wrapping up July

Here we are, mid summer already and still it continues hot and dry.

The brief rainy spell was a welcome relief but it didn't ease the water shortage nor the restrictions. DH collected rainwater from the roof gutter drains and filled two large Rubbermaid bins.  We've been using this water for the trees outside our unit.   It's still in the plan to put in a rain barrel or large watering bags  for the trees.  We can use a hose and nozzle to water the veggies/other plants on the patio but no lawns nor car washing.  Thank goodness the lingering haze from the forest fires has been blown away.  There wasn't much difference in the morning sun or evening moon.

The orange air lasted many days.  I guess we can be thankful that we weren't any closer to the fires. It continues to be a big problem in this province.

Noah turned 7 earlier this month.  Of course there is nothing better than cake

and a party ......

and testing the icing!

July 1st we (perhaps some of us more than others) enjoyed a patio party.  Hey, isn't it all about keeping cool?? And all water dispersed did drain to the adjacent hedge.

 

Those lucky enough to be at the other end of the patio were spared splashes.  But for Grandad  here's what happened....

And with that, this part of the party was done!  Nate, not to miss out (note, he had already more than splashed around water).   He went from semi wet  (yuck) to bare bottomed  and then declared he was done with water.

Here's what I stitched/made for my birthday draw that I sent to Meari.

This is the lovely gift I received from Nadine of //jocindine.blogspot.ca">Jocondine

Earlier this year Nadine shared a wonder mystery tour through France.  It was so much fun to explore France.  Her drawings and clues were amazing.  Along the way she gave prizes and I was a lucky recipient  Pop over to her blog and take a look.  

Nadine is stitching a Goose Game.   Here's my attempt at one, definitely a work in progress. Basically I'm winging it with my stitching.

It's always nice to try new recipes.  On Kathleen of Four Miles North of No Where shared this Tomato Pie recipe.   For the life of me, I couldn't find my glass pie plate so opted for a small rectangle glass dish.  The recipe  is definitely a keeper.  Take a moment and visit Kathleen's blog.

 



For another easy recipe, check out the Mennonite Girls can Cook blog.   The basil cheese biscuits are so quick to make, even on these hot days.

Yesterday, another milestone, DH turned 60!!  He's still waiting for his cake...it's coming....

but we've been a bit busy the last few days as we welcomed Sully to our family.  Meet Sullivan Peabody Burke.

It is a tough life being a puppy but I think he's managing just fine.

I've been working on other stitching projects (well until Tuesday afternoon that is ...before Sully) but no photos just yet.  

OK, it's a wrap on July.  I can't wait to see what's in store for August! 

Raindrops.....

Finally we have rain, heavy actually today after lighter showers yesterday.  It's a very welcome change to our area.  This morning DH set up a catch bag on the gutter drain outside the front door and in a very short time we have  several inches in a large Rubbermaid bin.   Actually there are a couple of bins lined up and ready to use.   We've discussed having a rain barrel outside our patio (it's a pricey purchase) but with the current water restrictions and the long term forecasts it might be a worthwhile investment.   Otherwise the excess water flows out the storm drains and that seems a loss especially in the current conditions.  Current water restrictions are expected to last through September.

Another Sunday and the younger types and grandsons will be here soon.  Lunch is ready.  We're ready....with added door security.  #2 grandson loves to 'be on the run' and is very able to open doors/locks and he proved this last weekend and pulled a runner.  Luckily no harm was done except he's done the same at home and headed for the street.  We've had the locksmith in and a deadbolt has been added to our front door as well as lock pins for each of the patio slider doors.  Both are good for security  but are they Natey proof?   The keeper of the keys will have them well out of sight range.  Update to follow.

Pictures I'd planned to share are still in the camera.  Maybe tomorrow.  Stitching projects continue and being able to stitch from stash is really a bonus.  Perhaps this says I have too much stuff!

Happy Sunday!

Sunshine and the RNG draw winner

There is sunshine streaming in and even before making coffee I've used the RNG to select a number  and the winner is #2  ......Meari!  Thanks to all who stopped by and left a comment.

Enjoy the rest of the week!

mid July....already

Normal temperatures have resumed (low to mid 20's) and the smoky haze has cleared, now this is summer.   It's still very dry and much of the province is still dealing with forest fire situations.  We've had some rain but not enough to do much good.  I'm sure come September there will be complaints about "all the rain".   Until then, here's the place I enjoy most....

The blinds are a new addition this year.  We purchased inexpensive indoor blinds and mounted them on lengths of wood, added cup hooks and hung on existing outdoor hooks  .....done.    To angle them out and attach to the hedge I used lengths of synthetic raffia.  The outdoor lights are on a timer so they provide evening sparkle.

 

Next up, completed mailarts.  On the left the back of the stitched envelope and on the right the whole envelope before being stitched together (sent to Amy).  Below, centre is the lovely mailart received from Amy along with goodies.  Definitely a fun exchange!

And not to forget, blooms from the garden ......

Last chance to enter my birthday giveaway.  Be sure to read the previous post.

Happy July!

Sunday morning and it's overcast.  This should be a good thing except  the cloud cover is from wildfire smoke.  It's blanketing all the Lower Mainland area.  Hot times and bad conditions...and still this hot weather continues.  The long range forecast shows another week of heat to come.

The past few days I've found myself remembering the dates....last July  1st en route to Venice, by the 4th to Rome and then the ship at the cruise port heading for other destinations.   It was a journey to celebrate many things, birthdays, anniversary, my leaving work and family all ok.   How things have changed.   July 4th marked three months since Mom passed away.  No, there will not be monthly reminders but this one hit with a thud and I don't know why, just a reality check I guess.  Time passes, adjustments are made.  July 2nd marked three months since DH has been out of work (no fault of his, store closed)  It's been a wild ride.  There are still bumps along the way but we're doing fine.  We've been served two scoops of life.  And the cherry on top, family and friends.

For now, pictures from my garden.

 


The flowers on the left are a Peruvian daffodil.  And the berries, it's the first year for fruit.   One of our figs trees has figs.  Small fruit coming, so long as the birds don't discover them, it will be a treat to have fresh figs!

FIFA finals today.  It has been a pleasure to watch the games.   Next time the games come to Vancouver we will definitely try to get tickets.

Upcoming....birthdays.....three this month...grandson turns 7 on the 7th, me on the 10th (alright, let's leave it at over 60) and DH turns 60 on the 30th.  So to mark the occasions I'm going to put together a giveaway.  To use  one of Noah's favorite words   'Surprise'   ....my gift to you will be stitching and crafty.  Stay tuned.  I will do the draw on the 15th.