Friday, July 30, 2021

The green, green grass of home

I'm home! And it feels so good to be in one place for a while. We've been awfully busy since May and I look forward to simply relaxing here at home. The green, green grass in my title? Well, while we were gone there was an unusual amount of rain here and our yard and gardens now look so lush and healthy--a bit jungle-like in all honesty! California is going through a terrible dry spell and there was so much brown everywhere from the hillsides to the dusty roads... I think I'll take Pennsylvania weather! Our trip was a mix of ups and downs which I'll get to later. But, first, as always--here's what I've been stitching (even if it is just a tiny bit!).

I finished my ornament for July--a Tralala design called "Miss et Mister Snow." Isn't the little snow couple darling? I love her little bonnet and the tiny basket she is carrying. And he looks mighty dapper in that oversized bowtie! They are stitched with a mix of DMC and overdyed threads "over one" on 25 ct. moss green Lugana.

"Miss et Mister Snow" finish

 

I knew I wanted this to be an oval shaped finish so I simply rearranged the stars and snowflakes and added a few more to achieve the shape I was looking for. I also shortened the bottom border and reversed it so the scallops face down rather than up. It is finished with the fabric shown in the background and surrounded by white handmade cording along with a simple white bow. I chose to add a long "tail" to this one as I love how this particular finish looks on my Christmas tree or hanging from a cabinet knob. I really enjoyed stitching "over one" on the 25 ct. Lugana and know I'll be adding various colors of this fabric to my stash soon!

My July 2021 ornament

The only other piece I managed to stitch this month was one I've done before. It's a freebie which can be found right here (or in my sidebar under "Favorite Freebies" Noel). This was the only piece I worked on (very sporadically) in California. When you have an already walking (running at times!) one-year old to keep track of, there isn't a whole lot of time to sit and stitch except during his naps. This was an easy piece to work on because it used just one thread: the beautiful variegated red DMC 115. Since I already made an ornament for myself using this design way back in 2010, this one will be a Christmas gift.

"Noel" freebie finish

Much of the Noel piece was stitched while relaxing by the beautiful pool of the AirBnB that we rented for five days just north of San Diego. Honestly, I could have sat there with my feet up all day just feeling the cool breezes as I stitched away in the shade under the big umbrellas. 

Ahhh... pure relaxation!

Unfortunately, our trip was not all smiles and sunshine... but, I'll get to the sadness in a bit. First of all, the happy things and the number one happiest thing is my now one-year-old grandson! Baby B had not one, not two, but three birthday parties--the lucky little boy. The first was just for us and his mom's brother's family who were visiting from El Paso, the second was a big picnic in the park for friends and family (my youngest son surprised us by popping in for that one!), and the third was just our family celebration for three birthdays held at the Airbnb we rented. 

"I'm one year old today!" July 8, 2021

 
My daughter-in-law did a wonderful job planning Baby B's dog-themed birthday parties. Look how sweet the doggie cakes and cupcakes are. Amazingly, my grandson had absolutely no interest in the cake. He can't be related to me as I love sugar a little too much!

Our three July birthday "boys" (the 8th, the 9th, and the 14th!) all celebrate together:  my youngest son, Baby B, and my husband.

I just had to share this video with you! How cute that the birthday boy got such joy from tossing the rainbow of tissue paper wrappings into the air! Hope this makes you smile, too!

 

Sadly, Baby B picked up a virus (most likely at the large picnic/birthday party on Sunday) and became quite ill with a fever, vomiting, congestion, etc. the very first night we were at the Airbnb. Poor little guy--just not his usual cheerful self that entire week. Of course, he "nicely" shared his germs with his mommy and daddy (oddly enough, neither of my sons, my middle son's girlfriend,  my husband, or I got sick). The three sick family members all tested for Covid (even though my son and his wife have both been vaccinated) just to make sure, but the tests came back negative. Anyway, that put a damper on the week, but we still managed to enjoy being together at the beautiful Airbnb.

