Quilts Galore, with Louise and Cheryl

 Louise and Cheryl came to see us yesterday, and with apologies to Ron, we talked quilts.  First, we had to have Show 'n Tell, and it was certainly worth it.

These pictures loaded in the opposite sequence from what I planned.  Above and below is Louise's creation from a very old pattern she had saved.  She does such exquisite work. and the quilt is totally charming.

 This baby quilt had each block carefully embroidered, and touched up with a little color.  Louise hand-quilted this one - creating an heirloom that will be loved and used.  Love that happy smile - reflects Louise's sunny outlook.

Seth Comes Home

We know that Seth made it home, because we saw the pictures.  Life is probably a whirlwind right now for him.  We don't know the significance of the pink flamingo, but will learn that story one day.  And, we don't know who is happier, Sonja or son.  Glad to have you back in the States after two years in Nicaragua!  Glad to have the FB pictures, with Judy guiding me to them.

Red at Night, Sailors' Delight

This sunset was from a couple of evenings ago.  It was so spectacular - we do get lots of those in the West, but every one is different.  This sunsetting was especially gorgeous.  Be sure to enlarge the picture.

A Different Geranium

This cranesbill geranium plant is a marvel - I ordered six plants four years ago, and put them in various places around the yard.  This one grew and flourished, two others died, and the rest just fiddled along.  I transplanted the survivors this spring and hope they will thrive like this one, but don't have my hopes up too high.  This plant grows where it gets the warm morning sun, so the leaves curl up some by noon, but the afternoon shade revives it, and it looks lovely again.  The blooms will keep coming all summer. Love plants like this that just keep giving, even in adverse conditions.

Cousins from the Krajicek Side of the Family

We had a delightful visit yesterday from Jan and Burt Brockett.  Jan's father, Stanley Allgeier, was Dad's first cousin, son of Rose, who was our grandmother Louise's sister.  That makes Jan our second cousin.  They had been in Yellowstone with a daughter's family, and came this way, wanting to meet us.  Jan is younger than I am (more Ann's age), and a mathematician  who likes to quilt.  We have corresponded over the years in the Kray family Round Robin that Mother and Daddy were a part of in the 1960's.  In the 1980's, I became a part of the Round Robin, which has slowly dwindled to about five of us - 2nd cousins, or whatever.  When Jan's father, Stanley, died at the age of being just shy of 101, that was the last of his generation to participate.  The visit was fast, and we talked a lot.  I did ask Jan to be on the lookout for any of Stan's papers that might pertain to family history.  She  remembers going to Granny Rose's home in Deer Park - she has very nice memories of her.

I was going to post this on Penrose Mornings, but decided I didn't want to upstage the wedding pictures, which are wonderful.

Celebration of Father's Day

Father's Day bouquet sent by Dorothy and Sara - These flowers were done by our local florist, and they really were something to see.  As you can see, the dancing frogs on the patio table are paying homage to such beautiful flowers.  Happy Father's Day to all the fathers in our family.

Visitors from the North

We had a good time last weekend with grandson Denton and his wife, Taylor.  It is so wonderful to see both of them, and see how grownup they have become.   They are doing so well, and we are very proud of them.  The goal right now is to graduate from college, and they are both working at jobs outside of school so that they won't be encumbered with debt when they're finished.  Smart kids - although I guess 1 can't call them kids any more, since they are behaving in such a responsible way.  Makes  grandparents proud.

The Newest Great-grandchild

Love these pictures that Julie sent to us of a proud grandpa and grandma holding Zachary Dean (Zac), born the last day of May.   I especially love the picture of Aunt Marilyn showing two excited brothers (wearing their Big Brother shirts) their new baby brother.  There is such joy when these blessings come to our children and grandchildren.  He makes eight great-grandchildren for us.  Does that mean we are growing old-er?  Our congratulations to Mom, Dad, and two brothers to Zac, grandmas, grandpas, and even the greats.  It is wonderful to see love expanding in our family.