Granta

My treat for the week has been reading Granta: "Mothers" (issue 88). A lot of writing out there is clever or thought provoking or even "well-written." Every story in this issue was absolutely masterful, far and above the average. The issue also includes a story from Paul Theroux, who's been a long-time favorite of mine. Granta is new to me (apparently it started as Cambridge U's student rag before evolving into a magazine for new writing). I want more and am rabidly searching for back issues through inter-library loan and ebay.

First Day of School

Kid One got on the bus for school this morning. See Kid Two in the window? It'll be his turn tomorrow. I thought it would get easier, each year, letting them go. But it doesn't.

Pickles

My mother-in-law brought some of her homemade pickles when she visited this weekend. They are green. EMERALD green. Is it the norm to add food coloring to pickles?! So much? She and Sarah attended a two-day woodworking class together.

Things That Fall Off Trucks

One day last week I was out running and saw a jumbled pile of rocks by the road. They had obviously fallen off a truck as they were strung all over by the side the country road and down into the ditch. Four days later, when I ran that way again, they were still there so I drove back to get them.

The funny thing is that all summer I have really wanted some large rocks for the garden. Just like these. But all summer I have thought, "want, not need" and tried not to obsess about the whole thing. I mean, rocks in the backyard are a pretty low priority (we don't eat rocks). So--here were free rocks, just for me to enjoy.

Erik thinks the whole thing is funny, too. Especially the part that they "fell off a truck." He's made up a story about how I brazenly got the rocks out of someone's yard (obviously it's funnier if he told it). But it's not true.

I could've gone out and purchased rocks this summer and I would've enjoyed them. But there is something cool about finding them. Especially after I waited patiently.

Walking Stick

You never know who you'll find in the garden. Sarah: "Let's put the walking stick on the blog so he'll be FAMOUS!"

Growing in the Garden

Despite trying, I've never had any luck growing tomatoes. So this year I've been astounded with the dozens of little baby fruit-heads. The vines themselves are out of control––at least 7 feet and growing daily (thank goodness we got those stakes into the ground, Mom). Nothing for me to eat yet but they are on their way. Do I pick them before they're ripe-red and let them ripen in the sun? I'll be waiting at the kitchen table, with salt and pepper in each hand.

And, each year I try growing plants from seed without a single sprout. Moonflowers? Sunflowers? Wildflowers? Herbs? Not a single sprout. Until this year––I have quite a pumpkin patch. Two varieties even, white and orange. I had to cut down perennials to make way for them. I think the blossoms are beautiful although I have an urge to squeeze them!
I love the curly-q vines. 
This guy wants to explore next door, too. Hours after taking the picture, I noticed my neighbor tucked him back into my flower bed.

New Block

I got my wish and got a start on the big quilt. It's a small step but I was happy for any sewing time. Using all Amy Butler fabric seems like cheating (I always have a feeling that I should be weaving or printing my own) but I love this colorway and know I'll enjoy it in our bedroom. My plan is to do 42 variations of this block for the entire quilt. [Cami, I did use my sewing machine! Chalk me up to be a modern woman. I do love my Bernina.]