The Backyard

I finished the quilt! And in a free moment, while I took pictures of the blanket, I snapped some photos of the garden. We've made some progress this year, but it's still far from where we would like it to be. I'm having fun with it, though.

Zinnia

Salvia

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Winter to Summer Quilt

 Summer is nearing it's end, and I intend to enjoy every last minute of it. Last night I read Sherlock by the fire in our backyard. Today I took advantage of the kids playing nicely together (a rarity lately,) and worked on this quilt while they picked blackberries and raspberries and chased each other.

 While I watched and listened from the window, I made substantial progress. I should have finished this gift  last winter for a friend. Better late than never, I hope.

 I'll let you know how it turns out. 

Camping

Our family spent the weekend camping together at Crescent Lake. It was gorgeous. Hiking along the lake. Kayaking. Enjoying waterfalls and campfires. 

When we were kids we camped the first two weeks of August. One week was spent in the mountains and the other at the beach. We had an old huge canvas tent that could sleep about 10 kids and several adults. Before we set it up one of us had to get all the rocks off the tent spot so we wouldn't sleep on lumps. Now we bring an air mattress and pack'n'play for Addy. Roughing it, I know. 

Pinterest

 I've finally joined the ranks. I'm convinced Pinterest will help me keep my catalogue of ideas and inspiration somewhat organized. More than likely I will have to limit the time I spend there, but it's great to check out my pins when I need a moment of motivation.

Check it out here and let me know what you think.

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A Change

So today I had to go to the doctor to check out some health concerns I've had. A friend referred me to a local team of naturopathic physicians who can hopefully solve the riddle of what is going on with my body. No, it's nothing life threatening. Just stuff that needs some minor attention.

 Step one of the diagnostic is to change my diet. I've already made some alterations to my grocery list, but this is stepping up my game. Jeepers. This means I'm going to have to get creative. For at least one month I have to say good-bye to some foods and beverages that I hold near and dear. It'll be good for me. I've found some great food blogs, two of which you can find in my blog list, that will help me find new ways of cooking and baking.

gluten free coconut cake

 Maybe this won't be so bad after all.

Birthday at the Park

We went to a birthday party today at a lake just a few minutes away from our last house. I wish I would have known it was there when we lived there because it's beautiful. To get there you drive through corn fields and farms, a good reminder that some day I would like to own a small one with a white barn.

 The park was like a day at the beach, only without the long drive. There's a sandy bar along the water where we soaked up some sun and watched the sailboats and sea gulls. It was a good day.

 This is what we made for the birthday girl.

Summer Skirts

It's good to be sewing again. Last night I finished these skirts for the girls. They're easy and fast; perfect for summer.