Memorial Day

 I needed a patriotic project today.

I think these zipper pouches fulfilled the need.

~b

lemons

 Today seemed like a good day to paint lemons.

When we moved into this house over twenty years ago 

the box with all my painting supplies never showed up

and it has been that long since I've even been tempted to paint.

I have to confess here that I can't even draw a decent stick man

but I do enjoy tole painting with oils from a pattern.

I like to paint fruit and vegetables the most.

So, when I need a break from knitting, crocheting and quilting

I'll whip up a piece of fruit for you.

~b

quilts and fish

 I told myself I wasn't going to start piecing this quilt 

until I had the embroidery work completely done.

But I love piecing and couldn't help myself.

So today I stepped in without a plan which is what I do best...

or don't do best?

I guess I am not a planner.

I have been hungry for fish and chips!

I may have to call this quilt my fish and chips quilt?

~b

Jenny Wren is calling

 Doing a little stitching and bird watching on the back deck.

Life is good!

~b

being amish

 I love when I have an energy spurt.

It started with turning a pint of fresh blueberries into blueberry preserves.

So easy! So good!

Yesterday Mr. b put a whole chicken in the air fryer.

I highly recommend this method.

Season heavily and bake one hour, turning over halfway.

Save that carcass for bone broth in the instant pot.

When the bone broth was done, I threw one cup of dry navy beans in the same pot

with three cups of the bone broth for tomorrow's white chicken chili.

Thanks to my mother for inspiring me in the kitchen at such a young age.

~b

wood art

 I was admiring woodworker's art on Instagram this morning 

which got me thinking that Dakota Man needs to Instagram his things.

But then I AM his biggest fan.

~b

 May Flowers

Looking out my little sewing sweatshop windows

and on my table.

~b

book shop

 

When Mr. b needs to unwind,

I can find him painting at his desk in front of our large living room windows.

This is his latest paint-by-number. It needs to be framed and hung yet.

~b

Happy Mother's Day

 I had the loveliest of Mother's Days.

There were soccer games, grilled hamburgers, a Sunday morning brunch, 

more soccer games and a Culver's lemon ice on our way home.

Best of all...our granddaughter's team took first in their division.

We came home to blooming tulips which inspired me this morning 

in my little sewing sweatshop.

I will try to incorporate this quilt block in my paper doll quilt.

~b

makers

 Makers just have to make...

all the time!

As Mr. b watched me struggle with this skein of yarn while I was crocheting

he was devising this holder for it. It's so nice to have a man around the house.

Saw this breakfast tortilla on Instagram this morning.

 So guess what we just had for brunch? 

~b

April...

 ~b