June In Review

After years of blogging I know that the Summer months are the hardest months for me to blog. That was pretty obvious for June. I'm usually not able to concentrate on blogging when I have so much else going on. June saw the beginning of work really heating up, many exploratory trips, visits and visiting, the beach, #watchercats and more. Now that I'm living in a seasonal town, Summer is even more packed. So for this Month in Review, I'll just let the photos do their thing:

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Here's a few things I learned, or relearned in June:
- Every year is different, don't hold on to expectations.
- NJ is beautiful!
- Stay away from TV and you'll get more done.

OK, June you're done and dusted. Let shake off the cobwebs for July. 

May in Review

May was a moving forward month, May was a month that felt like the start of things!

The month flew by (which doesn't?) and we flower watched, #watcher watched, got down to work, visited friends, visited vets, went to the beach, and and work from home.  

Flowers were out in May despite it being temperate in weather. We walked out neighborhood and checked our (and other's) yard for new growth. In our town the end of may marks the beginning of Summer and all the flowers made it feel tropical and summery for sure!

#watchercats were also out this month, hanging out in windows, on porches, in doorways and any sunny patches. I travelled a little this moth and saw #watchercats everywhere I went!

Headed to old hoods and catching up with friend was a lovely priority this month, seeing friends and family at home is always relaxing. Luckily I had both in May. There's something amazing about having neighbors in the suburbs, especially those who bring fresh veggies from the garden!

Of course, we are happy to have friend from out of town come visit us and next month is a great month for that! Summer by The Shore, before the crowds arrive is a special time. We eagerly await visitors and the return of Summer residents. But before they show us, we tried to get to take advantage of the empty May beaches!

I was gifted an unexpected surprise in May and it was a great inspiration for getting some finishes made this month! Besides that, quilting rolled along, but work outside the house sometimes took over. 

I'm still loving the @madcatquilts instagram this month but it is a lot of work! I'm finding it fun to come up with quilty love for that space, so check it out!

In the spirit of growth, here are some things I learned, or relearned in May:
- Visiting interesting restaurants/cafes/spaces are good for inspiration but hard to make time for. 
- Having 2 instagrams is twice the work (possibly more!). 
- Sometimes planning things out is great, other times "just do it" is a good motto. 

In April I made a pledge to get back in a blogging groove, and although that didn't go quite as planned for May, that continues to be a personal goal. 

It was a weird start to the Summer, still rainy and cool, mild for May. Let's tune in for June!

February in Review

Oh February, you are generally a tough month. But Feb 2017 was pretty awesome. There were some short days and long cold nights, but also spring like weather, many beach trips and some fun adventures were had this month. 

We visited some new places in NJ this month including Princeton and Atlantic City. Finding new places that we enjoy in NJ is always fun! Our new state is so diverse, it's fascinating to explore!

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The beach was stunning for many days this month and it lifts our spirits to live so close. We also joined a health club which has gone a ways to improve our bodies and moods. It will be an interesting challenge to balance these two aspects, but we look forward to trying!

As with every month, we paid special attention to our furry friends. Keeping them heathy and happy is always one of my top priorities. We also got to meet a few new friends in ducks, seagulls, and more. A few #watchercats and #porchcats were out enjoying the nice weather. 

February was fast, warm and full... March what have you got?

January in Review

Time to wrap up January, it's done. 

Some bitter cold and a little snow didn't stop us from enjoying this month, but we may have hibernated more than we explored. 

1) The pier. 2) The jetty. 3) The sea. 4) The sky, 

1) The pier. 2) The jetty. 3) The sea. 4) The sky, 

It's never a bad time to be at the beach. Some days were too icy cold to go walking, but we tried our best to get out on those that were not. 

1) Now spinning. 2) Now growing. 3) Now snowy. 4) Now quilty. 

1) Now spinning. 2) Now growing. 3) Now snowy. 4) Now quilty. 

We played records, we sewed, we did projects and we admired the outside, mostly from the inside, this month. Watchercats were scarce, sticking to warmer spots, I hope. I worked at The New School of Monmouth County again this month, and will be back in March. 

1) The Honey Pot Bee commences. 2) Boarded up, but not unwelcoming in Ocean Grove.  3) A bright and sunny day in Asbury Park. 3) Pillow for Pit. 

1) The Honey Pot Bee commences. 2) Boarded up, but not unwelcoming in Ocean Grove.  3) A bright and sunny day in Asbury Park. 3) Pillow for Pit. 

