Dawn Brocco's Life & Design Blog

Got to Kingston today and got most of the errands done, not all, but my feet gave out in 90 something degree heat!

Found *the* perfect buttons for the 2nd alpaca jacket sample! I had seen them in the JHB catalog, but seeing them in person on the jacket (which I took with me),sealed it. The perfect blend of blue and purple and fanciness - they're called Bead-Dazzle, #30764. They're glass beads on a plastic shank button, so they're not too heavy, washable, but not dry cleanable. Though why anyone would want to dry clean natural-fiber handknits is beyond me, so I don't think that'll be a problem.. A bit pricey at $5 retail for 2 and I needed 6, but, they're perfect!

I also managed in 1 hour to try on about 15 bathing suits total from 2 stores and actually found something that looked good. Also picked up 2 short sleeve tees and some things for hubby, for our house hunting/mini vacation soon. Still need a few more things, but we have awhile yet.

So, now I'm sewing on the buttons and making the crochet loop closures. Just made a little lemon/limeade and iced tea and went to pick more peas. 2 days tops I can go without picking or else they get too large, so I try to do it every day. But the heat is finally getting to them, as it will. Probably just a couple more weeks left for them, then I must say adieu until next spring. I do hate to see the peas vines go. Sure there's tomatoes and zucchini to look forward to, but they have summer written all over them. Peas say spring, and spring is my season.

The lettuce is on it's way out, too, so I gotta plant more - maybe tomorrow morning before it gets hot. I bought a multi-season mix, for the ease and variety.

Thanks, Maus, for your kind offer of help! My work isn't so terrible, it's hubby's that is overwhelming - 3200 sq. ft house with 40 something 6/6 windows to wash, scrape, prime and paint, mostly by himself, with some help from one of my brothers and as much as I can do to help, and a month to get it done, with mostly the use of just his right hand, as his left is still healing from the surgery!

It's an old house, it doesn't request constant attention, it *demands* it! At least that's what hubby heard some guy say on one of those home repair shows, but it's so true! Next house will only be about half as large, 2 people and one, 35 lb dog don't need 3200 square feet! But I'm still trying to find something old enough to have character. We've been spoiled by the sturdiness, charm, and wonderfulness! of a 150+ year old house. If I could, I'd go much older, 1700's to early 1800's, but restored already! These are not in abundance, though, in our price range, where we're looking to move, but ya never know what serendipity will befall the one who is on a quest!