Rainbow Bricks

I’m using the new 7’ design wall hubby built me 

to layout a small section

and plan the first color changes.

Once these are pieced, I’ll move them to the big design wall and put the next set of colors on here. And repeat until I get through all 8 colors.

I may have a hard time giving this one away. . . 

Square One

I started quilt #3, Strip Strip Star, and hated it. 

 Rainbow Bricks

Actually, I hated that after 8+ years of quilting I still can’t sew a d*mn straight line when it involves long strips. Tried every trick I've ever heard, plus every sewing foot I own, and those stripes could walk around corners, they were so bowed. 

 

So. Stars are out and bricks are in. 

I’m making these oversized and trimming them down so it won’t matter if my seams are wonky. (So far they haven’t been. Go figure.) 

That extra step is soooo worth it. I’m really pleased with how this is turning out. 

Plus, I get to play with an Hawaiian rainbow. So fun. 

Two Down, One To Go

I’ve done three separate photo shoots with these tops and still don’t have any pics I’m happy with, so . . .

One for hubby. . .

I’m giving up until they come back from the long-armer. 

 . . .and one for a gift.

I’m fairly pleased with how they turned out, and hubby likes them, so it’s all good.

Quilt #3 is underway -

colors sorted by value, 

trimmed, 

Light, medium, dark 

randomized,

and a test block sewn. 

I love this fabric line (Playa by RJR Fabrics); it reminds me of Hawaii and plumerias. Almost regretting that this one’s also a gift . . . 

Walkway Genius

The walkway between pool and house is finished and it’s genius. (Ok, I might be biased but it’s pretty darn clever.)

Hubby designed this himself,

wanting something that looked nice ✅,

covered the filter hoses ✅, 

and opened for easy maintenance ✅. 

Plus, each section has a locking mechanism to keep curious little fingers from exploring or getting smushed. Genius. 

Big Guns, Round 2

One of hubby’s goals for the weekend was getting the new stairs installed since the ones that came with the pool kit are too flimsy and unstable to be of much use. 

Leanne did a great job getting the mat into place

but when the pulley system hubby rigged up failed to move the steps even an inch, 

it was time to call for more help. 

Up, 

over 

and centered. 

So much easier with a little extra muscle.

 My job was installing the clamps. Nailed it!

Next up - 

attaching the wooden steps and waiting for the handrails to be delivered. 

And hiding the dinosaur fossils before our big dig gets shut down. 😂😂 

Babies, Bugs and Beans

Donovan was too sick to go to daycare today - in the age of COVID, a runny nose gets you booted to grandma’s house - 

and he was fine playing with the horses and zoo animals and talking nonstop (and expecting logical replies from me to ev.er.y.thing!)

but then Jackie came home from kindergarten and the excitement was almost unbearable.

Between kindergarten, daycare and Donovan being sick, they haven’t seen each other in over a week. Much too long apart, for both of them. 

Spotted this ⬇️ on the front walk Wednesday - the biggest grasshopper I’ve seen in a long time. 

 The locusts are coming . . .

Jac’s reaction? “That’s so cool! Let’s go find it so I can pet it!”

 All photos taken by Jaclyn 

Then she dug out her grasshopper to compare. Jac doesn’t like spiders, but she thinks bugs are awesome.

I taught Donovan how to snap green beans after Jac went home.

Turns out he’s really good at it!

Little boy is cute and good in the kitchen. The ladies are going to love him. 😂

Last One

As of today, all the baby grands are back to school.

My bestest 8th grader

So glad Leia didn’t have to wear the “boot” she’s been in since hyper-extending the top of her foot in volleyball practice last week. 

Ouch!

Back To School

School started today for Leanne and Jaclyn and we are all thrilled.

My favorite 5th grader

Jac spent an hour at kindergarten orientation yesterday,

meeting her teacher, 

learning her way around the classroom with a scavenger hunt

and getting comfortable with the idea of big girl school.

And her reaction to her first full day? “I. HAD. SO. MUCH. FUN!”

I think it was a tad stressful though. Jac’s usually a very light, picky eater, but when we took her to lunch today to celebrate, she polished off half a waffle, eggs, 2 strips of bacon and a glass of OJ.

Gotta store up energy for More. Fun. tomorrow.