A good amount of sewing got done, some quilting, some projects advanced. It's a lovely time to sit and sew. We spent a lot of time with the cats, as well, as always,  

1) Elvis took a trip. 2) The backyard birds puffed up. 3) Pitty loves his box. 4) Tom is a cat. 

1) Elvis took a trip. 2) The backyard birds puffed up. 3) Pitty loves his box. 4) Tom is a cat. 

So there wasn't much traveling and there was a lot of staying in the house. But there was modern art, and cats and time spent with family and friends. 

1) Inspired by Cy. 2) Tommy plays the organ. 3) Elvis on the edge. 4) Sand castles, or beach construction.  

1) Inspired by Cy. 2) Tommy plays the organ. 3) Elvis on the edge. 4) Sand castles, or beach construction.  

So, January rolled on by, now we'll see how fast or slow February will go. 

December in Review

Another year done. Amazing. 

Everyone's been talking about how 2016 was BAD year. Sure, a lot of bad things happened this year. A lot of bad things happened last year. A lot of people said 2015 was a BAD year.
Personally, some bad things happened. Some terrible things. But some wonderful things happened, too. I feel alone in this, but despite the bad, I'm happy with each year and I'm happy to move on to the next. 
Globally, and locally, some bad things happened but I'm taking this time to gather my community, gather my family, and move forward with love and hope. 

1) Before. 2) Amaryllis blooms. 3) Classic in the 'hood. 4) After. 

1) Before. 2) Amaryllis blooms. 3) Classic in the 'hood. 4) After. 

We got a record player! Hooray! Whatever took us so long? Now, when we are adventuring, we are keeping our eyes out for records. The beginning of the month saw much of this as I was participating in @JerseyCollective. anyone interested in NJ should follow their insta.

1) An OG xmas. 2) Balmy Belmar. 3) Asbury Park, my heart. 4) Bayhead in the spirit. 

1) An OG xmas. 2) Balmy Belmar. 3) Asbury Park, my heart. 4) Bayhead in the spirit. 

Also in the beginning of the month, the beach was key. Morning walks were still in effect and what a lovely site the beach is in Winter. But, man, Winter gets cooooollllld! I've gone on hiatus until it warms up a bit (or I buy a proper Winter coat). This should give me more time for quilting. I had two finishes in December!

1) This cat house is a favorite find of 2016. 2) Porch life. 3) Neighborhood kitties in their cold weather coats. 4) Checking me out.  

1) This cat house is a favorite find of 2016. 2) Porch life. 3) Neighborhood kitties in their cold weather coats. 4) Checking me out.  

Despite the cold, it was a pretty good month for #watchercats! Our kitties at home are going thru a transition, but we're working hard to keep them healthy and happy!

1) Pitstar. 2) Friends. 3) Chicken. 4) Tom.

1) Pitstar. 2) Friends. 3) Chicken. 4) Tom.

We were very lucky to see lots of family and some friends over the holidays. A goal for this year will be to see people more regularly! Hopefully we can see many people who live near and far. 

1) Beach jewel. 2) Museum cat. 3) Goodwill finds. 4) Goodies window.

1) Beach jewel. 2) Museum cat. 3) Goodwill finds. 4) Goodies window.

Nothing more to say, 2016. January, on to the new...

November in Review

November went quickly and now it's gone. 

The weather changed this month, and the time changed. Life changed for our family, too, as we lost someone very close to us. To say that November was a blur is stating it lightly. There were bad times, but there were good times, too. 

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And now December is upon us, and another year is almost over. But life moves ever forward, and we must step into the future once again. 

October in Review

As I've said before, October is edging up to become my favorite month. Especially since we've moved Down the Shore. So much happened this month, it feels a bit like a rollercoaster. 

We visited a lot of vets this month, as one of our little family members is gravely ill. But we also took time to spend with her and give her our energy when possible. We did the same for our other furred family members. 

There were plenty of warm days in October and the water stayed warm right up until the last week, so we spent a lot of time at the beach, combing, and exploring new places, creating new rituals. Towards the end I headed out in sweats, hats, and scarves. I'm hoping I can hold off on the gloves until December. 

Plants and critters were out in full force this month, no doubt trying to take advantage of the last warm days, just like me! I saw so many bugs, spiders, and furry creatures this month. Never a bad thing. 

Speaking of furry creatures, October may have been the best month for #watchercats and #watcherdogs!

