I love this picture of my husband's family from about 1953 or so. Mike is the cutie on the left sitting in Dad's lap. He has two older brothers and (now) three younger sisters. This was taken before the two youngest were born. His next older brother, Ron, is in the middle - so cute with his glasses! Sadly, Ron passed away this week. He had been in poor health for some time, so this was not unexpected, but of course, he will be missed.
So all the more reason to cherish friends and family and celebrate the simple, lovely things in life.
I love that some color is beginning to emerge in my flower garden again! We've been doing battle with the grasshoppers this summer. I think they like this hot, dry stuff we've been having, plus they like to eat flowers! Fortunately, the flowers are coming back.
I got out my favorite August tabletopper for the dining room table. And Colorado peaches are in season - so yummy!
Not colorful (yet), but maybe soon - I have a pumpkin! It's about the size of a golf ball, maybe a little bigger. We have it surrounded by a little wire covering, hoping to keep the backyard critters from trying a taste!
I finished a really good book this week! The Island of Missing Trees is part historical fiction, about the island of Cyprus, which I, honestly, knew nothing about, part fantasy (a fig tree is a main character), and part science story (lots of fascinating information about plants, animals, and trees). Really an interesting story!
LeeAnna suggested we include some info in today's post about the summery topic of sunscreen. With Mike's history of melanoma, sunscreen is important to us, and he's a good researcher when it comes to products like that. Interestingly, the Walmart store brand, Equate, came out really high in the ratings so that's what we've been buying.
Sunscreen and my yellow hat, which I've shown in many photos,
are definitely in constant use around here!
And one last thing to share. I finished up the quilting on Crumb Hearts and got the binding sewn on by machine this afternoon. I'm really pleased with how the orange peel quilting design turned out! Because of the different sizes of borders, there are also different sizes of orange peels.
There's some binding stitching to do!
Sorry about the news of your brother-in-law. I know that feeling of, while not unexpected, still sad. Your garden looks great and so does your August table topper. Both are so colorful and cheery!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of your BIL's passing. He looks like he was a fun kid! And your husband is just adorable.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss, it is hard even when expected.
ReplyDeleteI recognize your August topper, that was the August bundle I did with Bernie at Needle and Foot! Is that my Minuet pattern? So fun!!
I hope your pumpkin grows big.
I'm so sorry about Mike's brother - no matter how much we might expect it, it is still such a loss.
ReplyDeleteI've been wearing SPF 50 this summer too - good to know on the Equate brand. I have a dermatologist appointment coming up, at the recommendation of my PCP - ugh.
Congratulations on your Crumb Hearts finish - I like the two different sizes on the orange peels.
Your garden looks pretty, and good luck with the pumpkin. Maybe you'll be able to harvest it for pie. ;) Speaking of pie, those peaches look yummy.
so sorry for your loss! it's difficult to lose loved ones even when expected. congrats on your crumby finish!!
ReplyDeletesorry about the brother in law that is always said when it happens even when expected. I must admit I don't use sunscreen as much as I should but the kind I use is a sports type like what you show - I will check out that brand. Love the table topper, I hope your pumpkin survives!! I hate it when the critters get them before they fully develop
ReplyDeleteCondolences to you and Mike on his brother's passing. And thanks to Mike for his sunscreen recommendation. Yum, peaches. I'll have to check our farm store to see if the local ones are ready yet. Cantaloupe should be ripe here soon, as well.
ReplyDeletePat
Condolences to you and Mike! Losing a sibling is HARD! Fun photo, memories I’m sure !
ReplyDeleteI heard your grasshoppers are bad! Our daughter was in Loveland last week. Luckily, we did not get an infestation, yet! My tomato’s aren’t ripening yet, but I have hope! Hope to get some Colorado preachers from the “peach guy” this weekend’ yum!
Thanks for the recommendation on the sunscreen! Sometimes the cheaper stuff is just as good as the spendy stuff! :)
I'm sorry to hear about Mike's brother. Please extend my condolences to Mike and his siblings. You have such a pretty little table quilt, and those peaches look delicious1 The grasshoppers aren't so bad here, as far as my garden, but the Japanese beetles have found my hibiscus :-( I'll have to look into that book.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your loss. That's a great family photo, though. I may have to try caging off my squash - I'm afraid the local chuck may take interest in it. I really like how you changed the sizes in your orange peels for the borders.
ReplyDeleteThat is a wonderful photo to cherish and so sorry a brother has been lost.
ReplyDeleteThat is a pretty little table topper and boy, I do love peaches. They'll be showing up soon here too as Ontario grows a lot of peaches.
A lot more grasshoppers in my pool this summer...must be their year. I've noted that book as I think it is one I would enjoy. Thanks for sharing wonderful things as always,Diann.
I am so sorry for the loss of your brother in law, Diann. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Such a darling photo of your husband's family . Your quilt is darling and looks perfect with the peaches. Have a blessed weekend.
ReplyDeleteI had to enlarge the photo, I love old photos of families, and see those smiling kids... happy parents. What a large family to come from! Your background fabric in hearts is so pretty. Gotta check out the sunscreen and the book, thank you for the rec's. Hope this comment posts... having a lot of trouble lately.
ReplyDeleteL.
Hi Diann! Oh, Colorado peaches are just the best. I have fond memories of getting a case of those and ODing on their yumminess. Your flower garden colors are so pretty! What a nice combination. I'm sorry for the loss of your BIL, Ron. Even when you expect it, it isn't easy. I'm glad you have nice memories and photos to remember him by. YAY for having a pumpkin to watch mature. Ooh-la-la, the orange peel quilting design looks so nice. What a fun finish that will be very soon. {{Hugs}} ~smile~ Roseanne
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