Quiet Morning

I woke up beautifully early today, 6 minutes before 5:00 a.m. I must say, sleeping pain-free is a vast improvement to the alternative. I feel so much more rested in the morning.

I spent the hour and a half I had to myself this morning doing a little yoga, drinking my tea, and wandering through my garden. It was truly blissful. Here are a few things I saw...

A little Roma tomato peaking through the foliage

Huge heirloom squash blossoms greeting the day,

and freshly 'put up' blueberry lime jam that my precious boy helped to make last night {heart}.

Have a lovely day...

Thoughts

We went blueberry picking again - this batch is headed right for the jam jars with a little lime. Should be yummy!


One can't pick blueberries without ending the session with a little cider slush and silliness...

I have had a lot on my mind lately, and part of those thoughts lay with two blogger families I have come to 'know' over the last year or so... I hope both Heather and Amanda are doing well, and I look forward to their regular post about their love for their families and their ceaseless creativity. Hugs to both of you.

the skirt and a challenge

The 'Three Needle Skirt' is done. Let me just say, this was a huge test of my patience. Despite taking and checking my measurements three times AND trying it on a few times during construction, it was still way too big. I had to futz a bit with it when it was done, ripped out and re-did the zipper, and messed around with the back seams. Its fits better now, but not great. Next time, I go with smaller size, and NOT linen.



My next challenge is out of the the 4/2010 Ottobre magazine. No seam allowances on the patterns! Quite a challenge for me to figure this all out. It's been good, because I am taking my time, and have relatively few errors. I can't wait to try these one The Ooch when they're done!

I heart Westborough: blueberries...

We have a lovely little farm within 1/2 a mile from our house, which we frequent, especially on our long, hot, summer days. They have a lovely little area for ducks and other water critters, as well as a huge area for a group of very personable goats. Of course, it wouldn't be a dream come true for Sunny Son if there weren't tractors, and this place has two: one John Deere front loader with all the accessories, and one vintage parked permanently by the barn. We go up there every weekend, if only to feed the goats.

In the summer time, the farm has a huge selection of organic produce that they grow there, as well as some fruits supplied by local farms. Our latest draw has been the huge blueberry field, which is Farmer Harvey's pride and joy. It doesn't disappoint. We have been up there three times now, intent on enjoying summer's bounty. On the menu were lemon blueberry scones and of course a blueberry pie which didn't make it long out of the oven...

Next up, freezing and canning to maintain a winter supply. We'll keep going until we're fighting the birds for those last few blueberries.

a summer's evening...

Papo, Sunny Son in a sprinkler, Father and Son singing 'Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes' while canoeing over land, and a few of the goodies from the garden. A beautiful summer evening for which I have zero complaints.

Happy Summer.

Calling it a day...

I have had a skirt pattern in my drawer for some time now, and it quietly, but persistently, has been calling my name. I promised myself I would make it once I was done with The STORK order, and once I had make Uli some more pajamas...

I started the skirt yesterday. It was smooth sailing, and went together quite easily despite the pleats and pockets (I am so very excited about the pockets). I put it away late last night before I became too cross-eyed, but started on it again this morning, as I so wanted to wear it to work on Monday. Despite taking my measurements several times, trying the thing on a few times, etcetera... the skirt was way too big!!!!

It looked like it could have inflated into a balloon.

So, I ripped out the back seam, took out the zipper, remeasured, re-fit, and re-sewed. I have the size down right now, but alas, the Universe is against me on this one, and I am off to go watch a few episodes of Bones.

When you break two needles in a row, trying to finagle the zipper foot, that is your sign to call it a day.

Maybe I will get to wear the skirt on Tuesday.

Idaho bound

The lists are being started, the research being done...

Uli and I are going to LaLa's house. Idaho, here we come.

I am going to have to pack a loooooooot of stuff.

more Independence...

a busy weekend

Happy Independence Day!

To celebrate, we:

Rented a Canoe, and caught some lily pads......and headed to Gram & Grampy's to swim in the pool and eat some ice cream.

THEN, we went for a long walk (and a short bush wack) around the Quabbin Reservoir, and picnicked in the shade...

...and finished off the long weekend with a trip to the beach, a purchase of an air-conditioner, and hiding out in the house while munching on non-cooked food and watching a new movie.

All in all, a good way to spend a long summer weekend.