October wasn't the catch up month I thought it will be. Let's see if I can hang on to November. 

September in Review

September went so quick!! Am I a broken record? September might be my favorite month of the year. So much change, so much growth. 

In brief, here're some things I did in September:

Beach walks-

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Cat talks-

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Dream life-

Local's Summer-

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October is already rolling. Better catch up. 

August In Review

August was not mild, not in weather or temper. 

This month was mostly about work and health, some of each were good and bad. But August was also about moving forward and getting through. I'm hoping September adds more to the good column than the other, but I'll take what I can get. 

1) A neighbor in Allenhurst. 2) Tom's stare. 3) Bippi's curl (and sore chin). 4) A Parade on Main Street. 

1) A neighbor in Allenhurst. 2) Tom's stare. 3) Bippi's curl (and sore chin). 4) A Parade on Main Street. 

Although we didn't travel in August, walking around and heading to the beach was a priority. Whether it was hot or mild, I tried to make it to the beach. We tried to get out and about around town as well, and were rewarded with some local adventures. 

1) My very first at home #smoothiebowl. 2) A delicious one from Juice Beach. 3) My sweetest bowl yet! Mangos, peaches, bananas, all the fixins. 4) Easy and simple with figs from my dad. 

1) My very first at home #smoothiebowl. 2) A delicious one from Juice Beach. 3) My sweetest bowl yet! Mangos, peaches, bananas, all the fixins. 4) Easy and simple with figs from my dad. 

Since moving, my esthetic and ideals have been changing. One thing I've been more conscious about is what I eat and where it comes from. I thought summer would be my month for local foods, but it was tough to get out to the markets. I made some food discoveries in August that I hope to continue learning about and eating! 

1) A perfect angel. 2) My #watchercat. 3) new morning rituals. 4) Exploring our surroundings.

1) A perfect angel. 2) My #watchercat. 3) new morning rituals. 4) Exploring our surroundings.

Watchercats were few, and quilting was almost non existent this month. I'm hoping cooler temps will bring out both in spades soon. 

1) Atlantic Farms. 2) Thrift and vintage finds. 3) Blossom season at work. 4) Summer sky in overdrive. 

1) Atlantic Farms. 2) Thrift and vintage finds. 3) Blossom season at work. 4) Summer sky in overdrive. 

I've spent many Summers in New Jersey, but this August felt all brand new. Since we moved into our new home last Fall, the first few days of September have got me feeling nostalgic. Comfort vs newness, renewal and remembrance, the end of seasons, whatever September brings, I think I'm ready.  

July in Review

I'm learning a lot this year. Life has been busy. July was busy. 

But July was also great! We did so much this month, had plenty of visitors, got to the beach, worked hard, and spent time with family. 

1) Tommy Boy. 2) Bippi The Ravenous. 3) Elvis as a black hole. 4) A change of scenery. 

1) Tommy Boy. 2) Bippi The Ravenous. 3) Elvis as a black hole. 4) A change of scenery. 

One of the highlights of July was how much swimming we got to do! We managed to get to the beach a few times but we also made it to the pool! Hot days and pool sessions at night are the best!

1) Lovely objects from Arcana Obscura. 2) Evenings poolside. 3) Leisurely breakfasts. 4) That golden hour. 

1) Lovely objects from Arcana Obscura. 2) Evenings poolside. 3) Leisurely breakfasts. 4) That golden hour. 

We had many guests, and one of the best parts about it is trying new things near us, or seeing the things we love with new eyes. 

1) Ocean Grove. 2) Lakewood. 3) Brick. 4) Ocean Grove again. 

1) Ocean Grove. 2) Lakewood. 3) Brick. 4) Ocean Grove again. 

Not much quilting qot done this month, but some did, so that's something. We were able to explore some new places, see a minor league game, have our first official 4th as New Jerseans. 

1) Local fireworks. 2) Local roses. 3) Backyard surprises. 4) Favorite sights.  

1) Local fireworks. 2) Local roses. 3) Backyard surprises. 4) Favorite sights.  

I was able to walk around this month; My favorite things to do! There were some watchercats and watcherdogs out! And now that the cats have gotten used to our new house and having open windows, our family has some watchercats of their own! 

1) Shopdog in Red Bank. 2) Watchercat in Asbury Park. 3) Cats at home. 4) Front yard friends.

