Happy Moment #30: So Very Sleepy

A Friday ritual with Soulemama.  A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.  A simple, special, extraordinary, happy moment.  A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments too!

 

“Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.”

~Omar Khayyam

日本のための多くの愛
Much love for Japan

Happy Birthday Mr. Happy!!!

Happy Birthday to the sweetest man...

...who can make me anything, who always knows how to make me smile, who wanted a second pup, who never says yes first, who encourages my sewing, and gives me design ideas, who wants me to be happy with all his heart, who gives me a beautiful relaxing house, who hangs me hammocks, or helps me fence my veggie garden, who builds me shelves and later hangs them, who works really hard, who laughs really freely, who doesn't mind getting dirty, who can make a great date of stacking wood, who I love with all my heart!

I really can't imagine life any other way.  Wishing you a happy birthday and many many more to come!

We are a bit consumed with celebrating and vacation at the moment, but I should be back near the end of the week with a Sammy, sewing, and garden update!

日本のための多くの愛
Much love for Japan

Happy Moment #29: Can I Sniff Too?

A Friday ritual with Soulemama.  A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.  A simple, special, extraordinary, happy moment.  A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments too!

“Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.”

~Omar Khayyam

日本のための多くの愛
Much love for Japan

Hands in the Dirt: Mountain Laurel Blooming

The flowers and gardens are in full swing!  I am taking a better inventory of what is blooming and when this year so I can determine what plants to add to assure something is always in bloom.  It's a fun challenge I've given myself.

The Mountain Laurel, which was only buds last week, is in full bloom now.  These delicate bunches of light pink flowers were a really pleasant surprise when we bought this house.  They remind me of my favorite hikes with the mister.  Lots of good memories there!

I also have a whole patch of these purple flowers... I think they are called Spiderwort (thank you google).  And if they are then I am reading here, that you can even eat them?  The site goes on to say:

"that the stems, leaves and flowers of spiderworts are edible.  The herbage may be eaten raw or added to stews.  The flowers (which may be either pink, blue or rose-purple) make an attractive edible garnish for salads."

Can anyone confirm the are spiderwort?  I might have to try and move some of it... very pretty spring color!

The peonies are still going.  I had one bunch of white blooms and now it's pinks turn.  These are the bunches that seem to be getting lots of sun.  I have a few others that are still a few weeks behind.  Nice to have them staggered like this so they can be enjoyed longer!

Do you see Katie in the background of this one?

I love how the color is such an intense pink!  And they smell. so. good!  I admit I cut a few and put them on my kitchen table.

This little lovely is back now for the second year and I have to say it's doing really well!  I believe it is called Dead Nettle or Lamium. 

It's a hardy plant for sure.  I planted a small bit from my Mother in Love (MIL) in the heat of a drought last summer and it's back and spreading like crazy.  I am encouraging this one to fill in an area of thin soil on a rock outcrop. 

Beats pulling weeds from that tiny patch!  And I'm surprised to say it has bloomed three times already this spring.  I wonder how many more blooms I'm in for?  And aren't those leaves cool!

This lovely red flower is a type of carnation.  Picked it up on a whim.  The color is beautiful, but it's one of those needy plants that needs to be watered.  Not sure if it will make it in my garden.  I planted it close to the water hose and veggie garden to give it a chance... but not sure what will happen with this one.

These stalks are the beginnings of my orange day lily's!  This is also the second year for these in the garden.  Last year they grew really well, multiplied nicely, bloomed even, and then the deer ate them.  So, I now have a few in a fenced area (hopefully won't be eaten) and a few out in the open as a compromise. 

For me, these seem to sound a bell that summer is on when they begin to bloom in June!

This girl isn't so much a flower, but oh how she loves a garden walk as I snap pictures of this and that.  She is currently on the hunt for the chimpmunks living in this center garden.  And you can see some of the Dead Nettle there at her toes.

All creatures great and small seem to take residence in the gardens.  And it's that time of year for caterpillars.  Mohawk anyone?  After a quick look it seems this is a gypsy moth in the making.  I wonder what all those spikes are for?

And there you have it.  Another quick walk through a few of the gardens to check out what's happening. 

How are the pups you ask?  Wonderful!  You'd think these two have been BFF forever... happy tails make for happy mamms!  Doesn't Katie look gigantic lately compared to the wee one?  Now if I could just have a talk with Sammy about not ripping plants out of the gardens... just the weeds ;)

---I'm linking to Outdoor Wednesday's with Susan at A Southern Daydreamer and This Week In My Garden with Candy at The Little Round Table---

日本のための多くの愛
Much love for Japan

No Surprises Here

A new puppy in the house means all attention has been redirected for a short period.

Good thing I can't get enough of this little muffin... polar bear.. marshmallow... jammers...

*****Serious Cuteness Alert!  You've been warned...*****

日本のための多くの愛
Much love for Japan

Are You Still Having Problems Commenting?

I was seriously still having problems commenting on one of my computers.  I came across this post from Halsey at Spunky Junky today and I'm cured!! 

