It's Been a Busy Few Weeks

Things that have been keeping me busy:

Working in the sewing rooms is a given.  I have been making a Christening gown for our newest nephew, Benjamin, who was born on June 29 after his mother suffered through 60 hours of labor.  Yep. 60 hours.  I didn't think the medicos let a woman do that anymore, but, hey, these did.  They finally relented and performed a C-Section; mother and baby are both doing well, and Crazy Mom is already discussing "when Ben has a sibling". 
   Back to the gown. I started with the petticoat, and decided to make teeny pintucks on the yoke. I pulled threads.  I folded carefully, pressed, and stitched slowly, and yet-They are not quite even, and I'm not happy with the finished look, so I ordered a bit more fabric and have started that part over.  In the meantime I've moved on to smocking the front and back bodices.

In mid-July, Hubby and I went to Minehead, England, to spend a week at a Butlin's Holiday camp.  I'm not quite sure how to explain this to Americans.  (The linked website has photos and descriptions, if you're interested. ) There are standard town fair rides like go-carts, bumper cars, swings and merry-go-rounds,  a "minebot" course (similar to Segways, but not that brand), various shops and places to eat, and many types of accommodation which  more or less surround the fun and games.  You can come for a day, or stay for a week or more.  You can opt to find your own dining choices, or pay for a full dining plan which includes a breakfast buffet and a dinner buffet, both of which are quite good with lots of choices.  We had a really good time with Hubby's younger brother and his family, watching the kids cavort on the various rides.  I have a good friend who lives in Exeter who came up and spent a couple of days with us as well.
   She went home on Saturday, and the rest of us stayed until Monday morning. The family returned to Yorkshire via Gloucestershire so they could hug on that new baby a little more, and H and I drove down to Exeter for a couple more days with my friend and her SO.  I got to have my Cream Tea and explore a bit of the city, and we lolled around and chatted. 

  This month, we are spending a weekend in Denver, CO, for the Hubby's workplace company picnic.  It's supposed to be 94 degrees, but allegedly there is shade to be found in the park. 

  When we get back from Denver it will be time for me to gear up for the SAGA convention in Texas.