1) Shopdog in Red Bank. 2) Watchercat in Asbury Park. 3) Cats at home. 4) Front yard friends.

July wasn't easy but it was Summer fun. The first few days of August have been mild but what will the rest feel like?

May in Review

OK May, you kinda got away from me but you were a good month! 

We took advantage of this pre Summer month by seeing some sights, working in the yard, heading to the beach, entertaining family & friends, and working hard at jobs & at home. 

1) Yarn bombing at Convention Hall. 2) Gold caps in Howell, NJ. 3) Dreamy sunsets on the Asbury Park boardwalk. 4) Fancy carpets in Cape May, NJ. 

1) Yarn bombing at Convention Hall. 2) Gold caps in Howell, NJ. 3) Dreamy sunsets on the Asbury Park boardwalk. 4) Fancy carpets in Cape May, NJ. 

A lot of May was spent taking care of our cat family, our people family, and our home. I am constantly delighted by our house and those we gather around us. It was wonderful to take stock of that this month. 

1) The Doctor. 2) Pit Star. 3) Sticky. 4) (me and) Tommy Boy. 

1) The Doctor. 2) Pit Star. 3) Sticky. 4) (me and) Tommy Boy. 

Blogging, quilting, and all things creative were done this month, but they took a back seat to living life. We celebrated birthdays, helped create Micro Societies, hosted guests, BBQed and worked a lot in May. 

1) The pool at The Asbury Hotel; newly opened. 2) High Contrast in AP. 3) Ever expanding Bossk collection. 4) GITD ghoul. 

1) The pool at The Asbury Hotel; newly opened. 2) High Contrast in AP. 3) Ever expanding Bossk collection. 4) GITD ghoul. 

Every month in our new home has been interesting and exciting, but May was a real eye opener. We started really seeing how things will be year to year in our yard, with flowers, bushes, and birds we never kew we had popping up all over. Watcher cats and dogs cropped up in new places. Exciting events and openings happened around town.

1) A good neighbor always keeps a #watchercat. 2) Keeping a #watcherdog eye on the yard. 3) Watcher cat most modern. 4) I gained a follower, but only for a block.  

1) A good neighbor always keeps a #watchercat. 2) Keeping a #watcherdog eye on the yard. 3) Watcher cat most modern. 4) I gained a follower, but only for a block.  

Along with all the new things we learned we were also able to keep up some traditions and create ones that may stick next year. Family visited this month and we hope they will come back often and soon. I spent some time at my mother's school, helping to finish out the year. Friends took back a Memorial Day Weekend tradition that can now continue. We saw shows, went to the fair, played and planted. 

I wasn't wrong to hope that May would be exciting, maybe I was too right. With Summer, I'm hoping comes swimming, bright and sunny beach days, lots of work getting done, but some relaxing, too, please!. Bring it on, June!

April in Review

April was a surprising long month. At least, time seemed to go at normal pace, not zoom by as many months seem to. And what a full month it was!!

The month started out with parties and celebrations, planting, visits, and the weather warming up, life heated up, settled down, and I feel like we are cementing our place in this new environment. There is so much to look forward to in May, but let's take a look back at how awesome April was. 

1) Little nugget. 2)Springtime in Ocean Grove. 3) All the Pinks in Asbury Park. 4) A safe shard. 

1) Little nugget. 2)Springtime in Ocean Grove. 3) All the Pinks in Asbury Park. 4) A safe shard. 

I got a good amount of sewing in in April! I was right on track with making one quilt a month at the beginning of April, but I fell behind, somehow... I will try to make this up at some point. I've really enjoyed being part of the 2016 Finish Along, OMG, and Year Of The Stash, so far this year... I can't wait to continue.  

1) My May goal. 2) A new block. 3) Vintage squares. 4) A city by the sea.

1) My May goal. 2) A new block. 3) Vintage squares. 4) A city by the sea.

Planting, plants, yard work, and the beach were big themes this month. Having a yard is great, even when we have to mow! It's really exciting to plant this year, while keeping in mind how it will look next year, as well. An opportunity I've never had before!

1) A broken bud comes inside. 2) An expected azalea. 3) Yard blooms. 4) Party Leftovers. 

1) A broken bud comes inside. 2) An expected azalea. 3) Yard blooms. 4) Party Leftovers. 

April started out with parties but there was a lot of work to be done, as well. But we had some relaxing time with family and friends. 

1) The look of someone who should not be in the guest room. 2) The look of someone who should not be in the sink. 3) Flounder finds some space. 4) Just the right place. 

