT

FREE Preview: http://a.co/4UXlRN5

Can a patient love win her heart? Or will a forced marriage be the end of her romantic dreams? Get it here for FREE on Kindle Unlimited or Kindle to buy for $3.99 or paperback for $12.99: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NQZVNWY/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_WcM.DbRBRKVQ9

#TheDaughtersPredicament

#ChristianRomance #HistoricalRomance #Romance

MARY DAVIS s a bestselling, award-winning novelist of over two dozen titles in both historical and contemporary themes. Her 2018 titles include; "Holly and Ivy" in A Bouquet of Brides Collection, Courting Her Amish Heart, The Widow’s Plight, Courting Her Secret Heart , “Zola’s Cross-Country Adventure” in The MISSAdventure Brides Collection , and Courting Her Prodigal Heart . 2019 titles include The Daughter's Predicament and "Bygones" in Thimbles and Threads. She is a member of ACFW and active in critique groups.

Mary lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband of over thirty-four years and two cats. She has three adult children and two incredibly adorable grandchildren. Find her online at:

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Tuesday Tidbits: HANKIES

Squares of fabric tucked into a pocket to be at the ready for a variety of uses. Originally known as HANDKERCHIEFS but affectionately known as HANKIES. The first known use of “handkerchief” was 1530, but people had been using these nifty pieces of cloth for millennia. I wonder what they were called before handkerchief. The term hankie didn’t come into use as an abbreviation until late in the 19th century.

Handkerchiefs have a myriad of uses, from drying tears to mopping a brow to cleaning a child’s face to keeping dust out of ones mouth and nose to commemorating special events to getting a man’s attention and gifts of affection. Its utility is vast. The most common one is to blow or wipe one’s nose.

Obviously, people had need of these small squares of fabric before 1530. Depictions of handkerchiefs in art dates back to 1000 BC. Handkerchiefs also appeared in Shakespeare plays as well as elsewhere through history.

For a long time, handkerchiefs were something only the wealthy could afford because linen and silk were expensive. Because handkerchiefs were valued, they would be listed in dowries and bequeathed in wills. The wealthy would have bigger and bigger handkerchiefs and more elaborately adorned to display their wealth.

In 1785, Louis XVI didn’t want anyone to have a handkerchief bigger than his, so he mandated a size and shape. He decided on the square shape as well. Before then, handkerchiefs could be square, round, rectangle, or even a triangle. Louis decided that square was the most pleasing. All handkerchiefs from then on made in France had to be of that size and shape.

Queen Elizabeth I had handkerchiefs embroidered with gold and silver thread. She created a whole silent language with handkerchief gestures to communicate with her servants in court.

Savvy moms of the 1800s devised the “Show and Blow” campaign. To promote hygiene and reduce the spread of illnesses, school children were required to bring a clean handkerchief to school everyday. Moms wanted their children to appear spic and span, so they sent two hankies to school with their children, a clean white one for inspections and utilitarian one for actual use. These were usually made from a calico or other leftover fabric.

Well into the 1920s, handkerchiefs for the average man were white. If a lady wanted something different, she could embroider colorful flowers and designs on her hankies.

During the depression of the 30s, women didn’t have the means to buy new clothes and often could only afford a new hankie as a fashion accessory. A lady would “change” her outfit by sporting a different hankie. In the 40s and with WWII, women collected a whole “wardrobe” of hankies; draped over belts, tied on wrists, peeking out of pockets, or tucked through a buttonhole.

During WWI and WWII, pilots were given kerchiefs with a map of area they were bombing printed on it in case they got shot down. They literally had an escape route in the palm of their hand. Hundreds of others were printed as mementos during the wars.

Handkerchiefs boasted a strong popularity in the late-1940s and 1950s with designers utilizing them in their fashions

The cloth handkerchief fell out of favor when Kleenex created the paper facial tissue. They were created in the 1920s as a face towel for removing face cream. In the 1930s, Kleenex had the slogan “Don’t carry a cold in your pocket.” But is was Little Lulu and Golden Books who tipped the scales in paper facial tissues’ direction in the mid-50s. The children’s book line featured Lulu making things like bunnies, doing magic tricks, and more with facial tissues. The first printing was an astronomical 2.25 million copies.

