Yard Makeover phase 2

Lots of photos today. Pretty self explanatory shots of the work.

The upper patio is finished.

The steps and retaining walls are finished. Just the lower patio and replanting left to do.

We are very happy with the new space. Can't wait to sit outside and enjoy the fall weather.

Yard make over phase 1

Finally the workers have come to make over our back yard. They took out the small patio and prepared the new patios and steps.

They dug up the boxwoods and placed them to the side for later. They saved the sod that was taken up for the new patios. Hope that can be used, too.

Concrete was poured Wednesday. It rained Tuesday evening but not enough to cause problems.

Steps and footings for retaining walls was poured.

The lower patio will be laid on crushed stone, not concrete.

Jane the cat inspected everything.

She looked over the footings.

All good!

Flagstone upper patio in progress.

Looking forward to good times outside soon.

Book Bonanza

Here are all the books I brought back from the International Literacy Association Convention in St. Louis. Most are chapter books and many are for middle school or high school. I will enjoy reading them then giving them away as door prizes at our reading conference in December.

Free books are not the only reason for attending the ILA convention. Renewal or revival or inspiration-- call it what you will. I heard some great teachers sharing about their successes with students. I wish I could clone myself so I could read with more students on all grade levels.

I especially enjoyed hearing about high school students who began reading for pleasure again or in some cases for the first time. I loved hearing about challenging students who were hooked by a great book. I want that for all students.

Look for more posts about these books.

Visit from some hummingbirds

Overcast day. Saw two hummingbirds zooming around the flowers outside our back windows.

Taking sips from the butterfly bush.

Having a rest on a branch of the Chaste Lilac.

Taken with my camera with no extra lens.

The birds love to come to our little nook. We have 3 bird baths and lots of flowers.

Love summer!

Choosing a favorite quilt book

I know this is not my sewing blog and these are pictures of quilts but...

A request to share a favorite quilt book has been made by the program chair of Jackson Quilters.

All of these quilts were inspired by something in a quilt book.

The plan for these two came from the book SuperStrata Quilts.

They don't look a thing like any quilt in the book.

Some parts of these two came from the book Fat Quarter Fun with a very broad interpretation.

All four of these quilts have been given away. I guess I can share the books without the finished products. We'll see.

What Am I Reading This Summer?

I have gotten hooked  on the China Bayles Mysteries by Susan Wittig Albert. This started a month or so ago when I read a Victorian Mystery written by Albert and her husband. They collaborate on mysteries set in the late 1890s. I read two paperbacks and looked around for more.

I went to Susan's website and printed a list of her China Bayles' mysteries. Then I looked in the online catalog and found that all of her books were in the various branches of my local library. Now I am methodically reading them in order.

These mysteries are set in Texas near Austin. The main character has an herb/tea shop. The chapters give information about the uses of different herbs. Some books have recipes, too. Since I have visited Austin it is easy to visualize the setting and hear the accent of the characters.

So reading these books is like a mental vacation to the Texas hill country. Looking forward to reading the whole series over the summer.

Repurposed doll bed

Had to share these photos of my doll bed planter. Dad had a welder make this bunk bed for my dolls. I don't remember how old I was when I got it. Mom said the same man who made our swing made the doll bed. So it has to be 55+ years old.

I have more photos on my phone and may add them later. 

I used aluminum screening to make the containers. It was very easy to fold and bend into shape.

I bought coconut fiber to line each container and help hold water. 

Plants on the top level are sun lovers and the ones on the bottom like shade.

In the few weeks since planting, the plants on top have grown and flourished. Look for more photos.