Start and Finish

So one of the things Regina taught me when I was working at Rose Path, is to have several different projects going at once. That went against my nature or maybe my training; I really thought I should finish one project before I started another. Regina's reasoning was that she would just get sick and tired of looking at the same stuff for weeks on end. I thought about the endless projects that I had grown bored with and never finished. I had to concede that I hadn't been very successful with my way of doing things.

Now I too have several projects going at a time. It is so refreshing to be able to put down what I am working on and pick up and work on something else that I like equally well.

This summer I am afraid I went a little overboard however, I started one project after another, a quilt, another quilt, an afgahn, a scarf, a pair of socks, a hat, skirts for the girls, projects for the house as well as other projects that were begun in Texas. Almost all, I am afraid to report, sit unfinished in my quilt room. Last week I decided that I needed to get to work on all these projects because frankly when there are that many, it is just depressing.

My new rule: Rachel is not allowed to begin a new project until another project is completed.

This is a problem because this week the weather has cooled off considerably and fall is in the air. On top of that I have been planning our Christmas trip so I have the holidays on my my mind too. I keep thinking of projects I want to begin or go shopping for but I stop myself.

Holding myself to my new rule, instead going shopping or trolling the internet for the Christmas quilt pattern I have in my head, I have been working feverishly on several things. I showed you the pair of socks that I finished last week.

I am halfway through the second sock on this pair too. I should have this finished in the next day or two.

I also finished giving this swing, we inherited with the house, a cheery makeover. What do you think? We talked about throwing it out but $20 in stripey outdoor fabric, a trip to Target for clearance cushions and 3 cans of spray paint later I think it's really fun and good as new.

To keep myself on the straight and narrow, I am going to be reporting on projects I have begun and others that I have finished. Your job is to tell me how wonderful I am every time I show you a finished project. You have permission to lie to protect my feelings.

In the Southern Part of the 45th State . . .

I'm in St. George this week to help watch Josh and Erin's kiddos and to hangout with my Robin.

Have a great week!

King of the Mountain

So I woke up Saturday morning itching for a change of scenery. Paul was at drill in Utah and the kids and I just needed something to do to pass the time and I wanted it to be free. I had found a couple of hikes but everything I saw seemed more rugged than what I was thinking of. I finally found a great place called South Mountain Park and Reserve. I packed the kids up, sprayed some sunscreen at them and off we went.

When we got there however, I could see that our flip flops were not going to be adequate for the trails. I was disappointed but I thought we should just check things out for next time. As we drove around, following maps and looking at signs to get our bearings, we found that we could drive to the peak of South Mountain. We got out up there and hiked around for a little while. I loved it. Betsy was happy too.

We found a trail so we can hike to that same spot and we are planning to do that next week.

Jared sent me this site. (Thanks J.R.) That site turned me on to even more sites and I have been excitedly researching the summits in the area that are kid friendly. I've found six so far. Phoenix was built in a valley so there are hills and mountains completely surrounding us so we have lots of choices.

I've missed having hills and mountains to hike.

The best part of the day? I texted Becky and Ronnie and asked them if we could come over and say hi. They said yes. We just stayed for an hour or so but the kids had so much fun we were already making plans for our next get-togethers. Dan ended up staying for the day and his dad picked him up when he got home from Utah that night.

It was a good day.

Red

I love this picture from our trip to NYC. I miss Regina.

Updates From New York City

I am sending New York City updates to our friends at the Rose Path blog. If you are so inclined you can go here to see what I am up to this week.