Not Just Reading…

…these days.

My sister and niece arrived on the West Coast ten days ago and we had a great time. I met them in San Francisco and we spent a couple of days there before heading back to Shingletown. Despite the triple digit weather, we managed to do a lot more than just sit around and fan ourselves. We explored Shasta Caverns, visited Bumpass Hell in Lassen Volcanic National Park and made our way up to Siskiyou County to the magnificent Mt. Shasta Lavender Farm (watch for a more detailed story on that later!). I thought you’d enjoy a couple of photos (click to enlarge):

My sister, Paula – Golden Gate Bridge (photo courtesy of Abby)

Me and my niece, Abby, on the Bumpass Hell Trail (photo courtesy of Paula)

Abby and Paula at Bumpass Hell

Mt. Shasta Lavender Farm

Abby, Paula and me

Boat Trip to Shasta Caverns

I have also been on a crafting binge. My sister is a fantastic knitter, scrapbooker and, now, quilter. We visited JJ’s Log Cabin Quilt Shop on Friday and came away with lots of fabric and an idea to make a quilt together. The Old Red Barn has been hosting a quilt along on her blog, and my sister suggested we make that quilt. We cut and pieced the entire quilt top (double bed size) in just one and a half days! My niece helped with laying out the quilt and deciding what squares should go where. So it was terrific group effort…and whenever I look at this quilt, now, I will remember this wonderful visit. I don’t have a photo to share because Kip is out of town and has the camera…but I promise to post a photo of the finished project next week.

I have also been making jewelry. It is really quite an addictive endeavor. Here are some samples of what I’ve made lately:

Pewter, pearl & crystal bracelet & earrings

Sterling Silver & crystal bracelet & earrings

Pearl & crystal necklace

Clasp detail from above necklace

So you can see why my reading has suffered these last few days. But don’t worry – I am still reading (albeit a little slower). I am making my way through the amazing saga of The Sea of Poppies right now. It is a stunning novel. I’m loving it. Watch for a review by the end of the week.

I hope you are all enjoying your summer so far – and like me, I hope you are finding time to do some things you don’t normally do.