Making gifts and an overnight trip

 I don't really have any photos of the overnight trip. I went with  my SIL to drop my nephews off at their summer camp for the week. As you can see, they didn't wait for us! They were anxious to get checked in. This is the oldest nephew's third year to attend and the younger nephew's first year. You can see how hot and dry it is. The grass is all crunchy! We stayed with my SIL's Aunt Jan that night. She is so much fun. We then shopped a little in Austin before heading home. We spent a little time at "The Domain" shopping center. We spent our time mostly in the M.A.C. store and a Sur La Table. We passed through the Macy's. We arrived home late Friday evening. My niece had a Regional swim meet the next morning. She placed 1st in her division in breast stroke, 2nd in butterfly and her freestyle relay team placed 1st. There will be a trip to the state meet in Corpus Christi in a few weeks!

 The week before the little trip, I was busy getting a wedding gift ready. I wasn't able to attend the celebration, so I sent the gift with my oldest son. The gift consisted of an apron from her Uncle's jeans, an embroidered tea towel, a cookbook of family recipes and a chicken feed bag tote bag (I forgot to include it in the photo). I have a stack of washed bags and plan to make more.

 Here is the apron on its own.

 A close-up of the embroidery. The pattern is from the Hobby Lobby website.

 I decided to include quotations about "family" in the cookbook of family recipes. I was thrilled to find polka dot looseleaf binders and polka dot border paper at Wal-Mart.

 The bride is a fan of "The Office" so I included some Dwight Schrute quotations!

 I used black and white polka dot for wrapping since the invitation was black with white print.

I've got a long to-do list. Hopefully, I'll get something done and have more to share soon! The Double Toe Jam is also coming up! I will be going to Waco to attend with several others from my clogging group!
Y'all come back,
Lorilee

Before, After and a Catnap!

 Before: I had a bathroom door with a crack resulting from the teenage boy living here. Replacing a door is not fun or cheap!

 After: The crack is at least hidden! I printed and framed a vintage ad from the Graphics Fairy. I used some of the 3M stick-on velcro picture hangers. 

A Catnap: Little Soundrel is worn out from a hard day of playing!

Y'all come back!

Lorilee

Caterpillar invasion!

 As I was puttering in my yard on June 30, I noticed a large number of Gulf Fritillary caterpillars on my Passion Vine.  It was covered with them.

 Some were already quite large.

 While some were still tiny.

 UMMM. I said caterpillars not cats. Hello Bella.

 Hello Rascal.

 By July 7, the poor vine was leafless!

 I'm  not sure what the remaining caterpillars are going to eat!

 Luckily, there are a number of butterflies already emerging from the Chrysalis stage.

I had dozens of them fluttering around the yard. Sadly, none would perch on anything long enough for a good photo.
Y'all come back,
Lorilee

Patriotic Project.

 Happy Independence Day. Although the rest of my house has its usual patriotic touches, my feather tree remained empty. Glass ornaments do not mix with young cats. Finally, I had an idea to rectify the matter. Beaded ornaments . Thankfully, I have a stash of the needed beads because Hobby Lobby in my town does not currently carry all the needed beads. (They do show them on their online store.) 

 I used 6mm faceted beads in red, clear and blue; 6mm. round silver and gold beads; and 18mm sunburst beads also in red, clear and blue. I also needed chenille stems, wire cutters, needle nose pliers, scissors, and thread for hanging. I cut the chenille stems into 4-inch pieces and used the pliers to make a tiny loop in one end to keep the beads from sliding off. Then I strung the beads and made a larger loop at the top and added the thread for hanging. In about 1 hour, I had enough ornaments for my bare feather tree.

 So bright and sparkly!

 So patriotic and pretty!

 Ahh, Much better than bare.

Go away, Scoundrel.
Y'all come back!
Lorilee