Gold and Pink this morning

Looking out the east side this morning, there was a beautiful sunrise! With the Japanese Maple out front almost turned pink, the whole yard looked pink. Then when I went and looked out the west side, everything was golden from all the gold leaves! They have been falling and blowing yesterday and today, with the strong winds we've had, but ti's been beautiful just the same!

I love baby girls!

Girls, girls, girls! That's what I have!
4 daughters.
4 grand daughters.
2 nieces!
That's why I would love Diane to have another little girl this time. Oh, I love little boys too, they are always, always making me laugh. But, there's just something about little girls, who grow into bigger girls, then grow into women who are so special!
In the photo: Isabelle, Ella, Gracie, Kiki, Emma

Skunks and more skunks....

Sunday it was the big family of 4 heading up the hill towards the house. They were so darn cute.... however, it was broad daylight, and they were making good progress. Last fall we had a stubborn skunk come to live in the woodshed that is attached to the house, and it was 2 solid months before we could be sure he had either died or left for quieter surroundings! We don't want any more living in there! So, unfortunately, they were "chased" away. The next day, one skunk was much, much closer to the house before we noticed it. The dogs of course had noticed it at 100 yards. Luckily, we got him, before he got us..... the next day, another one in the apple orchards, then another and another. I don't feel safe anymore walking back there alone.
My question is: why are they coming out during the day? I mean, skunks are supposed to be nocturnal right? We don't have food at all outside for the dogs, I make sure I bring their bones in at night. I know there's grubs in the rose bed, but geesh! I know it's the time of year for critters to find their winter homes, but they are not going to live in any part of my house!
The view again was gorgeous tonight- pink cotton candy sunset that just went on and on! I love God's artwork!

Soaps and Aprons!

Yesterday I made 2 more batches of soap, another oatmeal and honey, and then a jasmine scented with what was supposed to be pink swirls but ended up being a light red. Interesting looking, for my first attempt not too bad. I've started using one of my first bars, just a plain soap, but I really like it! 
I also made 6 aprons yesterday! I had got some vintage fabrics over the weekend, so took all the one yard one pieces and made 1/2 aprons with them. They're all different, most have pockets, some have trim. I think they are cute, and gave one to Donna for a house warming gift. 
Today is Aunt Gloria's 81st birthday. I wish I could be with her, and wish I had something I could send her. I guess I will have to be content with sending her some pictures....
The view tonight is gorgeous! The sun has shifted south again, so that it sets directly in front (or to the side) of us. Last night it was beautiful, tonight it will be too!

Having my daughter back home! :)

It's been a busy weekend! Jill moved back home with us temporarily on Saturday. Yesterday we moved all her belongs up here. I love having Jill live with us! She and I get along so well, and we are a lot alike! She had a lot of stuff though, lol! More I think than even she knew! We did have help though, so that was nice. Now, we will spend the week finding a spot for things she is going to store and stripping wallpaper then painting her room. Noah and Alyssa are staying here this week too, which makes for a full house! Someday they will not be coming home to stay until I am old and decrepit and need someone to stay with me to take care of me. A sobering thought.
My view right now: Barely there brown spots on the ground cover and maple trees, getting ready for fall! 

Messing up my Template....

I wanted a new pretty background for my blog! I found one that I love, but when I applied it all of a sudden all of my posts and followers and archives and About Me were all in one column. So.... I deleted the background, but now everything is still in single column format and I don't know how to fix it!!! Help! Anyone who is reading this can chime in and help me out! I am computer literate, but this one just boggles my mind!
The view from here: watching husband outside grilling strip steaks. There are some fierce thunderclous over head, glorious and beautiful but no rain, Bonnie and Bear are patiently laying next to the grill waiting for their share! 

On quilting....

Wow! Two posts in one day, lol!
I get such a joy out of quilting. And, every year at this time, I seem to get the urge to make more. I'm sure it has something to do with a natural instinct to prepare for winter.... of course today has been a very muggy high 80's kind of day, so at least I did refrain from actually laying any fabric in my lap, and sewing, lol!!
I did however, go through my supplies, looking at what I have and what I need. I have several quilts that I would like to finish. Two are ones that I had started about 4 years ago for my grand daughters. Because Ella was leaving for Alaska to live, I finished hers , but Emma and Isabelle's got put aside. The tops are done. Emma's has her appliques on and her name embroidered. I just have to finish them quick then they can have them. Gracie needs one now, but I have a pretty top started that I will finish for her. Jonah and Micah will have to wait until they move into their new house, then I will do something to match their room. The girls' are all soft pastels, pink and yellows, light green. For some reason, the prints remind me of being very young and staying at Uncle Merrill and Aunt Doris's camp. They are not perfect by any means, but there sure is a lot of love put into them.
I also have a patch quilt- lots of plain 4 " patches, all in browns, or tans, that I had started for the guest room bed at our old house. It is plenty big enough for any bed that I put it on now. Just need to do batting and backing. My flannel quilt I will definitely be finishing up this fall. I will need something else on my bed to snuggle under when the nights grow cold.
So now, I can plan my new quilts for this year!!! I can't wait! :)