Anyways, I decided to knit a scarf for her. It's made with Moda Dea Tweedle Dee yarn using a basketweave stitch. It's pretty simple as far as knitting patterns go, but I don't knit very often.I'm going to San Jose to visit family for a few days. I'll take my knitting and portrait with me to work on. Hopefully, I'll be able to finish both.
Our house is completely painted, but I'm so sore, I can barely walk. This is the last time we will ever paint a house ourselves. We're getting too old for this!! With any luck, we'll have the plants and paths in by next week.
I want you all to know that I appreciate your comments and online friendship. I'm generally respond to each person individually, however, I just haven't had the time to do that lately. I'm sure my life will be back to normal soon.
You may remember that my friend lost her house in the Tea Fire. My 
We removed a hedge on the right hands side, so we decided to widen the entrance. 
Here's the new entrance. I was tempted to stick something into the wet concrete, but I was good.
I like it even more after he contrast was increased. 
Either she knows me too well, or she is starting to think like me. Now that's a scary thought! 
While I was at Home Depot buying paint for the house, I found this interesting piece that is used as a gutter guard. I'm going to take the two layers apart and use it to paint and stencil. Stay tuned for yet another experiment!
And best of all . . . some flowers from Mike. They're 
It is very understated and elegant. Her son will be using the 
Unfortunately, I broke all three needles at one time, so I guess I need to buy some more. I find stabbing this poor quilt with sharp needles quite relaxing. I think it's really good therapy and everyone should run right out and buy all the necessary supplies! Could you pick up some needles for me while you're at it?
Progress? Slow but sure. At this point, all the work we've been doing isn't real impressive, but it is necessary. Since the last landscaping post, we've added irrigation, bender board, gutters and stucco patch. The whole surface needs a coat of stucco, and then paint. Once the garage wall is painted, the plants can go in and then decomposed granite paths. So close, but yet so far!
Here's what the back yard looks like. Our own personal dump! We've already had a huge load of concrete hauled away and a load of green waste removed. I guess we should have waited a while; I didn't realize Mike would get so carried away with the chain saw. I'm sure the remaining plants are convinced that they are next and are doing their best to look beautiful so they will be spared!
I had a very difficult time with this piece, because I know it took many hours to make. I didn't want to destroy it. I stared at it for months and often used it to cover up when I was chilly in my studio. I knew I had to do something dramatic to change it but what? Cutting it wasn't going to be enough and I couldn't take it apart because the quilting was quite dense. I decided to paint it.
You are a one of a kind, original person. There's no one even close to being like you. Expressive and creative, you have a knack for making the impossible possible. While you are a bit offbeat, you don't scare people away with your quirks. Your warm personality nicely counteracts and strange habits you may have.
They were so gorgeous, I just couldn't resist . . . 
Mike is building a new fence and gate. When will it end?? I'm hoping most of it will be done by Christmas. I'm pretty tired of all the mud being tracked into the house. Well, the new paint job probably won't be finished, we may just have to slap a quick coat to cover all the ugliness of the missing trim. 
I've managed to bond with a needle felting tool I recently purchased. This little pen can be adjusted to hold three, two or one needle. The instructions were pretty sparse, mostly keep the needles straight and don't stab your fingers. Warning: the needles are sharp! Don't ask.
