Around OakMeadows

I am making steady progress in putting the quilt top together.  If all goes well, I should have the top finished by the end of the week.  I still do not have the backing for it though.  Must get busy and order the backing.  I feel terribly guilty about ordering online and not using my local quilt shop but oh my, how convenient it is!

My housecleaners came yesterday.  Adrian and his crew have cleaned for me once a month for about 13 years now.  He is from El Salvador. He is married and has a son and a daughter. His mother recently came from El Salvador and she has come with Adrian and his crew a couple of times. She is round and has sparkly eyes and although she speaks no English, we manage to communicate quite well. I think of Adrian and his family and crew as part of my own family.  

Reading:

     The Kingdom by the Sea by Paul Theroux.  This was written in the mid-1980's so it is rather dated. But it is still a pleasant read about his walking/bus/train journey around the coast of the UK. I've found his time in Northern Ireland and Scotland the most interesting and enjoyable parts. 

      SPQR by Mary Beard.  History of Rome. This is our current read aloud book. I'm going to reserve judgement until I get further into it. So far it is easily read. 

     Madison: A Biography by Ralph Ketcham. This is excellent, just excellent.  It is also long, very long.  I am so enjoying reading about the vehement discussions over the Constitution, the very same vehement discussions that are still going on today.  One of the things I am enjoying most is that the personalities of the men are clearly portrayed, warts and all. 

JMM has finally agreed to get a lawn service to help with the yard!  I want someone to do the mowing and edging around the house and keep the flower beds weeded and mulched.  I have someone coming over at noon today to give me an estimate.  I found them on Angie's List so we shall see. Angie's List has really served us well in the past. 

Spring seems to be arriving quite early this year.  The mockingbirds are starting their non-stop singing to stake out their territory.  The goldfinches are still with us but I think there are not as many. Surely, we will have more cold weather but you never know. 

Political note: I wonder who President Obama will nominate to replace Justice Scalia?  It seems an awfully long time to wait until next year to start the nomination and confirmation proceedings as the Republican leadership wants.  We shall see!