1) The look of someone who should not be in the guest room. 2) The look of someone who should not be in the sink. 3) Flounder finds some space. 4) Just the right place. 

So many amazing things happened this April, you guys! I hope everyone out there feels as happy and excited about this month as I did, and I hope that feeling carries us right through May!

March in Review

The first quarter of 2016 is over. March saw snow and seedlings. It was a busy month, with lots of waiting, circling, but with some settling down, too. 

1) Ritzy neighborhood #watcherdog. 2) Apartment #watchercat. 3) City dog one... 4) ...and two. 

1) Ritzy neighborhood #watcherdog. 2) Apartment #watchercat. 3) City dog one... 4) ...and two. 

We did some exploring around where we live. March finally started to feel like a month to be out and about in our new environment, especially when the weather started to get warm. 

1) Bright truck. 2) Bright blooms. 3) Gloomy lobster. 4) Grey bridge. 

1) Bright truck. 2) Bright blooms. 3) Gloomy lobster. 4) Grey bridge. 

A lot of quilting got done this month and for that I am grateful! I am cherishing the time I spend on my work. 

1) A finish. 2) A star. 3) My star. 4) Orange! 

1) A finish. 2) A star. 3) My star. 4) Orange! 

We travelled a very little, ate well, saw friends, missed friends, saw family, and tried to get in the swing of new routines and time changes. 

1) Bedtime. 2) Yard time. 3) Jacket time. 4) Snack time. 

1) Bedtime. 2) Yard time. 3) Jacket time. 4) Snack time. 

We enjoyed time at home and outside and made many plans for the coming months. 

March's famed lion was pretty tame, but the month sped up quickly. April is rolling in, let's see how well we roll with it.

February in Review

For such a short month, February sure was busy!

We had some visitors, some celebrations, saw family, worked, but also put some things on hold. A fairly typical month, with ups and downs.  

1) Elvis. 2) the Fab Four. 3) Tom. 4). Elvis again. 

1) Elvis. 2) the Fab Four. 3) Tom. 4). Elvis again. 

We had several guests, but one notable one came to stay for a long while. Elvis will be with us for several months, and he's causing quite a stir among our cat family. He's a great guest though, and we adore him!

1) snowy back view. 2) Cloudy train view. 3) Sunny beach view. 4) Blizzard rose view.  

1) snowy back view. 2) Cloudy train view. 3) Sunny beach view. 4) Blizzard rose view.  

This month the weather was better than usual for February. But much like all of the Februarys I've experienced, it was mostly consumed by wishing the weather was better. 

1) New tattoo! 2) New block. 3) Juice and work. 4) a faux watercolor. 

1) New tattoo! 2) New block. 3) Juice and work. 4) a faux watercolor. 

Many new projects were started in Feb, which was very invigorating (more on all that, soon). Quilting was a prominent feature of the month, which it should be. My MadCatBOM went into it's second month. I hope to keep it up all year.  
Even though some great things were started or continued, some things were postponed. We put our annual anniversary trip on hold. But hopefully that will be rescheduled soon. 

1) Pick a winner. 2) Get a prize. 3) An auspicious address. 4) An attentive #watherdog.

1) Pick a winner. 2) Get a prize. 3) An auspicious address. 4) An attentive #watherdog.

We had a book giveaway at the end of the month. I got some reading in for the month, which will be posted soon! I'm finding giveaways to be interesting and fun!

We got to see family several times this month, we may have even started a game night tradition! Our first (or second if you count  my family's obsession with 500 rummy) game selection was Machi Kori. It was quite fun!  

1) Wake up! 2) Eat up! 3) Bun up! 4) Bundle up!

1) Wake up! 2) Eat up! 3) Bun up! 4) Bundle up!

February was a bit more hectic, a bit more stressful, but on the whole, there were more ups than downs. March, you're supposed to come in like a lion....I'll be interested if you'll be friendly or fierce. 

December in Review

2015 is over, can you believe it? What a year it's been!! 

December held holidays and festivities, new experiences, family and friends, and of course, the beach. Which is all one can hope for for any good month, or year!

1) Our yard is rich with friends. 2) The neighboring block is as well! 3) The Stephen Crane house has some permanent residents. 4) A beach friend takes a meal. 

1) Our yard is rich with friends. 2) The neighboring block is as well! 3) The Stephen Crane house has some permanent residents. 4) A beach friend takes a meal. 

