Oh, it’s been months since we’ve had a good thunderstorm!  When I woke this morning the sky was gray and I could see the approaching dark grey clouds moving in from the west.  I checked the radar on Intellicast and saw the band of rain approaching.  Yay!  We need rain so badly!  When you haven’t had rain for sooo long it is a novelty, so I grabbed my camera and went outside.  My favorite time is right before the storm starts.

Look at how dry our yard is!  We really need a good soaking.

It looks cozy and warm in our kitchen . . . and in my studio.  Do you see Gina all dressed up in “Calico Cutie”?  My dolls usually get a day or so to wear the things that I make.  Then they are naked again, and waiting for the next one.

As I’m writing this post I’m listening to the cozy sounds of rumbling in the sky and watching raindrops hitting the pool.  (My studio overlooks the pool and deck.)

Here are some other things that are going on around here.  My husband is in the process of power washing the deck.  On the recommendation of our tree trimmer we got a heavy duty power washer to clean our VERY dirty deck.  Look at the difference!

Our pool is extremely old, so we don’t want to put a lot of work into the deck, but the power washing helped make the deck feel like new, well almost.  My husband got quite a lot cleaned yesterday.  I love it!  My view from my studio is greatly improved.

Yesterday morning I spotted this chipmunk right outside my studio window.  In the 8 years we have lived here this is the first chipmunk that I have ever seen on our property.  I assumed that they stayed away because of all of feral cats roaming around.  Isn’t he/she cute!

Sorry, for the poor photo quality.  I took these through the window and  cropped them.  The chipmunk was pretty close to the house though; I had the wrong lens on my camera.  Can you tell I love the little critters?!

On Friday I was working on a crocheted beret for the Little Darlings.  It looks cute on Alice, but I think it is a little small.  I will use it for either Millie or Ann Estelle/Patsy.  Another day I will crochet another one for the Little Darlings, but make it a little larger.

I ended up knitting Alice a beret in the same yarn that I used for the sweater; I like it much better.  I hope to have that outfit to show you soon.

The sky is already brightening, and I see a bit of blue out west.  Hope you have (having) a beautiful Sunday!

Bye for now!