It was good to meet you Mr. Bidwell.

And you too Big Red.

Danny and I enjoyed ourselves in Bill Bidwell's ritzy suite last weekend,
thanks to an invite from our favorite State Legislator.

latest project

Remember this?

The basket, not the baby.


Now it looks like this:


Just waiting for the baby to put it in.

This guy does a lot.

He cooks, he cleans, he dances.

And after straightening up a few things around the house this morning, he headed out for his 6th work day this week.

Did I mention that yesterday he washed both cars with his little "helper" and then took her swimming, while I stayed home and worked on my latest sewing project?

Well, he did.

Yes, this morning I am feeling kinda lucky.

Workin' it.

She hardly even noticed I was watching.

Not today.

Mondays are usually busy days.

I have a long list of to do's, house cleaning to conquer, errands to run, and more lists to make.
Before I know it,
the day is done.
And for all of that, I love Mondays.

But right I am ignoring all of the "urgencies" of errands and to do's.
I am not going.
I am not doing.

Instead I'm relaxing and watching Ellie do this:




And then waiting to see what new items she decides need to come out and join the fun.


(Or don't make the cut. I've just been handed the diaper.)

There will be plenty of time for busyness tomorrow, right?

A new favorite

Something about this hot weather has put me in the mood for lots of yummy salads lately.

Here's the latest.


A Home Version of
Mimi's Chicken and Fruit Salad

lots of greens ( I use green leaf lettuce and spinach)
craisins
walnuts (chopped)
tomato (finely chopped)
strawberries (sliced)
bacon bits (I prefer mine without)
chicken breast (diced or shredded)
Balsamic Vinaigrette

I have never been a fan of fruit on salad, but now that has all changed. I'm actually not a fan of several things on this salad on their own, but all together, it is divine. Really.

And the best part.
Danny loves it too and has requested it to now be one of our "regulars".
Done.

I am not a sew-er.

Usually.

But yesterday I sewed this.

Or finished it I should say. The fabric was bought at the beginning of the week (after quite a few indecisive and discouraging trips to the fabric store and lots of online searching), the skirt was sewn mid week (by far the easiest part) and the bumper was all pieced and sewn together just before 2am last night...or this morning I guess. (I thought I was almost done around 10.)

I am very pleased with how it turned out, thanks my sister-in-law Stephanie's wonderful instructions (I payed very close attention since I knew she'd be unreachable once the sewing began) and my surprising last minute helper who measured, pinned and pressed like a champ (yes, my one and only, danny).

I hoped to finish some time before our little baby boy arrived in September, so it looks like I'm well ahead of schedule. Now on to Ellie's quilt, a few decorative pillows and some wall art.

Wish me luck!