Dilly Days

My days are filled with the irresistible things of summertime and it seems computer time has proven to be a back burner item. Life is flapping briskly around me just as freshly washed laundry on the clothesline, and I adore the sights, smells, sounds, tastes and celebrations that surround me.

But I certainly have not forgotten any of you and your lovely places to visit. I am looking forward to spending a little time catching up these next few days.

We have been on a party mode lately. Celebrations abound.....a graduation celebration with jumps and splashes in the pool and hungry bellies being filled with grilled hamburgers and hotdogs, a birthday celebration catered by twilight poolsides accompanied by a guitarist singing the songs of the 70's and 80's, and an anniversary celebration with a last minute switch from the outside stone patio to the house, the kind where everyone must grab something and come inside due to approaching thunderstorms and threatening downpours. This was cooperation putting its best foot forward. I carried the lighted floating candles dancing in a crystal bowl, it warmed my hands and face and made for such romance. A friend's twenty-fifth hosted by their five beautiful daughters.

Several years back I spent a day in June creating lavender wands. I thought I would share with you how to make them. Not exactly tutorial material, but nonetheless, here it is in a nutshell.

First, gather long stems of lavender in even numbers starting with at least 20 stems. Next tie a ribbon or band around the bottom of the flowers.

Then begin gently bending the stems back over the lavender flowers.

Now for the weaving, using a 1/4 to 1/2 inch ribbon, weave over two stems, under two stems to approximately an inch beyond the flowers.


Here you may tie a bow or leave a pretty knot with the dangling ribbon. These wands will last for years, only needing touchups of essential lavender oil from time to time. Now summertime can reside in your linen closet amongst your clean sheets all winter long!