Summer Vacation

It's official. I am now on summer vacation from both of my jobs for two months. Ahhh! 

I can craft some things, read some books, sit on my back deck or front porch and cool off in my pool. Oh, I can also get ready for my daughter's bridal shower at the end of July. I have some crafting to do for that.

I am still working on the crocheted wedding gown for my stuffed bear. 

I just have to complete the other sleeve, weave in some ends and then put on some embellishments. I have to make the headpiece and bouquet also, but they should be quick.

I made some progress on the donation scarf during my last couple of days at school. I still love the pooling pattern.

I am going to try to start working on my Advent Calendar again.
Do you remember it?

I have an idea that if I use some form of plastic bottle under the fabric to be able to hold it in my hand without pinching my thumb and fore-finger, I may just be able to work on this without pain. I am going to give it a try today. I know that it is a delicate balance as to how much sewing, knitting and crocheting I can do without aggravating the arthritis in my thumb. Wish me luck!

I also want to make some decorations for my daughter's bridal shower that I am hosting at my home in late July.
I started small with an idea for a game. I will tell you all about it after the shower.

I wonder if she will recognize the fabric. I think I made her a skort from it when she was little. 

I visited the local library on Friday and came home with these.

I am already well into the top novel. I do love the way Deborah Harkness writes. This is a continuation of her All Souls Trilogy. I think this is the 5th book. I have to find the 4th which I have yet to read. 
I never did finish reading The DuMauriers by Daphne Du Maurier. I grew tired of some of the characters and just wasn't interested in continuing with it. This was a "book swap" book that I got from the library and I met a nice woman when I was returning it who said she loved Daphne Du Maurier as an author and used to wait for her books to be published. She encouraged me to try one of her best-sellers so I picked up My Cousin Rachel. We shall see. I have read the first 6 books of the Elm Creek Quilt series so I borrowed #7. The other two books in the stack are past recommendations from other bloggers. I am willing to try new authors any time.

Well my summer is off to a great start so far. We have had two days in the high 80s which allowed me to enjoy our deck and pool. With all the rain we have had, my plants are flourishing. I adore the color of this deep purple astilbe. It is actually a deeper purple than this photo shows.

I always know that the 4th of July is just around the corner when my day lilies start to bloom.

 They frame one side of my deck near our outdoor table. 

They always make me smile.

Hopefully I will be blogging more now that I am home more. I am joining Kathy for some Slow Sunday Stitching. Pop on over to her site to see what other bloggers are stitching. 

Thanks for stopping by!