Thrifty Fun Summer Finds

Sometimes a little summer thrift browsing can make you happy! Here are a few of my recent treasures. A little West Elm vase found at the consignment shop near me in a pretty chic shade of blue. The flowers were from dahlia plants in our yard that we planted last summer. I just go out and clip more when I need fresh ones.

An avocado green vase from thrift store in that old type of glass that reminds me of my Grandma Lois, fit for some of our lavendar, also from the back yard.

A Sigrid Olsen top found at V. Village for a mere pittance. I have never been able to afford one from this designer.

Some Franco Sarto flats found at St. Vincent dePaul, never worn. And some Me Too flats, also never worn. Both for mere dollars. I am loving thrift store finds!

A summer fun plant found at Trader Joes that can tolerate indoor lighting as well as shade, with beautiful curling leaves and a plum underside.

Having shopping and summer fun doesn't have to cost much! It's time to go out in the back yard and pick some blueberries :)

Signs of Summer

Roses from the garden...

Blueberries ready to pick!

Coleus plants on our porch. I love them!

Leaves from my favorite smoke bush in the neighborhood. They are the dark plum color now. In the fall they turn the above colors!

First tomatoes! That means we have sun in Seattle! 75 degrees today!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!I wondered about my "in progress" sweater's name, Helleborus. At a family gathering today, I saw a beautiful Helleborus plant. After googling, I discovered that the "Helleborus Orientalis" is known for its early blooming quality, around early spring. Generally around the time of the Christian season of Lent. Described as: plants that inject color into the otherwise dreary landscape and usher in spring, bestowing on it their stamp of approval. That makes me happy to know my sweater is named after such a gracious flowering plant. How timely that I am making it during Easter season and I hope to be finished with it in time to wear for spring.

Sunshine-Filled Weekend

You don't get weekends like this very often around quirky Seattle, so we are loving this weather. At least it lasted a few days this time. Felt like summer! The lilacs are blooming...

The Rhodies are happy...
And we hung up the hummingbird feeder...made a bouquet, and BBQ'd ...

They say that sunglasses are sold more in the state of WA than any other state because we lose them in the winter! I love how my neighbor sits outside in the yard in her lawn chair and puts her indoor cats out there with her on a leash to enjoy the weather.

Logboom Park ~Lake Washington

Thanks, Mom! Happy Mother's Day!

Mom....It's all because of you that I am...

And it's all because of you that I knit...I am, therefore I knit!!

I am awkward at first, using long straight needles on my very first scarf! Now I prefer circulars.

This was my little scarf in progress! It was a bumpy blend, and fun to do. It's fun sharing this hobby with you. You are a wonderful example of a creative woman who is always learning new things. Thanks to you, Mom, for all you are and all you do!

I LOVE YOU!

Here's the sock Mom is knitting on. I haven't done one yet, so I am waiting for her to teach me when she becomes the expert at it. It looks really pretty so far...

This is what it looks like sideways! Very nice!

Gerbera Daisies and English Daisies for Mother's Day...






















SISTERS.....We got twinsie cards!


Look at the fine handmade jewelry by Wendy! I'm impressed...

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

Happy May Day!

I discovered today that I love English Daisies! Aren't they the cutest? Thanks, Carol, for brightening our day in the office!

http://www.gocomics.com/closetohome/2008/04/30/

Click on this link for a funny Close To Home that will tickle your knitter's fancy...My husband sent this to me at work as a joke. (Like I would really DO that!...snicker)