Tea and hybrid tea

My high school senior and I went to a graduation tea on Saturday for a friend of hers. It was at a home up in the redwoods. It was so relaxing and beautiful.









The home sits on a slope, and there are numerous levels with decks, patios and sitting spots.



Potted plants were used in the deck and patio areas.



My front yard is a driveway with no area for planting, so I use potted plants. The backyard is a different story. I love my yard, but I'm really not much of a gardener. It seems like I am more of a" jungle" fighter, trying to keep the weeds and ivy at bay. You could say that I have a "survival of the fittest" garden. If it is hardy and can survive my plant-killing instincts, it can dwell in my garden. I am trying though, really. I have a few roses in the front in pots. I love hybrid tea roses because, unlike some hybrids, they have a beautiful fragrance and hybrids are hardier than non hybrids. They are supposed to smell like tea, but I don't quite smell the connection.



This is my Diana, Princess of Wales hybrid tea rose. I didn't realize it when I bought it, but 10% of profits from the sale of this rose go to humanitarian causes. I just bought it because it's pretty and smells so sweet.

Who needs glue?

I am always reading in magazines and books about no-sew decorating. Well, since I spend most of my time at the sewing machine, it just seems natural to use sewing as a means to join all sorts of things. I will be perfecting the no-glue method, but for now, here are some cards I made.

Happy Birthday, Mom

Today is my mom's birthday. This picture was taken a few years ago, or maybe a couple of fews. That is Raya with the bow and missing front teeth. My mom and dad have been married for over 60 years. I am so proud of them!

Survive and Conquer...

I made it out of the crevasse!


Here I am celebrating at "Cut It Out" summit.



I didn't see any pumas or St. Bernards, only fuzzy red flowers and ferns and other odd looking plants. Most of the cutting is done. Today I will start putting the slipcovers together. I mentioned in a previous post, about leftovers, that I don't like to throw scraps away, but I do make exceptions.



Two of my favorite tools, my Omnigrid ruler and my lightweight Wiss scissors from a yard sale. I haven't been able to find another pair like them.

Mountain climbing.

HELP! I am lost in a mountain of fabric. I am making slipcovers for two sofas, one large chair and an ottoman, all out of this same fabric. I am cutting them all out at the same time, because, it's, well, it's easier that way. I hesitate because easy doesn't seem to be an appropriate modifier. So I have several piles of pieces and my head is spinning.

This is how I feel today.



Here is a close-up of me falling into a crevasse.....



If I am not heard from in 48 hours, send help.

I'ts Monday

Here is a glimpse of some of the fun stuff my thoughtful family gave me for Mother's Day.



We finished the day off with a walk on the beach. Can you tell that this dog LIVES to spend time at the beach???



I'm dragging a little today. Mondays seem even harder after such a nice day.



I guess a late start is better than No start...........Looks like Max feels the same way...

To ALL the mothers

My daughter sent me this beautiful canister for Mother's Day. It has something inside, but I am waiting till Sunday to look.



Having raised a few children, I am more appreciative of all that my own mother did for me, and the struggles she experienced. I am also thinking about all the women who have been like mothers to me, in showing me the way through this life, or by loving me. Some of those women have either never had children of their own, or have experienced enormous heartbreak in motherhood, or have even tragically lost their children. We are all mothers, because God put hearts in us that long to nurture. Thanks to ALL the mothers out there, and have a wonderful Mother's Day.