Catching Up for June and July

 As the days on my calendar zoom past, I still like to write a little report of what I've been up to--if for nothing else than to help me remember. After the four-month exhibit of Linda's and my quilting art at OLLI was over, taking a break from big projects seemed in order, and I have settled into a very relaxed routine. I even read Jane Eyre along with several much shorter books.

I had my yard guy plant caladiums about May 1 and these have performed just as I had hoped. I ordered from Caladium World in Florida, 50 green/white Aaron and 50 green/red Royal Flush. The green/white ones are taller than the reds. They came up about mid-May and have been beautiful through this writing (end of July). 

I enjoyed hosting the international college students in my home for one of their monthly socials. Rahrah tried out all the laps, while Elizabeth took a nap. While some played table games, three of them finished a large puzzle of Massachusetts logos that had been on my card table a couple of months.

I met a friend's new Cavalier King Charles Spaniel at her house. Then I visited a precious little house panther at Southern Pines Animal Shelter who needs a foster home and then a permanent one. He has a mid-length tail with a little crook at the end of it. So tempting, but my 11-1/2 year old girls would have none of it. They still hiss at Lacey, the outdoor cat. 

Sir Lancelot

I'm a soft touch for black cats

Dr Ed Hafer, USM associate professor of music, taught an interesting Italian cooking class at OLLI, featuring an asparagus Ravioli with an egg inside. It was fun watching him prepare and roll out the pasta and fill the pieces, but I'll have to depend on a restaurant for this meal again.

Dr Ed Hafer rolling out pasta dough

Ready for cooking in the pasta water

Dr Hafer with Burrata fresh mozzarella cheese 
on tomato slices

There were lots of afternoons reading on the front porch. 

View from my front porch