So what did we do on this latest San Diego trip besides enjoy the famously "perfect" weather? Well, we...

Read lots of books... "Gramma, read me a book!" That sweet expression as he smiles up at me absolutely melts my heart!

Took a beautiful hike around Lake Miramar

Enjoyed the unusual foliage found in southern California

Watched the sun rise from the top of Black Mountain (well, my youngest son and husband did, anyway--the rest of us were too lazy to get out of bed that early!)

We also paid an impromptu visit to Balboa Park after dinner one evening. I wish we had gone earlier in the day as many of the gardens were just closing, but we thoroughly enjoyed our stroll around this beautiful place as we watched the sun set. I highly recommend a visit if you are in the San Diego area!

The California Bell Tower in Balboa Park

 

Looking down at the Japanese Friendship Gardens in Balboa Park

The Botanical Building and Lily Pond were built in 1915 for the California-Panama Exposition

The sun sets at Balboa Park as my middle son (in the blue shirt on the other side of the fountain) rides an electric scooter

Sadly, California visits are not always kind to us. Many of you remember that, last year, my mom died just 16 days after Baby B's birth when we were in California. Well, unbelievably, history repeated itself this year as, just five days after the baby celebrated his first birthday, my father-in-law passed away. He lived a good long, life, and at age 92, this was not totally unexpected. It's still so sad, though, especially for my husband, his three brothers, and the nine grandchildren who adored him. It is very hard going away on a trip with a parent still living and then returning home knowing that you'll never see them again...

In my mind, I will always associate my father-in-law with our family trips to The Outer Banks of North Carolina. He paid for a wonderful rental house right on the beach for us every summer since 1984. When we first began going on these beach vacations, our oldest son (who is now 39) was just two years old. The last time my in-laws were able to travel down with us was in 2017. I still remember how amazed I was that my father-in-law could navigate the stairs down to the beach and get in the water (even boogie-boarding!) at age 88. He gave us all so many wonderful memories and my three sons and their cousins, who are spread far and wide across The United States, really got to know each other on these annual trips. He will be truly missed, but never forgotten. May he rest in peace...

Four generations... remembering my father-in-law (1928-2021). This photo was taken in mid-May at my mother-in-law's 93rd birthday. So glad my son got to introduce the baby to his great-grandpa!

When we returned to Pennsylvania, we celebrated our 44th wedding anniversary by going out for a nice lunch. It was so pleasant eating on the shaded patio and reminiscing... Hard to believe that 50 years is just around the corner. I have to say how much I enjoy going out for lunch rather than dinner and I think we're going to try to do this on a more regular basis!

Still smiling after 44 years together!

I've been picking lots and lots of flowers from the garden this year--they are just beautiful with the mix of sun and rain that we've had this summer.

These pastel colored glads were picked from our garden and given to my mother-in-law when my husband visited her last week. He tries to visit her in the nursing home a couple times a week always taking some homemade cookies and fresh flowers from our garden. 

I'm loving the miniature sunflowers my husband planted this year--just the right size for cutting!


And my favorite hydrangeas...The bushes have had so many more blossoms than normal this summer.


I'm still finding it hard to believe that my grandson is one! I know those of you who have children and grandchildren share my amazement in how quickly that first year passes. So many changes, so much growth, so many things learned in the span of the first 365 days. I could, honestly, sit and watch him play all day as he discovers the world around him. I love pondering what thoughts may be going through his head! I hope he never loses his sense of wonder about life, continues to want to learn and explore new things, and is always, always kind to others in the process. I love you dearly Baby B!

I hope he never loses his sense of wonder...

I want to thank you all for visiting me today and taking the time to say "hello!" I know some of you are facing health issues or, like me, have family members who are dying or who have passed away. Life isn't easy sometimes, is it? But, without the sad times, I wonder if we would feel the joy of the happy times in the same wonderful way? Wishing you a wonderful month of August! Bye for now...

