A New Apron

Just trying out a new apron pattern.  I like this one a lot because of the bias binding that completely encases all raw edges.  And I enclosed the seam ends at bodice-to-skirt, so no loose threads anywhere.

I'm becoming manic about loose threads and raw edges in my sewing projects lately.  I must learn to chill out a wee bit.

Perhaps a slice of pumpkin pie will help - Lo-Lo's been baking!  --cds

Giant Mutant Texas Grasshopper!

 Pretty big, huh? 

 This one has legs that look like they were connected by an erector set. 

In fact, when I shooed it away from my plant, I swear it jumped right over our house. I am not lying.  Wicked, biting fire ants have set up housekeeping in the cracks of our patio blocks, and an armadillo has been snooting around our yards, digging holes under the foundation and being a general nuisance.  Begone pests!  Tomorrow I'm digging out my haz-mat suit and going into attack mode.  --cds

Where's The Stitching?

I've been a little mad at myself because of the way I've been drifting sewing-wise - just grazing around the sewing room, starting little projects and not finishing.  Hate that.  So now I'm digging into the UFO pile and am determined to get some things done. 

Case One:  Deconstruction -

This is a linen jumper I've had forever but had to stop wearing because it just got too baggy.  Linen is  flexible fabric anyway, I think (and wrinklely), but I do love the feel and drape.  So I picked it all apart and  took it in a few inches here and there. 

The reconstruction has been kinda fun, except for when I tried it on for size with all those pins still running down the front and sides.  Ouchy-ouchy.  --cds

Grandgirls

I have lots of nicely posed shots of the all the girls, perfect smiles for the camera.  But once in a while a picture just captures their personality so well.  Here are a few of Ruthanne, age 2:  a big fan of corn-on-the-cob.

New rainboots.

On the run through the living room.  She's hard to catch.

I love this one of Isabella - I think this is her expression of awe over her wishing star - her sense of humor is maturing; it's fun to watch.

So pretty.

We scored a reservation to Cinderella's Royal Table breakfast inside the Castle - a first for us (after nine years of trying to snag this elusive reservation. 

It was great, except that poor Evie wasn't feeling well that morning; just wasn't herself and had a tummy-ache.  On the other hand, she now can lay claim to the fact that she has vomited in Cinderella's shrubberies (albeit in a very ladylike manner). Poor baby.  She perked up after that.

Some of Randi's beautiful sunset photos taken on Anna Maria Island.

I need more photos from my Vermonters.  Perhaps we'll receive a little ultrasound photo this week -- baby rumors!  --cds

Happy Special Birthday!

I know that posting this picture pretty much rules out that you will ever again bake us our favorite chocolate cookies or fix us our favorite chicken dinner, but I can't help it - this is one of my favorite pictures of you.  To me, it embodies all those characteristics you Alcott women are famous for - determination, grit, humor, inner strength - it's all there and there's no use claiming otherwise (not to mention, of course the knobby knees, Grandma Carroll hair and a flair for fashion -- hee-hee!).  'Course I wouldn't dream of posting your age today, Mums, except to remind you that you were only 20 when you had me and don't you feel awfully young to have a daughter who turns 60 this year??  Ha-ha.  Love you, Lois Louise!  And happy birthday.  I'll be over with the doughnuts in a few minutes.  xoxo-cds

Burger Rolls = Blah.

So, the burger yeast roll recipe did not turn out as I had hoped.  The sponge was not as smooth as I thought it should be.  I photographed it, however, because...  does that look like the Virgin Mary's profile to you??  Ha ha, just kidding.  I think it's Snuffleupagus.

Here are the rolls pre-puffy.

And post-puffy.

And after the bake-off.   

Oh well, they tasted just fine, but shape and texture were all off. The King Arthur factory in Norwich, Vermont, has recently completed a revamp, I understand, and is offering bread-baking classes that I may need to take advantage of next time we're in the home state.

On the other hand, I have flat-bread grilled pizza making down to a science. Here are the girls making their own pizzas:



 

(Evie all pooped out from swimming and pizza-making.)  --cds

Happy Independence Day

Disney-style red, white and blue - a photo from the Electrical Parade during our recent visit with the Utah girlies.

As usual after a visit with the families, their absence is sharply felt and puts me in a bit of a blue funk for a while after.  So, while the 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays, from a history major point of view, our holiday plans include simply eating as much traditional picnic food as possible - cheeseburgers, potato salad, baked beans, sweet tea.  I may also attempt to bake homemade burger rolls this morning - King Arthur Flour has an interesting recipe.  This may be tricky - the humidity here plays havoc with my yeast breadmaking.  I'll keep you posted.  --cds