We were going to work outside this morning before it got too hot but that was quickly changed after just walking outside.  Obviously there are fires in the area which makes the air very smokey.  That combined with the high humidity and temperatures already high makes for an indoor day.

I did water all the plants yesterday so they will be okay, especially the lavender which needs to be planted.  Unfortunately, last night the deer ate the tops off of all my peppers!  I had already harvested two green peppers but not sure if the plants will have time to recover.  

On a positive note, there are now tomatoes on the plants in the raised beds.  So far mostly small ones but they are very sweet.

I worked on the miniature again yesterday.  This time it was on books and stacks of fabric.  For the books, I used cardboard and magazine pages plus stick glue and a scissors...

To make the books, I cut small pieces of cardboard making sure they will fit on the shelves...

Then I covered them using the stick glue with paper from magazine pages.  I did glue books together in sections...

For the fabric, I simply cut the size I wanted and then folded about three times and glued to keep the shape.  I also glued the fabric pieces together...

You can easily make a jelly roll easily by rolling narrow strips of cloth into a circle...

 

I want to make some fabric charm packs also. Then I will need to pull out the air dry paper clay to make some other things to put on the shelf plus a cup of coffee and maybe some snacks.  And I need to make up a tiny quilt top so it can be displayed on the table.  Lots more to do but the big pieces are in place.  

So, my plans for today have definitely changed.  No outside work, but a day for crafts and maybe some work for the quilt guild.  A day free to enjoy doing what I want.  It's not that working outside was not something I do not enjoy, but a day for crafting...what's not to like.

On a personal note, I was asked by a younger person how it felt to be 80 going on to 81?  I answered quickly, 'just fine' and 'better than the alternative'.  But I've been thinking about that question and wondering exactly how I feel about being almost 81. And you know what, I feel just fine about it.  

Are there fewer years ahead than behind?  Of course there are.  Have you lost a step or two?  Yes, especially in strength (and I have to say that I am frustrated by that even though I understand it!).  Mentally, I'm just fine...my brain's files are much larger than they were at 50 so it takes a bit longer sometimes to come up with a name or a word but that's about all.  Aches and pains?  A definite yes, but not something I can't handle.  I remember my grandma taking time to get out of the rocking chair.  I always thought it was because it was hard to stand...nope...she was getting ready to accept the pain in her knees as a result of standing.  I can identify...I do the same thing.  Are there any regrets?  If you have no regrets in your life, then you really haven't been living it.  But, I don't linger on those...I bask in the memories of the wonderful times I have experienced.

But most important, I enjoy life.  I look forward to exploring and experiencing different things, places, ideas and activities.  I love my zoom activities as well as in-person ones.  I like writing this blog.  I like creating newsletters for organizations.  Staying active and involved in life however I want is important not only for me but really for everyone.  

I really hope that folks, no matter their age, will be able to create a life they enjoy.  If things haven't been that great so far,  maybe today is the day that you let yourself change and find those joys in life for yourself.

That's all for now...

Talk with you tomorrow...