39 comments:

Sandra said...

Beautiful Miss and Mister Snow stitching. What a fabulous time you had with your gorgeous grandson. I love the video of him playing with colourful tissue paper and the photo of you and him together.

Huge congratulations to you and your husband (such a handsome couple you make) celebrating your 44th Wedding Anniversary!

Sorry to hear that the little fellow picked up a virus which made him feel so sick - and that his parents caught the germs too.

Great photo of all the July birthday boys and a beautiful souvenir photo and with your father-in-law: the four generations together.

It is very sad that your husband's dad has passed on, but as we all know, the loss of loved ones is inevitable as we move through life.

Beautiful flowers from your garden and to end with, the little cutie enjoying rainbow bubbles!

Vickie said...

Your Mister and Miss Snow are darling. And the Noel freebie is pretty. Your grandson!! I love him. :) Just precious! :) Love the cakes your DIL made. The four generations picture is priceless, isn't it Carol. I am so very sorry my friend. This is so hard, isn't it? My heart and prayers go out to you. That is a very nice picture of you two on your anniversary by the way. :)

Gabi said...

Beautiful stitching, Mr.&Mrs. Snow are really cute. I think it will look fabulous on your tree.
Yes, time rushes by so fast. The first birthday is wonderful and your DiL did a great job with all the cakes.
My sincere condolences to your husband and you for the loss. The pic of the 4 generations is awesome.
Congrats to your 44th anniversary.
Have a happy time

April said...

Hello Carol,
What a beautiful and bittersweet post today.
The precious times being spent with your sweet grandson and family. The happy pics of the birthday celebrations. The darling picture of you and Baby B. The special and treasured picture of your dear loved one that just passed. That's what it's all about. Spending time either in person, via online technology, or even just by phone. Life is but a vapor as it says in the Bible, and as the older I get, I realize just how true that is.
Your pictures capture the beauty in So Cal. I feel like I've taken a trip w/o stepping on a plane!
I love both of your new stitching pieces--as always, spot on perfection.
Happy Anniversary to a sweet couple--
you all look great!
Hugs,
April

Robin in Virginia said...

What a joy-filled and bittersweet post! Both of your stitches are beautiful. I love the pair of snow people and they look awesome on that moss green lugana. It looks like Baby B had a delightful birthday. I am sorry to hear of your FIL's passing. I am glad that you were able to capture that photo of the four generations in May. Your flowers are all looking incredible. You are so right about about how the sad times are needed to help us to enjoy the happy times. Thinking of you.

Wanda McColl said...

Dear Carol,
It is always, always a thrill to see a post from you. I am so very sorry to hear about your father-in-law's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your husband and family.
I'm so thrilled that you were able to be with Baby B and celebrate his first birthday! Life is miraculous but I don't know if there is anything more incredible than the changes and growth that occurs in that first year.
Your snowman ornament is just adorable with perfect finishing (as always)! I might have to try that lugana as well!
Thanks as always Carol. It is tough to lose the people we love and I will keep you in my prayers.
Hugs my friend,
Wanda

Georgia said...

Hi Carol, welcome back! I loved reading your blog today,thank you so much for sharing your life with us. Would you believe I am still making your small batch chocolate cup cakes:) Baby B is adorable my great-grand son turns 5 in August. And, yes it is hard to believe how much they change in such a short amount of time. Bubbles, still make me smile. Your stitching is beautiful and you have so many great ideas, thank you so much for sharing them. We have been blessed with perfect weather since Spring. The flowers have been beautiful this year. My heart and prayers are with your husband and family with the loss of your father-in-law. Hold on to those memories:) Again, thank you so much for sharing. Many blessings to you and yours my friend

Sandy said...

