Oh, Play That Thing

Books

Author: Roddy Doyle

I enjoyed this second book in the Last Roundup trilogy slightly more than the first one. Henry Smart has emigrated to the US, without any official documentation. He is determined to make a new start but, in order to survive, he finds himself on the wrong side of the wrong men once again.

Henry, in some twist of fate, begins travelling with Louis Armstrong before finding his wife and daughter; they soon add a son to their family. But riding the rails during the depression is dangerous business and the family are again separated.

At the end of the book Henry has given up on life but in the middle of the desert he meets the director, John Ford, and you see that Henry’s story will continue.

Goodreads Rating: * * *

Happy Birthday Vicki

Cards, Needlework

July 26, 2025

When I picked this card for Vicki it was in my mind that the Lily of the Valley might be the flower for Ontario. Vicki grew up in Ontario before moving north which is where I met her. Now that the card is ready to be sent I see that it is neither the flower for Ontario nor for the month of July.

Vicki will be back in Ontario on her birthday but this will be waiting for her when she comes home.

Happy Birthday Deloise

Cards

July 24, 2025

Designed by Rhona Norrie

This is the second (and last) of this teacup series. Again, the teabag is on a string so it can turn. This one was done on a slightly smaller canvas but the card is the same overall size as the first.

Triangle Frenzy – Swirl

Journal

I’ve had the patterns for several in the Triangle Frenzy series for years. It wasn’t until last year that I found fabric that would suit – so I purchased a couple of pieces. At some point I’ll used the second piece to make one of the other patterns.

This was surprisingly easy to complete – the only tricky part was the cutting but Gail helped me sort it out and everything matched up (almost) perfectly.

This will make its way to Hannah, who will soon be moving into her first apartment