Our New Water Feature

Williamsport, IN

No, not that! LOL! This one:

It took awhile, but Rick finally got it done. He just wasn't sure how he wanted to do the rocks. But I think he did a great job. We had to buy a new pump and filter so we could get the kind of flow and sound that we wanted. It is just like being in the woods along a creek. I love it!

There are several more places to put plants, but I will work on that in the spring. (I don't like moving perennials in the summer.) I am going to put more irises along the back, add a climbing rose on the back of the garage, and also window boxes. Check back next spring!

Our old cat Sam (short for Samantha - 17 years old) now has a favorite spot when she's outside. She lies here most of the day. She must like the heat of the rock.

We have been having really great weather here lately. Sunny, not too hot or humid. I've been getting more weeding done and the yard is looking pretty good. We could use a little rain, but considering California's situation, I'm not going to complain:)

Sweet fat cat Loyal.

I hope everyone  has a good weekend. We are going canoeing. Yeah!

Small Sewing Projects

Sometimes, when I'm working on a big quilt, I need to take a break and make a small, quick project. Or in this case, several. Ah, instant gratification!

First is a little needlebook made from a tutorial from ASpoonful of Sugar. I had just bought a few fat quarters of this pretty fabric and thought it would be perfect for this.

Another needlebook, this time in linen and some Lynette Anderson fabric. I guess I was in the mood to make hexagons:) I got the patch idea from Amy at nanaCompany.

And speaking of Amy, I just love her new book Sweetly Stitched Handmades. As soon as I got it, I made this cute hot pad.

I think it is too pretty to actually put gooey hot pans on, don't you? For now I just have it on the kitchen counter to admire when I walk by.

Can you believe it's August already? School will be starting soon. But guess what? I'm not going back! At least not this year. I feel the need to be close to home, able to help out my family when they need me, doing the homemaking things I love, and taking care of the paperwork for my husband's business. I will also be taking some time to rest and recoup. Sometimes we just need to step back, slow down, and take a breath. Make sure you take the time for yourself too!