Where do I begin? I could write a post about your post. First, Baby B is absolutely a treasure. The video is so cute. He truly is beautiful. I am so sorry to hear about your father-in-law. It is so hard to watch them age and it makes you wonder if you are leaving the wonderful legacies they left us. My doctor says the vaccine is still so important because it lessens the hard stuff from this awful virus. I am glad all are ok. Your garden flowers are beautiful. We have had an abundance of rain this summer as well and I've never seen things more green and vibrant. The extreme heat of Florida summer has set in now, so I will have to give up the outdoors time I have so enjoyed for awhile. The stitch is so cute. I actually had to look up the pattern to see just what all you had done. You have a gift for seeing things differently. I would probably never have picked up that pattern, yet I would have picked up yours in a heartbeat. Oh one more thing, I know I would love your home with all that blue and white. I had lots of blue and white in my previous home. You make me want to shop for that pottery in the hydrangea picture. Delft? I think. Take care now.

Arlene G said...

Carol, so sorry to hear of your FIL's death. I know it leaves a hole in your family that cannot be mended. Oh those grands, the germ sharing sweet ones. Hope B is better....porbably improved just as you were leaving. And yes, those grands grow up too quickly. Kendall is 15!! Where did those years go? Celebrate the good times as much as possible. Now to your stitching. I have a Tra La La piece that I hope to finish for this Christmas. Now that I know 40 count is doable for me, I will probably stitch it on 40 count so it can be an ornament. Love the oval finish!! Noel reminds me of Nordic stitching....Hope you are doing well...hugs to your family.

Kate said...

Delightful post, Carol. Mr. & Mrs. Snow are adorable and you finished them beautifully. Regrets on the passing of your father-in-law. Your photos are most enjoyable.

Barb R. said...

What a very special posting you have shared with us, Carol. Thank you so much - I always really love and enjoy reading about your family, travels, stitching - everything! First of all is that adorable, precious Baby B! He is just wonderful and you are so right about how much change takes place in just one year. I’m so happy for you that you and all of your family were able to share in the celebration of his first birthday 🎂 -what a special time for everyone!
Thanks, too, for all the wonderful pictures of California. When I read or hear about all the huge fires in CA, I can’t help but worry about all of CA (and the other western states suffering from all these forest fires). The Airb&b you stayed at sounds like it was very nice.
I am so sorry to learn of your FIL’s passing - my deepest sympathies to your husband and your family. I love the photo of your FIL, husband, son & grandson - really a treasured photo! How is your mother-in-law doing?
Happy 44th Wedding Anniversary to you and your husband! That is truly wonderful!! and I love the picture of the two of you! Beautiful!
I hope being at home for a bit will be restful and happy for you (and lots of fun stitching??? - which you always make look so gorgeous!!)
All the very best to you and hugs ❣️ xoxo Barb R.

marly said...

My sympathy to you and your family Carol. Expected or not as you said, is still difficult. How nice that all generations are included in that May photo.

Gorgeous flowers and the gardener's not too shabby either!! LOL!! Happy anniversary to you both.

Jackie's Stitches said...

Carol ,I am so terribly sorry to read of the passing of your father in law. It's so hard to lose a parent, even one that lived a full and long life. What a great gift those annual trips were to the family in terms of memories and the solid relationships they built with the family far and wide! Sounds like a family reunion every summer at the beach!

Stasi said...

Sounds like you had a fabulous visit with Baby B, with lots of wonderful memories. So sorry about him getting sick, but sorry, especially, about the loss of your FIL. It is hard when we lose someone, made more difficult by not being there when it happens. But, it sounds as if you have lovely memories of him to help make it bearable.
Happy Anniversary..when is yours? We just celebrated our 47th in July by getting steamed crabs for lunch.
Your flowers are beautiful; ours are slowly fading with the heat, even though we water every day. Have a great weekend, Carol...and congrats on 44 years!!!

Amara said...

Hello Carol,
this is a bittersweet post. I‘m so sorry for you and your family about the loss of your Father in law. Sending a big hug over the pond.

