There is a lot going on around here. Family partying, deck construction and a very happy dog, enjoying every minute of it. Even so, I managed to finish my Twelve x Twelve piece, which you can’t see until July 12. I also finished this little piece. I should have measured it before I came upstairs. The photo was taken in the winter at the Oregon Garden so I have titled it Northwest Winter. Click it to see a larger version.

Here is a detail:

I fused some of the gray shibori fabric to black felt and then appliqued the handstitched piece to that using a really nice random looking satin stitch which is one of the programed stitches on my Jamome. I am quite happy with this little piece. I hope to get a couple more done.

Our son Mark is staying with us for awhile to build our new deck. Jayme flew back to San Francisco this morning as she needs to get to back to work on a research project which is her summer activity. They spent most of the week-end out in the gorge with Steph and family. Everyone got together here at our house for the 4th of July.

Here are Mark and Mia playing fetch with Scooter.

And Miles couldn’t wait for dark to sparkle.

There have been some glitches, but the work on the deck is proceeding. Here are the two of them checking the plans.

The first thing is to prepare the holes for the rebar and concrete for the deck footings. Mark is cutting holes in the concrete patio outside my studio while Mr C breaks up the concrete.

All of the openings now have the rebar in place. Tomorrow, the city inspector comes back to sign off on them and then they can pour the concrete.

Mr C is working so hard with Mark. You all know how spoiled I am, but I am really pulling my weight and doing all the dog walking, the clean up from my cooking escapades and trying to keep the house in ship shape order. Lisa and Clay are arriving on Thursday, with Wilfredo. Tomorrow, I have to move Mark into the smaller guest bedroom and get all the bed linens laundered and replaced. I am also going to have M & M for most of the day.

All I can say is, I am so happy I finished the gray colorplay quilt done early.