Dog Days of Summer

This is Mr. Muddling's Lady most every morning She does NOT want to get out of bed. As a matter of fact she moves right into his spot as soon as he gets up and leaves the room.

We lost one of our baby chicks, a Black Australorp. No sign of what did it, just gone. This little Buff Orpington was poorly at the same time, but we have been giving her special attention and she seems to be one the mend. We had to remove her from her sisters. Chickens believe in the rule of survival of the fittest even at a young age. It is never a good idea to leave one with the flock that is even slightly sickly!

The rest all seem to be healthy and happy and we are trying to give them extra cold things to eat and drink to help with the heat. I don't want to lose any more!

The is the progress I've made on this one. I plan at least one more row of black and neutral blocks on each side. I'll sew it all together then and see if I need to add more. It IS fun and it IS easy, but it is taking forever!

There are still pretty things outside, front and back. A lot of them are in pots though! But still, life is good and there is always so much for which to be thankful. And I am. God is good!

I hope there's lots good going on where you live!

Hugs and kisses,

Space Sock Monkeys

Sometimes you just need to finish something, and I did! I've had this little quilt cut out for a while, and it seemed like a good time to get it finished. I think this one will go to the USO lounge at the local airport.  The volunteers there tell me parents really appreciate having a quilt to put down on the floor and let little ones stretch out and play a bit.

It is bright and colorful all over. There is a diagonal stripe for the binding and I've just about used up all this wild flannel stripe on the back.

Nice and crinkly after it's trip through the washer and dryer.

I've been working on this one now. I saw the pattern originally on Jordan Fabric's YouTube channel. I was intrigued and tried to figure out how to cut it. I failed. Then she added instructions and told what ruler to use to do the cutting! Yay! 

Here's a link to the sewing instructions. This one shows that you can use the same block to make two different quilts, but it also shows the ruler and the cutting instructions.

Whenever I finally finish this one, it will be going to our niece. She said she wanted one in red and black. Lots more blocks to make, but it IS all straight line sewing.

Summer has arrived in Houston. Some time ago, actually. Not that much exciting going on outside, but there is always entertainment in the chicken yard. Buddy wants to play with them so bad!

Finally, I think I'm all caught up! I hope you're having a wonderful week, full of good things to see and enjoy!

Hugs and kisses,

Mike and His Drunkard's Path

Here is a little better look at the quilt I posted in my last epistle. I was inspired by Wanda's Bouncing Balls. I love reading Wanda's blog and seeing her artistry combining color and pattern. I, unfortunately, have not reached her level of color sense. Not even close, But I have fun anyway!

Mike has a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes. According to all medical prognostications, he should have been dead long ago, but he's not and we are all glad!  Especially his sweet wife Tracey!  Mike has been having some new challenges lately and our pastor asked me to make him a quilt. Mike ONLY wears plaid shirts and jeans, so this seemed like a perfect fit for him, and sure enough he loved it. I am extremely thankful I can do this, make these quilts, to gladden hearts and comfort and hopefully always impart the love of God.

And yes, the JOY of the Lord is our strength. Even if you have to go down a drunkard's path to get it! 

You can't see it really well, but even the backing is men's shirting, a pinstripe this time.

I'm doing a little catch up blogging, so get ready, there will soon be another!

Hugs and kisses,