Your Ornament is lovely, such a cute pair and beautiful finishing.
The sun rise picture from the top of Black Mountain is breathtaking and so perfect. Your time with your Grandson sounds so heartfilling and what a cutie he is.

Happy anniversary to you and your Husband/ very talented Gardener. The flowers from your Garden are gorgeous.

Have a wonderful August, too.
Lots of love
Amara

Cathy H. said...

A pretty July ornament. It's nice to see snowmen when it's so hot outside. I've stitched on Lugana and do like, but it's been a while. Noel is gorgeous in that variegated red! Your grandsons is precious! I can tell he's full of energy. I'm glad you had such a special time with him celebrating his birthday. His party decorations are wonderful! I hate to hear that he and his mom and dad got a virus. So glad it wasn't Covid. My sympathy to you, your husband and your family in the loss of your father-in-law. I do believe that bad times help us appreciate the good times. Happy Anniversary to you. We celebrated our 49th this month. The big one is very close!! And, lastly your flowers are gorgeous! I know you enjoyed coming home to such beauty!

Elizabeth said...

Hi Carol:

I love Mr and Mrs Snowman - beautiful job finishing it. I am sorry to hear about your father-in-law it is difficult to lose a parent no matter how old you are. Your grandson is just the cutest - we just become grandparents this week and hopefully we will meet him next week. He was born two weeks early and with COVID measures prevented us from being there earlier. Look forward to your August ornament.

MartinaM said...

I like the July pattern very much and you have made a perfect finish again.
Baby B is really big, I still remember the first pictures, a handsome little man, And how nice that you could celebrate so well. THE sVideo is cute, it made me smile.
Thanks for the great pictures, just wonderful to look at.
I am very sorry for your father-in-law, I wish you a lot of strength in these difficult days, but it is nice to see how four generations are together, a wonderful memory for everyone.
Congratulations on your wedding day, it is wonderful to go together for so many years.
Now I wish you a lot of fun in August, Martina

Kay said...

Such beautiful stitching and finishing. Every year I say to myself that that I must do the one ornament a month challenge, and one year I really may do it. I always look forward to seeing what you have made.

Your grandsons delightful, how wonderful that you got to make so many lovely memories with him and your family.

So sorry about your father in law. Sending love and hugs to you all at this difficult time in your lives. x

butterfly said...

My what a beautiful post .
Lovely family photos , your little one looks so much like your hubby .
So sorry you had sadness again after such a happy time away.
You do have a beautiful family .
Lovely stitching , and a Happy Anniversary .
Enjoy your weekend .

Manuela said...

Hello Carol,
your July ornament with Mr. and Mrs. Snowman are very cute. I love it.
I'm looking forward to your next ornament.
Thanks for sharing the nice photos from your grandchild. He is very cute.
I'm so sad about the loss from your Father in law.
Hope you have a wonderful month of August.
Big Hugs, Manuela

Marilyn said...

Miss et Mister Snow is too cute!
Looks like you had a wonderful time considering bad news & Baby B getting sick. He is too cute.
Love that picture of him looking up at you, so special.
Beautiful pics of CA & a great 4 generation pic.
Sorry to hear about your Father in Law.
Happy Anniversary!
Marilyn

diamondc said...

Carol: This is a fun post: I love the finish on the Mr. and Mrs. snow people.
Thank-you for the link.
What a beautiful trip you had, so many wonderful photos you have shared with us.
We celebrated 44 years in June, Mike still opens the car door for me.
You both look so happy.
I love San Diago, it is so beautiful and the perfect temps.
Your Grandson is positively sweet, his smile is beautiful.
So sorry for your loss, 92 is a great age, he must have been a very beautiful soul to have made sure the family was together at least once a year.
I love the video, it is amazing how young ones find joy in the simple things in life.

Catherine

Vicki said...

