Make a Garland of Indian Corn

This is the third year we have displayed these garlands of Indian Corn.  For most of the year, they hang from the rafters in the garage. We hang them in the center of the garage and somehow they have remained safe from mice. 

This was an easy project, but might be cost-prohibitive unless you grow your own corn. But, as I said, it will last for years if stored properly. And I really love the look of it on our house.

Bundle three ears of corn and bind tightly around the husks with florist's wire. Use the ends of the same wire to attach each bunch securely to heavy jute twine, leaving some space between bunches. Make loops on the end of each swag and hang from hooks or nails. We leave the nails there and use them to hang our Christmas greenery.

Below is my absolutely favorite perennial: Gaillardia aristata. As you see below, all stages of blooms are attractive: buds, full blooms, and spent blooms. It blooms for most of the summer. I have never deadheaded it, but an online search recommends it. It also recommends dividing every 2-3 years, but I've never done so. I do notice that it spreads up and down my flower bed, which I love (nothing better than free plants!).

Enjoy your week!

Kitchen Curtains

Found some curtains I liked at WalMart, of all places. 

(Sorry, I guess I can be a bit snobbish about my home decor.) 

To be fair, though, their Better Homes & Gardens collection of housewares has some nice things. 

I liked the fabrics, but. . . printed rickrack?? ick, I don't think so. 

So I went about cutting that section out and inserting some yellow piping.

My grandma bought me a package of piping for this project in the 60s, or thereabouts. I have a hodgepodge of trims from both of my grandmothers. I can't tell you how many times I have found just what I need in one of those boxes. 

Thanks Grandma!

Much better without that printed rickrack.

Fresh and pretty just in time for apple season!

Road Trip

Just back from a trip west. A large portion of Nebraska and South Dakota looks like this:

We combined a sightseeing expedition to the Black Hills with a family reunion in Valentine, Nebraska.

Absolutely gorgeous animals. Pretty sure we saw about 1,000 buffalo. And I did not need to zoom for this shot. They are very close to our vehicle.

Made a new friend at Wall Drug.

Food out of the cooler tastes great when you are taking a break from driving.

Visited a very nice quilt shop in Custer, South Dakota. It's fun to chat with the local folks. Bought a couple of cute panels there. They had a very nice selection.

Restaurant recommendation: Firehouse Brewing Co. in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Hope you all are enjoying your summer!