Texts and Time Zones

I went to sleep too early to hear this text photo arrive last night from three time zones away. These two will be California Girls for a week or so. Happy to hear they arrived safely and will hope for more sweet pictures like this.

And this one arrived yesterday as well - why do I have the feeling Miss Ruthanne will be wanting her own wheels really soon. Do they make pink Harleys?

--cds

A Peach Prayer

Dear God. Thank you for inventing peaches.

And for my awesome peach, pecan, and yoghurt smoothie.

Very truly yours, ClaudiaAnn

Boom Boom

I guess we just heard the last of those twin sonic booms from the space shuttle landing this morning. Sounds quite loud, really, here in Central Florida. I admit I don't know much at all about NASA-doings and goings-on, but aren't there still people living on the space station?? I'll just assume someone remembers that and will book them a flight home when it's time.

In other news, I have killed yet another iron. Rest in Peace, dear Shark G468. For the record, I think this is my third iron in 2 1/2 years. Now understand, I iron A LOT - most of the use is due to quilting and other sewing, but I admit to ironing most of our clothing (and sheets and dishtowels) as well. I'll bet in my entire adult life I've owned about 12-15 irons. I've tried the least and most expensive (Black & Decker's are too lightweight - Rowentas leak). In my experience, the Shark brand has worked best for me, and this particular model is only $30 so if it only lasts a year under tough Claudia conditions, I guess that's acceptable. --cds

Sewing Room Cleanup Day

The room is so messy I can't bring myself to take a before picture of it. There are threads, fabric scraps and photo album paper scraps, disorder all over the place. I was going to tidy up yesterday but got distracted in the best way possible by an hour and a half Skype-session with Bella. She sat at her desk in Utah doing artwork while I sat at mine in Florida and read "The Boxcar Children" to her. It misses the cuddle factor, no doubt, but Skype is a far-away Grandma's best friend. Little Miss Evie is taking swimming lessons and tho I have no bathing beauty photos just yet, this is from her most recent dance recital photo shoot - her group danced to "Yellow Polka-Dot Bikini." We have another budding reader in the family. Yay! Miss Ruthie obviously loves her books.She also loves toasted marshmallows.I'm off to clear my desk in case I need to have another marathon reading session this afternoon. Next up, The Bobbsey Twins and The Wonderful Winter Secret! --cds

Our Girls

I was thinking I'd like to update the blog with more current pictures of the grandgirls, but in reviewing my picture stash I see that the most recent shots I have for the Utah girls are from last summer and fall. This one is from a Princess Festival that was held in Salt Lake City last June. The girls got all dressed up and met with various princesses (we privately believe that Cinderella's decolletage is a bit much here, however).
Both girls tell me now, though, that they are not so much interested in princesses (but really, do we ever actually lose interest in princesses and princess dresses???). They are currently fascinated with animals, having recently visited the zoo, and have commissioned me to make them quilts with jungle cats (Bella) and giraffes (Evie). Surprisingly, it was not difficult at all to find suitable fabric. I'll post some photos of the finished products soon-ish.

Vermont's Little Miss Ruthanne's photos are a bit more current. She apparently likes to read the sale papers first thing in the morning, play in her swingset tower, and hang upside down when Daddy gets home from work. --cds

Flying Trip to Maryland

Well, we DROVE to Maryland, of course, to pick up my gallivanting mother who was spending some time with her sisters this summer. We stayed with Aunti Claud and Uncle John whose home is so close to the Chesapeake you can hear the boats. Therefore, we didn't pass up the chance to take advantage of this deliciousness - ummmm, Chesapeake Bay blue crabs. Some good crab pickin' going on there.

And since it was also my Mom's birthday, my brothers popped over from NJ to see us and we were able to take some family portraits. Or tried to (that Jeffrey is always making us laugh).
Here we go - look at us, all smiling and stuff:
Doug is recuperating from shoulder surgery. We had a nice visit and now we are safe and sound back in Florida. Yeah, it's hot and humid, but at least we get those afternoon thunderstorms to give a bit of a break. It's almost something to look forward to each day. The grass and woods are green and lush - my garden plants, not so much. I guess I won't have much color in the yard until the daytime heat breaks a little. Summer in the tropics! --cds