I Like Thurs #127

Good morning and welcome again to an I Like Thursday post. There is quite a group of us that share happy things. Each week LeeAnna gathers us up right HERE. Take a break and check in, if you like.

My first like is this beautiful Amethyst Bean Runner. First off, my February birthstone is amethyst so of course I love this plant! This year I put a trellis at the base and it really took off! We have a walk-out basement so the deck is 2-stories high. 

Here's what it looks like while up on the deck. I've got loads of pods with seeds if you'd like a few! Haha!

On "The Kitchen" we saw Geoffrey Zakarian make this Upstate-State Roast Beef Sandwich. While we didn't make sandwiches, we did enjoy it as a roast. Mother LOVED it as I finally made some beef that was rare enough for her. Obviously one could've cooked it to a higher temp if desired.

A couple of other recipes (without pictures) that we tried and found delicious are Tortilla Pizza by Spend with Pennies and this recipe, Slow Cooker Corned Beef by Real Food Whole Life, which my sister brought with her when she came to visit.

As for my reading, I finished and loved "Lessons in Chemistry", but you already knew that. I recently started "The Maid" by Nita Prose. I'm finding it a different sort of read but I am enjoying. I reread the synopsis on GoodReads and it has me wanting to keep going for sure.

GoodReads synopsis HERE

I can't finish the post without a picture of a grandson and today's picture is of Brody. He was just getting dropped off at school. Grandpa really loved his St. Louis Blues shirt! Everyone else just loved his happy, smiling face!

Have a great Thursday!

I Like Thurs #126

I see it's been a while since I posted an I Like post. That doesn't mean I haven't had anything to like. It means I've been lazy or busy or maybe both. I looked through some of my pictures and can tell you that there have been things that I've liked. So here are some of those in no particular order.

My SIL with the dog showing off their 48# of sweet potatoes grown in the backyard garden. Definitely ready for Thanksgiving!

My brother and SIL have a great garden. They successfully grow all sorts of veggies including peppers. Here's a puzzle-worthy picture of some red and yellow peppers.

I watered the clematis and got a late bloom. There were actually three flowers on it last night!

In spite of the clematis bloom, this tree reminds us that Fall is right around the corner.

Do you remember I shared that Brody started school? If not here's a reminder.

Look how good he is writing his name now and also coloring!

I started and finished "Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus since last post. This book was recommended to me by my friend Sharon. It is a very enjoyable read. It was funny, poignant, sad, and just a really good book. If you can lay your hands on it, read it!

GoodReads summary HERE

I have now started "The Maid" by Nita Prose. Can't remember how I came across this book. Maybe on the NY Times Best Seller List? Anyway, I'm not very far so I can't say if it's any good yet or not.

GoodReads summary HERE

I've eaten some really good food lately but I'll save the recipes for next week's post. This has gotten long enough. But speaking of eating, the other day I saw this guy in our backyard looking for dinner. He was back again today but I didn't get to my phone in time for a picture. Obviously this is a 5-star restaurant for him! Haha!

I hope you enjoyed a few of my likes. Wishing you a very good week!

Linking up with LeeAnna @ NotAfraidofColor

I've Been Having Fun!

Yes, I've been away from blogging for a while but it's been because I've been having FUN! My sister (Linda) who lives in TX has been visiting! I'm pretty sure you understand now, right? Of course you do!

What did we do while she was here? We visited three quilt stores, had a mini retreat over 2 days at a local quilt shop, enjoyed Tips & Techniques at another quilt shop, cooked meals together, tended to Mom together, went though a few things at Mom's house, and visited a local apple orchard. We walked Gracie every day and paddleboated most evenings. All in all, we had a GREAT visit. And through it all, Fred cleaned the kitchen, made sure Mom was OK when we played away from home, managed a couple of appointments made for the house, and, generally speaking, held down the fort without complaint. The last part being most important. Thank you.

Linda left yesterday and I was off to get Mom to hair weekly hair appointment so Friday Night With Friends started early. While Mom got her hair done, I finished most of my EPP project. Then while watching TV last night, I officially finished the sewing and started removing the papers. Here it is, front & back.

There's a little RSC turquoise in here too!

Some of the papers removed from the center

While on the 2-day mini retreat, I managed to complete three blocks for Twilight Stars QAL with Primitive Gatherings.

Accidentally made this block with the dark in the middle

The actual "assigned" blocks for this week

Then it was time to do a little serious RSC sewing. Got four turquoise/teal pineapples sewn up. Obviously they're missing their tops at this point but that will get done before month's end.

Besides a little secret sewing and a little shopping, I had to laugh at this stitchery in the bathroom.

I hope you have a great weekend. I'll be pulling out papers from my EPP and working on the last Uptown block!

Linking with Wendy @ Sugarlane Designs for FNSI and Angela @ SoScrappy for RSC.

Yellow Pineapples Finished

I was lucky enough to spend a couple of days retreating last weekend with my friends. This means I got to catch up on a few things. The first thing I did was get all four of the RSC yellow pineapples completed. Here they are in all their glorious sunny splendor!

Then I figured, since Labor Day was quickly approaching, I'd better get my "summer" Chubby Charmer bag finished. So I did.

Minnick & Simpson Charm Pack

Inside has a nice pocket, divided for my phone

Have you heard about Primitive Gatherings "Twilight Stars QAL"? I'm working on that too. I figured it's only two blocks a week. Shouldn't be too much to ask for, right? Here are last week's 8" finished blocks.

Lovely turquoise, eh?

Later during the week, I really, really wanted to get caught up with Uptown. August block looked to be easy but had a lot of edges to applique. Finished it on Wednesday -- one day to spare before the September block was released on Friday! Yippee!

The final block was released as promised along with the finishing instructions. Lots to keep me busy to get this done.

And that brings you up to speed with my doings. I hope to catch up with what the other quilters are doing, particularly with the Rainbow Scrap Challenge people. September's color is turquoise and it's usually a favorite!

Have a great Labor Day weekend and be safe!