Courthouse Steps - Climbed!!!

Done!

I really enjoyed working on this rug, which is a variation of Log Cabin Courthouse Steps, but I must admit it was a tad more difficult to pull off than I anticipated!  For one thing, I needed more colors than I thought.  As it turns out, you need to separate the colors from each other carefully.  Obviously, you don't want to place the same color in two sections that touch each other.  Even two different wools that are "similar" in color should never touch.  There is still one place in this rug where that happens - where two "grays" run into each other, but I left it as a reminder to myself not to do that next time.  And I think there will be a next time!

The finished rug measures about 30"x42".  It's hard to see in the picture, but I hooked four rows of the reddish brown around the border and then bound the edge with that same wool.  The little squares in the middle of each block are that same wool. Originally I had random colors in those little squares, but I like this much better.  Using the dark color in those little squares made the "steps" really pop out!

I also recently finished this little hit or miss mat.  It measures 13"x27".  This was to be an experiment with making a small rug to sell.  Now I don't think I can part with it!  I bound this one with turquoise yarn I had on hand.  Normally I would not use a contrasting color for the binding, but I think it works here.  (I do love my turquoise.)

On our recent trip to Arizona, I made a discovery about my iPhone.  Did you know an iPhone camera could do this?  This is very close-up.  I had no idea it could focus this close and take a sharp picture.  

We live in Lawrence, KS, which is very near Overland Park in Kansas City, the site of the shootings at the Jewish Community Center and Village Shalom.  The word community is so appropriate here.  My husband played basketball on the outdoor courts there for many years.  One of our dear friends tuned the piano there just a few days before the shootings.  Other friends recently bought their home from a couple who then moved into a residence in Village Shalom (where the third person was shot).  Another friend goes to the same church as two of the victims.  It amazes me how interconnected we all are.

Mother Nature was not happy with us that day.  Here's what we saw in the sky from our balcony and kitchen windows.  (Photos by my husband Mike McPheeters)

Thanks for stopping by.  Happy Spring to you and yours.

The Best Weeks of Summer

Daylily time here in Kansas is in full swing - well maybe we are a little past "peak", but there is still much beauty to behold.  Most of these lilies were probably here on the blog last year, but many of you were not!

Here are a few of my favorites from this summer.  These shots were all taken in my garden, by me, with my little Canon camera.  I experimented more this summer with my "macro" setting (close-up).  I really really really like those shots!  Many of them have bugs... so if you don't like to look at bugs just skip over those!

I'll add the name of the daylily if I am sure of it (hybrid daylilies have registered names...).  There are a few other flowers and critters here too.

Take a few moments and enjoy.  My son says I put way too many photos on my blog - but this will probably be my only daylily post for the summer - so there are lots of photos.  These are in chronological order - as the garden progresses the lilies become prettier - so try to make it to the end!

Butterfly Weed... see the ant... the little blooms are tiny.

Lights of Detroit ( I think)

Thumbprint

Etosha

Thumbprint (again)

Classy Cast (this is my all-time favorite daylily)

 Classy Cast (again)

 and again.

Making Friends

 

This is Bun3zle... there is also a Bun2zle but he doesn't come around much.  3zle is so tiny - she would easily fit in the palm of your hand - like that would ever happen!!!  She is now fairly tame.  She sits on the patio and waits for me to come out and bring her carrots and kale.  I could sit out there for hours and watch her.  Apparently I am very easy to entertain!

 

Grandfather Time

Brand New Lover

 Classy Cast (again!)

 Mokan Gold

 Red Ribbons

 

 

Grape Adventure

Golliwog

School Mate

 Mynelle's Starfish

Commandment

Bun3zle... I think she is smiling...

Copper Summer (I think)

 Ladyfingers

Fruit Loops

Double Old Ivory

Hudson Valley

This is the largest of my garden areas.  We had 3-4 VERY hot days in a row and blooms were way down as you can see.  They recovered within a few days.

Moth on the outside of my kitchen window.

Pink Puff

Partial views of two smaller garden areas.  

 

Jan Marie

Ruffled Ruby

Beautiful Edges

 Eotsha (again).  I love the dark/light background here.

Vintage Wine

A fancy bug with lacy wings.

Ouachita Beauty

Spanish Glow

Atlanta Debutante

Baroody (with a little Lullaby Baby)

Ivory Edges

Making Friends (again)

Gentle Shepherd

I've lost the name of this one.  I took this very early one morning and she is only half awake!

Red Ribbons and spider web.

This is my favorite photo (so far) this summer of Bun3zle.  I wanted a picture of her from the back with her little white cottontail and her ears sticking up, but she kept turning her head to see what I was doing!  I guess it is asking a lot of a bunny to let a human sneak up behind to take a picture. 

If any other daylilies make a dazzling appearance, I'll put 'em on here.  Or if Bun3zle does something cute we might see her again!