Gratitude

It is so easy to not take time to be grateful for all the blessings bestowed upon us with each and every moment of the day.  It is so enriching to the soul to pause a moment and give thanks. Thanks for the beauty that surrounds us.  Thanks for the opportunities that come our way.  Thanks to God, our creator who loves us.  In a moment of thankfulness, I went for a bike ride on a beautiful day here in Alameda.  This is only a bit of what I paused to see and capture on my camera. 

First - way over there across the water on the left is where I live.  This is not where I was bike riding.  This is a view from Crown Beach looking over to Harbor Bay Isle where I live.

This is the lagoon that weaves in and out of the homes in Harbor Bay Isle.  I was on the bike path riding along and enjoying the views.

Ducks and geese love hanging out in the lagoons of Harbor Bay Isle.

Gathering together for a little afternoon swim. 

Life is good today in Alameda, California.

Friendship In Blocks

I'm currently working on friendship blocks that will be made into gifts for some friends.  I may think twice before I decide to make 1 1/2" half square triangles again.  Even using Thangles, it was tedious. 

Lots of stitch, cut, press procedures

Then there is the putting together of 9 small blocks to make 1 

Quite cute when done

A blue border makes a nice addition

There is still more to go.  These will eventually become mug rugs.  I'm hoping to make 20 of them.  It's a bit more of a task than I thought it would be.  At least I've started early since I won't be giving them out until August.

Independence Day In A Small Town

One of the great things about small town living is the hometown parade on the Fourth of July.  Alameda claims to have the second largest parade in America on the Fourth.  It's always quirky and fun.  Basically anyone who can get a group together can pretty much enter the parade. And there is also the high school bands, the military groups, the scouts, etc.  We stake out our place early and bring our chairs along with snacks.  The darling grand-daughters always get a Popsicle at the end.  A great time was had by all. 

 Hooray for the Red, White and Blue

 Proud to be an American. (and I am proud to be his mom)

                                                  

76 Trombones led the big parade......well not quite 76

Larda, a student from Spain, who is staying with Jon and Lissa's family for a month.  Cool glasses girls!

 Seven years old going on teenage. 

Oh My!  Did that horse just...?

 Sharing a Popsicle between sisters.

I told you.  Anyone with a group can enter the parade.  They were towing a boat.