An August finish and a crafting lull

The last of my grandchildren's Christmas ornaments was completed on August 1st. It has both a polar bear and a penguin.

 Now there are no more deadlines for the rest of the year, though I would like to make my own ornament. You may remember that I made 3 of these for my grandchildren. I have one more that I want to make for me. 

There weren't any crafts worked on at all for the first week of August. Our daughter and her family were visiting from the 1st to the 8th. All crafts were put away for that time except for the ones we worked on with our granddaughter. It was very hot here that week so we spent it either inside in the AC or in our pool. Ruby, their pup, enjoyed being in the back yard.

She looks small in this photo, but she is about 25 pounds. Our granddaughter was thrilled to be able to get ice cream from the ice cream truck. 

They don't see them where they live. We have at least one come by every day.

Once everyone left on the 8th, Hubby and I did laundry and cleaning as we were headed to Saratoga Springs, NY this past Wednesday for some fun at the racetrack. 

We didn't win big, but we didn't lose big either. We managed to walk 5 miles each day just walking around the racetrack grounds. 

We also enjoyed a dinner with friends who have a home in the area as well as a dinner that was just the two of us in our favorite Italian restaurant there, Nove.

Although I brought the Merry Christmas snow globe to work on during vacation lulls it never came out of the bag. I did get a few stitches in prior to leaving so the green trees to the left of the house are now stitched, though there is white and yellow still to be added as snow.

When I was free on vacation, I was busy reading The Underground Railway by Jennifer Ryan. What a wonderful historical fiction book set in Britain during WWII. Yes, I wasn't going to read any more WWII books, but this one was mostly upbeat and heartwarming. Now I am about to read The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis. 

I love her books so I am looking forward to losing myself in it.

Prior to our daughter's visit, I made a stop at a local yarn shop and bought these. I want to make socks for my daughter for Christmas. 

I am debating making the Hermione sock pattern. Has anyone done so? Also, have any of you knit using the magic loop method? I plan to try it. Tips would be appreciated.

I also bought this yarn to make this pretty cardigan for my youngest granddaughter. I have yet to make her a sweater. 

I will be joining Kathy for some Slow Sunday Stitching. Take some time to relax with a glass of something cold or a cup of tea or coffee and pop on over to their sites to see what other bloggers are stitching.

Thanks for stopping by!