My deepest sympathy at the loss of your FIL. Life is so bittersweet, isn't it? The bitter of loss, the sweet of time with family. Baby B is such a handsome boy! I know you have tons of memories of this visit to sustain you until you can get together again.
Oh, and your finished projects are both cute! I have Fall fever bordering on Christmas fever right now. The kids all go back to school next week and that always brings it on. That, plus the fact that my email inbox is full of notices that Fall merchandise is arriving at the stores!

Shelly said...

I think the sad times balance out the good times, a reminder really to live your life. Baby B is a reminder that life does go on. My condolences to you all on the loss of your FIL. Baby B is adorable! That look on his face as you read to him! Living on opposite coasts as you all do, he certainly knows who his PA grand parents are! I hope him and his parents are feeling as well as you can with covid. It's scary to get the diagnosis. Beautiful finish, Carol. I love oval ornaments. Take care!

Maggie said...

It looks like you had a great time visiting your grandson, what a wonderful photo of you reading to him. I love the phot of the 3 birthday boys too :-)
I hope everyone is feeling much better now and glad the covid tests came back negative, it's always the first thing you think of now when someones not well isn't it?
So sorry to read about your father in law, it's still a big loss even at such a grand age.

Love your new ornament finish and the changes you made, it looks great as an oval ornament.

Kgirl said...

Beautiful finishes as always! Baby B is sooooo cute! His puppy cakes were so fun.

My condolences on the loss of your father in law. It's so hard even when you know it's coming. My FIL is 94, and we're out of town helping my son find a house. Our biggest concern was leaving him. Your father in law sounds like an amazing man. Sending you hugs.

Mary @ Neat and Tidy said...

I am sure your joys outweighed your sadness in this post. How sad to lose a wonderful man. I think from the kind things you've written about your husband, that he is a reflection of his dad. I love hearing about your life and what is going on. Beautiful stitching, too. Thank you.

Christel said...

Un très joli couple ces bonshommes de neige. Corinne alias Tralala crée de charmants modèles. La finition de cet ouvrage est une nouvelle fantastique.
Quel bonheur de voir Baby B. Déjà un an, ça passe très vite, trop vite... On s'en rend compte bien plus que le temps file vite lorsque l'on a des petits-enfants. Il est très attentif et attendrissant à la lecture du livre, c'est touchant. J'ai bien ri avec la vidéo de Baby B et des papiers.. Maman me dit souvent que lorsque j'étais petite je jouais plus avec les emballages en carton dans lesquels je me mettais et les papiers cadeaux que je déchirais ou collais sur d'autres feuilles pour faire des tableaux...
Merci pour les belles photos du parc et des levers et couchers du soleil.
Toutes mes sincères condoléances pour la perte de votre beau-père. Il vous a réuni pendant de nombreuses années pour les vacances, il aimait donc beaucoup sa famille et avait un grand coeur. Il a rejoint les étoiles et veille sur vous de tout là-haut.
Je pense que si nous n'avions pas de grande tristesse cela n'empêcherait pas les personnes de s'émerveiller des petits et grands bonheurs de tous les jours.. Peut-être que je me trompe mais j'ai l'espoir secret que non.. Tous les jours je m'émerveille et j'espère sincèrement comme vous que ma petite-fille Lara sera pareille. Il y a tant de belles choses simples à apprécier...
Beaucoup de pluie dans notre région en France aussi.. Le peu de fleurs que j'ai sont belles mais un peu plus de soleil et de chaleur leur feraient du bien. Je suis en admiration devant vos glaïeuls et vos tournesols, quels merveilleux bouquets ! A la maison je fais des bouquets de pois de senteurs qui sont très abondants cette année, il y a quelques marguerites aussi et un seul tout petit tournesol... Nous avons dans le potager une belle citrouille, Lara est ravie car elle sait qu'elle l'aura pour Halloween. Les rhubarbes sont gigantesques, des confitures et des tartes en perspective.
Amitiés de France,
Christel
http://toilesetfils.blogspot.com

Barbara said...

