4th of July

The parades are over for now, and the fireworks don't start for several hours. We are lazy today. The weather is lovely, not too hot, nor humid. Today a barbeque is going on at mom's house. Of course we are missing it. I'm not going to dwell on that.

Stinky had a friend over on Monday. This boy was in his class and will be going to the other middle school in August. Shame, he's a nice enough boy. The mother and I had a lovely chat while they played. We learned a bit about each other. I find it interesting that we have run across so many children here that are from fragmented families. Parents divorced, remarried, or deceased. So far the majority of these children have issues. I'm not saying all kids who come from blended families are troubled, but so far the majority we have met or heard about seem to cause trouble for Stinky. This kid has troubles, but his parents are still together. They also seem very devoted to their child. I'm not the only one that feels this way. Goof's question to me when the mother and child left was about the family situation. The main thing for me was that Stinky's teacher did not like her son either. We felt it was because Stinky was a transfer from Ca. This boy has progressed through the same school and had difficulties also. It was a bad year for him too. I was just feeling that it was just us, but glad to know this teacher just didn't like boys in her old age. As Goof says, "She just wants to have a tea party with all her favorite little girls, and the others are ruining her party" She should not have been teaching the older grades. She's on empty and if she can afford it, retire immediately.

I am trying to sew a top for myself. I need to get the enthusiasm and sew the darned top now. I've measured, cut and pinned the material. Now the hard part sewing it up. Sewing terms are confusing to me. Also I think I may have gotten too difficult a pattern or material. Stretch knits curl up at the ends. I'm totally confused about the hemming and finishing of said top. Goof, wanted to know if I was making an apron when he saw the print. He felt it was rather fussy and not my style. Well he hasn't seen the finished design yet. Also, this is my starter project so the material was rather inexpensive. If it works out, then the next fabric will be easier and look more to my style. Wish me luck.