New Sock Monkey

Here's a new sock monkey I made. Boo thought he should sit next to him. I think he needs a blue knitted stocking cap, but don't have a pattern. (the monkey, not Boo).

Grommets

I have been wanting to get a package of these for awhile. The bags are so cute with these - there are 8 in the package, so we could each make one :-)

Quilt Show Today

Dad wants a lap quilt for this winter, so I got this packet of flannel fabrics today. I think I will cut out a moose shape and use those on a couple of larger squares and then us this fabric for the remainder.

Fall Vacation to Leavenworth

We're really enjoying our vacation over here in the Cascades. On Friday we spent the day in Leavenworth and bought a few things we really didn't need :-) Great fun. Today we hiked 6.5 miles, about 20% of it uphill. Pretty good for two old people. The weather was very cold today - I had five layers of clothing on, and was just right. There were snow flurries in the air this morning when we started. Aren't the Cascades beautiful?

Overnight Company

We had special company last night - Teri Foster and Nichole Frasch - who are actually in the western part of Montana, but were over close to us and came for the night. Nichole is my cousin's daughter and it was nice to get acquainted.

1776

I've started this book a couple of times - once on audio and once from the library, but didn't make much progress. This summer I bought it at a garage sale. The book is not as exciting as some murder mysteries that I enjoy, but I am finding that I like it very much, now that I can read it at my own pace, a little at a time. You get a personal view of the men who fought in the revolution.

New Purse (Again)

I finished my purse today. Carissa's is the identical pattern, except she made hers a little taller and a most beautiful mauve shade. You can see it on her blog. I am happy with the way it turned out, although I will admit to taking it completely apart, and putting stiffer interfacing in it, and slightly altering the shape.

Clematis

We thought our clematis on the back side of the house had winter-killed. About mid-summer Tim noticed a sprig growing up. Now it's prettier than it ever has been.

I know this isn't the greatest photo (I took it), but I just wanted to comment that it's good to have all four kids together at the same time enjoying visiting. It does a mother's heart good!!

OK, a couple more pictures from the St. Joe

On Saturday Jeff, Susie, Hunter and Todd took Ben, Carissa and myself up to the river property. Ben and Carissa hadn't seen it. It turned out to be a beautiful warm day and the river was quiet - almost no boat traffic.

Carissa and Ben's first anniversary

Carissa and Ben happened to be here on their first wedding anniversary and we had a potluck at noon. Diane Thom brought a cake and Carissa also made these cupcakes for the potluck.

Hunter

This picture is pretty self-explanatory, so there's isn't a need to say more!!!

Playing doctor

Hunter and I were playing doctor the other day, and since I haven't found a doctor kit at a garage sale, we just improvised and used a tool kit. It works just fine.

Hunter

I have this toothpick holder on the counter to hold some of my vitamins. Hunter wanted to drink milk out of it. Then Grandpa read him a whole stack of library books.

Friday - Fun Day at St. Maries

On Friday Jeff, Steve, Hunter and I went to St. Maries and spent the day with Todd and Amy on their river property. Todd gave me a ride on the jet ski and I enjoyed watching Jeff, Steve and Todd wakeboarding. Amy got up on the board as well. Here's a couple of pictures.

Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie

I heard a review of this book on NPR and decided to read it. The main character is an 11 year old precocious girl. She is interested in mysteries and chemistry. She discovers a dead body and decides to solve the mystery. It's not a children's book, and I have only just started it, but am enjoying it immensely.

Fabric

I did something I have never done before - I bought fabric online. The package came yesterday and I was delighted!! It is beautiful. One piece - the brown - is a jersey knit suitable for a top. The other is a stretch cotton - I'm thinking of a dress. I bought it from Gorgeous Fabrics.




The problem with fabric stores now is that their selection is much more limited than it used to be - I guess not so many people sew now as used to.

Cupcake Pedestal

This is a cute cupcake pedestal from the Craftzine site. They have really neat eclectic stuff. Carissa has been into making cupcakes lately. This pedestal is made using a child's saucer from a dishes set and a candleholder, both purchased at thrift stores. Plus the S'mores cupcake looks yummy.