I remember ironing my dad’s handkerchiefs. My sisters called foul when I ironed all the handkerchiefs and pillowcases, leaving the more difficult dress shirts and pants to iron to them. I figured since they were older, it would be easier for them to iron the difficult things. Or maybe I just wanted it easy. I did start ironing shirts and pants too and left a hankie or two for them.

I have recently been more conscientious about single use items like facial tissues, plastic grocery bags, and paper towels. I’m making efforts with reducing my trash footprint by reducing my use of paper towels and plastic bags. I haven’t thought much about how to reduce my use of facial tissues. I have some nearly-antique hankies that were my grandma’s, but I don’t want to use those heirlooms. Strange to think of something one blows one’s nose on as an heirloom. I think I’d like to start using cloth hankies for light-duty use, but for seasonal allergies when my nose is a nonstop waterworks for weeks or when I have a nasty head cold, I think the disposable one might be called for.

If you have some vintage hankies you’ve been wondering what to do with, here is a link to many things you can make and do with them.

What about you? Do you use cloth hankies? Sometimes? All the time? Never?

The Quilting Circle series: Historical romances stitched together with friendship and love.

COMING SOON!!! Book 3 THE DAMSEL’S INTENT releasing June 1, 2020

A hermit comes down from the mountains to snag a husband. #TheDamselsIntent

AND Book 1 will be coming out in audio format SOON!

Book 1 THE WIDOW’S PLIGHT

FREE Preview: http://a.co/1riJfrA

A single mother steps out of the shadows of abuse and into the sunshine. But will a secret clouding her past cost her the man she loves? Get it here for FREE on Kindle Unlimited or Kindle to buy for $4.99 or paperback for $12.99: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CV4XDLH/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_XaM.DbMKBGBG1

#TheWidowsPlight

Book 2 THE DAUGHTER’S PREDICAMENT

FREE Preview: http://a.co/4UXlRN5

Can a patient love win her heart? Or will a forced marriage be the end of her romantic dreams? Get it here for FREE on Kindle Unlimited or Kindle to buy for $3.99 or paperback for $12.99: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NQZVNWY/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_WcM.DbRBRKVQ9

#TheDaughtersPredicament

#ChristianRomance #HistoricalRomance #Romance

MARY DAVIS s a bestselling, award-winning novelist of over two dozen titles in both historical and contemporary themes. Her 2018 titles include; "Holly and Ivy" in A Bouquet of Brides Collection, Courting Her Amish Heart, The Widow’s Plight, Courting Her Secret Heart , “Zola’s Cross-Country Adventure” in The MISSAdventure Brides Collection , and Courting Her Prodigal Heart . 2019 titles include The Daughter's Predicament and "Bygones" in Thimbles and Threads. She is a member of ACFW and active in critique groups.

Mary lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband of over thirty-four years and two cats. She has three adult children and two incredibly adorable grandchildren. Find her online at:

Newsletter  Blog   FB  FB Readers Group   Amazon   GoodReads   BookBub

Tuesday Tidbits: FACE MASK

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter. I watched our virtual church service via YouTube. It was a good service. I’m glad I could “attend.”

I thought I’d let you know one of the things I’m doing in the midst of COVID-19 to stay healthy. Since we all need to go out in limited outings for necessary supplies, I was increasingly uncomfortable with my husband being around potential carriers as he goes out more than I do. He has only one good lung. Contracting this respiratory virus could be very devastating for him, so I wanted to give him some degree of protection. Nothing is 100% effective, but I wanted to increase our chances of staying healthy.
 

My mask, not hubby's. His is gray T-shirt material.

DISCLAIMER: This is in no way medical or legal advice. This is what I found for myself and what I’m doing. Each person needs to do their own research and decide what will be best for them.
 
I’m sure you’ve seen various face masks and ways to create something at home. I tried folding a T-shirt (because it was handy and I didn’t have a bandana) and using elastic hair ties to fashion a “mask,” but it wasn’t very useful. It didn’t stay on well, didn’t cover well, had gaps, and fogged up my glasses. Result? I didn’t wear it.
 
