Summertime

Few things seem more like summer than licking dripping popsicles.  Rosie sure seems to enjoy this one!  I cannot believe it is July 1 already, and summer is truly in full swing.  The temperature is hovering in the 80's now, weather reports describe the daily dew point, and most green things have budded and now bloom,  My freezer is filling with frozen strawberries and blueberries, and some of the empty jars on my caning shelf now contain jams.  This morning, I go off in search of the elusive sour cherry to make a few batches of yummy cherry pie filling.  My body feels more toned and tanned, the effect of outside work and play.  Nice.  All of it.

We had some family visit last week-Lissa and Lydia and Rob and Rosie.  Lydia and Rosie became fast and good buddies--second cousins becoming friends.

This week, Jim and I prepare for our family beach week, a yearly tradition begun over three decades ago.  I've been playing with a family quilt to share with the Campbell clan. I am pleased how it is coming together.

The blocks were fashioned from pants and shirts donated by several members of the family.  I continued the emerging color scheme with stash scraps and backed it with a piece of striped duck purchased two weeks ago at a fabric sale organized by a friend for the benefit of the Salvation Army in York.  The quilt was entirely pieced and made with old clothes and scraps cut into strings, except for the backing fabric which cost me a buck.  My grandmother and great-grandmother would be so proud of me making a quilt in such an old timey way.

I savor this change of seasons, the changing light and palette, the temperature fluctuations, the pace of vacation, and the presence of family.  Happy summer, y'all!