The Results are In

Miss Lucette did the honors and withdrew the winning number for the zippy pouch giveaway, and out came number one. Well Christian, I'd be most delighted to send you a package.

Since I'm feeling rather chagrined not to be sending packages to all, I'll be posting a tutorial on how to make your own. I also have plans on stocking the Etsy shop, but my machine finally bit the dust this week -- so I'm holding out for an early birthday present. (I've been smiling sweetly at Pops and dropping not-so-subtle hints!)

Cheers, my friends!

A Happy Visit

We had a lovely visit from Gigi on her way back to Alaska. She'd been down here making preparations for the move to the Northwest for both her and Grandad James. She and Pops' mom were off to collect him and ship him down to all of us. (We'll unpack him most carefully!)

Gigi is always most observant and complimentary. No wonder she has such a bounty of friends! While peering at our backyard, she commented on the hydrangeas and lace-caps. Inspired by her eye, I tromped out armed with clippers and had them stuffed into my little frogged deco-dish in no time.

I think Gigi and I felt quite pleased with ourselves ... and each other. Now that feels good.

Evening Blueberry Salad

Zippy Pouch Giveaway

 Well thank you. Thank you very much. You are always so kind and I'd like to express my gratitude. And since you seemed to like my first little pouch so much, I thought you should have one too.

Made of thrifted and sturdy pink cotton, and lined with vintage 50's floral yardage that once belonged to my dear Nannie V. The dove gray zipper seems a sweet compliment to the embroidered swallow I worked on during a screening of Antiques Roadshow.

If you'd like, toss your name into the hat by leaving a comment. You don't have to have an account, just log-in as 'Anonymous' and sign off with your name. (Just don't forget to check back in so you can email your contact information if it's you!)

I'll draw the winning moniker next Monday, the 10th, then I'll pack up this little goody and send a bit of my nest to yours.

Garifuna Village on the Northern Coast

A man from the Garifuna village we visited, caught our lunch while we snorkeled. His wife cooked it up and we ate like kings. And there was Pepsi. Even Central American tribes have access to Pepsi.

Hungry, tired and happy.

These Garifunas are well accquainted with western culture, but make overt efforts to retain their language, customs, and skills. The people in this village live simply, but well. They have access to schools (by boat), and tourist visits provide a supplementary income. While hospitable, I did not get the sense they really wanted to be photographed, so I withheld.

A view of the shoreline from the boat we motored in on. This village was a vigorous 35 minute boat ride from the mainland city of Tela.

A full belly and relaxing in a hammock. The mosquito bites were complimentary.

A hike through the jungle. Saw howler monkeys and managed to avoid pythons. Thank goodness.

My view as I sat and contemplated the last day of our trip.

A Tin of Buttons

The sewing room has been desperately begging attention. One of those projects that rudely taunt me every time I pass by. I've simply turned my back, pretended not to hear, and continued to use it as the dumping grounds for all homeless items. Funny thing is, it really wasn't that bad once I dove in. And the girls had a grand time helping.

Particularly in sorting contents of Great-Mother's button tin.

There was much selection (and ornamentation ... what is on Jane's head?).

And deliberate organization.

Yep. I think it was the company that helped. Having cleaning partners always makes a task more enjoyable.

It's Time

It's been looking like this for a couple of years. Now, a dirty sink can drive me crazy, but a ratty, 15 year-old melted lampshade? Apparently the compulsivity is selective.

When it adhered to the light bulb the second time and smoldered it's way to becoming material for a "Dangers Lurking Amongst You" fire-safety pamphlet, I had to face the truth. It's really time to get that lamp a new hat.

Summertime Cleaning

This past year in particular, I've become rather smitten with essential oils. I especially love them for cleaning. It's true, I do sort of enjoy cleaning. That said, it's still a job, so if my labors result in everything smelling fantastic, I find it to be huge payoff. My favorite essential oil uses? The dryer to scent the laundry, in that old musty vacuum bag, and the floor cleaner. Mmmm, yes, my floor cleaner!

I've taken to making most of my cleaners and detergents, but I've found the best wood/floor cleaner to be Glista Clean concentrate. It works well, has fairly "green" ingredients, I can order it online with free shipping, and a quart lasts a full year -- and I wash a lot of floors. In this last batch I made (1 Tbl Cleaner : 1 Cup H2O, in squirt bottle), I added a few drops of lavender and lemon essential oils. Heavenly! Fresh and perfect for summer.

Now. Maybe geranium and lemon for the glass cleaner? Oooo, the excitement!

Birds in Paradise

 • Pops, the bird charmer •

• Peter, wishing he had bigger shoulders •

• Anna, slightly freaking out about the birds •

My Fearless Archeologist

The ruins of Copan were all that we had hoped for. Watching Peter was the best part. It was like introducing a voracious pianist to Mozart or a soccer prodigy to Beckham. How fascinating to see the unique qualities of a child develop and unfold before one's self.

Perched atop a Mayan temple and surveying the scene.

The chronology and history within an ancient stellae.

Climbing temples.

Peter grabs the camera and snaps a shot of mom.

Juan. Grew up with National Geographic archeologists living in his home and was so enthusiastic to share his knowledge and experiences with an eager student.

A moment in the shade. A very hot day.

Cities within cities. Juan takes us in the underground tunnels that reveal different eras of Mayan civilization.

Contented tourists.