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Wednesday, May 20, 2015

a quiet Tuesday...

It's Tuesday morning and I've spent most of the day doing my best to make a new quilt pattern. Well, it's not a new quilt pattern really... it's an old quilt pattern.... but new to me. I've not tried to do more than squares (different sized squares, mind you... and even some cut squares... but that's it). Anyway, I've always been fond of the "Log Cabin" pattern and thought I'd attempt it. I had no difficulty piecing it together on my own, but found that sewing it together was giving me difficulty. Finally I called my quilting friend and asked her if there was a 'system' to sewing these pieces together and she told me to start in the middle and go in circles. Amazingly it worked.  (Now if I was a guy and didn't want to ask directions, then I'd have been at this all day).

 Here is a pic of my finished square: 

Nothing spectacular... but a new accomplishment for me (one small step...) It's made with left over scraps, but I find it looks a bit 4 of July-ish.  What do you think? Should I make a pot holder out of it? Don't think I have enough of the same fabric to actually make a quilt...

 The next pics are what I saw a little while ago when I looked out the back door...
hanging out by the pool...




 Is this what they call the *dog days of summer*.... think we'd better rename them.  (These are some of the feral cats that use our back yard as their sanctuary.)

On another note: We have had a rash of tornadoes, rain, and severe weather lately. The lakes that have been so far below level due to the drought have now exceeded their banks and are causing flash flooding in many areas. We're really thankful that the drought is over for the time being, but not sure what to expect next. 

 But my hanging herbs are doing well...
rosemary

parsley

basil

not an herb, but the hanging fern likes the rain too

Have a great week!
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14 comments:

  1. SakuMay 20, 2015 at 7:14 PM

    I like the quilt block and I honestly don't think it looks too 4th of July. Those colors are lovely together!

    For Feral cats they seem pretty content to be close to the house. Enjoy the fresh herbs!

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    1. RianMay 21, 2015 at 10:24 AM

      Thanks, Eileen. The feral cats have hung around the neighborhood and our back yard for ages... they do seem content to come and go as they wish... but don't let us get too close.
      And we do enjoy the fresh herbs! I only grow what we use... curly parsley, basil, and a little rosemary.Did plant a little chives this year, but don't use it often.

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  2. Meryl BaerMay 20, 2015 at 7:36 PM

    Spent the last couple of days planting containers. Hope my herbs eventually look as good as yours!

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    1. RianMay 21, 2015 at 10:25 AM

      The herbs look great right now... lots of rain and not too much heat. We'll see how long they stay looking good.

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  3. doodles n daydreamsMay 20, 2015 at 11:58 PM

    That's a great picture of the cats relaxing by the pool :)
    Hoping your garden doesn't get too blown about.

    Diana

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    1. RianMay 21, 2015 at 10:27 AM

      I thought they looked rather comfortable.

      As for the hanging baskets, they haven't blown away yet...

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  4. Fuzzy TalesMay 21, 2015 at 5:16 AM

    The feral cats have a good life with you and for that we're very thankful.

    Your herbs are doing well! We're unseasonably cool right now, with a risk of frost tonight, so gardens are slow this year.

    Whatever you do with the quilt block will be terrific!

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    1. RianMay 21, 2015 at 10:30 AM

      Kim, they know they are safe in our yard... and there's always water and shelter if they need it.
      And yes, our hanging herbs are doing well, but as the summer heats up, they will be stressed.
      As for the quilt block... not sure yet what to do with it... still feeling happy that I could do it on my own.

      Delete
  5. DJanMay 21, 2015 at 5:20 AM

    I looked at your profile to see where you live, since it's not evident on your page, and I still don't know. I suspect you live in California somewhere, I'm hoping so and that your water is going to help with that awful drought! Love the kitties. :-)

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    1. RianMay 21, 2015 at 10:35 AM

      DJan, my profile shows Texas... but not where in Texas. Actually we're just a little northeast of Dallas. As for living in California, I'm afraid that I've never been on the west coast except for our Alaskan cruise which started in Vancouver. I would love to see Vancouver Island or the west coast of Oregon or Washington - but have seen great pics from people's blogs!

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  6. OlgaMay 21, 2015 at 5:26 AM

    I wonder if those feral cats have any idea how good they have it in the sanctuary? Hanging out by the pool.

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    1. RianMay 21, 2015 at 10:35 AM

      I think they do, Oga... as they seem to pass the word along.

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  7. DebMay 23, 2015 at 5:01 PM

    Those clouds are quite ominous looking. Do you worry about the ferals during the storms. I think I would be beside myself. Your herbs look great. I have a few growing, too. Deb

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    1. RianMay 24, 2015 at 8:43 AM

      Yes, we do worry about the ferals during storms. We usually count heads on the back porch (which is covered and contains not only an iron table and cushioned chairs, but several baskets with blankets, etc. And most of the time they're almost all there.

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