Monday, August 18, 2008

Summer Ends, New Beginnings

Summer is winding down to just these first two days of the week, and then school begins again. I always think of the beginning of the school year as the real New Year. Fresh books and clothes and classes and fall. I love this time of year.

We had a big, busy summer with lots of activity, the biggest things being a high school graduation, a Sweet 16 party, and my son off to his freshman year at university.


Here we are this weekend before dropping him off one last time at the dorm. Now that the time is finally here, I'm glad he chose the university right down the road. I saw lots of mamas and sons saying weepy good-byes as parents headed back to their homes far away, but I wasn't one of them - this time! My son is living in the dorms, and the campus is so beautiful and full of opportunity. He will learn to live with others and share a bathroom down the hall (not I - I chose my university because there were dorm room suites with a bath in between!). He'll learn to plan his time wisely and find out what new interests he has in his academic life and where those interests will lead him. He is going to be a German and Russian language major with a minor in something else but isn't decided yet. That will come. He had a great high-school German education and can get by pretty well reading and speaking the language. His new roommate and family were lovely, and we got to spend a good amount of time visiting on move-in day. I feel very secure leaving him there - except that the air conditioning vent is leaking, the room is dripping with humidity, and there was filthy mold and yuck all around the air filter. We are dealing with that quickly. I'm worried for the boys' health and the effects on the computers. Otherwise, good ol' dorm life has arrived for our son.

Sweet 16!

My daughter had a very sweet, Sweet 16 birthday party last month. She has wonderful friends and had a great time with all of them. Isn't the cake awesome? She picked out a cake style online, and my friend created one for her. There's my husband. How is it that men can always find a place to sleep, no matter what is going on around them? Imagine what he will be like the night of her wedding party! -- some day, wwwaaayyy down the road, please.

Quilt Binding

I was so happy that my handmade bias tape sold so quickly. That gave me the courage to wrap up some quilt binding now. I used Kona cotton in the color "Lagoon." I've listed it in the etsy shop. We'll see how that goes, and then I'll do more. Next I plan on making bias tape with some fab fabrics and holiday prints.
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What do you think is the most popular Kona cotton color for quilt binding? I was wondering what color I should make up next.

6 comments:

greetingarts said...

Red. I betcha there are a lot of quilts out there that could use some *red* binding. :0)

The Blonde Duck said...

That cake looks wicked! I can't believe your friend made it!

Nanette Merrill said...

Hi Michele, I love my bias tape. I can think of a bunch of uses but I want to do something special with it. Hmm. It is the perfect color and texture. Thank you so much for the gift. That adds possibilities. It is done really well. I'm impressed.

Your family is lovely. You should be a very proud mom and wife. My youngest kids are similar ages. Its fun to see them embark on their own lives.

Chris Worthy said...

What about some linen? I found a good price here: http://www.fabrics-store.com/

Glad the move-in went well. I have heard all sorts of stories from weepy and joyous parents over the last few days. Glad we still have three years!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful family! I remember being the one moving into college and my parents leaving. Looking back now, some of the best years ever!

Anonymous said...

Way to go Michele... so nice to have your son not too far... but, far enough for him to be somewhat independent Hmmmm? Love the cake! So cute... bet she had a great time too. How nice.
I was thinking that blues and greens for sure red, but maybe even browns... something that will go with everything... black! Halloween is coming!
Have fun and good luck... keep up the good work!