Hello everyone!
A few days ago, I opened my backdoor and saw these two chocolate brown eyes peering over the rose bushes at me, just happily munching away without a clue that my heart was breaking with every bite--oh the drama! I knew then it was time to mix up the magic concoction.
Now that the flowers have been sprayed and the deer are finding the weeds much more enticing, a fantastic side benefit, I can once again breath a sigh of relief.
And so can the roses. They never looked more scrumptious.
I had been on my way to photograph the garden in all its current glory. I thought you'd like to see the progress we've made. These rock paths that we started laying down in early spring are finally finished. Hurrah! In the end, my son stepped in and got the job done. Moving so many tons of river rock with a wheel barrow is a bit of a chore let me tell you. Even for him. We are so grateful for his help and are paying him back with good eats and treats from the garden.
More bundles of lemon thyme ready for the drying rack.
The leaves are quite prickly when dry though, so I use my rolling pin to loosen them. I usually make a huge mess. But it gets the job done.
Then into tiny jam jars they go!
And speaking of jam . . . it's that time again. Berry season. Just another of the many reasons I have been MIA from the blog. In case you wondered.
Yes, we are busy as bees around here.
The girls and I went strawberry picking and then made big pots of jammy goodness. The pantry shelves are filling up again. YUM.
Oh and Blackberry Junction came to town. It's kind of a traveling flea market bringing old and new, handmade and repurposed, and all beautifully displayed. Very fun. I missed the last few events, so had to stop, drop everything, and roll on over before they packed it up.
While there, these adorable summer sun hats caught my eye. They are made from vintage embroidered dresser cloths and linens. Love that.
And that reminds me . . . the PatternBee website is celebrating its tenth year this month! Time it had an upgrade I should think. So, my talented "tech team" has been hard at work on it for many months now. It will basically look the same, with a few new features and tweaks, but the best part (for me) is it will have a data base that will make managing the site much easier as it grows to include more vintage patterns. When I started this venture (long before the website) in 1998, I had no idea there were so many! :o)
UPDATE STATE FLOWER QUILT NEWS: I've just added a new link in the side bar for a FREE PDF download of all 50 State Flower Quilt blocks. Along with the original directions. So if you are still wanting those it will be much easier to access and print them out now.
For reference, the finished blocks can still be viewed here in my flickr album AND all in alphabetical order.
OK. I think that's all for now--take good care until next time!
I love your paths. What a nice son you have. Thanks for the "magic concoction" recipe. Just spotted hoof prints in my garden the other day. Happy jam making!
Jane
Posted by: Jane | June 28, 2015 at 04:57 PM
Lots of news! The deer looks very handsome as he chows down on your roses. Accckkk!
The garden paths look wonderful and clean. How do you keep them so pristine?
Congrats on ten years! That's amazing. And thank you for the easy access to the state flowers...I have a file folder filled with them. I still hope to do it one day, even a miniature version.
Posted by: Vee | June 29, 2015 at 01:57 PM
Lots going on with you! The paths look great. Now I am racing over to see those flower blocks that I love so much!!
Posted by: Carol | June 30, 2015 at 04:12 AM
Your garden looks wonderful. :)
Posted by: Susan | June 30, 2015 at 06:37 AM
Your garden looks wonderful! Congratulations on 10 years and thank you for the new post-you have been missed!
Posted by: Jackie | July 06, 2015 at 07:55 PM
I know this is always a busy time for you with your garden, canning and jam making. I'm so glad to see you have returned to your blog. You were missed. Congratulations on your 10 years and I hope there are many more to come.
Posted by: Velma | July 18, 2015 at 09:48 PM
I wish you lived next door to me : )
Posted by: Daisy Debs | July 28, 2015 at 12:52 PM
Congratulations on your Tenth Anniversary!
Quite an achievement. With the choices of Tin, Aluminum, or Diamonds....Diamonds are a girl's best friend.
I was hoping you would return to blogging. Your collections are wonderful and so joyful.
Thank you.
D in RB
Posted by: Delia | August 03, 2015 at 12:12 AM