Sky Watch

For many months now, meteorologists haven't had much to report about the weather here except that it was hot, hot, hot!  Fortunately, we had very little dust this summer and, more often than not, we were blessed with brilliant blue skies.

Last week on the morning drive to school, I just had to pull over to get a picture of the moon.  Even with only my iPhone on hand, you can see how big and beautiful it was. 

 October has brought cooler temperatures to our area which is rather unusual. 

With the changing seasons, the skies begin to take on color that is really only noticeable during the "winter" months.

"And even the sun
in dawn chorus sings,
a celestial melody to the earth
below." -  Tjaden -

 I love this time of year because FINALLY there is something different to see.

 We even had a quick little rain shower this morning.

 I'm pretty sure the birds love this time of year, too.

Wishing you all a great week!

Stash Busting Sunday: Paper and Doilies

I found this gorgeous book of gift wrapping paper at the bookstore some time back.  On the right you can see the 12 different designs.  The papers are too nice to use for gift wrapping so I immediately thought craft and crochet.

 I am crocheting doilies in corresponding colors.

My plan is to cover tin cans with the paper and set them on matching doilies.

Upcycling and stash-busting combined.

Joining Linda for stash busting.

Have a super Sunday!

A Wonderful Weekend

After being closed for renovations for 2 years and 9 months, the SAS opened up again in September.  (It was hard to get a good picture but they've designed the hotel to look like a cruise ship.)

Inside the hotel is one of the best Chinese restaurants, The Peacock, which is where we went to lunch yesterday.

.

I had Chinese vegetable soup, vege dim sum, vege spring rolls and cabbage in garlic sauce.

(The guys had garlic shrimp and pepper beef.)

After lunch we made our way to the plant souk.

My balconies have been looking pretty bare since so many of my plants died over the long, hot summer.

I happily spent 2 hours yesterday and 3 hours today repotting everything.  Still have more to do, but ran out of potting soil.

Fall is definitely in the air around here so I am back to taking long walks on the weekends.  An hour yesterday morning, an hour and a half this morning, and then 45 minutes this afternoon with Sam.

 

Earlier this month, our oldest son celebrated his 18th birthday.

And today is Zack's 15th birthday.

This picture was taken at the top of Batu Caves in Malaysia.  He looks like a giant but it's just because I was taking it from below.  

I hope whatever you do, your weekend is wonderful, too.

Best wishes and blessings, 

19 Years Yesterday

He brought me flowers.

 Which I immediately divided up into several bouquets to display around the house.

 And I made him vegan chocolate cake.

 I love this recipe!  And everyone I share with agrees.

You can find it here at the Versatile Vegetarian Kitchen.

Sending sweet wishes your way!

Highlights From Our Trip

Friday, a week ago, we departed in the dark early morning hours from Kuwait and arrived to our destination late at night in the dark.  

Malaysia is 5 hours ahead of us which means while we were there, we were 14 hours ahead of our oldest son who is in Colorado.

Kuala Lumpur is a bustling city by day and by night.

On our first day, we were scheduled to take the Genting Skyway.  It turned out to be a very foggy morning.

And was so cold and windy on top of the mountain. 

Each morning we enjoyed the most delicious fresh fruit.

 By night there were street performers who would pose for a small donation.

Petrona Twin Towers are a famous landmark in Kuala Lumpur.

The world's largest free flight aviary is found at the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park.

The view from our room at Sunway Lagoon Resort which is located in Petaling, Jaya.

 The front of the hotel and surrounding area at night is like Las Vegas with all the lights and over the top displays.

 The Istana Negara, or National Palace, is the official residence of the king.

 We stopped off for a tour of the Royal Selangor Pewter Factory and tried our hand at hammering.

 Climbed 272 steps up to Batu Caves, a Hindu Temple and Shrine.

 And walked around Merdeka (Independence) Square.

It is here that the Union Flag was lowered and the Malayan Flag hoisted for the first time at midnight on August 31, 1957. 

We had to cancel our two-day side trip to Langkawi because of a slight health problem my husband encountered.  With the change in plans, we did the best we could to enjoy our time.  We arrived back home Thursday night and the unpacking and washing of clothes began immediately.  Back to school tomorrow.

Hope each and every one of you is having a fabulous day! 

Best wishes,

Long Overdue Thank You's

While in the States this summer, Sheila Rumney sent me the the loveliest handmade gifts.

A Bee Happy card.

And a FAITH art necklace.

Both are really so very special and I appreciate them so much.

Thank you, Sheila.

(I'm not the only one who likes the necklace but I managed to retrieve it before Jingles made a clean getaway.)

After we arrived back to Kuwait, a surprise package was delivered to me all the way from Australia.

Nicole at Dabbling All Day sent me another pay-it-forward gift which was totally unexpected.

Thank you so much Nicole!

Three very pretty knitted washcloths, chocolate and a sweet card.

Next thing I know, I receive an envelope from Patty at Patty's Pretty Things filled with the sweetest handmade cards.  They really are so lovely.

Thanks Patty!

 And then, just the other day, I received not one, but two packages from the States.

First, Sharon at From My Front Porch sent me the most beautiful cross-stitched towel.

As a cross-stitcher, I know the work that went into making it.

I am so grateful for your sweet gift Sharon!

 And last but not least are gifts from Jan.

I love the card which is made from a watercolor image done by a local artist.

That same artist, Nora Larimer, also painted the trivet with Colorado Columbine.

A scarf, bracelet and earrings (made by a friend of Jan's with coated copper and fresh water bronze pearls).

And the sweetest felt ornament made by Jan herself.

They are all so beautiful and I love them so much!

Jan and I were supposed to meet in Colorado this summer but it just didn't work out.

Maybe next year.

You can find Jan at A Journey.

Please visit all these lovely ladies when you have a moment.

Blog friends really are so kind and generous! 

Once again, I must apologize for my absence from blogging.

I do miss visiting all of you.  I just wanted to pop in for a quick hello.  We leave in the wee hours of the morning on another adventure.  Will be back in a week's time.

Hope all is well where you are!

Best wishes and blessings,

Art for Adults

I apologize for being such a bad blogger of late.

Just when I think I can get back into a regular routine, something comes along to distract me.

Every Sunday after school you can find me at the Art for Adults class that one of our high school art teachers is conducting.  

We were given a list of projects we could do and he would facilitate the process.

I chose Kitabi (which means my book), a study in watercolor that at the end will be made into a small book bound in a metal cover.

 It was fun to experiment with rice, salt, alcohol, glue, crumpled paper, and other things that I can't even remember the names of.

Art washes away from the soul the dust of every day life.

Pablo Picasso

It's amazing how everyone gets lost in the process.  The hour and half class just seems to fly by in no time.

This past Sunday I started the process of doodling on all my watercolor work.

Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.

Twyla Tharp

The rest of the week you can find me pounding the pavement.

It feels good to be back to my daily walks.

In fact, I need to go put my shoes on right now and head out the door.

Thanks to everyone who continues to stop by my little corner of the world to say hello.

I will be by to visit you very soon.

Hope you are having a great week!