June ’25 Update

Welcome back to another month of crafts, carillon, and adventures, where I checked another National Park off the bucket list this month! Let’s dive right in, shall we?

Craft Updates

I’ve steadily been working on two embroidery projects this month. I definitely would have finished the Grand Canyon if I wasn’t also working on the large stitch-a-long (in a 7.5″ hoop.) Only a few sections get released every week, so I can’t work ahead on it. I’ve been doing really good at being caught up with the releases as they come out, though. Let’s see if I can keep that momentum up all summer long! I also got a nice little embroidery floss bobbin holder for the Grand Canyon project since there’s 24 colors. Adding my name to it was a nice added touch that cost nothing extra!

Carillon

Had one final carillon lesson for the summer, but I’ve been continuing to practice. I’ve also been working on teaching myself a song that I picked out. It’s Sibeling by Depeche Mode, one of their instrumental B-side tracks. The alternation of hands gets a bit tricky in places, and I simplified the bass clef notes so that I could manage it on the pedals, but I think it’s coming along pretty nicely. Take a listen!

Indiana Dunes National Park

This month, I headed out to Indiana Dunes National Park for the long Juneteenth weekend with Kim and Brienne. It’s small, so it was easy to do in one day. The dunes were more covered in plant life than I anticipated, but there was still plenty of sand to be seen, especially at the beach and on “Mount Baldy.”

The weirdest part about the park was how close it was to industry. As you can see below, it was a strange juxtaposition of National Park lands butting right up against steel mills (see below). Also, up at Mount Baldy (the first two photos above) I could see the cooling tower of a power plant just up the shoreline. I can’t recall seeing so much industry near any other National Park I’ve visited.

Northern Indiana Hard Rock

While we were out in Indiana, it occurred to me that there had to be a Hard Rock Cafe somewhere along our route. Interestingly, the one I’ve been to before near Cleveland is gone, and so is the one in Chicago. However, there was a Hard Rock casino just down the road in Gary, Indiana, so I went and got my pin!

Lisa Gets Hitched!

Rounded out the month by attending my friend Lisa’s wedding with Kim. It was an unplugged ceremony and I actually did very well at forgetting all about my phone during the reception, focusing on being present with my friends, which means I took very few pictures. However, here’s a lovely one of Kim and I that my friend Andi snapped for us. I’m looking forward to seeing the professional photos of the day because Lisa and Jeni were both absolutely stunning, and the decor was so very Lisa.

Until We Meet Again!

Other than everything I’ve already mentioned, I’ve been enjoying the sunny days – picking wild black raspberries, walking the dog, watching my day lilies bloom around my deck, visiting the pool, and occasionally hanging out in my hammock. Looking forward to doing more of the same in July, especially the last week of the month when I’m taking a staycation. Until next month, take care everyone!