Christmas in July Mystery Quiltalong & Dow Gardens

 Since I won't have sewing time next week, I'm glad that I was able to get all of step 1 done for the Christmas in July Mystery Quiltalong hosted by Joy...

...both sets. Hooray!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I also got to meet a friend and her mom at Dow Gardens in Midland, MI. Since I already have far too many pictures of this beautiful place, I tried to limit myself this time, but I really enjoyed the statuary. It was almost all of children playing outside and I love that. The sculptures were so realistic and joyful and energetic.

Of course, the flowers were gorgeous, too, and we spent a lot of time admiring them, like this bee is.

The children's playground and the "canopy" walk in the treetops are also a lot of fun. If you're anywhere near there I highly recommend a visit.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Today is mostly spent preparing to spend a week at a nearby lakeside cabin (with no internet and very spotty signal; yay!) with family and friends. It's handy that it's so close so that I don't have to get a cat sitter and I'm not too worried if I forget to take something. 

I hope your weekend and upcoming week are full of sunshine (unless you need rain), good company (with some peaceful solitude thrown in), and the love of the Lord (accessible to all).