In searching for a pattern to make the common pleated ones, I came across a few other designs I liked better. I found these three videos helpful for me in making my decision.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fySsaOojEVM
This one by a retired medical person shows how to turn a dust mask into a surgical mask.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZBbkn-g-vE
This woman is an MD. She and coworkers test four different designs of masks to find out the most effective designs.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6d3twpHwis
This physician’s wife shows how to make a mask from a new vacuum Hepa filter.
 
Each of these videos has a link to the pattern for the mask they show. You can follow the links to the patterns if you wish.

I opted for the pattern in video 1, but I used the pipe cleaner for the metal over the nose from video 3. I tried the floral wire from video 2, but it was uncomfortable on my nose. I might try going back to that mask and pad it.

I had a crib dust ruffle that I used the non-woven fabric that goes on the flat of the box springs. I used two layers, one with the front of the mask and one with the lining. I thought about using some of the non-woven interfacing I had, but decided I wanted to see what this other material would be like. I may try one with the interfacing at another time.

Rather than elastic (which I’m sure I could have found if I rummaged for a few minutes), I opted for ties. This way I could adjust it as I pleased and felt I could get a tighter fit than elastic. I used T-shirt fabric for the ties, mostly so I didn’t have to sew them along the length. I just cut long narrow strips. The T-shirt fabric doesn’t need to be hemmed. Also, it has a little stretch-and-give to make it a little more comfortable.

My husband used his to mow the yard. The lawnmower we have to use produces a lot of stinky exhaust that makes him nauseous and he feels ill for a couple of days. With the mask, he smelled nothing and felt great. When he went outside a little later without the mask, he could smell the fresh-mowed-grass aroma that he couldn’t smell while wearing the mask.

For us, these masks are winners. The one thing I would do different is try a piece of folded aluminum, disposable baking tray like in video 1, because the pipe cleaner isn’t as strong as I’d like. Though when I tie the mask, I get a good enough fit to not fog up my glasses.

I pray you all stay healthy and safe.

The Quilting Circle series: Historical romances stitched together with friendship and love.

COMING SOON!!! Book 3 THE DAMSEL’S INTENT releasing June 1, 2020

A hermit comes down from the mountains to snag a husband. #TheDamselsIntent

AND Book 1 will be coming out in audio format SOON!

Book 1 THE WIDOW’S PLIGHT

FREE Preview: http://a.co/1riJfrA

A single mother steps out of the shadows of abuse and into the sunshine. But will a secret clouding her past cost her the man she loves? Get it here for FREE on Kindle Unlimited or Kindle to buy for $4.99 or paperback for $12.99

#TheWidowsPlight

Book 2 THE DAUGHTER’S PREDICAMENT

FREE Preview: http://a.co/4UXlRN5

Can a patient love win her heart? Or will a forced marriage be the end of her romantic dreams? Get it here for FREE on Kindle Unlimited or Kindle to buy for $3.99 or paperback for $12.99

#TheDaughtersPredicament

#ChristianRomance #HistoricalRomance #Romance

MARY DAVIS s a bestselling, award-winning novelist of over two dozen titles in both historical and contemporary themes. Her 2018 titles include; "Holly and Ivy" in A Bouquet of Brides Collection, Courting Her Amish Heart, The Widow’s Plight, Courting Her Secret Heart , “Zola’s Cross-Country Adventure” in The MISSAdventure Brides Collection , and Courting Her Prodigal Heart . 2019 titles include The Daughter's Predicament and "Bygones" in Thimbles and Threads. She is a member of ACFW and active in critique groups.

Mary lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband of over thirty-four years and two cats. She has three adult children and two incredibly adorable grandchildren. Find her online at:

Newsletter  Blog   FB  FB Readers Group   Amazon   GoodReads   BookBub

Tuesday Tidbits: PEACE, PRAYER, & AN EASTER SERVICE!

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:13

In these uncertain times, I pray peace and hope for each person reading this. I hesitate to jump into the fray of this pandemic again, but I wanted to take this opportunity to pray for all of you.