I wanted to share the cure with anyone else who is not able to post a comment.  Ready, here goes....(picture from Spunky Junky)

Yup.  Totally worked for me!  Totally made my day... and I can't wait to run around to all the blog posts I starred in my blog reader to finally go back and comment to my hearts content.  You can almost bet you will hear from me today... I can comment as me now!!  Spread the word!

Hope you are having a great Monday morning.. I know I am now! 

Sammy's First Day

Sammy's first day with us was nothing short of exciting. 

Here she is on the ride home.  Only a few whimpers.

First snuggle with Katie.  Guess her tail makes a good pillow for a tuckered out puppy.

Still amazed at how tiny she is and how quickly she falls fast fast asleep.

She is thrilled to play with toys.  Every one has to be nibbled and tugged at.  And we have already started the bait and switch.... as in if she is tasting something that isn't puppy approved we remove the bad thing and put a good thing in front of her.  All part of teaching her what is or isn't allowed to be chewed on.

Did I mention she sleeps a lot?  In the most adorable positions I might add!!  And I can't get enough of how much I want to kiss those paws!

She and Katie are getting along as well as we had hoped for a first day, although Katie is still not to fond of having a shadow all the time.  And I'm sure she could do without Sammy thinking her tail is a toy.  Here she has grabbed Katie's tail and is trying to drag it away.

Even with the jealousy, following, and tail tugging... Katie is slowly starting to realize that she and little Sammy are going to have a lot of fun playing together!

For breakfast and dinner Sammy has struck a pose of two paws in her dish to gobble up food.  I will have to try and catch a picture of this.  Did I mention we have been laughing, a lot?

She is really showing more and more of her personality.  I would describe her as laid back, curious, and stubborn.  Very fitting for this family. 

As day one wrapped up and I prepared for night time pee breaks... I was once again reminded of how amazing the world can be through puppy eyes.  Each and everything having entertainment value and being worthy of really checking out.

Yup, I'm enjoying every second!  Oh, and I wish I could send you puppy breath through smell-o-blogging... it's every bit as amazing as I remembered.

日本のための多くの愛
Much love for Japan

Sammy's Home

Wanted to let you know Sammy is home safe and sound.  Explored, played, and out like a light. 

Just the beginning of this amazing journey!

日本のための多くの愛
Much love for Japan

Happy Moment #28: I'm Getting a Sister? Wha?

A Friday ritual with Soulemama.  A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.  A simple, special, extraordinary, happy moment.  A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments too!

Katie got a bath last night in preperaton for becoming a big sister today!  Want to see pictures of Katie's new sister Sammy? 

“Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.”

~Omar Khayyam

日本のための多くの愛
Much love for Japan

My Weekly Progress Report

No finishes this week; unless prepping for the puppy counts.  We have a collar, bowl, leash, bed, crate, and toys.  I am feeling so ready to bring her home tomorrow!


As for sewing... let's check in shall we?  (We will pretend it's still Wednesday)

--ONGOING PROJECTS--

Happy Garden (king sized)

 

I still have to finish the quilting.  I bet on session will complete it and I think I have found the perfect binding color.  I appreciate all the feedback on what color to use!  The ideas ranged, but blues and reds really topped the ideas.  After much thought and contemplation I think I am going to borrow Becky's idea of going with blood red after my little incident.  It's fitting and funny... but I also realized it will help the cherries and strawberries in the prints pop.  I'm looking forward to calling this King size d-u-n... and it's funny because we could really have used the quilt tonight... it's chilly again.

 --STALLED--

{Insert Name Here}: Bottled Rainbows {ticker tape quilt-along}

No progress sadly. 

 

Crewel Spring Flowers

Nada

X Marks the Spot

Nada sewing-wise, but I did pick up the yellow and pink solids and I think it will get me past the point I have been stuck on for so long.  I'm looking forward to playing with this quilt again!

Katie Fiber Art

No action here.

 

--INSPIRATION--

I have been very inspired this week too!  Do you read Quilting Arts?  Since the first one that was put in my hands a few months ago to the new subscription that has been put in my mailbox (thank you Monika you are my sewing angel for sure!), I have been bit by the fiber art bug hard!

Just check out these examples of detailed, textured, and color rich fiber art.  I'm seriously in love and I think I am finding my true style!

I also have been bit by the clothes making bug.  Specifically dresses and skirts.  These fabrics jumped into my arms and I think would make lovely clothing.  If only the little sewing gnomes would visit my sewing room one night and make it so.  If not, I will have to give it a go *wink*

And there you have it. 

That's pretty much what has been on my sewing brain when I can spare a puppy free thought.  Sammy (soon to be new Happy puppy joining us), got a clean bill of health today... which means we get to pick her up tomorrow.  Words can not describe.  I'm getting gushy and excited and nervous all in one moment. 

It's perfection... exactly what I needed right now.  Can't wait to share more!!

This Week's Work in Progress (WiP) Stats 

Last WiP Wednesday Total: 5
New Projects: 0 (non officially, but a few are blooming)

Finished Projects: 0
Total WiP's: 5 (same as last week; not counting fiber art or clothes as projects until I begin cutting)

---Linking to W.I.P. Wednesday with Lee at Freshly Pieced---

日本のための多くの愛
Much love for Japan