Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Books, books, books!




These are some of my craft books. The casita has been shut down for paint and repair for most of this past summer and my books as well as most everything in the house had been stored in boxes in my son's storage unit during the major part of the remodel. Quilting and other projects went on the backburner, pending completion of the house. It's September and things have been back in order for a while now at the casita, except for my workroom and a few other spot projects throughout the house which are almost done. Until today my books have been stacked in piles in the closet. It's been a slow process for me to want to start up again. I have many excuses, not to mention the puppy, humid weather, garden chores, housework, misc. appointments, catching up with my reading, but mainly...pure delightful laziness. Henry the Yorkie pup is going on 9 months old. Potty training's no longer an issue, but Henry is full of puppy energy. He digs up the garden, runs, jumps, loves to squeak and play with his toys ALL DAY LONG, in between puppy naps, all with joyful, youthful glee. Exhausting! As usual in my tiny garden, this past summer I grew jalapenos, bell peppers and tomatoes. My crop was small, but the harvest was a success (except for the bell pepper). Papa and I enjoyed jalapeno poppers and I made my famous Chinese Beef Tomato dish for supper. There were lots of green tomatoes left on the bush at the end of August, enough to make a Sweet Green Tomato Relish, which I have already put up in 1/2-pint jars, now stored in the pantry; a yummy condiment. Thank goodness I couldn't sleep last night and started to organize my books. In sorting through the stacks and stacks of books that I have collected over the years, I am reminded of those things that I love to do, i.e., quilting, sewing, knitting, crochet, weaving, embroidery, jewelrymaking, and arts and crafts in general, and I am finally inspired to take up where I left off. It's crazy to be up so early without a full night of sleep, but I am ready to get back to work. I recently took up my knitting needles and finished knitting a thick pair of warm gray socks for my son and just started on a soft pink pair for my sis. Christmas presents, you know; socks for everyone! Am glad to be back on board!