Solving a Problem

My problem? I have a pegboard over my Studio worktable which holds some of my frequently-used sewing and craft tools. I'd hung it on the wall with some Command Wire Toggle Hooks, which worked well for a number of years. But last year, the adhesive failed and I wasn't sure how I wanted to re-hang the pegboard. 

Then I learned about these double-headed picture hangers. Best described as fancy push pins, they're great for hanging light framed pieces on the wall. They leave a very small hole behind. (Rather renter friendly, I'd say). The bottom "head" is flat and lies flush against the wall. The top head is spaced about 1/4 inch above. This way your frame can rest on the post between the two heads.

I highly doubt this is a new invention, but I only learned about it a month ago.

I was able to put a line of five or six of these pins in the wall. It's as easy as pushing in a thumb tack. No tools needed. With Dale's help, I lifted the pegboard onto the hangers. The frame surrounding the pegboard rests easily on the little posts. The weight of the pegboard is evenly distributed across the line of pins, so it feels secure.

Getting this pegboard back on the wall was the exact incentive I needed to clear my work table. That, in turn, helps clear some of the clutter in my head and is a first step toward helping my creative spirit to return. My creativity has taken a nose dive ever since we received Dale's difficult health diagnosis at the end of January.

I still haven't been able to latch onto a craft or sewing project to work on. But I did put my cleared work table to use by constructing a small jigsaw puzzle for the first time in months.

A Julie Gem

 As I decluttered the sock box in my closet, I came across this pillow/sachet gift.

Considering the date, it was very likely a handcrafted Easter gift. These were some of Julie's first efforts in hand sewing and embroidery. Finding it again warms my heart.

It's approximately 4" x 6", made of a gauzy-ish fabric, stitched with a single strand of brown sewing thread, stuffed with polyester fiberfill. 

What a precious gift from my "11-1/2" year old daughter.

Mimi-Abby Time

Jodie and Kenny received some much needed rest and recouperation while I had a couple hours with Abby at their neighborhood park. This little two year old is such a joy!

On our walk to the park, she named the colors of each flower we walked by.

She took quite a bit of time following a bee who was flying from dandelion to dandelion. She'd bend w-a-y over and remind herself, "Don't touch!" even though she kept reaching out.

Take off! 

She liked blowing the seeds of the ripened dandelions, too.

We played on slides and the rock wall and the ladder and the twirling pole and the bouncing bug. We counted holes in the play structure's platform. We went from tree to tree, finding big sticks. She paraded around with the stick that was even taller than she is.

But her favorite thing to do at the park is to play in the sandbox. I helped her form a forest of sticks ... which she counted as she pulled them out and tossed them.

Dale and I are incredibly blessed to live near this little sparkle girl. The sun and the outdoor play were good for both of us. Mommy said Abby was well worn out and took a good nap that afternoon.

Azalea's Turn

In the parking lot at our doctor's office ...

the azaleas are bursting with color

and whispering the secrets of Spring.

Charmed Life: An Anniversary Stroll

On Monday, Dale and I will celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary. We wanted to do something a little special -- like go to Cannon Beach to see Haystack Rock or maybe check out the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival just south of Portland. Unfortunately, at this point in his treatment, Dale is easily fatigued. Even driving on day trips becomes too strenuous. 

So today between visiting the oncologist and having lunch, we stopped by Eugene's Owen Rose Garden. It's still a park. It's still admiring flowers. But it's a lot closer to home and has paved paths that allow for steady walking.

The roses, of course, are not yet in bloom. Some of them are trying, though! Bundles of buds are beginning to form.

The early Spring flowers are already fading, like the narcissus and magnolias.

The gigantic Owen Cherry Tree, designated as an Oregon Heritage Tree, is barely beginning to bloom.

The tulips and bluebells and violets are in their full glory

And wildlife is making itself comfortable in the shade.

Dale and I plan to treat ourselves to a few more simple pleasures over the weekend for our anniversary. He'll need plenty of time to rest, though. His fourth chemo infusion begins on Monday.

Charmed Life: Tuesday Flowers

Yesterday we received a surprise delivery - a huge bouquet of flowers!

Collogues from Dale's former workplace sent them! They are total surprise and so appreciated.

We set them on the dining room table where the late afternoon light made them glow.

I also received another flower surprise in my backyard. It turns out that different colors of tulips bloom at different times. First the red tulips appeared, then the whites. A few days later the red-and-yellow color and the frilly edged ones bloomed. Yesterday? Purple!

Dale and I still find beauty in our world  every day in the midst of this challenging time.

Charmed Life: Egg Hunt

Dale and I spent Easter morning with Jodie's family. Ken made a wonderful yummy brunch of French toast, homemade berry compote, bacon, scrambled eggs, and sausage. Afterwards,  two year old Abby opened her Easter basket. That was followed by an Easter egg hunt in the backyard.

She found over two dozen eggs! (Isn't that the cutest sweater? Jodie crocheted it for her!)

It's a chemo week for Dale, so he tired out after a few hours and we headed home early. 

But look what our sweet neighbor boy left for us on our threshold!

We still live a charmed life! ❤️