Home Again (photo heavy)

When did they move Georgia to the intersection of South Hell and Molten Lava? Geez it's hot down there! Glad to be home before dark tonight but I wouldn't have missed it for the world. The youngest step child graduated basic training this week and was advanced to his next post in San Antonio TX. The experience seems to have made a much more mature young man out of him but I think I spied just a smidge of little boy still behind those baby blues. We couldn't be prouder. Even though it was a few days early, I can't imagine hubby getting a better Father's Day gift. Knowing we'd be out of town on Father's Day, I celebrated with my Dad last weekend.

Way to go J!!!!!

Lord, keep him safe.

Spent a little down time at Callaway Gardens. Our first visit there, but surely not our last. They host a Needle Arts School in January (which just might be the BEST time of year to visit Georgia!). Was awed by the beauty of the grounds, gardens and butterflies.

Speaking of being awe-struck, hubby and I lucked into a viewing of Monet's Waterlilies at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. I've had the privilege of seeing the magnificent, larger than life panels in London nearly 20 years ago, but had almost given up hope finding them together again to share with hubby. We sat speechless for sometime in front of them, just soaking up the beauty, peace and serenity they emit. They allowed camera phone photos only, so the quality leaves a lot to be desired. If you are within a days drive of Atlanta, I urge you to go see these masterpieces yourself. You'll never forget it.

Last but not least, we spent a few hours in the air conditioned splendor of the Georgia Aquarium, the world's largest aquarium. What a delight! The Titanic exhibit alone is well worth the visit but don't miss the whale sharks and lion fish either.

What's that you say? Did I get any stitching done? A little. If I hadn't run out of thread (grrrr!!), I would have finished my XSDN's checkerboard. I have exactly 10 blank squares left to fill in with some kind of random stitch. It won't take anytime, but I want to personalize the borders with their names as well. I also finished my third and final sign language I Love You square. The father of my XSDNs in NC decided that he just had to have one of the cubes I made the girls for Valentine's day for himself. So, even though I hate to stitch the same thing twice, I made an exception and stitched this thing for a third (and final) time. In the words of Roberto Duran, NO MAS! Lastly, I started a Christmas name tag to help me keep track of how many Christmas finishes the SAL on the 25th motivates me to finish. So far, I have two finishes to attribute to the SAL, one you have seen (black biscornu) and one you haven't (Christmas exchange). I'll stitch a new package under the trees for each Christmas finish.

Well, that does it for me. I've got a huge (albeit 4 day) week at work. Taking Friday off to celebrate sister's birthday with her. Family coming in to celebrate hubby's birthday over the weekend.

High Ho High Ho, it's off to the laundry room I go.