Pretty Things for a Pretty Day

It is a beautiful day here.  It’s a good day to look at some pretty things and be thankful.

1.  We finally have a peony that is blooming.

Poor little plant.  We moved it (and its sibling) a few years ago from the back yard to the front yard and it has never been the same.   This is the first year since we moved it that it has budded (there are 2!).  Sadly, the other one has not returned, but I am thankful for this one pretty flower.

2.  Paper flowers from the boys make me smile.  These are better than a bouquet of fresh ones, any day.

3.  Finally, I am getting the hang of this edging for a shawl.

I know, it doesn’t look like much, but believe me, this is great progress.  The first few inches took me hours and I thought I was going to go cross-eyed!  I have 45 out of 71 repeats done and it feels like I’m almost at the finish line.  I am looking forward to getting to the body of the shawl.

4.  Pretty yarn for a new sweater project is waiting for me to find some needles (and uninterrupted time) and cast on.

I think my knitting projects list is about to get longer.

Portion Control

Here is one way the husband and I have devised to instill some portion control in our lives:

Tiny ice cream cones.  Aren’t these great?  We can pile on the scoops and still be light on the calories, as long as you stick to just one.

Summer bathing suit season is coming soon.  How are you getting ready?

Ever So Grateful

It’s been awhile since I did a formal Thankful Thursday post.  I didn’t want the pasts to feel forced, so if I couldn’t think of anything pressing or if I had something else on my mind, I’ve let those things come out.  I like schedules and routines, but I don’t like to be forced into them and, anyway, it is my blog, right?

I’ve been blogging for less than a year now.  When I started, I wasn’t sure where it was going to lead me or if anyone would really read it.  I know some of my friends and family would read, but I wondered if me going on about whatever would wear thin.  Well, I am sure it does, sometimes, but I am happy to say that I have really been enjoying this blogging thing!  Hopefully you have, too!

One thing I was hoping for when I started blogging was to connect to people who have similar interests.  Like moving to a place where you don’t know anyone, this can take awhile, but if you keep blogging, it does eventually happen.  I have “met” some really lovely people who have some really interesting blogs.

Some of these bloggers have been really kind and have nominated me for various blog awards.  This is something I never expected when I started blogging and it is kind of a fun thing that is passed around from blog to blog, kind of like a chain letter, but more fun.  It is really gratifying to know that my blog is being read and that people enjoy it.  I am really, really grateful to those who have thought I deserved a reward.  I never have been a chain letter kind of person, no matter how fun or enticing, so I hope you don’t mind if I don’t pass it on, but I would like to introduce you to some of my new friends.

Pearls-toronto knits all the time and watches old movies, too.  If we lived closer, it would be great fun to have sit and knit movie nights!

Notes from Rumbly Cottage was one of my very first followers.  She has great book reviews and fun family movie reviews.

The Modern Home Economist  is a newlywed and has a lot of fun trying new things, sharing her process and everything she learns.

alwaysaddmorebutter has a good time cooking and baking.  We are having a lot fun in the Tuesdays with Dorie and French Fridays with Dorie groups.

There are a lot more blogs that I enjoy, but I’ll save those for another time.  For now, I’ll just say that I am ever so grateful for all of you who read my little stories and leave comments.  Here’s a picture of a crown for you!

I know, it would be a little difficult to put this crown on your head, but I’m sure you could find something to do with it!  Thanks, everyone!  You all make blogging more fun!

On the Border

You may think that with all this cooking and baking, I haven’t been crafting.  It’s true that I have been spending a little less time on my crafty projects, but I have been working quite a lot on the Promise Quilt.

All the stars are quilted.  There are 70 of them.

I love how the perle cotton really sets off the stars from the background.

Now, I am onto the border.

The oldest said to me when he saw this, “Hey, they look like rainbows!  I think that’s really beautiful.”

Comments like these make a crafter’s (and a mother’s) heart fill with joy.  What a sweet guy.

A Little Color for a Dreary Day

This week we have been having a lot of cloudy, grey days.  After a few of these in a row, I have to get out my happy light to keep my spirits up.  Don’t get me wrong, I still love rainy and cloudy days.  I just get really tired sometimes and the happy light helps keep me from staying in bed all day.  Today, I thought I would look at these fun photos to cheer me up and, hopefully, you too.

These photos are all taken at the “tulip” garden down in the city.  They have over 20 beds of tulips.

There’s a color for everyone.

And some interesting varieties, too.  This one is like a whole bouquet of flowers on one stem.

There are some that don’t look like your classic tulip.

These always remind me of peppermint candies for some reason.

There were lots of azaleas, too.

Here’s a cool tree in case flowers are not your thing.

Hope you have a good day!