Quilting and Family

Look who visited!

I am pleased to say that I have been able to work quite a bit on my numerous sewing projects thusfar this summer. Now even though the number of "completed" projects for the year isn't that impressive (yet!), I definitely have been learning A LOT about the actual process of quilting--including how to use my wonderful sewing machine and different sewing techniques. In fact, I just received a one-on-one lesson last night from a woman at the Husqvarna Sewing Center which is located within the JoAnn Fabric Store.

Can you see the rainbow trout?

This was the baby quilt I gave Tanna

My mom is my sewing inspiration. I still marvel at her handiwork; she makes the loveliest dresden plates and some of the wildest log cabins I've ever seen. Mom has a little addiction to prints...but I think I'm slowly admitting that I have the same addiction! We both like batik fabrics as well, but we can't seem to resist prints! Mom (and Dad too!) has been very supportive with my sewing endeavors and has answered a lot of the questions that have popped up over the past few years. THANKS MOM!!

Britches laying on Presley's baby quilt

Fanny observes from a large perch--the top of the fridge

Of course, I always seem to have "helpers" hanging around, particularly on days when I really need to have the project laying flat.

Hey, what's that big lump?

Ah, yes, it's Mr. Britches!

The Valaskey garden has been faring well. We just picked some green beans this week and have had garden lettuce salads, fresh basil for salad caprese, and zucchini. We are anxiously awaiting the tomatoes, cucumbers and sweet corn.

Mark & his mom (this picture is almost 2 weeks old now, so the garden has grown a lot more)

Mingo rolls on the ground while Lizzy & Lily look on. The dogs are not allowed in the garden.

Doggy dinner at the Valakey's is always much anticipated.

The big event of the past week was a really nice visit from Don, Hope and the kids as they traveled north to Rhinelander last Friday. Mark and I met them on the northwest side of Madison for lunch at a sister-restaurant of Captain Bill's called the Nauti-Gal (like "nautical"--NOT like an establishment of ill-repute). I'm so glad they made the stop. I can't believe how big those kids are getting!! They are such vivacious mint juleps!

Don & Hope keeping Stephen in line.

Beth!

It was quite entertaining to watch Kenny, Beth and Stephen play in the sand of a volleyball court that is on the grounds of the restaurant. They were completely satisfied to just dig around with bare hands and no toys. Apparently, they don't have a lot of just plain old sand in Arkansas (and I forgot what Don told me they did have. Clay?) Don and Hope also pointed out that the kids really like to go around barefoot too. This wasn't a particularly warm summer day in Wisconsin, but the gang didn't think twice about taking their socks and shoes off for romping around in the sand.

Look at that smile

Stephen brought his little trucks to the sand

Kenny

Thanks Don and Hope for swinging by; we were glad to see ya'll and look forward to seeing you again some other time.

Stephen & Kenny were interested in the water and the geese on the dock.

Little Man