July . . .

July is almost over and it seems like it just began.

I know it was a busy month,

but I don't have the pictures to document where exactly the time was spent.

Family get togethers are a must for this month of celebration, with a marathon competition of Baggo.

When you come from a very sports minded family, things may get a little competitive and serious. That tongue position is vital for any competitive sport.

Here's the complete body block with a little added elbow jab. I've heard rumor that those elbow jabs followed him into his adulthood sports. 

Keeping a serious eye on the competitors bag.

The mom's even decided to give it a try.

But notice how they're much more relaxed than the men.

Even the younger kids got a chance to compete.

Being a spectator was relaxing in the shade.

We're always grateful when Chase comes to participate with us.

What better way to end the month of July than at the "Tough Enough To Wear Pink" rodeo

with a husband that has no problem posing for the iPhone picture that his wife immediately uploads to Facebook.

 

Macro Monday

It's another Macro Monday feature here on the Hoaglin Blog.

I'm not a bee expert, so I don't know the different types I found in my yard, but I know there's a bee expert up north that can help me out (hint, hint). I'm curious why this bee looks like he has mini carrots for legs.

I don't like these and now I know why, look at how mean looking they are. Bob said it looks like he's crouched down ready to lunge and sting me.

Walking around our yard one night at dusk I noticed a praying mantis. First thing that entered my mind was I wished it was light enough to try a macro shot. So the next day I went looking in the same spot and couldn't find him. I put my hand down in the ground cover

and look at what jumped on my hand ready to be photographed.

I honestly think he wanted to pose for me.

 Here's something a little less insecty to look at.

Followed with one of my plain ole flower shots.

 

Phoenix Quilts

I've been following a fellow Lazy Daisy Consultant's (Julie Anderson)  blog and decided it was time to share. She had to evacuate her home due to the Wood Hollow fire in Utah in late June. Her home was spared but many people in her community lost their homes and she decided to do what she knew how to do and donate quilts to those that had lost their homes. Her initial effort was called "Operation Wood Hollow." As the project grew and news of all the devastation from fires around the Western United States poured  in she decided to expand her efforts and begin a non profit organization called "Phoenix Quilts." This is a huge undertaking and I admire her efforts to help so many people. So far 750 homes have been destroyed due to wildfires and her goal is to donate 1 quilt to every home lost. To date she has collected 143 quilts, but to reach her goal she needs help from everyone in the quilting community. If you would like to find out more information please visit her blog or the Phoenix Quilts blog.

Thanks!