Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Still Here


  Sorry I've been such a bad blogger.  This summer has been a little unusual for us. First of all, this has been the first time in 31 years that I've worked outside the home during the summer months. A little bit of an adjustment for this gardener. Add to that the heat and drought, and I just could not keep up with the things I love.
   We also had some family issues that needed a lot of attention. I won't go into details. Let's just say, parenting is not for the faint of heart. Can anyone relate? :)

We did have some very good times this summer. Lots of swimming, going to the beach, and playing with our grandson. Of course, the highlight of our summer was the marriage of our oldest son, Justin and his beautiful Lizzie. It was a wonderful wedding, perfectly reflecting their relaxed, quirky style. I will post pictures soon.   


Once we got some rain and the temps were bareable, I couldn't wait to get out and play in the dirt. I love nothing better than to get down on my hands and knees and weed. Weird, I know! But if I didn't get up close and personal, I might have missed this guy under the tomatoes:

American toad
This is my weeding set up- towel to kneel on and bucket for weeds.
The pond was a welcome spot of cool in the garden.

Graham Thomas rose.
Creme de Cassis hollyhocks.
Butterfly not seen here too often.
I love looking across the backyard in the late afternoon light.
 Of course, I've done a lot of needlework this summer. I'm finishing up the quilting on a couple of quilts. I'll show pictures when they are done. And I've been inspired by some cross stitching blogs, and have enjoyed making a couple of small items. I love the new (to me) way that people are finishing their pieces. 

Pinkeep - pattern from Just CrossStitch Halloween issue.
Since Rick and I went to Lake Michigan on Labor Day and said goodbye to the beach until next summer, I'm ready to move onto fall and all the fun decorating, baking and crafting. In fact, I'm working on a witch's hat swap hosted by the creative Vivian.  Can't wait to show the finished product!  

     

    

7 comments:

Nellie said...

I have missed you, Cindy. Everytime I write in the journal, I think about you!:)

I hope Fall will be all you want it to be!

I have signed up as a follower, but for some reason, I don't get word of all your posts.

Have a good Wednesday evening!

Mylittlepieceofengland said...

You have a beautiful garden, wow - what a toad! x

vivian said...

You have a beautiful yard! I can relate to the parenthood thing for sure...
we've had a strange summer here too.. total heartbreak at the loss of our infant grandson and then sweet happiness at the wedding of our youngest son. and lots of stress inbetween! and then.. another engagement!
total craziness around here!
but thats what makes the world go round.. right?
have a great night..
oh.. I cant wait to see what youre creating for the swap either!
xoxo
vivian

Solstitches said...

Your garden is beautiful. Love the butterfly picture.
The pinkeep turned out great. Have fun with the swap.
Margaret

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

It's hard to keep up with blogs during the summer time! I know you'll enjoy crafting for the holidays! Hugs from FL!

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

You have a beautiful yard! I've never found a toad/frog in my garden - a turtle once found it's way into the backyard.

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Glad you are back to blogging, I love to see what you are up to in the garden and with your crafts. Your garden is beautiful and those Graham Thomas roses are lovely. Your toad looks like she is keeping the bugs away from your tomatoes! Your cross stitch is so cute. xx