Book Club at my house last night.  Cupcakes baked and frosted with the help of my granddaughter Michaela. Yellow cupcakes were stuffed with vanilla filling, pink were strawberry, butter cream frosting on top.  Michaela commented that adults don't like a lot of frosting so the swirls would be enough to satisfy all.  I do believe that making a cake is much easier ----- no more cupcakes! 

 Our group read and discussed 'The Book Thief".  The book was enjoyed by all.

More pictures taken by Michelle  at  Knysna Elephant Park, South Africa. 

My daughter and her fiance have been back from their trip to South Africa for a week now.  They stayed at an elephant lodge near George, South Africa.  Michelle was very excited to be a part of up close and caring for the elephants.  Watching the elephants sleep - do they stand up or lying down?  She also found out that they snore. who would have guessed.  They did some wine tasting, whale watching, baboon encounters(they were all over) visited a township. Their stay started with a stay in a very elegant resort (Sun City, South Africa).  They enjoyed their trip but were happy to be home.  They missed their dogs and their girls.

The Fountain, at the Fairmount, San Jose.

We joined Ray's brother and his wife for lunch last week.  Ray had the tuna for starters and I ordered the delicious soup, potato, celery something.  Yummy!  I'm thinking about trying to make this myself.

I have been in sewing mode for a week or so now.  I finished working on the top of a blanket or quilt, I haven't decided yet.  In the meantime I needed to do something else--so I made a skirt for the neighbor's granddaughter, Phoebe.  I have another one ready to put together.  I have no littel ones to sew for so---I need to find some more subjects.  Little girls needed.

Lemon photo shoot-took a break from sewing.  I really enjoy taking pictures of nature.  You don't have to ask your subject to smile or keep their eyes open.  Just focus and shoot.  Rarely do you get a bad picture.

Thinking of all the great trips my husband and I have gone on.  I came across this picture and it reminds me of the many roads our sometimes short lives travel.  Our community is morning the loss of a wonderful family that traveled around the world. They choose to get out and experience life to the fullest.  I challenge everyone to do the same as this family-live your life to the fullest.  I will.

 

My grandson Ocean really likes macaroni salad--so he is learning how to make it .  We had a day of cooking.  He also made spaghetti meat sauce.  It has been a long summer-and still has another 4 weeks to go.  We've been trying to keep the grandkids busy-a task for grandpa and grandma. 

White cotton fabric, I printed and sewed together to make shoulder purse.

Backside of shoulder purse is tan and black cotton.  It is lined with cotton muslin.  Rayon cording with zipper closure.  I am starting to get into the sewing mood again.   

Another one of Christine's,  ready for a showing. I love this one.  I need to get myself to finish some of things I've started.  Been a hectic week--hopefully a little slower next week
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 Quote " My life is a message" Ghandi---Mabybe, just maybe I'll find mine.  Have a great week-end.