Really Kinda Random

It's been a while since I've been able to generate a Really Random post.  But here it goes!

I'm linking up with Cindy at Live a Colorful Life for Really Random Thursday.

My mom emailed me the other day that she finished making this shawl.  I think it's beautiful.  I want to do one.  I'm not sure I'm up to it.

Mom is so beautiful, isn't she?  :-)  This is a class on Craftsy.  There are three shawl patterns in the class.  I might cave and sign up for it, then work on it over Christmas.  Hmmmm.....

A little while back, my brother, who lives in Boston, called me one day at work.  It was about 11:30 in the morning. 

He said, "Hey, Steph.  Wanna go to lunch?" 

I was like, "What???!" 

He said, "I'm in Grand Rapids.  I'm a schmuck for not telling you I was coming earlier, but I'm going on a fishing trip with my inlaws.  They lost my luggage, so I have to wait for the 5:30 flight from Newark to get my bags.  I thought I might drive down to Kalamazoo and have lunch with you while I'm waiting." 

So, I rearranged my schedule and had lunch with him.  What a nice surprise.  Then, on Sunday, before he flew home, Sweet Pea and I drove up to Grand Rapids and had brunch with him before he flew home.  Sweet Pea was really excited to see her uncle.  Here, they are looking at a video of the salmon fishing they were doing.  My brother said he caught salmon on 7 of 8 casts one day.  One of them was 22 pounds!  I guess I didn't realize there was so much good salmon fishing in Michigan!  (Hope he doesn't mind me posting this photo.  I usually ask and didn't this time.)

I wanted to make this cowboy boot stocking for someone for Christmas.  So I ordered this pattern and kit from Shelly at Prairie Moon Quilts.  She sent it wrapped up in this red bandanna.  How awesome is that?  I don't want to open it.

Happiness is a new pair of Smartwool socks for the season.  I usually buy the plain black or brown ones.  I decided to get daring and get some patterned ones.  Love them.

And a new pair of cool red clogs.  LOVE them!  These were my purchases when I was on quilt retreat a couple of weekends ago (and I still need to blog it).

My rose bushes just won't quit!  Probably because it was 75 degrees yesterday, and it's going to be just as nice today!  This is the climbing rose bush in front of my garage.  (I never showed you all the landscaping I did out there this spring.  Too busy.  Maybe next spring!  Plus, it's not done yet.)  Isn't this a pretty one?

Here's the other bush, the one that had the pretty flower with the dew on it a while back.  There are new buds on this bush, too.  But I think the hard freeze we had a while back got them.  I doubt they will open.  I have been too nervous to do any cutting back for fear I'd encourage even more growth just before the snow hits....

Sweet Pea is pretty excited, because her dad bought her a basketball hoop.  We got it from a friend who is moving away.  Good price.  Papa Pea had to build a flat spot to keep it on.  He did a great job.  Sweet Pea will have a lot of fun with this.  This photo was taken a few weeks ago, when there were more leaves on the trees.  She's got pretty good form.  If she practices, she could be pretty good!

I have more random stuff, but I have been too lazy to download the photos from my phone and other camera.  Another day!  LOL

What's your Random Act of Kindness going to be today?  I gave my students an extension until Monday on their paper that is due today.  They were pretty happy.  One said I should have a wand and say, "Your wish is granted!"  So, I'm bringing Sweet Pea's wand to school today to use in class.  Ha!

Have a good one!

Until next time,

 

Comments

[Maggie Szafranski]

Lots of cool things to report! Love those socks, and love a surprise visit! And your mother is very beautiful!

[liveacolorfullife]

Awesome randomness. I'm glad I read it early because I.got.called.to.jury.duty. Ugh. Where did you get your red clogs?

[Flo@butterfly Quilting]

I am wearing my favourite smartwool sock as I read...but would love your new red clogs!!

[terriaw]

Love your new Smartwool socks, one of my most favorite things in the world. They are always on my birthday and christmas list. What a treat to get to spend time with your brother! Pretty fall colors in that rose.

[carolld]

Enjoyed all the random thoughts about what is going on in your life. Great way to keep in touch. Especially enjoyed the pictures. Thanks for sharing your life with us.

[Linda in Calif.]

I've never heard of smartwool socks, but apparently I'm one of the few. Your mom's work is so awesome. So is your mom, very pretty. I can't get over that shawl. Is that knitting?

[Doris]

What brand are your red clogs? Love 'em, and they look like shoes I could actually wear!

Hope you gave your students the extension early enough to make a difference. It always irritated me when profs did that when I had already spent a late night getting it finished up... Hmmm, maybe I'm a glass half empty kind of girl?

[Donna]

Your mother is beautiful wearing the lovely shawl! She did a wonderful job. Love that you got to meet up with your brother twice and Sweet Pea looks like a pro playing basketball. The pattern is so cute! And I love your shoes and socks.
Love the random posts!
Hugs,
Donna

[Deb]

ALWAYS love your random posts!! And loved the surprise visit! I love when things like that happen! Your roses are great! My roses are still looking pretty good, too...until the hurricane hits in the next few days! Beautiful mom and beautiful shawl, too!

[Lisa Ruble]

I am a huge smartwool fan too! That's all I ask for when it's my birthday. :)

[Pomegranate Quilts]

What a great mess o' life you just reported! Family, hand-work, yummy socks and Sweet Pea's amazing energy... what a treat!
And now I have to know what red clogs you have. Because I might need a pair myself.

[jenclair]

Look at that final hand flip by Sweet Pea!

Love those clogs!

[Catherine]

Oh, the clogs, yes, me too! Seems like you have struck a chord here:-)

It sounds as if you have had a lovely time recently - what a nice post!

[Thimbleanna]

Very cool new shoes Ms. Really Random! Your mom's shawl is beautiful. And you look like your brother. Or he looks like you? I can definitely see the family resemblance!