"Memorial Day"

This past Memorial Day turned out to be a memorable day, but not in a way we would have liked. We lost 2 of our chickens! That's right, killed, in our backyard, not a sound heard inside the house. Our chicken coop is located just off the master bedroom and I always imagined we could hear if anything went wrong. I heard them clucking away every morning as I made the bed or sat in my reading chair. But sadly, there was nothing we could do to save Betty White and Frances from the raccoon we think is responsible for their deaths. It's a sad reality of life on the farm (or in this case on the Prairie) but we have doubly secured the coop on all sides and our lone lady, Dorothy (Dotty for short) is safely enclosed, if a bit nervous. We are actively searching for some new roommates for her and hope to have some lady friends for her very soon.

RIP Betty White (l) and Frances (r)

On a separate note, I "celebrated" my last day at Sunnyside Library this past Sunday. It wasn't really a celebration of leaving my second job, but rather a celebration of all the time I will now have with JSM. I loved working at Sunnyside Library in Clackamas, OR, getting to know the patrons, answering readers advisory questions, interacting with the wonderful staff, but I decided after a year of working 6 days a week (2 times a month) it was time to take some time for fun and relaxation. I look forward to having 1 day a week for JSM and 1 day a week for me which really means more time for planting the garden, going to the grocery store, attending church, cleaning out the garage, doing projects around the house, reading books, and organizing our life. 

I did do one thing for myself already and that is sign up for real sewing lessons! My mother was a sewer and I always admired that she could sew me a dress if I asked (which I loved!), whip up a costume last minute, smock handmade dresses for my little sisters, or make herself curtains. JSM bought me a Singer 4 years ago and Little Grandma gave me one of her old ones about the same time. In fact, it is a big, brown, sturdy machine that sews like a dream (which translates to slow motion for this novice!) It's from Montgomery Ward, remember that place? I took  Home-Ec in 7th grade so I have very basic sewing skills - enough to have made a pillow and 2 dresses for Stella. (Truthfully, Little Grandma had to help me finish one dress and I sent the other off to my mother for hemming, but what does that matter? I was able to read the pattern, cut the material and sew the seams.) I have visions of being able to measure myself for a pencil skirt that fits like a glove, but all I really want is a basic set of skills I can build on to make real life things, not just miniature clothes and pillow covers. So, at the prompting of a friend of mine I decided to sign up for a summer of sewing classes at Seam Divas Sewing Lounge in Vancouver! Over the course of the summer I will make an apron, a robe, and a pair of pajamas. My first class was Memorial Day evening and I practiced the straight stitch, zig-zag stitch, and back tacking to secure my stitches. Our first project was a pot holder. Ironically, my choice for fabric (provided by the instructor) was chickens or tomatoes. In honor of our little Betty White and Frances I chose the former and here is my first official sewing project.....

It's not perfect, but neither are the ones you buy at the store (according to my sewing teacher.) I think she was trying to make us feel better. 

Finally, the master bedroom redecoration is complete! We had a plantation shutter installed on the sliding glass door yesterday, but it's been gray and rainy so the light isn't good for photos just yet....maybe this weekend! Here's a sneak peek....

The cashmere blanket, a gift from Nanny Annie, finally getting the place it deserves!

Pattern

Texture

We are also working on our guest bathroom. The subway marble is up, but the finish work and trim still need to be completed. 

We should of gone with the basic white subway tile, but when I drink 2 margaritas at lunch BEFORE tile shopping I end up with something much fancier and more expensive than I expected! We didn't even realize it was marble until the GC picked it up and revised our quote for installation. The moral of the story is: Save the drinks for afterwards! Here's hoping this project gets done by the 4th of July!