Pallet Fence

The Commander and I just returned from a 500 mile pilgrimage across Spain called El Camino de Santiago, or The Way of St. James. We saw many beautiful and interesting sights along the way; this is just one that caught my eye. What a great way to recycle pallets.

 

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Bucket Hats!

I've long admired the patterns from oliver + s. There are so many cute things to sew for girls, but not as many for boys. However, when I came across this pattern for a reversible bucket hat, and with our annual family beach week approaching, I knew I had to give it a go. Thanks to oliver + s for the free pattern. They turned out really cute! You can't tell from the photo, but the inside fabric is red bandana-like making them perfect for the Fourth of July.

Digging to China

Growing up in Norfolk, Virginia, I spent a lot of time at the beach. In my really younger days, a bucket, shovel and a friend or two would keep me busy for hours. We loved scooping up sand fiddlers and digging away. We never got to China, but that didn't stop us from continually trying.

Digging to China...it's one of those sayings that I don't remember who I heard it from and didn't even understand what it meant for years, I just know I spent a lot of time trying to get there!

AJ loves to dig. A lot. He seriously could stay outside digging all day. There is a corner in his yard especially for him to dig in. He has a fleet of dump trucks and hand tools. With his third birthday approaching, we decided to add to the collection and get him a sand digger toy. Picturing him on the new toy, I wondered if he'd be thinking he was digging to China. It just seems like an innate understanding. In case it isn't, I painted a sign so he would know. I wonder how long it will be before he thinks about what digging to China really means. I don't think I'll be able to tell him that no matter how long and far he digs, he would end up in the Indian Ocean. Did you know that Argentina and Chile are opposite China? Don't tell the kids.

A Frugal Friend

Splendid succulents.

We lived in Southern California from the mid-80's to the mid-90's. Last week, we went back for the wedding of our dear friends' daughter and I was reminded how many outdoor activities can be pursued year round there - including gardening. My friend Leslie of  3000tomatoes.com found a terrific set of shutters in an alley on trash day, and like any good trash picker, immediately stopped and loaded them in the back of her car. She had big plans! She took them home, and with her husband's assistance, backed them with plywood, mounted them around her patio, filled each louver with dirt and planted a variety of plants in them. Not only are they interesting and beautiful to look at, vertical gardening is a great plus in a community where yard space is limited. Bravo, Leslie!

What a lucky find - look how perfectly they fit the space.

Salad shutters just outside the kitchen door. Lettuces are on the right side; out of photo range are herbs and more.