Intro to Summer

There can't be many better ways to introduce the summer than spending time with Aaron. We took the bus to Covington so we could have a longer bus ride. I wasn't sure what to do when we got there, so we went into the Westin and had Cheetos and chocolate milk from their pizza shop.

Once off the bus in Bellevue, we stopped at Subway and took a picnic to the park. The park wasn't a hit except for the boats going by. There's no flood wall in Bellevue, so the river view is nice.

Sunday Bob Evans was way crowded with a long wait, so we went to LaRosa's, which was good too. I let Aaron drink too much chocolate milk and he didn't want much lunch, but it was good times.

We stopped at Bridget's to pick up a tent for the Smokies camping trip coming up soon. Bridget showed Aaron the new hitch on her SUV, the better to haul a basket with gear.

Then it was time to take the little guy home to his mom and dad and his bicycle.

The Aunts

Thanks to my sister for sending me this photo of our aunts, our dad's sisters. Fan on the left and Nina on the right.

They've been on my mind lately. I've been wondering whether my sister and I favor our dad's side of the family because we don't resemble our mother's side. And the answer is, probably, not definitely.

I can remember Nina's neighbor referring to Fan as a bird because of her slightness, much like my sister's. I'm built more like Nina.

I used to enjoy Nina's dining room, where she sewed and sewed. I think I remember her having one of the old Viking sewing machines, but I could have made that up since I love Vikings. There was always something in progress, always some pretty fabric around. And tools, she had sewing tools that I loved.

She had another job, worked at Crow's Variety Store for many years, but I remember her spending her time sewing. She must have had lots of energy - her house was always clean and pretty.

In later years she lived in a little house, and she still sewed and sewed. Mostly doll clothes, exquisite lacy creations.

I know less about Fan. She lived in Lima and her house was a fun place for family dinners. I can remember my mother and the aunts in her kitchen, making the meal and laughing. She had a closed-in front porch that I thought was so inviting. She was probably a little more quiet than the other aunts, but I can appreciate that.

Thanks to my sister for this photo, taken at my sister's wedding in 1985. I imagine that the aunts were in their early 70's. Not sure who was older. My sister will know.

Friday Fill-In # 178

Friday Fill-Ins on Memorial Day weekend. Hope everyone enjoys the long pre-summer weekend.

1. Potato chips - the best food to take on a picnic. Just open the bag, no cooler required. Barbecue Baked Lays are the ones I'll take.

2. Summer is here already. It's been hot all week. I hope the weekend is rain-free so I can get things mulched and planted. I see blog pictures of gardens already in and feel wistful. When I moved into my house the landscaping was almost nonexistant and I haven't improved it much.

3. I never could wear flip flops, at least not for more than a few hours. Flip flops mean blisters for me, even though I love the look. Do you have to build up a tolerance?

4. To love someone is pretty awesome, healthy and spiritual.

5. I'm getting ready for a long hike in the Smokies. I might take Aaron for a pre-hike this weekend, build up those hiking muscles. Although, come to think of it, his muscles are ready. It's mine that need building up.

6. When I crave food, it's usually the real stuff. Dinner with all the parts. Salad, bread, main course, relaxing. I'm usually just pulling out a piece here and there, rarely everything at one time.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to sitting outside for awhile just thinking, tomorrow my plans include an early morning visit to Findlay Market, and Sunday I want to have fun with my little grandguy while his sister's visiting Aunt Tina.

Graduation Day

Ah, my beautiful little grandgirl, ready for preschool graduation. In her handmade dress.

Aaron was all happy with the occasion, saying again and again, "I'm going to Nora's graduation."

Outside the ceremony room, there was a deck with a pond and one duck. One duck who got bits of more pretzels than any duck could possibly eat.

In the words of the song the graduates sang, "Kindergarden, here we come." It seems like no time at all since Nora started to that day care as a little baby with spikey hair. Nostalgia. Changes. I love that little girl.

This Time and This Place

From my church's covenant: "This time and this place are God's gifts to us."

Library Quilt Show

My friend Carrye and I went to a vintage quilt show at the Boone County Library. It was a one-day show, lots of work involved for just one day. There was a lot of hanging and documentation involved, and there was a program in the evening, which I couldn't attend.

I asked about taking pictures and was told it was fine, that they welcomed it.

The quilts below have similar colors, just a little difference in pattern and placement.

Applique, embroidery, and lots of tiny quilting on this one.

Local quilter Julie Lambert is a local and very awesome machine quilter. She saw the quilt on the left at a different show and decided to make a reproduction. The one of the right is hers.

Julie's piecing and quilting are exquisite, always, and this quilt is no exception.

Happy Birthday to You

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Sarah,
Happy Birthday to you.

Of course we sang twice, that's what happens with Nora and Aaron. They love birthdays, love the blowing out of the candles, love the singing. As it should be.