Wild Strawberry

 Good morning,

When I was a child we didn't have cell phones and we didn't watch TV all day.  We went outside to play and we did it without constant adult supervision.  Our parents weren't bad parents, we just lived in a different time when it was normal for kids to go out and play for hours without checking in at home.

We played in our own yards most of the time and made up our own games.  I remember collecting wild strawberries like the one pictured.  No, they don't taste very good, but the birds liked them.

My childhood memories are good.  I had parents who loved me and two older brothers who were there if I ever needed backup.  I miss them all.

It's fun to see something as simple as a wild strawberry and have it trigger childhood memories....

I hope you're enjoying your summer - or winter for our friends on the other side of the Equator.

Lois

Fresh Out of the Oven

 Good morning,

Yesterday was bread making day so the house smelled fabulous and we had plenty of bread to taste by mid afternoon.

I make bread every two to three days so there is always plenty.  

What is fresh out of your oven this week?

All the best,

Lois

Work in Progress This Week - Knit Sweater

 Good morning,

Last week I started a crochet sweater using the yarn you see in the image above.  As the work progressed, I felt the resulting fabric was not only heavier than I wanted, but didn't have a nice "drape" for the garment I was creating.

So, I am now knitting the sweater instead, with breaks to let my fingers rest.  For some reason, my fingers are giving me a hard time as I'm knitting so I am switching back and forth between this knit project and a crochet project to give my hands a change of activity.  It works. I'll just be happy when this knit project is finished.

What are you making, baking, growing this week?

All the best,

Lois

Childhood Memories

 Good morning,

I made this for lunch yesterday.  Yep, a PBJ on my toasted home made bread.

When I was a child in elementary school (now called middle school, I believe) I got myself up when my alarm went off, got ready for school, made my own breakfast (similar to the peanut butter and jelly sandwich above), stirred up a pitcher of frozen orange juice and drank a glass of it, then walked to school.  Of course, my parents monitored all of this, but I was quite independent.

My Mom was a Montessori Mom long before we knew much about Maria Montessori.  We grew up to be quite independent from an early age.  That's why I was so surprised to see other parenting methods among my friends when I had children of my own.  Their mothers actually got up and told the kids to get up to go to school.  Wow, what a difference!  I'm glad I didn't know any better when I was in school.

Something else pretty terrific about my family when I was a child was that we had dinner together every evening. 

I hope you also have fond memories of your childhood.  All of these memories came floating back today as I made a PBJ for lunch....

Lois

Wendy and Erik Update

 Good morning,

Thank you to those who have asked about nine year old Wendy, prayed for her recovery, and have sent positive thoughts her way.

Through the past weeks Wendy has had surgery on her left ear after a blood vessel broke and the flap of her ear filled with blood.  At first, the vet taped it hoping the situation would correct itself, but a week later, surgery was needed.  Wendy spent more than two weeks wearing a "party hat" (cone) to keep her from rubbing her ear on the floor or furniture. 

The recovering ear is mostly hidden in the above image.  We are delighted the size and shape of the ear is beautiful and her hair is growing back after surgery.  If you look carefully, you can see where the hair is growing back where she had her IV in her right arm. 

 Elder statesman, Erik, is also doing well.  He and Wendy are good pals and try to stay out of the way of their younger siblings, Elsa and Lily who like to romp and play regardless of who is in the way.

So, thank you, again, for all the kindness you've shown the pups.  All four of them are doing very well.

All the best,

Lois

Pretty Blonds Sun Bathing on National Dog Day

 Good morning,

Kjell sent me today's images.  Elsa (top) and Lily went outside with Daddy and immediately went out in the sun to catch some rays.

 They didn't stay there long, though!  It's hot here!

We go outside with our pups and enjoy patio time while they roam the yard and garden.  It is so hot this week, that as soon as they have done what they need to do, we bring them in.  

Such pretty girls!

All the best,

Lois

Elsa Cuddles

 Good morning,

Elsa is the most cuddly dog I have ever had.  She tucked herself on my shoulder, arm, and a good part of my body.  Then she immediately started snoring.

It's fine for awhile, but eventually, if I want to sleep, I have to get out from under her so my arm doesn't go to sleep.

Precious!  She is just so sweet.

Lois