Today I’m celebrating my completed Arrowhead Lake blocks for round three of my Choose Your Own Adventure Quilt at Camp Oda May. These twenty blocks are my favorites! So even though the construction was slow, the time was well spent. Happily, I can enjoy this view on my design wall as I make the narrow borders and corner posts to complete the round.

Hopefully I’ll have time to finish round three this weekend. Then I’ll dance around the virtual campfire to celebrate before moving on to round four. Even though Camp Oda May wrapped up a while ago, I’m holding on to summer. In fact, Minnesota weather is also summer-like this week, so it feels natural to enjoy all the goodness summer offers in the Bold North.

Arrowhead Lake Bracelet

To commemorate my summer at Camp Oda May, I asked my husband to buy this fun keepsake bracelet for my birthday gift. Isn’t it cool?!

My neighbor Janet is the talented artisan who creates custom jewelry. If you also want a “camp bracelet,” she can stamp any state on the circle charm, add a different colored bead, or even change up the metal finish. Take a look at her beautiful pieces on Instagram under the name @sistaswithbadhabits. There’s also a link to her website and Etsy shop. Plus, you can send her a direct message on Instagram to create your custom piece together. That’s what I do, and then we rendezvous somewhere in the neighborhood for the secret handshake and exchange of money and merchandise. Okay, there is no secret handshake, but it seems like there should be one since we’re talking Camp here.

Did Someone Say Breakfast?

Since warm weather returned to Minnesota, my crockpot is back in the cupboard. However, our mornings are still cool, so my guys and I are enjoying baked oatmeal for breakfast each morning. And my time in the kitchen feels a little more fun while I’m wearing my cute new apron. I adapted a recipe from my friend Wendy and thought I’d share it with you!

This week I’ve been mixing in raisins, but I also add frozen blueberries as a popular alternative for my family. Instead of stirring them in, I sprinkle them on top just before popping the pan in the oven. Otherwise, the oatmeal turns an unappealing bluish-gray color. Sometimes we pour some cold milk on top of the hot cereal, but it’s yummy as is. The milk and eggs provide a bit of protein to start out our day, and any leftovers store well in the refrigerator for the following morning (or a late-evening snack).

Holding on to summer until September 22…

Joyfully,

Tracie