My Week

Can it really have been 5 days since I last posted? Well, then again, I can believe it. I've had so much going on - I felt like I was living 48 hours in each day!

My week began with a sewing camp; a 4-day event I've been planning for several months. This was a suggestion of my sister, Heather. She hosted a music camp a few years ago, and it turned out very well. I was a little unsure how a sewing camp would be received. I admit I first became interested because it was a way to make money over the summer, but after day 1, I knew I was going to have a blast, and I sure did! I'm so glad now that we had the camp.

Each morning started at 9:30, and went until noon. The girls each had a reversible apron completed by the end of 4 days, as well as basic knowledge about reading a pattern, hand sewing, and mending. I loved watching them spread their wings and try new things, as well as getting to know one another throughout the week.

Don't you love how they match - two blue shirts, two green? It happened by accident.

Pockets for the aprons. The girls were so patient while learning how to sew the hearts on by hand!

My own sis.
You know how it can sometimes be hard for a younger sibling to take instruction from an older one? I was so proud of Tiffany's work during the camp. She followed directions and worked so carefully and beautifully!

Then, of course, we had to show off our hard work!

Go Emily! You worked so neatly.

You too, Tiffy! Take a bow!

Sorry about the closed eyes, Julie, but you did great all week long! So proud of you!

You too, Soleil! Keep on smilin' and sewin'!

All finished!

Me with the girls.

So ended the sewing camp. During the afternoons I stayed busy in the kitchen, running errands, and cleaning.

But the week wasn't over yet (still isn't!). On the very day the sewing camp ended, I started farm-sitting for some acquaintances of ours. This place has 14-15 alpacas to care for, 1 cat, and 4 guard dogs - and I am in charge of them all for 8 days! I drive out there twice a day, and spend about an hour each time cleaning up poop in corrals, exercising the dogs, feeding, filling water buckets, cleaning food bowls, and so on.

Here are "the girls" - mamas and babies.

Did I mention it also started to rain here on the day I started farm-sitting? It's hardly let up since. The ground has become a muddy swamp, and this morning I did all my work in pouring rain. My boots and skirt were soaked up to my knees by the time I was done, I was covered with mud, and I had raindrops falling off the end of my nose. My brothers were helping me, and they were soaked too.

But we didn't care - we were having fun! The guard dogs are very lovable after I "passed inspection." Boy, can they bark deep! The sound alone would put fear into me if I was trespassing - and they have the teeth and body to back up their bark! I'm sure glad we're pals! They think I'm the cookie lady, I think. :) They are anatolian shepherds, and at 9 months old they are still puppies, but already big. "Mr. Green" is my favorite. He's the most aggressive to strangers, but also the most affectionate to me. Here we are, squinting up through the rain:

I need to get to bed so I can get up early and go out there again. Can't wait to see them!

The week isn't quite over yet. :)

Blessings to all of you!