The days are long but the years are short.....

 That's what they say.....and it's true.  We were able to make some good memories in the last couple of weeks.  Sadly, my DIL's aunt was not doing well, and my DIL wanted to see her before she passed so they made a quick trip home. I mean quick, here on Sunday evening, left on Monday.  Unfortunately she passed on Monday night so they made another trip on Thursday. We decided to keep the kids and then return them to their new home on Wednesday.  So we drove 20 hours in two days to take them home, and get us back to east Tennessee.  BUT, we made some great memories while they were here.  Memories we will cherish, and I hope they will also.

Swimming with their best friends and neighbors who they really miss since their move.

Fun at a really fun splash pad.

Always fun with bubbles and the pup.

After eating at their favorite place, Pizza Inn, we visited the Friendship Bell and the park in Oak Ridge.

On our way to NOLA to take them home, we made a stop in Laurel, MS, to see Ben and Erin Napier's "Hometown," the name of their HGTV show.

So, not a lot of quilting is being done.  It looks like I have two more memory quilts to work on soon, but first want to finish this one. Now, back at home, maybe I can get it done.

You can see I still have some scraps of my favorite bird fabric.  Just had to include a few of those in this one.  :)

July 2023

 Wanted to just capture some photos for my blog book.  Just life........in random order.

We enjoyed some food on the grill the other day.  Marinated the veggies in Italian dressing, the steak bites in Dales.  So good.

The kids received their first cards from Mamaw   :) 

Father's Day.  Jim has no biological children but he is the absolute best Fur Dad and Papaw to the grands.

Remembering my own father.  Love him much. I'm the little one.

We had dinner guests over and they brought their dog, Jack.  Oh my, these two had so much fun together.

Puzzle chasing bubbles in the back yard.

A bright summer Sunday before church.  We matched!

Our home brings me joy. I wonder if that is normal.  I love to decorate and clean it. I think it stems from our home as a child.  It was pretty chaotic, and always a mess. I know my parents did the best they could, but it still affected me. Never underestimate the implications in a child's life from their earliest environment. I'm thankful for all the good my parents taught and showed me. And really the mess and chaos taught me too, how much joy I get from a clean, nice home.

 

We really enjoy our screened porch.  Even in the heat of summer you can find one or both of us here.

Had to put out my patriotic quilts for the 4th of July -- tradition!

...and go watch the local fireworks in our little small southern town.....they always put on such a great show.

...and the hair is still growing and I've not cut it yet.  I will I'm sure just not yet.The shrinkage is unbelievable. From a very short pixie to these in less than 2 years!