December was unseasonably warm (although, since it was last year too, we might have to call it normally warm), so we were able to continue explore our new home. We were able to meet a lot of our furry or feathered neighbors.

On one occasion we were able to witness one neighbor eat another. Our new backyard provides endless natural entertainment! 

1) A visit to school. 2) A visit to mail. 3) A visit to Deal Lake. 4) A visitor in our backyard. 

1) A visit to school. 2) A visit to mail. 3) A visit to Deal Lake. 4) A visitor in our backyard. 

We visited friends and family, some well, some ailing. But we saved lots of time for walking around and enjoying the town. The warm weather meant plenty of beach time. We found some unexpected treasure, such as bird wings and bottle stoppers. 

1) Backyard fog. 2) Boardwalk snow. 3) City bus. 4) Front door brush. 

1) Backyard fog. 2) Boardwalk snow. 3) City bus. 4) Front door brush. 

We got down to work, both with with our day jobs and with quilting and sewing. For me, sewing was a priority. I'd love to keep that up in the new year! We did neat new work, as well. In December, we were able to visit The New School of Monmouth County and helped the students learn ancient games like Mancala and Ahmet. 

Mad Cat Quilts had our first giveaway which was fun and educational. I can't wait to have another... I was also able to update the shop, something I hope to do more of this year. 

1) A giveaway. 2) Front. 3) Back. 4) A winner. 

1) A giveaway. 2) Front. 3) Back. 4) A winner. 

Having some time and space now and in the new year is so exciting, we are already taking advantage of it by making home made wreaths, trying out science experiments and working on lesson plans and pattern making.

The house is still under construction as far as unpacking but in December we made headway on displaying our many collections.  

1) Pink sky at night... 2) Homemade crystals! 3) A mysterious drive. 3) Lost at sea. 

1) Pink sky at night... 2) Homemade crystals! 3) A mysterious drive. 3) Lost at sea. 

December went at the perfect pace, new adventures were had, but life outside the city isn't nearly as hectic and grueling. Calm, but productive. January 2016, I hope you're just as calm, but I also have big plans for you. Get ready.  

November in Review

I know I say this every month, but can you believe it's December????

November was amazing. There's no other way to put it. There were ups and downs, sure, challenges, of course. But mostly the month zoomed by in a whir of excited contentment (if there is such a thing). 

The main thing was getting settled in the new house...

1) Collecting collections. 2) Storage solutions. 3) Old routines in new places. 4) My idea of decorating. 

1) Collecting collections. 2) Storage solutions. 3) Old routines in new places. 4) My idea of decorating. 

...and getting the cats settled. 

1) Bippi. 2) Tom. 3) Pit. 4) Flounder. 

1) Bippi. 2) Tom. 3) Pit. 4) Flounder. 

There was plenty of exploring, seeing family, hanging out with friends. There was also some hospital visits and holiday festivities mixed in the month. 

1) Cape May, New Jersey. 2) Good bye 15th Street, Brooklyn. 3) Hello 3rd Ave, Asbury Park, NJ. 4) Sunset Beach Days. 

1) Cape May, New Jersey. 2) Good bye 15th Street, Brooklyn. 3) Hello 3rd Ave, Asbury Park, NJ. 4) Sunset Beach Days. 

Even familiar places can seem new. 

1) Fall takes over Greenwood Cemetery. 2), 3), & 4) So many new sunsets. 

1) Fall takes over Greenwood Cemetery. 2), 3), & 4) So many new sunsets. 

A lot of quilting got done, and I'm feeling good about about my goals. I've been working on new things, but moving has helped me unearth all my old UFOs and get some work on those done, too!

1) Lines. 2) Paws of the helper. 3) Pins. 4) And more pins. 

1) Lines. 2) Paws of the helper. 3) Pins. 4) And more pins. 

November was a time of work, but it also felt like a suspension of activity. Sort of like a glorious working holiday. Although I hope December will stay as calm and quiet and productive, I get the feeling things might amp up before the year ends!

October in Review

Another month where I don't get the Month In Review up in a timely fashion. Well, I have a good excuse. 

To say October was busy would be pitching it lightly, indeed. The month was entirely taken up with preparing to move to a different state. Getting the transition ready at work, at our apartment, at our new home, and with the family was intense and exhausting. In the end, all went well, and the movers came at the end of October. 

