BOOKS AND WINDOWS AND OTHER HOME STUFF

I try to work on my windows as much as I can these days. Usually I have good luck if I get out to my work area early in the morning – it's when I have the most energy to get stuff done. I've been listening to books all summer while I work on windows. I use the Libby app which (if you don't know) is an easy app that lets you borrow audio books from your library. So I seem to associate certain windows with certain books. Early in the summer I listened to Lonesome Dove. I absolutely loved it and wished it wouldn't end. Then, when I was working on the hallway window I listened to Diary of a Provincial Lady – so funny and so insightful about the most mundane things. Now I've been listening to The House of Mirth which is a bit depressing but enjoyable and interesting at the same time. I also re-listened to one of my favorite books, O Pioneeers! and I relished in the descriptions of the land more than ever.

Here are some close-up photos of my current window project. I finished the paint scraping today. This part of the process can seem so disturbing. The wood looks sad and dry and uneven but I know it will get better.

And here are some other boring photos from around home.

I just love it when I want something but I don't want to spend money on it and then it magically appears before me. That happened last week. I had been thinking for a long time I could use a sifter for my compost and then boom there was one out for the trash a few streets over in my neighborhood. Yay! And to top it off it fits perfectly on my wagon. I have some happy sifting my future.

My grasshopper friend posed on my hose.

I've been very slowly working on a new sewing project. It's going to be a quilted jacket.

Steady stream of tomatoes coming from the garden.

I moved some peonies out of a bed in my backyard. I know they don't like to be moved but it was really becoming too shady for them. I filled the spot with some heuchera and dwarf goat's beard. And yes – there are still some other peonies in the area – always looking very bad at this time of year.