Long Overdue Post

It seems like forever - and yet only yesterday - that I last posted.  The month has flown past but we have been busy with lots of wonderful family times.  The sewing has been slow and in bits and pieces, but that is fine too.

I've been trying to keep up with the Sew All Around QAL that has been running on Quilts My Way this summer.  I am enjoying doing all of the circles that Gosia has been challenging us with in her patterns.  This one was all about waves.

Other bits of sewing have been my Gridster Bee Blocks.  I have enjoyed being able to work ahead a bit on these.  These blocks are for Lisa on IG @nymblefyngers.  She requested little tree blocks.  The pattern can be found HERE.

I need to catch up on the Temperature Quilt, but this is what the year has looked like up into the middle of July.

We recently returned from our annual fishing trip in the Sierras.  It was absolutely gorgeous this year after the wonderful rains we had.  Of course, there is still quite a bit of snow in the area.  Our son actually skied one of the mornings before fishing!  The scenery was spectacular as we fished at 9700 feet elevation.  There is nothing like have a line in the water as you take in that sight.  

Our best fisherman with his 4#8oz. trout.

My favorite part is watching and enjoying the interaction of all of the grandchildren.  It's not as though they aren't together frequently since they live locally, but they aren't together 24/7 like they are when we are away.  

Part of the gang who attended.  

  

DD came over and helped me put up the pickles for the summer.  Everyone wanted to help so we found jobs for everyone.

As we say goodbye to July we welcome August.  Christmas will be here before we know it.  Happy August!

Mid July

I really didn't plan on being away for two weeks.  Life just seems to have something new and exciting every day.  I feel out of the loop as I have been off of the computer much of the time as we entertained company, celebrated the 4th of July and started the busy season of canning.  Two peach trees are done and one to go.

As I mentioned in my last post, I was the recipient of the June blocks for the Gridster Bee.  They have all come in and I just love the way this is coming together.   I'll add a few more Confetti Stars and get this put together shortly.

Meanwhile, as we move on to the next month's Gridster Bee blocks I completed my August block for Debbie - IG littlebirdquilts.  I have seen this quilt popping up on the different blogs and think Debbie's bright colors will look so nice.

Our July 4th party was loads of fun.  I always feel so blessed that the children have been able to grow up together.  Their cousins are their best friends and they always have someone to join them in whatever they do.

Pre sparkler instructions.

Serious yearly Corn Hole tournament.

They just look mischievous with those water balloons.

Master chef!

For Father's Day the kids gave their dad a Sous Vide immersion cooker.  We finally had a chance to try it out over the weekend and loved it.  We did a pork loin on Saturday night that was so moist and tasty.  Sunday we did a steak and it was also fantastic.  It is an interesting concept in cooking as the meat and herbs are cooked in a sealed bag and placed into warmed water (thus the ping pong balls to reduce water evaporation).  It is then finished off by searing a few seconds in a hot skillet.  It is great for timing the meal to be done at a certain time.  We were both very impressed and will be using this often.

I recently was selected as a winner of this beautiful Mulberry Lane jelly roll from Cherry Blossoms Quilting.  I just love the colors in these fabrics and look forward to making a quilt with it.  I have followed Cherry for many years and love her creative pieces.  One of my favorite quilts that I hang each year is a pattern of hers - the Feathered Christmas.

Tomorrow the girls and I start the pickles.  I'm looking forward to the fun.