August is rolling along

I seem to open each post with an apology for not posting often...

I do have stitching news.  I finally finished the Friendship piece by Prairie Schooler.  It's an old chart, but I've always liked this one.  I'm glad I stitched it.  Sorry the picture isn't the best...

I did make it to a nearby needlework shop a couple of weeks ago, and limited myself to some linen for charts I have that I want to do...  I was thinking I would start a Christmas ornament next, but instead I was inspired to stitch something I've had in my project basket for a few years... 

It is going pretty fast.  I already have the pumpkin in the middle done, as well as 'or treat' on the left.  I was in the mood for some halloween stitching, and I'm glad I started it.  It's going to be a fun stitch. 

I've been busy at work, we've just finished the budget for the year and I've finished the Annual Report for the library.  I'm glad to have those big projects done for the year!

I've just gotten caught up on blog reading.  You are all so productive and inspiring!  It's so much fun to see the pictures you post of your home renovations and of course all the wonderful stitching you're doing!!

I've been busy reading some good books also.  I am eagerly awaiting the new Louise Penny book, "A Trick of the Light".  It should be here by the end of the month.  If you haven't ever read any of her books, I encourage you to start with "Still Life", her first title.  You are in for a treat. 

Split Second by Catherine Coulter was the last book I finished.  Her FBI series is very good.  As you can see in my sidebar, I am on Good Reads.  If you enjoy books, it's a great site to explore. 

As I was taking the picture to post of the Prairie Schooler piece, I found my daughter had been using my camera....

I can only hope she won't be reading my blog anytime soon, or I'll be in trouble for posting this!

Minnesota Visit

Hello.  I don't know where the time is going, but it seems to be flying by at a fast pace.  I've been going to sit down and write a new post for at least a week.

We did get to my sister's house the weekend before last.  We had a great visit, spent lots of time enjoying their pool.  It was a lovely relaxing get away, just what we needed. 

We did go to visit some beautiful gardens in St. Cloud on Saturday morning.  They are the Clemson Gardens I believe.  The flowers were beautiful.  There were many beautiful fountains as well. 

Mike had a great time taking some pictures.  The gardens end up alongside the Mississippi river, with several benches and garden swings for sitting and enjoying the views.

Pink flowers are among my favorites.  These pretty petunias lined some of the walkways.

Another pretty fountain.  I didn't count how many there were...

One of the gardens was all white flowers.  They were so pretty amidst the green bushes.  But I think the hydrangeas were my favorite.  They had white, blues and pinks.

I promise to post again soon with news about stitching.  But I wanted to take the time to share these beautiful garden photos first.

Happy Stitching!