Chalk on the Walk

When I was a child, I thought family traditions were something my parents organized and planned. At least for me as a parent, it's more like things just happen into tradition. Chalk on the Walk is an example. On the first day of summer each year, our library has a sidewalk chalk-fest. It must be a Very Big Deal to Sarah because she cleaned her room last night so she could go. The cold drinks are as popular as the purple chalk buckets. One year Sarah drew a pumpkin that, semi-protected under a building eave, lasted until Halloween. Boy were we proud each time we visited the library.

Note to self for next year: do chalk AFTER book borrowing. Today we did chalk, then went in to check out books. Inside the library, Matt was like a deranged monkey, chalk on his face and hands, moaning and crying. He knew people were outside drawing without him. Doing puzzles at the activity table was no equal alternative.

I'm not sure what Sarah was drawing here but she did draw a house using perspective. "Mom, let me show you how to draw a house..." I do have a degree in art but I learn from her every day. To see, and draw what you see and feel, cannot be taught.

Soak

My new favorite thing is Soak. I got a bottle at Clementine's a while back, intending to use it on my bed quilts. In the past I've dry cleaned my quilts which is a big no-no but honestly washing them was scarier. Yesterday I gave it a go and it was awesome. I washed a quilt Erik's grandmother made (I never met her but she apparently was a real Renaissance woman: farmer, peace corps volunteer, mother of 8, quilter). Soak took out most of the yellow age spots, brightened the whites and colors. Washing and drying it not only made it cleaner but the fabric has more body and softness. The best thing about the washing process is that you don't have to rinse. The smell is light to non-existent, too. I couldn't find directions for washing something quilt-sized but used 4 capfuls and it was perfect.

Our *Blooming* Garden

Erik and I mulched the perennial beds all day Saturday. Despite Erik's cursing (he is not the gardener of the family), the garden looks good. This weekend we celebrate six years in Indy. It's interesting to see what plants come and go, and what grows and changes each year, like our family.

New PJs

Glad to finally finish these up––they'd been in the "to do" pile for months. It was my second pair with this pattern (McCalls M4979). My first pair (which I absolutely love) was with a Heather Bailey Freshcut print, the fabric slightly heavier and forgiving than this Amy Butler while I worked. These drape a little better, though. I recommend the pattern––it's super easy and, was a buck on sale at Jo-Ann. Now that I've made two, I could make more quickly…I always need options for speedy projects when I fall in love with a fabric!

Simple Pleasures

It doesn't get any better than this.

Throwing Out

My newspaper has a feature called "What's In My Fridge," or something like it. The interviewed is someone with a public, revered career. This person, respectfully pictured, lists items like "L'Estornell Marcona Almonds," "Spanish Dried Sausages" and "Chteau Margaux 1973." Each week I read it, imagining the individual, returned late after the theater or some philanthropic do-dah, well-heeling it to their stainless to be greeted by fish roe and fanciful fruit trays. I may be exaggerating a little but not much. Who are these people?

I love cooking and eating great food (I was once in a cooking club) but let's be real. A work-at-home mother, I'd be more suited for a section called "What I Should Throw Out Of My Fridge." Here's a current sample:

• Shredded chicken––well, it was supposed to be shredded. I added too much spice and then ground the chicken up too fine in the Cuisinart giving it a texture Erik politely called "interesting." "Interesting" enough for only for one meal.
• Sour creams - they seem to collect and multiply. 
• Jars of green olives - when have we eaten green olives in the last five years? are they even green anymore? pickles are the same––in the store they trick me into buying them.
• Honey mustard - valiant attempt at homemade but we didn't think twice about it after the chicken strips were gone.
• Vinegar-y bottles of wine - what kind? who knows? best for long summer days with the kids or visits from certain family members.
• Sloppy joes - they seem to be a permanent resident which is weird because I don't think I fix them very often.
• Target tuna salad - it's been lunch for a week (how can this be? it's like the biblical loaves and fishes miracle!) and it's getting "juicy" but it's been tasty.
• Tortillas, tortillas and tortillas - 3 dated packages, dry enough for me to make a lucrative hobby of shoemaking on etsy.
• Gorgonzola - ten years ago I made a to-die for salad dressing with gorgonzola in it; I have tried many times since to emulate it without luck (no, this gorgonzola is not ten years old!)
• Apple butter - each fall I long for real apple butter with a depth of flavor and in desperation purchase something with a metallic tang and twitchy sweetness; I have not learned and do this every single year.

I spare you more items (the newspaper feature is limited) and I spare you pictures. And please, do come over for dinner if I ask you some time. 

Wedding Gift

My friend Sabine laughs easily. She is spontaneous and open to new experiences and people. Her house is like her––natural, artistic, and unique.

We met eleven years ago at an internet startup. It was the 90s, we were all doing well and having fun at work. Sabine and I organized "swap your lunch" get-togethers with our fellow eccentric coworkers. Then we organized a book club with Amy that morphed into more of an eating club. The three of us share a love of books, fiber, food, gardening, pets, travel, the outdoors, music, our children, and the arts. After I moved from Chicago, we have made trips back and forth to catch up in person. 

Sabine and Amy are responsible as much as anyone for my sewing mania. We exchange gifts at Christmas and Sabine has always crafted hers. After years of incredible scarves, mittens and a felted wool turquoise purse that still leaves me breathless, I started making gifts for her, as well.

So, for her wedding next week, I had to make her something. Since she and her man spend much time hiking and camping, I've gone with simple roll-up picnic place mats and a wine from a local winery. Sabine is German and I'm hoping the linen place mats have a European style and a natural feel. I hope she will enjoy them as much as I did making them.