The yuccas are blooming rather beautifully this year. And while I don’t really care for them, I cannot deny their beauty right now. And the ants are sure having a love affair with them!
But the garden is really amazing.
I harvested my first beans.
And the last of the rhubarb, which will shortly become Rhubarb Lavender Shrub. Thanks, Vicki for the great suggestion!
How’s your view today?
Recipe for the Practically Perfect Summer Weekend:
This combination makes for a much more palatable Monday.
How was your weekend?
P.S. If you previously subscribed to my blog, you will need to do so again, thank you!
Welcome to Tuesday (that really feels like a Monday)!
What could possibly help this dire situation? Reliving the weekend thanks to Carole and her 10 on Tuesday request:
10 Things You Did This Weekend
The weekend arrived a bit early here, Steve only had to work a half a day on Friday. Summer arrived in full force as well, with temperatures into the 90’s here. But, all in all it was a great weekend with a full spectrum of things to do.
We finished a garden bed that we had been working on expanding this month. Whew!
It was also a weekend of discovery – that is discovery in muscles I did not know – or forgot – I had!
There were plenty of cocktails – thank you Blackberry Brambles, Frose’s, Shrubarb (Thanks Vicki for this FANTASTIC new word!!) coolers, and even a beer or two.
The grill got the maximum amount of possible usage for burgers, grilled chicken, and grilled asparagus! There was also Lobster Ravioli, which was not grilled but so delicious!
In moments of respite from the maximum heat and humidity, there was sewing. Specifically, 100 Acts of Sewing, Dress No. 1 in a lovely Robert Kaufman Essex Yarn Dyed Linen that I got from Spool in Pittsburgh. Bonus points were achieved in making and installing the best bias tape I have made and stitched in to date!
There was some spinning – I finished up spinning and plying the ITW batt that I got last year from Maryland Sheep and Wool – I love how it turned out – 400 yards of heavy fingering weight yarn. I almost finished the Shetland done for my sweater project. I just have a tiny bit of spinning to finish and then plying can begin.
There was knitting…I finished sock number one from Carole’s Picot Socks. I LOVE it! Sock number two will be cast on shortly. I also began my Summer Wish List of those WIPs I want to get done this summer – starting with Indigo Cones. Sitting and knitting under the pergola is really lovely, just sayin’.
There was reading – I finished Ann Cleeves White Nights and it was excellent! I thought it was much better than book number one, and I will definitely be continuing with this series this summer! Which is good, because I need a book set in another country for my Book Bingo card! I started The Goldfinch, and within a few pages I was enthralled. This book will be hard to put down – this is a very good thing because as everyone has reminded me this book has over 700 pages!
There was a spectacular Happy Hour under the pergola on Friday!
There was time spent just enjoying that it was the weekend, with deep gratitude that it was not over yet on Sunday night.
There was time spent in meditation and reflection of what the holiday really means, beyond a long holiday weekend, and being filled with profound thankfulness to those willing to serve and give their lives in defense of freedom.
So, tell me – what was your favorite part of your weekend?
Hello Gentle Reader!
I hope you are having an awesome extended weekend for the holiday, and if you were waiting patiently for the start of the AsKatKnits Summer Knit-Along, the wait is over!
Last night, in preparation, I pulled out one of the WIPs from my basket and sat down with the pattern to figure out where I am so I can spend a little quality time with it today. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I am further along than I thought. I have divided for the sleeves and am cruising up the back. This morning, I have hopes that this will be approaching the finish line by this time next week.
I would love to have you join us, we have some great discussion going on Ravelry!
That’s all I have for today, I am off to do a bit of knitting!
See you back here tomorrow and have a fantastic Memorial Day!
I think it is most fitting that the first poppy blossom opened yesterday in honor of Memorial Day weekend. It was just gorgeous yesterday in the late day sun, almost as amazing as this field of 300,00 knitted poppies at the Chelsea Flower Show. Just.Stunning.
Carole shared a link to BOTNS Book Bingo on Wednesday and Kym shared her card yesterday, so like a good lemming, I printed my card out and am IN IT TO WIN IT! Well, perhaps not with Carole playing – seriously, that girl can read and read fast!! It boggles my mind. Regardless, it seems like a fun way to spend the summer and that’s my story and I am sticking to it!
I am so good with some of these; book set in another country – check! Read another book by an author already used for this Bingo card – check! Book recommended by a librarian – check! (Thanks Carole!!) Perhaps this will be easier than I think. If you wanted to up your reading game this year, this will help! And, I am feeling decidedly child-like, awash in memories of Summer Reading at the library. It was the best thing ever for the summer vacation!
Now on to the Friday Links:
Feeling left out because you don’t have flock of sheep?
The Book of Haps roll out continues, with Tom of Holland and Gudrun Johnston having particularly lovely haps!
And, today’s pattern reveal is just stunning by the Baa-ble Hat creator!
River Flow sounds like the perfect summer knit.
Joji has a beautiful little shawl that takes just one skein of sock yarn! Which also gave me an earworm.
I will be nice and share. Have an amazing FriYAY and an even better LONG weekend! See you all back here on Monday!
