June's Finished Projects

I've actually been quite busy this month, and I'm within hours of finishing a couple of other projects. But I can say that these two projects were finished this week.

This blanket was made for my dear friend Martha. She lost her mom several years ago to ALS. Last winter, Martha gave me boxes of her mom's yarn. When Martha had a sweet baby boy a few months ago, it was only right to use her Mama's yarn to make something for little Austin.

These are the socks that drove me batty. Love the colors (go Seahawks!), love the way the pattern looks. Just didn't love the process (pattern is Geek Socks on Ravelry.) The yarn was super yummy! I purchased it online from New Zealand with my birthday money (Stray Cats on Etsy). But having never worked with slip stitches on socks, I found them to be way too small (see last month's post.) So I ripped them back to the heel, turned them inside out to knit and used a larger needle. Now with some finessing, I can wear them. But I don't know that I will do this particular pattern again. They were definitely a learning curve for me.

And yes, I do realize that both projects are blue, green and white stripes. Purely coincidental. Maybe Austin will grow up to love the Seahawks, too!

New Look at 206

We've got a new look going on at the Wilson house. When we bought the house 14 years ago, it desperately needed new siding. Like you could stick your finger through rotten cardboard siding. A hail storm two years ago provided the insurance coverage for a new roof and one side of the house to be replaced. We finally scraped together the funds and are slowly changing the face of our house.

Before:

During:

 After:

 

Painted (still need to do trim work):

Yes, we also got a new garage door!

Father's Day

We had a fun weekend celebrating one of the best Dads ever! From family fun watching "Finding Dory" to lunch at California Taco (featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives") to train watching - Dan was thoroughly spoiled by his girls.

We appreciate all the big and little things he does without fanfare (and also without complaint) for our family.

Love you, Dan!

Sand in the City 2016

Once again, the Nebraska Children's Home Society put on their great fundraiser, "Sand in the City." We haven't missed a year since it started - even when it meant we went in the rain. This year was warm, but we went early enough before the day got too hot. The sand sculptures were amazing, the family activities and Kid's Zone was lots of fun, and next year, we hope to be able to volunteer for part of the event.

Jazz in June - 2016 Edition

We only made it to Jazz in June twice this year. But our streak is strong - we've gone at least once every summer for twenty years now. This year marked the 25th anniversary of the festival. To celebrate, the opening artist this year was Arturo Sandoval. Quite possibly the best act I've seen in this venue.

The girls, as usual, had fun with sidewalk chalk and making new friends.

Surprise Visit

I can't believe I have NO photographic evidence of this, but my mom came and saw me this month! I had a week's notice, and truth be told, the guest room was quickly "cleaned" by moving boxes of things into the now-organized storage room. But what fun to see my mom, albeit in bits and pieces, while she was in the Midwest moving her sister from Missouri to Nebraska. We did have a lovely last day together when she accompanied the girls and me to the doctor (nasty staph infection in Annie's ear) and later on the drive back to the airport in Kansas City.

Hope she comes again soon - and brings my dad with her!

Getting Organized

For Mother's Day, I asked for two things. A weekend each year by myself at home to get things accomplished, and a weekend each year away somewhere by myself to recharge.

Earlier this month, Dan took the girls to his parents' house for the weekend while I tackled the basement. I may have also been stocked with plenty of pizza and ice cream to get me through.

This is a job I have put off for fourteen years. I discovered papers from elementary school. Relived college days by looking at pictures. I purged, purged, purged. And when all was said and done, I still had a little bit of time to sit and knit with friends.

Before:

During:

 After: