Concert Night...

The Percussion Section

Handsome had a concert last night, but because there were expected storms, the venue changed from outdoor at the park to indoor. The sad part was that the indoor venue was half an hour from town, so there were only about forty people in the audience.

The Entire Band

The school gymnasium was really nice, and the music was so enjoyable. Everyone had front row seats, too. 

Handsome Hard At Work

The wild part was that we had no rain during the concert, but just about the time the percussion section, the music director, and a few others were getting ready to load all the chairs and percussion instruments into the band trailer, the thunder and lightning started.

By the time they were finished loading up, everyone was soaked. We drove home in heavy rain with quite the light show to boot! I remarked that it's been quite a while since we were out at night in inclement weather. We usually have the option to stay in - so we do! I was so relieved when we drove in the garage.

Even so, I'm awfully glad I went along. I was there to watch my husband do what he loves best...and it was a fun concert, too!

He has another concert tonight out of town. They're performing in a park under a shelter. I'm staying home for this one (it's nearly the same as last night's program), so I'll pray we have nice weather and he's not soaked when he gets home.

I'm going to be working on my butterfly, so I'll have an update for you tomorrow.

Many of us are already grandparents, but I loved this so much I needed to share it. For the entirety of my blogging experience, I've had a William Rutherford quote at the bottom of my main page. I'm sure you've seen it. 

This image aligns with Rutherford's quote and my own personal thoughts on the subject. Perhaps that's forms part of my creative imperative?

At any rate, if you don't yet have a skill that you can teach to someone younger, find someone older who is anxious to pass along their knowledge and learn from them. I can guarantee there are anxious teachers and students who will benefit.

It's So Hard To Say Goodbye...

Our family lost a beautiful soul yesterday. Mike was married to my sister, Diana a long time ago. After two children, they decided they were much better as friends than husband and wife.

They continued to co-parent my niece and nephew, and he was always present in the lives of their grandchildren. When my nephew was house hunting for his family, they found a place just a few houses away from Mike's. 

Mike traveled with both families when they took trips, and he even camped with them. He was always just a call away when someone needed a sitter, and Dan's daughters nicknamed him "Papa Angel" because he always referred to them as his little angels. (They call Di "Nana Ponygirl" because she always did "ponyboy" on her knee when they were little.)

Mike was diagnosed with cancer a few short months ago, and he took a turn for the worse yesterday. He was readmitted to the hospital and continued to decline through the day. 

His children, grandchildren, and sister were all able to say their goodbyes, and he passed peacefully late afternoon. The world has lost a kind, generous, and wonderful man yesterday, and our family and the world are less for it.

RIP, Brother. You'll be deeply missed.

Margaret's Bunny...

My dear creative friend Margaret B. created this sweet rabbit on a strawberry pincushion. I can see the pattern behind her work, but I can't read the designer's name. I'm going to send her a message to see if she'll share.

I thought I had this sweetie in my pattern binder, but I was wrong. I just love it, so I'll have to sort it out. "Ohhhh, Margaret..."

I'm going back to my niece's this morning. One more visit with Di before she returns to Minnesota tomorrow.

I hope you had a great holiday weekend, and wish you an even better week ahead. See you tomorrow!

 

Sunday Scripture...

Psalm 33:12

Happy Birthday, America!...

 

Meet Milo...

I made it to my niece's home yesterday to visit with her and my sister, Diana. Di lives out of state, but was at her daughter's to take care of her following an extensive surgical procedure. My niece is feeling fine, but she does get understandably tired.

When I arrived I was greeted by this little guy. His name is Milo. He's my niece's cockapoo and is about nine months old. He's so darn cute and huggable. 

Di brought her corgi, Grace with her, but Grace and I only had a short visit because Milo is such a pest with her. She  doesn't tolerate a cray puppy well.

I spent about about six hours with the ladies, and Milo settled down fairly quickly once the excitement of a new visitor wore off. It was a lovely afternoon.

Di is staying in Wisconsin until about a week from now, so I'm going up again next week to see them again. I can't wait!

This Part's Done...

