Catching Up with Coffee

     It has been awhile since a real chat. I know you were all dropping by for tea and coffee with Abi and all the other blogging lovelies last week. I'm a bit late to the party but that seems to be my norm. The weather is glorious this week so I thought we'd sit in the sun and catch up. Don't you love my new mug? It was a birthday gift from one of the goddesses and it makes smile, so much truth in it.

     Oh, yes, the yard does look amazing and every bit of the credit goes to the Chosen One. Working in the yard is both his therapy and his hobby. He definitely got his moma's green thumb. I am working on my first quilt and I have missed her terribly today. There were so many bumps in the road with the blocks and with the actual sewing machine. I talked to her a great deal and thoughts of her kept me from getting frustrated and helped me persevere. This was to be her project (sorry, I get teary thinking about it). Three weeks before she passed away we were at the Beast's wedding and our last conversation was about her making this quilt for the Pirate's graduation. I know nothing of quilting which the first few people in the Friendship Quilt Project can attest to. I have been delinquent in mailing a few because I keep trying to get it right but I have decided they are being mailed this week and they can love my novice imperfections. Do you sew? have you ever quilted? I have several friends who are so talented.  What are you working on right now?  I have started doing the cheater's method of knitting so I can donate baby beanies to the NICU.

      The Beast has a new job, the first in his field after graduating in December.  He stops by occasionally in his suit and tie and looks like a grown man....imagine that at 26! He has a plan in place to move up and I have no doubt he will. SweetGirl and I had a girls' day a few weeks ago, going to lunch and the art museum. They have discovered a hobby they cans hare and I think that is awesome.  They are going to be playing Warhammer as soon as they get their armies painted. They are both artistic so the painting is fun as well. She has an army of Elves and his are Rats. Did you play these sorts of games when you were younger? Evidently there are two places near their apartment they can play with others every week. 

      Have you reached the season of life where your children and their friends are graduating high school and college? We certainly have. I wish I could find one gift that works well for all but find I am being more selective and getting each one something different. The Pirate and Pirate Girl graduate from East Carolina University this weekend! If you go into the house you'll see check lists and things ready to make their way eastward. We are so fortunate we are able to stay in a friend's house that is currently tenant free.  I am going down Thursday very early to do a photo shoot with the two of them. Friday morning they both march in the university ceremony. Of course I'll start crying as soon as Pomp & Circumstance starts to play, I always do. We know the PirateGirl's mom and stepdad but will be meeting the rest of her family. We'll have lunch together Friday then she has her departmental ceremony that night. Saturday my family will arrive for lunch and the Pirate's afternoon departmental ceremony. Saturday night we are having a party for their friends in their honor.  lol yes, I am sure I'll share a pic or two with you in the coming weeks. Sunday is packing, moving out, cleaning day. He lived in a dorm his freshman year but has been in the same apartment the last three so yep, a bit of cleaning to be done.

       You're off to pick strawberries!  Well, I know you want to get out there before the sun gets too high. Maybe we should have a strawberry blog party sharing different things to do with those luscious red berries! I am headed back up to the studio and the sewing machine, hoping the spirit of Elena is with me today. Thank so much for stopping by and be sure to wear your hat and eat a few berries along the way.