Surprise

I went looking for something fun and smiley to show Cookie*. 

We have lots of pink:

 

 

 

The bees are buzzing:

 

But new and happy almost eluded me.  Until this caught my eye:

 

Hollyhocks!  In early July?  A full month early?  Must be a sign of something, and I'll call it a happy something.

Today I finished up mulching the new (and old) beds.  Most of the yard work is done, I have a few things to do in two or three spots, but all of it can wait until I have the time, cash and energy to tackle more of the yard.

After finishing up inside, I came in and shampooed the carpets in three rooms.  Mom had some whack idea that she could handle the shampooer thingy on her own.  Silly Mom.  Sometime this week I will tackle the upstairs since #2 Son will be at camp and of course #1 Son won't be back for 17 more days.

I suspect that my sister will want her shampooer thingy back next time she visits because she may be moving soon.  Today, after an exhaustive search that has involved my dropping everything to look at virtual tours on the net, my sister put in an offer on a condo.  Huge leap of faith, as my sister actually likes moving every few years and has rented for ages and because her employer is in shaky shape. 

I'm still amazed that she was able to make a decision, all of the condos she was considering looked lovely (one of them even had a full room devoted to yarn, spinning, weaving and all -she did not choose that one) and my experiences of shopping with her have involved her spending a full hour looking a pair of shoes that are exactly like the ones she has on her feet, unable to decide if they are wearable. 

I'm keeping the phone close to hear if she can work out a deal. 

#1 Son is now with his host family.  The package I sent last week also arrived and his email noted that the stole was appreciated.  I should hear a little more from him once he gets settled in. 

I plan on knitting a little this evening on the red lace:

 

It's been slow going and it's been neglected this week, but maybe it will take off from here.

*Cookie is about to start spinning up some roving for me, I need to keep her happy me thinks.

Comments

[Carrie K]

Hollyhocks! Pretty.

I cannot believe your sister passed up the condo w/the yarn & spinning wheel. Crossing fingers for her!

The rock borders neatly edge the beds, very nice.

Kellakukka shawl is darling! Prefect little summer size.

[Suzanne (Yarnhog)]

I got tired just reading what you've been up to.

I also shampooed carpets yesterday. And discovered a very large plant has been leaking all over the carpet in the living room, which is now sodden and mildew-y, requiring much additional work on my part. This is why we shouldn't clean, you know.

[Bammerkt]

Holy cow! It sounds like your sister and my sister were twins separated at birth! I've never seen someone stay in a shoe store for so long when all the shoes look exactly like stuff she already owns!

[marianne]

Beautiful pinks, and lavender, and myOmy that pristine hollyhock! Gorgeous!
You sound very perky, Joan :^) what with all the shoveling and hauling and mulching outdoors and then shampooing the carpets? wow!

[Nora]

Pretty, indeed. But the carpet cleaning? My dear, you need to take a break!!!

I think Cookie needs a spinning wheel...

xo

[Sarah]

You certainly brought a smile to my face with this loveliness.

I hope the deal goes well for your sister.

Yay for Cookie-spun yarn!

[Angie]

Lovely garden views, Joan. And a hollyhock?! Very cool. And Cookie-yarn? Wow.

[Cookie]

Love!

I'm so glad she was able to narrow it down to one. Although, I am disappointed that it's not the one with the yarn and spinning wheel.

Some yarn, she says. Some. Ha!

xo