1) My morning view. 2) Sand toys. 3) Brooklyn says goodbye. 4) New growth. 

1) My morning view. 2) Sand toys. 3) Brooklyn says goodbye. 4) New growth. 

We were able to squeeze in visits with friends for dinners and drinks. We tried to eat and drink at as many of our favorite places as we could. We only traveled to our new home, but that was plenty of travel this month. And the weather was beautiful and warm throughout October, so we enjoyed the beach as well as both our new town and our old one. 

So much work was achieved this month!! Quilting was rejuvenated, despite life being so hectic. Watchercats were out in force. But we also had some sad news on the #watchercat front. One of several signs it's time to move on, I suppose. 

1) Not even trying to use that cat tree on 11th Street, South Slope. 2) Being sneaky on 10th Street in South Slope. 3) Notably absent on 6th Ave in South Slope. 4) Still in bloom on 8th Street in Park Slope. 

1) Not even trying to use that cat tree on 11th Street, South Slope. 2) Being sneaky on 10th Street in South Slope. 3) Notably absent on 6th Ave in South Slope. 4) Still in bloom on 8th Street in Park Slope. 

1 + 4) Out with the Old... 2 + 3) ... in with the New. 

1 + 4) Out with the Old... 2 + 3) ... in with the New. 

During the end, and most stressful point, of the month, we got a rare treat! We were able to go to the World Series! It was elating but heart breaking at the same time!

The majority of our family felt so-so about the move and didn't arrive at the new house until November. 

1) Bippi enjoys the vantage of stacked boxes. 2) Tom tries to act normal. 4) Pit can't see what all the fuss is about. (PS where's the food?). 4) Flounder helps me pack.  

1) Bippi enjoys the vantage of stacked boxes. 2) Tom tries to act normal. 4) Pit can't see what all the fuss is about. (PS where's the food?). 4) Flounder helps me pack.  

The anticipation for how busy October would be was totally eclipsed by the excitement (and stress). There's been a lot of work already done this November... let's see what else we can do.  

September in Review

Another month closer to the end of the year, can you believe it?

September was a great month! Maybe not the wild ride I was expecting, but it was certainly a wild ride!

We spent a lot of time Down the Shore at the new house, friends came to visit for the beginning of the month, we visited new places, participated in happy events, and had some quality time with old friends. 

1) Nola #watchercat! 2) An old friend on 8th St. 3) Sneaky, teeny, watcher in Prospect Heights. 4) Keeping an eye on things on 10th Street. 

1) Nola #watchercat! 2) An old friend on 8th St. 3) Sneaky, teeny, watcher in Prospect Heights. 4) Keeping an eye on things on 10th Street. 

This is the second year in about the last 20 that I've been in Brooklyn for September and it's always a little strange to me. The weather is amazing; one minute Summer, than the next Snap! Fall. The watcher cats were not as prevolant as I would have thought, though. 

1) Neighbor goose. 2) Alabama style mushrooms. 3) Orange cats are almost everywhere in Park Slope. 4) An impressive Post Office.  

1) Neighbor goose. 2) Alabama style mushrooms. 3) Orange cats are almost everywhere in Park Slope. 4) An impressive Post Office.  

1) Porcelain berries in the backyard. 2) Hilltops in Red Level, AL. 3) Yellow beasts in Asbury Park. Cuties wrapped in Pink. 

1) Porcelain berries in the backyard. 2) Hilltops in Red Level, AL. 3) Yellow beasts in Asbury Park. Cuties wrapped in Pink. 

We got a lot done in September, but we got to relax a little, too. Some quilting got done, but not as much as would feel healthy. We went on some dinners with friends and it was nice to hear what they've been up to and forget our own adventures for a spell.

In the middle of the month, we traveled down to Alabama for a family wedding. It was lovely to see family and see a new state. We even spent a few days in NOLA after. 

1) The cutest chapel. 2) Staten Island looking majectic. 3) The brightest jelly. 4) Nola looking magical. 

1) The cutest chapel. 2) Staten Island looking majectic. 3) The brightest jelly. 4) Nola looking magical. 

1) Jersey bee. 2) After the storm. 3) Bird on a wire. 4) Brooklyn bee. 

1) Jersey bee. 2) After the storm. 3) Bird on a wire. 4) Brooklyn bee. 

The end of the month it was back to the grind. 

September went fast and although it had it's relaxing moments, it was all about work and it was all about anticipation. There's a lot to get done in October, so let's get started.