News from the Nest, July 11
“The best laid schemes of mice and men Go oft awry.”
Robert Burns
I had every intention of popping in last week for our weekly chat. We were in the mountains of North Carolina for eight days of family time with my mom and my brother and his family. But, while I knew we’d do some hiking and other things, I also knew I’d have time to share the news from the nest with you all.
Well, that was before I realized that the internet was…abysmal non-existent.
Instead, I was forced to sit on the back deck of our Airbnb with this view of the Blue Ridge Mountains…and read and knit and chat and laugh and eat freshly picked wild raspberries and blackberries.
Table of Contents
And, just when we thought life couldn’t get any better, we were treated to this view one evening just before sunset! I mean…really!?
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Needless to say, it was a wonderful, very relaxing week. My mom was in heaven with her family all around her. The family did love playing Ransom Notes, though it got pretty raunchy very quickly. I have to admit that my 85-year-old mom instigated some of it by some of the prompts she chose!
So, all this to say, I’m back! Fully rested and ready to hit the ground running.
I finished Cloud Cuckoo Land on vacation and truly enjoyed it! What an imaginative novel with so many messages. I’m not a science fiction reader and was almost deterred from reading it when the book flap referred to one of the settings as an interstellar ship in the future. But I am so glad I didn’t let that keep me from reading it. The book has several different settings, but the author did a fantastic job tying them together and aiding the reader in keeping them all straight.
What you already have is better than what you so desperately seek.
Anthony Doerr, Cloud Cucko Land
And I started and am thoroughly relishing The Elegance of the Hedgehog! Some may be put off by the philosophical ramblings which can seem pretentious at times, but to me, it’s all a part of character development. I am about halfway through it and find it at times quirky, heartwarming, funny, and a bit sad.
The week before we left, I did manage to get one new post published.
new on the blog
For several years I’ve been experimenting with homemade, less harmful weed killers. I’ve tweaked recipes that I found on the internet and have learned what to expect and how to use these DIY weed killers to manage weeds in my yard. Pop on over for the recipes and all my DIY Weed Killer Wisdom!
it’s not too late
You still have time to get some tomatoes planted! Check out these suggestions for patio tomatoes.
thanks for these great comments!
I returned home to an inbox with several wonderful comments that need to be shared!
On this Strawberry Tart Recipe:
I just made this! It’s absolutely gorgeous! I used 2 containers of strawberries, which was good because then I could choose ones of similar size for the slices on top. I’m not usually a baker and am so thrilled with the result!
Heather
Heather shared a picture of her tart. Gorgeous is right!
On my Dad’s Very Best Margaritas:
I made your dad’s margaritas and I have to say you are right! This was the best recipe I have found so far. Now I’m trying to figure out the ratio for a pitcher to have with tacos. Thanks so much for this recipe.
Maria
I made this last year for Christmas gifts and I have had nothing but good comments. Just today I had a request from two of my coworkers to make them some more. My son also loved it and has greatly improved his stubborn callus on his thumb. My sister in law loves the lavender scent and looks forward to using it every night before going to bed.
Debbie
On one of the recommended podcasts in this post:
Oh wow, been listening to the Root of Evil podcast…it’s really disturbing in a lot of ways. I look forward to listening to some of the others listed, thanks!
Jan
printables library
As subscribers to Nourish and Nestle, you have access to a variety of printables that may come in handy:
- Without exaggeration, I refer to this Measuring Equivalents chart multiple times a week.
- For my knitting and crocheting friends, attach these tags to your projects when you gift them.
- These travel checklists are invaluable when preparing for travel.
- The checklists that are a part of the decluttering series prompt you to look for items that are easily discarded and that you most likely will never miss.
- Know someone moving into their first apartment? This checklist will come in handy.
- If you need knitting resources and to organize your knitting, there are a bunch of printables to help with that.
coming soon
My to-do list is HUGE! I’ve got a great and easy appetizer to share with you this week. I took it to Boone this past week and my family devoured it! At the request of several of you, I’m working on crochet and knit pot holders. I’m also working on another baby blanket because…well babies! And I’ll be sharing one of my favorite ways to preserve my tomato bounty.
Well, my friends. I’ll see you next week! In the meantime, enjoy your week! We have our daughter home for another week, so you know I’m in heaven!
Hugs,
Wow Lynn! What a beautiful view. Nothing is better for the soul then a chance to rest and relax surrounded by nature!
Hi Maureen,
We really did have a wonderful, relaxed and very unplugged time.
My niece lived in Asheville and I woke to that wonderful view each morning. Curtains open I woke to that view when I opened my eyes. Unfortunately she is moving to be closer to her grandchild and I won’t see that view. Enjoy your letter and amazing info💕
Hi Barbs,
It really is lovely up there, isn’t it? You and your niece will just need to take a vacation up there soon. Thanks for your kind note and I’m so glad you find my musings useful and enjoyable!
Have a great day!
Hugs, Lynn
Hi Lynn, oh I feel so bad for you having to sit and view those fabulous mountains, and a double rainbow too😏 Sounds like a grand time. Glad you were able to do it with family.
Love, Juanita
Hi Juanita,
I know…it’s a tough life! We really did have a lovely time and are already thinking about what to do next year.
Have a wonderful day, my friend.
Lynn
What a gorgeous view, so glad you had a wonderful time with your mom and rest of family. I’ve been fighting poison ivy for a while now, tried 30% vinegar with the salt and dish detergent. It did die back but came back again. I’m going to have to try the higher percentage vinegar, thanks for the link! Jan
That Happiness to be able to contemplate this landscape.Thank you for all your tips Lynn. I knitted one of your Chinese wavecloths. I love it! Friendships.
Hi Michèle,
Thanks for your kind note today! It was a gorgeous landscape and we truly had a lovely time. I am so glad you enjoyed knitting that Chinese Wave Washcloth, it produces such a lovely pattern.
Hugs, Lynn
I surprised my daughter and son in law with Ransom Notes game after reading your review. They are board game fanatics and especially anything to do with “words” ( unbeatable at Scrabble).
They reported back that they enjoyed Ransom Notes! I can’t wait to try with them.
Hi Rhonda,
I am so glad they enjoyed it! I think my niece and nephew are getting it as well, and our daughter wants it for her birthday! It is also fun. Thanks for sharing!
Hugs, Lynn