I finished them late last night! When I look at them from a distance, I can see that they really do resemble a Monarch's  wings. Can I be just a wee bit chuffed?

I'm going to draw and set up my hoop for the body next, but not quite yet. My plans for yesterday were delayed due to weather, so I'm going to see my sister and niece today instead. 

I'm taking goodies and plan to visit all afternoon, so my project will have to wait (for a little while). I'll share the next phase when I start it. I'm going to get my things together for my road trip now. Later, 'gator!

The Birds Remind Us...

It's ridiculously hot here this week. The air conditioner at work lost ground by the hour because we were so busy. Each time the doors opened I could feel the mercury rise. We had it set at 73°, and after my seven hours it was 87° indoors.

My short hair was so curly that I looked like a gym teacher from my grade school days. I couldn't wait to get home and shed my jeans and polyester shirt. Truthfully, I was out of ambition by the time we walked into the farmhouse.

We haven't installed any window a/c units yet. I'm holding off because they're such a chore to install, and once they're in and the weather turns, I won't be able to open the window because it won't have a screen on it. 

So, we're trying to ride this out. Windows open at night when the breezes are cooler, and then close up during the day with our ceiling fans on. As long as I don't have to put jeans on, I'll be okay.

I did go outside just before dark to put out a bowl of cold water for the critters. I placed some blocks in the bottom so small animals could safely exit the bowl. I also refilled the birdbath for another spot for birds or beasts.

I'm heading out today to see my sister, Di and her daughter, who is recuperating from surgery. (They have a/c, too. BONUS!) I'm looking forward to seeing them. 

Gotta run now. See you later. Oh, and Happy July!!

So Close...

I'm nearly there! Once I complete this part, I'll choose the fabric for the Monarch's body and draw it onto the fabric so I can stitch it. 

I still have a body from the class I took with Owen to use as the padding, which will cut out that step, but I'll still need to stitch the cover for it. 

I best not get ahead of myself, though. First things first, and right now, I'd better get ready for work so I'm not late.

Can you believe it's the last day of June already? We're half way through the year, and I still have so much to do!

 

Homemade Maraschino Cherries...

Such a simple recipe for big results. I pressure canned maraschino cherries. I saw bags of fresh cherries last time I was in the grocery store, so I bought a bag.

The recipe was easy. 1:1 water:sugar ratio, plus lemon juice, and vanilla for the syrup. Then add a small piece of cinnamon, three whole allspice, and a splash of almond extract to each jar before filling with pitted cherries.

Bring the pressure canner up to full steam and let it vent for ten minutes. Put the juggler on the vent, and once the gauge is up to 11 psi, set the timer for ten minutes. Then remove from heat and wait for the canner to depressurize. By bedtime all the jars popped.

Now I have these jars of tasty cherries for Wisconsin-famous Old Fashioneds (Handsome makes delicious mixed drinks on the rare occasion I indulge), or even better, in or on homemade ice cream!

I accomplished other things this weekend, too, so I'll share more tomorrow. 

Sunday Scripture...

1 Corinthians 3:16

 

Saturday Silliness...

Repurposing...

Years ago, I received this corgi piece from my dear friend, Denise. Originally, there was a candle that revealed a corgi necklace when it burned down. I still have, love,  and wear it.

Now I'm thinking I'd like to turn this container into a pincushion. I already have an idea for it, so I'll work on it this weekend and then show you what I've come up with next week.

Turning it into a pincushion will make it a useful tool that I'll always have handy when I'm stitching or sewing. I'm looking forward to this!

 

June Classmate Dinner...

Back row (l-r): Dan, Brad, Deb B, Handsome and me Front: Bruce, Deb N, and Lisa

Handsome joined us again this month for dinner. As always, we had a great visit, and shared events since our last get-together.

One of our regulars, Cal had surgery last week, so he continues to heal. We'll see him again next month.

I made two dozen cinnamon rolls, and with the exception of the four I kept at home, sold almost all of them to my buddies. Deb B. was so enthused, she opened her duo and tore one apart to let everyone know they were tasty. 

