Can you tell it's hot here? Ozzie and I are both feeling the heat. The house stays nice and cool, but neither one of us seem to have much energy after the move. Both of us have been requiring an afternoon nap lately.
When I am not unpacking a box or napping, I am drawn to a perfect spot in the living room for doing hand sewing or reading a book. In fact, it is one of my favorite spots to sit. As you see, I have my hand applique project out (finding it took some doing, I tell you), and have been working on it a bit.
The only problem is, Ozzie has decided that my favorite chair is also his. This is where he can be found nearly all the time. I tossed a quilt over it to try to protect the light colored upholstery, but he manages to shift it around with ease. He will permit me to sit on the chair with him, but who wants a hot furry dog on the back of their neck?
One of the first things I did upon moving up here was to join a local book club, hosted by the owner of the yarn shop in Murphy's "Maisie Blue". I hope to meet some nice folks in the reading group. And who knows? Maybe I will progress beyond knitting scarves by the good influence of the surroundings!
This is the July book club selection:
So far I am finding it educational, but very slow going. I read two pages and fall asleep (I mentioned my need for frequent naps--this book isn't helping!). The story is about the life of Pierre Auguste Renoir and how he painted his famous work "Luncheon of the Boating Party". The book is full of references to other famous artists of the day and the models many of them shared. I am forever running to my computer to Google an artist or a painting. If anything, I am going to learn something by the time I get to the end of it! Have any of you read this book? Did you enjoy it?
I'm sure you've more than earned your afternoon naps Nicole! Enjoy them! Oh, and I really think you have to tell Ozzie that you're the boss!!
Posted by: Helen in Switzerland | July 08, 2011 at 05:28 AM
I have read the book and agree - it was hard to stay awake. But somehow, I also enjoyed it! That kind of book is a different kind of reading. Stick with it!
Posted by: Peggy Nordentoft | July 08, 2011 at 05:33 AM
That dog is so cute....can't wait to see the quilting start! Stay cool!
Posted by: Lindy | July 08, 2011 at 06:02 AM
Hope you are lovng the new house. I took the book on vacation to Mexico and I couldn't get past the first chapter. I kept falling asleep in my lounge chair. Maybe I will give it a try again. Keep us posted,
Posted by: Meaghan | July 08, 2011 at 06:45 AM
This is an abnormally hot time for us. We usually have cool nights but this latest heat wave hasn't had our normal cool nights. I hope it dosen't last much longer for you or us as I am in Nor Cal also. We rest as well in the afternoons as we get up and out early ams before the heat. It takes a while to adjust.......nice to see Ozzie again. Your reading spot looks good. Haven't read the book as I am waiting for the next Gabaldon to come out. Love her. G
Posted by: Butterfly George | July 08, 2011 at 06:46 AM
Nicole,
Morning, As an art history major I usually real all books that seem to have an artsy vibe. I agree, this one is a yawner. It's not bad but it is a slow go all the way through. Happy Reading. Lizzie
Posted by: Elizabeth | July 08, 2011 at 06:53 AM
That too would be my favorite spot. Ozzie looks so happy. What breed is Ozzie?
Posted by: marilhyn | July 08, 2011 at 07:10 AM
I agree with Liz...but then, I liked it for other reasons...I didn't need any tylenol pm for a good week! Heehee
Posted by: Pam | July 08, 2011 at 07:11 AM
My book club read the book, but I only made it through part of it. Very slow going but good for putting you to sleep!
Posted by: Judi | July 08, 2011 at 08:04 AM
Funny - I really enjoyed the book. But I was probably in the mood for just that kind of book at the time.
Posted by: Diane Linford | July 08, 2011 at 08:48 AM
Looks like a perfectly delightful reading corner. Ozzie looks like he agrees! Have not read the book but it looks at least informative, if not a little slow. *sillysally* aka choc chip addict
Posted by: sillysally | July 08, 2011 at 08:57 AM
That's the down side to book clubs...the books can be really lousy or just not your taste. ;0
Posted by: ina | July 08, 2011 at 09:20 AM
Sounds like you're settling in! Love the quilt on that chair. Is it maybe from a book I might have? Hoping! I can see why Ozzie would favor that spot too.
Posted by: Kathleen | July 08, 2011 at 09:36 AM
Looks like at least Ozzie has settled right in! How's Sophie doing in her new home? I like your idea of taking a break between boxes - something I wish I'd done more often!
Cheers!
Posted by: Candace | July 08, 2011 at 10:58 AM
Where is Sophie? Is she at the house with you?
Posted by: Carmen | July 08, 2011 at 11:49 AM
I hope you are feeling at home in your new place! Love the quilt on the chair, it is on my list to do! I think I will need to live to be 129 years old to accomplish all that I want to do.
Gloria
[email protected]
Posted by: Gloria | July 08, 2011 at 12:03 PM
Too funny Ozzie picks that as his favorite spot too, he's no dummy :) I think you'll have to add another chair or switch to a loveseat. Keep us posted on the book, it seems like an interesting read. Stay cool!
Posted by: Anita | July 08, 2011 at 12:39 PM
Your doggie one cute little boy!
Posted by: Glenn | July 08, 2011 at 03:16 PM
Yup, Ozzie has picked the best seat in the house but is so gracious to be willing to share it with you. Summertime isn't the best season for a warm furry seat mate! Love the quilt!!
I've never read or even started to read your book club book. Hope next month's book isn't a snoozer. I'll bet the book club folks are wonderful!
Methinks we have a table just like yours! Ours used to belong to my parents and has a leather top and one drawer. How about that?!
Hugs!
Posted by: Barbara Anne | July 08, 2011 at 04:10 PM
I have a table very similar to your round one in the first pix! It was my grandmother's and was made in Grand Rapids, Mich. It just became "mine" at Christmas and I am so happy to finally have it!! Leather inlaid top and one drawer as Barbara Anne mentioned above. Ozzie looks like he's found a way to beat the heat!! Enjoy the week-end!
Posted by: Jan | July 08, 2011 at 05:27 PM
Awww... Ozzie has found his spot on the chair. Same chair, different window. Are you keeping him trimmed neatly? Poor guy... it's a lot hotter there than Monterey Bay.
Posted by: Ahren | July 09, 2011 at 03:30 AM
I love your new spot and the lighting looks like it would be perfect for stitching, reading and napping. Ozzie looks very comfortable! Sounds like you are taking steps to settle in, more than unpacking. I have often thought of joining a book club - there are many to choose from in my area, but have not thus far. Enjoy your weekend!
Posted by: Sherry | July 09, 2011 at 05:50 AM
I really applaud you for jumping in with two feet and getting out there and meeting people! Bravo!!! There is a darling little independent bookstore over in Sonora in the Junction Shopping center you will like. Right next to a quilt store!!! Happy exploring!!
Posted by: Jean | July 09, 2011 at 08:49 AM
There's my boy! He looks like he is settling in perfectly :o) Amie
Posted by: Amie | July 10, 2011 at 04:32 AM