Your grandson is a year old -- already?!!! Well, I remember when he was born last summer but that went by fast! He is so cute. That photo with the bubbles is priceless!

Leonore Winterer said...

What a roller coaster of a blog post...I love your stitching, these snow people are just darling. I am very glad you had such a nice time in California with your family, and got to celebrate a couple of birthdays. Despite the virus, it seems like you managed to have ton of fun together!
So sad then the trip had to end on a much less happy note. I'm glad your husband is trying to comfort his mum, and with such pretty flowers too! 92 is such an honourable age, and I'm sure you have so many fond memories to look back to. Still, I am very sorry for your loss.

Jutta said...

A very great report, dear Carol, already your ornament for July has become very wonderful, your family photos and your descriptions are the best.
Thank you very much for that, also for all the beautiful photos, the video of your grand-grandson I enjoyed with pleasure, best regards, Jutta

Robin said...

First, so sorry about the passing of your father-in-law. So many fabulous memories you seem to have made with him.

Grandbabies are the best and yes they grow so fast. Awesome pictures of where you visited. Adorable Mr. and Mrs. Snowman finish.

Great catch up post. Yes, good to travel but good to be back home again.

Faith... said...

Your stitched pieces are so cute and I love the Snow Couple! Baby B looks like he was having a great time; sick or not! I can't believe he is 1 already! Time really does move quickly with the Grands so make sure you get lots of hugs and kisses along the way. It is funny how people spend all this money on presents for the baby and he would rather play with the wrappings or the box! Looks like you made the best of your situation in San Diego but I hope that they are all feeling better now. I am so sorry for the loss of your FIL, he sounds like he was a wonderful man!

Mary said...

Carol, I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your FIL. No matter how old your parent is when they pass it is still such a terrible loss for the family. I'm glad you have such wonderful memories and they will bring you comfort.

Your little grandson is just too adorable!! I can't believe he is one either!! Time is flying by way too quickly for me. Too bad he got sick while you were there and I'm sure you were a doting grandma comforting him. The pool at the B&B looks wonderful, great place to relax and stitch by. Love your Snowflake couple and how you adapted it to an oval shape. You are so good at making adjustments like that.
Congratulations on 44 years of marriage, a lovely photo of the two of you! Balboa Park looks lovely!! Great way to spend the day! I hope you enjoy the rest of the Summer!

Mary - Lecoeurceltique said...

Beautiful stitching Carol.
It was lovely to read of your holiday, both good and bad. Thankfully the illness wasn't Covid.
So sorry to read about the death of your FIL. Age doesn't matter it is always difficult.

Jennifer said...

Oh Carol, what a month of ups and downs. So sorry to hear about your father-in-law’s passing - my condolences to your family. And also
Baby B’s virus - glad that not all of you got it, but still no fun. I remember some of those making their way through our house when my kids were little. Your stitched pieces and CA scenery are just lovely - so glad you were able to enjoy them and be there for the first birthday, and congratulations on your anniversary! We had a very wet early summer too, but it’s been very dry over the last few weeks - I was so happy to have rain today! Hope you are enjoying a little quieter time at home now.

Sheryl said...

A bitter/sweet journey Carol and I´m sure you must be pleased to be back home again. Sorry about the passing of your FIL which put the sad note to your holiday along with the worry of coronavirus. Thank you for sharing such special photos with us all, great to see how little Baby B is growing.
Pretty stitched Miss et Mister Snow with such a lovely finish, ideal for hanging.

Mylene said...

A beautiful post! Great picture of you two and congratulations on 44 years of marrige, your cute grandchild so adorable..despite the virus looks like he has enjoyed.
So sorry to hear of your father-in-law's passing.
July ornament is perfectly finished as always.
Gorgeous flowers arrangement from your garden, i LOVE how you display them.