I was originally going to bring one two-pack back home until our waitress asked if I had any left because they looked so good. She ended up purchasing my last pack, so I came home with an empty tote. Yay, me!

I'm going to work on my Etsy shop today. My plan is to update current listings, and add a new category or two. I should have new items up by the end of the day. 

Now I'm going to pour a cuppa, feed the birds, and then get busy. See you later!

 

Baking On A Rainy Day...

As I write this, there's a gentle rain falling on the fields surrounding Hickory Hill. The birds are singing, and the crops are lapping up every bit of it. The forecast predicts this will continue all day.

This photo is from a previous baking marathon day, but I'll be making more warm cinnamon rolls just like these.

This afternoon is our monthly classmate dinner, and it was requested that I bring more frosted goodness to sell. So, I'm already in the kitchen with a fresh cup of coffee and cinnamon on my mind.

I wish you a day filled with wonderful things. I'll be back tomorrow with photos from my day today. 

I'm Getting There...

I managed to do a little needle dancing over the weekend, too.  I actually did the right top edge of the upper wing twice! 

You see, I'd thought I'd completed the area with the rusty red color until I stood back and assessed it. In fact, it looked as though the wing might belong to a different butterfly. You know what that meant, right. 

After I'd frogged all that area, I went back to redraw it. Then I began again...and was much happier with the results. Now I can proceed toward finishing this wing part, and I'll have more to share with it very soon. 

Well, not tomorrow actually, because I'm working today. I'll see you tomorrow though. Have a great day!

June ATCs...

I created my artist trading cards for June's swap over the weekend. This month's prompt is "Key".  You know how I love to think outside the box, and this month was no exception.

I immediately thought of Francis Scott Key writing the Star Spangled Banner, and decided to make him the focus of my cards in honor of our Nation's 250th Anniversary. These will mail out today, and I'll get back to my Monarch.

 

Sunday Scripture...

2 Corinthians 5:7

That'sMe!...

If you're looking for me, I'll be needle dancing...when I'm not spending time with Handsome and "the girls".  I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

 

Second Try Success...

Our local Piggly Wiggly store is having their anniversary celebration sale. I needed to pick up a few things and saw a great price for chicken breasts, so I bought two large packages.

I canned them yesterday adjusting proportions, layering and how much I put into each jar to avoid ending up with underfilled jars. It worked like a charm. Just look at these jars.

Now we have seven more pint and a half jars of soup/stew/potpie/filling, ready to heat and eat. 

Teeny Tiny Stitches...

...take time.

 

Work went well yesterday, and I was busy the entire shift. I brought dinner home with me, and Handsome and I had an early meal after I changed from my work clothes into "home" clothes.

After dinner I made the mistake of putting my feet up and enjoying a hot cuppa. You know what happened next. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. I spent the balance of the evening not stitching. 

I have a normal day today, meaning I'll get some needlework time in, too. I'll definitely make progress to share tomorrow.

Well, I got a last minute request to work today from one of my coworkers. I had PT in the morning, so I told her I'd only be able to help if I could start at noon. She worked from ten until noon, and I got there as soon as I could after my appointment. 

That meant no stitching all day, but I did manage a few hours while Handsome was at band rehearsal. I drew a few changes on the fabric to coordinate with the other upper wing. I'll be able to look at the other wing as I work this one. The markings don't have to match, but I try to get them close.

I'll be working my regular shift today, so I'll see what I can do after I get back home. I'll definitely be ready for a little needle dancing by then.

Three Done. One To Go...

It was a busy weekend at the farmhouse. I baked bread and rolls, we did some work in the yard, and I completed the third wing part for my butterfly.

I have PT this morning, but when I get home, I'll be starting the last wing part. I have a quieter week this week, so I'll have more stitching time. I'm hoping to finish the last wing part and then work on the body for my Monarch. 

I also decided to participate in the artist trading card swap for this month. The prompt is "key". I have my idea, so all I have to do is execute my vision. I'll do those this week, too, so I can mail them out.

Here's hoping we all have a creative and happy week. I'll be back tomorrow .