Posted on by agilejack

Poking My Head Up For a Quick Minute

Here I am, continuing to enjoy a lovely summer in Portland. It’s been hot the last few days. Over 100 degrees, as a matter of fact. It’s supposed to be cooling off on Thursday. I will be ready for milder temps. And the air is really dirty and smoky. today We’re supposed to see that clear up as well.

So, guess what I’ve been doing. Of course I’m working. But I’m playing A LOT of pickleball. And with my continuing lessons I’m really seeing some improvement in my game! I also located a new drilling partner from the club who is interested in getting together a couple times a week to practice. We got together on Saturday afternoon and again on Sunday morning. He enjoys drilling just like I do. And he’s really appreciative of the drills I’m bringing to our practice. We ended our practice on Saturday with a few games with some people who were at the courts, and then went and had a casual dinner at a nearby pub.

They do say Pickleball is a very social activity! I was thinking earlier today how many new people I’ve made friends with since I started playing. It’s been so good for me after the isolation of the pandemic. And I love that complete strangers will just ask you if you want to play a game or two.

My teacher was telling me the other day that I’m too impatient… that I want to see too much improvement too fast. I found this image and shared it with him. He said it was me to a T!

I was on the courts for a lesson at 7:30 this morning and practiced until a little before 9. then we played a couple games before I headed home to work.

I had some friends over on Sunday evening for a birthday celebration. I was really hoping we could eat outside on a lovely evening, but it was still 100 degrees when they were here. So we ate in the house, but the dinner was good. And it was simple, which makes me even happier. I make the same meal for my friend’s birthday every year: Grilled salmon, oven roasted potatoes, Waldorf coleslaw, and desert is fresh peaches over vanilla ice cream. All accompanied by a nice bottle of wine.

I’ve been enjoying left overs for my lunches this week.

While my friend was here she asked if I would make her a table topper for Christmas. I have made her two in the past.

She wants one made in the same shape but said she wanted something with burgundy colors for the holidays. So I just took her back to my sewing room and we opened some drawers and pulled some fabrics. Here’s the first pull.

That’s probably not the final selection of fabrics, but it’s a good start. I think this collection of fabrics will work really nicely in a 16 patch.

I think my friend enjoyed helping pick out fabrics. She’s not as bold with color as I am so I think one or two of these make her a little uncomfortable! I think she will like them better when they are finished in 2 inch squares.

My tomatoes have been going crazy and they’re so good! I had so many that I took almost two lbs to my pickleball teacher this morning!

Rico had his regular sheep herding lesson on Saturday. It wasn’t nearly as warm as it’s been the last few days, but he still gets hot.

My boys have their annual vet check ups on Friday. I decided to take the entire day off. I’m guessing some pickleball will be played!

My upcoming vacation is on the calendar and my friend has made flight arrangements. I’ll be taking 2.5 weeks off. My friend will be here for two weeks. So we’re planning what we’ll do while she’s here and we’re planning what quilt we’ll make.

35 Replies to “Poking My Head Up For a Quick Minute”

  1. Love that table topper. Is it a pattern or did you just make it up? I would like to try and make it but not quite brave enough without a pattern.

    You sure are right into your pickle ball. I don’t think it’s played much here in New Zealand as I’d never heard of it until I read your reports on your progress in the game.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I made it up as I sewed. when I make the next one I’ll do a tutorial for it. It’s pretty simple. I just need to remember how I cut the octagon

      Pickleball is more popular in some places than others, but I bet it’s played there.

      Anne

      Like

      Reply

      1. Thanks for your reply. I look forward to seeing the pattern one day, I’m not in a rush as I have a number of projects underway.

        Like

  4. Hi my name is Mell and I live New Zealand, really enjoy your newsletter and your beautiful dogs all our dogs gone to doggyheaven, anyway do you have a pattern for the table topper or where can purchase one, thanks mell

    Get Outlook for iOShttps://aka.ms/o0ukef ________________________________

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. It was a pattern I made up. Basically disappearing four patch blocks made in a square, then corners cut off to make it an octogon. Borders added..

      When I make this new one I’ll make a quilt tutorial.

      Anne

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  7. I’m happy to hear that you’re continuing to enjoy the summer. The table topper is really pretty, and I’m sure that the upcoming one will be just as lovely!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. I’m not surprised to hear you play pickleball with the same gusto you make quilts. But golly playing in that heat has to be exhausting. Then to go to work afterwards. Wow. Can’t wait to see what the quilt project will be with your friend.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I actually have better work days when I’ve played pickleball. I’m happier when I’m moving around!

      I have an idea on the quilt my friend and I will make. Might even make one for each of us if we don’t hate it too much!

      Anne

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  9. Sounds like you are enjoying the break and the outdoor activities. Heaven knows the winter tends to put us indoors more and make us want the snuggle projects.

    Weatherwise it has been tough all over. My daughter in Minneapolis coomplains there’s been little to no rain. Here in Ohio we’ve been very wet, and on dry days pretty breezy drying things out.

    Garden work mostly this summer for me. Weeding, pruning, transplanting. The ticks are really abundant this year. I got bit for the first time ever pruning shrubery and trees. Didn’t even feel it.

    I am working on another quilt. This one is a scrappy-ish quilt. Owls. Not sure I like the way it is put together. There’s a lot of waste with the half-square triangles. After this is done, I will try another method and see how that works out on one block. If it works out, I will adjust the instructions.

    Well I have a humungous zucchini…so chocolate zucchini cake and zucchini bread is calling to be made.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. I was so happy to hear from you I love your stories. I love the way you write. Glad you are enjoying your summer. Always look forward to your. next story

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  12. I know this sounds cheesy, but man, what a delightful life you tell us about
    You have a job, nice place, some hobbies, great friends. So calm.
    It sounds like heaven

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Haha! It just seems like a regular old life to me. maybe because I don’t tell you about all the mundane stuff!

      But I am grateful I have a good job, and I’m so fortunate to have the home and property I have. Can’t imagine living without my hobbies. and the friends are icing on the cake!

      Anne

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. I loved your table topper. Where did you get the pattern? Also, pickleball is fun. I bet you’re getting good.

        Like

  15. Glad you are alive and well and doing what you love! Are Happy Birthday wishes in order? Another year well lived. Do it all now before you turn 80. I was really active until Covid came along, but that devil knocked me for a loop! And about that time I hit the Big 8-0. That combination has really slowed me down, but I still try to do something creative every day. So glad that your intro to pickleball has enhanced your social life. Enjoy the upcoming two weeks with your friend and please keep us all informed of your activities.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a reply to Karen Burton Cancel reply