Blue Morning Glory and Zinnas

Bee Ready!

This is Hive #4 early in the morning getting ready

for another day of work, work, work!

Tomatoes and Squash or Squash and Tomatoes

We used to say when we were growing up, we'd have potatoes and peas at lunch and peas and potatoes for supper. Well this summer, I'm having tomatoes and squash and squash and tomatoes. I've had a bumper crop of both.

This is one of the unknown tomatoes from my brother-in-law. They are huge, simply huge, and delicious.

I believe my squash are at the end of their time - squash borers or worms (as some say). Even though they have some blossoms, the worms are getting the squash and who wants to eat wormy squash!

National Dog Day - August 26

Hurray it’s National Dog Day! Ruff! What is National Dog Day you ask? It is exactly what you think it is, a day that you celebrate your beloved dogs and more importantly to rescue those dogs that are homeless or abused. This day is always celebrated on August 26th. Think of this day as your dog’s Independence Day.

National Dog Day was founded by author and pet expert Colleen Paige. She wanted to honor dogs much more than we do now and give them a day because they deserved it for all the numerous things that they do. In addition to giving love and companionship, she wanted us to appreciate the dogs that put their lives on the line every day - such as guide dogs, bomb sniffing dogs, and many others. Dogs also need our help to save them from homelessness and abuse. The goal of the National Dog Day foundation is to rescue at least 10,000 dogs a year. If you can adopt a dog, that would help them reach their goal. If you think owning a dog is too much to handle there are many other ways to contribute. You can help out by donating money or even donating supplies to a local shelter, rescue group or animal food bank. If you cannot donate money or supplies because of the economy, you can volunteer for one day at those places. There’s always an opportunity to be involved in a great cause.

I've had so many wonderful dogs over the years - I can't imagine my life without a dog. My girls both have dogs and they are such a part of our family. So Lily will probably get an extra hug today and treat just for being my dog!

Patriotic Quilting Bee

Saturday was our annual "making quilts for veterans" quilting bee. We always spend one day working on quilts for the Veteran's Hospital in Durham. I don't know the final total but here's a bunch (about 7, I think) ready to go.

This is one of my quilts.I had two ready this year. I'm trying to work on next year's quilts this year and be ahead of myself. I'm slow as Moses and that's about the only way I can have any ready.

Pat B. put this quilt together at the Bee - it's a quick pattern and I really like the colors - all from her stash.

Of course, we had lunch and lots of fun. It rained so hard in the afternoon - a good day to be inside quilting with friends.

House Cat

Buddy seems to think he can be an inside cat! He's hiding under the cabinet. I have a dog/cat door and he's figured out inside is the place to be.

We'll see how long before he's in and out all the time.

Missy seems perfectly content outside - she has manners unlike her brother.

And, of course, Lily has to make sure he's alright once inside. So we go through the process of picking him up, putting him outside - then wait a few minutes and he's back again!

Tacuinum Sanitatis

14th Century

The Tacuinum Sanitatis is a medieval handbook on wellness, based on the "Tables of Health", an eleventh-century Arab medical treatise by Ibn Butlan of Baghdad.

Beautifully illustrated.

It sets forth the six essential elements for well-being:

-sufficient food and drink in moderation,

-fresh air,

-alternations of activity and rest,

-alternations of sleep and wakefulness,

-secretions and excretions of humours and finally,

-the effects of states of mind.

Illnesses result from imbalance of these elements, therefore a healthy life is lived in harmony.