Dad and Jack

I love this picture - especially their hands. It is of my dad and my newest great nephew. Since I am nearly always a little homesick - it makes me miss my dad and wish I could hold my nephew.

"What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life - to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories." ~George Eliot

Osage - way back when

I found this photo online of my home town -back in whatever year it was. Some of these buildings are probably still there. I will have to notice next time I am back there.

I am having a nice relaxing weekend. We went to a cigar show yesterday and then have a birthday barbecue for a friend of my sons. It was a good day. It was a hot day!!! - but a good one.

Hogwarts

I am just now taking an interest in the Harry Potter books and movies. I've started reading the series and watching the movies as I finish each book. It is perfect reading for the last two weeks of my summer. Jacob has read them and wanted the new book when it came out - so when he came home with it and after listening to all the hype about it's release - I thought I should read the series. I read the first book then watched the movie - and am now reading the second book. They are just what I need for the end of my summer. I can be a part of the Harry Potter craze before I go back to work in a couple of weeks. I am enjoying them - and Jake will stay up and watch the movies with me. I found this picture of Hogwarts - I think my favorite part of the first movie is the castle/school. So I am off to read and finish book two so I can watch that movie. I can see myself becoming a Harry Potter fan.
Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain. ~J.K. Rowling, "Dobby's Reward," Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, 1999, spoken by the character Arthur Weasley

Summer Colors

There is always some small thing that makes me happy and I try to enjoy all the small stuff. Life throws all sorts of things at a person - and the big events and happenings are obvious (both good and bad). But so much of life is made up of small, everyday things that are so often taken for granted. I figure if a person can find some joy and happiness in all of the small everyday stuff - they will spend a lot of time feeling a little happier and overall more positive - which can only help you deal with some of the not so pleasant things that happen.
So I have been taking time to do a pedicure every week and using some of these fun summer colors. Plus they look great sitting out together. My husband just shakes his head when I make him come and look at the nail polish on the shelf and how pretty it looks - but I tell you - finding joy in all the small stuff really works. I even get a smile out of him when I carry on about silly things like lime green toe nails.

"I feel like a tiny bird with a big song." ~ Jerry Van Amerongen
"Joy is not in things, it is in us." - Richard Wagner

Beautiful Sadie

Isn't she lovely? I can't get over how much I enjoy this dear dog. I love this picture of her!

"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." ~ Josh Billings

108 degrees

When it is this hot - Baskin Robbins seems like a good idea. I went for the pralines and cream in a waffle cone. It is supposed to be well over 100 for the next few days - I believe I will be spending a lot of time in the pool.

"Summer has set in with its usual severity." ~Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Clothes Pin Bag

I made this clothes pin bag to send to Jennifer's friend in New Zealand. Jennifer saw the one that my mom had made me and mentioned that Marna would like one - because she always hung here clothes out to dry. Adding the buttons really made it cute. I am going to have to make some more of these - it was so simple and after putting the buttons on it - I want to make some in other colors.

"The ordinary arts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest." ~ Thomas More

Tomatoes From Over the Fence

Homegrown tomatoes from my neighbor. They are the best. One of the things I miss out on living so far away from my parents is my dad's garden. (He works miracles in his garden and any plant thrives if he takes care of.) These taste so much better than anything from the store. I may have to make BLT's tonight - not my families favorite, but I love them!
“It's difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato.” ~ Lewis Grizzard

Laundry - Everyday!!!

I have wanted a clothesline for sometime. But we just never seemed to get around to putting one up. Hanging out laundry reminds me of home, I love the smell of sheets when they have been dried on the line, and on top of that it saves money. So we finally got one up this weekend. Richard came home with the decorative caps - which really makes it look nice - more than I expected. But I love it! I do so much laundry it amazes me and this is definitely not a time saver and I honestly do not like doing laundry - especially since it never seems to end. But I can get joy out of some very simple things - this being one of those simple things.
" We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry." ~ E.B. White

Cemetary Angel

One of the photos that Luke took while we were in Monterey. Whenever he is with us - he seems to have the camera. I don't get to take as many pictures as I like - but I always love to see the ones he takes. This was taken at a cemetary he found when he went for a walk. Where was I - at the ballpark. An angel can be a symbol of spirituality and they guard the grave. I also found: Angel - Flying it would mean rebirth or resurrection; Trumpeting means resurrection; Weeping symbolizes grief and mourning. An angel is the messenger between god and man.
For He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. ~ Psalm 91:11

Baseball

Luke watching - Jake playing. These are a couple more pictures from Monterey last weekend. This is how we spent most of our time. It felt great to be at a baseball game again.
"I keep my eyes clear and I hit 'em where they ain't." ~Willie Keeler's famous explanation for his .432 average in 1897.

Monterey

We were in Monterey last weekend to watch Jake play baseball. Luke took this picture of Cannery Row. We were only there for a couple of days - and spent a lot of that time at games - but you can't help but enjoy the atmosphere of Monterey.
"A sad soul can kill you quicker than a germ." - John Steinbeck.

Rasta Hat

I've been wanting to crochet one of these hats for Jennifer. I thought it would be fun to give it to her when she gets home tomorrow. I have to make some more of these - they are so fast and easy and I think they are great. Since no one was home - I had to rely on the bear to model it for me.
"Leave everyone wondering which is the more interesting piece of work...you or your hat." - Author Unknown

Saturday Morning

I was up early this morning - but I am not up and on the move necessarily. I am taking my time and enjoying my Saturday morning. It is just myself and Sadie as I enjoy another cup of coffee and the quiet of the house. I should probably get moving - Richard and I plan on going to a cigar show and then head out to Vintage Days. I would also be content to just stay home today. I have some sewing I want to do and I want to crochet a hat before Tuesday. I guess I can do that after we get home.

Sadie is great company this morning as always. She follows me around wherever I go and seems interested in whatever I do. I am finding the companionship of a dog can really be a wonderful thing. Having never been much of a dog person - it is something new for me and I admit I have gone somewhat silly over this dog. I never would have predicted I would be so attached to her when Jacob brought her home.

"Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with you in the car, in case the need should arise for them to bark violently at nothing right in your ear." -- Dave Barry

Jake and I

Here is a picture of Jake and I - taken when he was home at Christmas. I had forgotten all about the pictures he took when he was showing me the camera on his laptop - until he shared this with me today. It makes me happy to see a picture of us together. He will be home in about a month and I am really looking forward to him being home for the summer.
"There are two lasting bequests we can give our children. One is roots. The other is wings." ~Hodding Carter, Jr.