 

Dear Heavenly Lord Jesus,

Thank You for being with us in these anxious days that we don’t know when they will end. I lift up everyone who is reading this. We are apprehensive about this virus and about the supplies for everyone as well as jobs and finances. Give all of us peace and hope and strength during these uncertain times. I pray for health and well-being for each and everyone. In this season of life being unpredictable and not knowing what tomorrow holds, give us peace. It’s scary with this invisible threat sweeping the globe, seemingly unstoppable. Help us all look to You and lean on You. Calm our anxious hearts.

We ask all these things in Jesus’ Precious Name,

Amen!

EASTER SERVICE!

If your church isn’t one that will be having a virtual service this Easter Sunday, I invite you to join mine, Canyon Hills Community Church. We will be having the service at 10 am PDT on YouTube and loaded on our website after that. Here is the link to our website and the link to the service will be posted there. If the YouTube link doesn’t work for the live Easter service, search on Canyon Hills Community Church and you should be able to find us.
https://www.canyonhillscommunitychurch.com/sermon/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJweF78e90tGzi5n2UWrppg/featured

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he [it is] that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” Deuteronomy 31:6

I was online the other day, as many of us are, and came across many humorous memes and such design to lighten our hearts in this difficult time. I laughed at many of them and felt lighter because of them. We all need a little laughter through stressful events. But at the same time, I lifted up those who can’t find humor in the funny things circling the internet because they are battling this virus or grieving the loss of someone. For each person who has lost their battle with this virus, there are many, many people grieving.

 

Dear Jesus,

I lift up all those who have lost a loved one due to this virus. Comfort them and give them peace. For those who are ill, I pray for Your healing touch. Strengthen their immune systems and bring them back to health. I lift up all the health care workers, that you will keep them safe and healthy. I lift up all those struggling with things not related to this virus but are just as difficult.

In Jesus Name,

Amen!

I am a person who is quite content to stay at home. I’m an introvert, so hunkering down and staying away from others isn’t a hardship for me. I welcome it. But I realize there are others for whom this social distancing is very hard. I would suggest arranging online video chats to help with the loneliness. You could also hunker down with a good book, visit with the characters there, and catch up on some reading.

 

Dear Jesus,

Help us all to find contentment in staying home and away from others, so the tidal wave of this virus can be halted and pushed back.

In Your Name,

Amen!

“Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10

This virus will eventually die out. We can all do our part to make that happen sooner rathr than later.

Stay safe and healthy!

FREE for KINDLE UNLIMITED Subscribers ~ The Quilting Circle series:

Historical romances stitched together with friendship and love.

COMING SOON!!! Book 3 THE DAMSEL’S INTENT releasing June 1, 2020

A hermit comes down from the mountains to snag a husband. #TheDamselsIntent

AND Book 1 will be coming out in audio format SOON!

Book 1 THE WIDOW’S PLIGHT

FREE Preview: http://a.co/1riJfrA

A single mother steps out of the shadows of abuse and into the sunshine. But will a secret clouding her past cost her the man she loves? Get it here for FREE on Kindle Unlimited or Kindle to buy for $4.99 or paperback for $12.99: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CV4XDLH/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_XaM.DbMKBGBG1

#TheWidowsPlight

Book 2 THE DAUGHTER’S PREDICAMENT

FREE Preview: http://a.co/4UXlRN5

Can a patient love win her heart? Or will a forced marriage be the end of her romantic dreams? Get it here for FREE on Kindle Unlimited or Kindle to buy for $3.99 or paperback for $12.99: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NQZVNWY/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_WcM.DbRBRKVQ9

#TheDaughtersPredicament

#ChristianRomance #HistoricalRomance #Romance

MARY DAVIS s a bestselling, award-winning novelist of over two dozen titles in both historical and contemporary themes. Her 2018 titles include; "Holly and Ivy" in A Bouquet of Brides Collection, Courting Her Amish Heart, The Widow’s Plight, Courting Her Secret Heart , “Zola’s Cross-Country Adventure” in The MISSAdventure Brides Collection , and Courting Her Prodigal Heart . 2019 titles include The Daughter's Predicament and "Bygones" in Thimbles and Threads. She is a member of ACFW and active in critique groups.

Mary lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband of over thirty-four years and two cats. She has three adult children and two incredibly adorable grandchildren. Find her online at:

Newsletter  Blog   FB  FB Readers Group   Amazon   GoodReads   BookBub