Friday Finish!

 I finally finished my stitchery. It is a pattern by Bareroots and a fun one to do. I did it on a tea towel, like the pattern, but I think this would make a fun pillow. I used an iron on cloth to cover the back stitches, but it shows through, so not sure if I like that. 

I also did another painting, my first flower. I find it hard to follow the instructions, some make no sense, so I tend to do my own thing. I really don't like copying someone else's style, but I like learning a few new things and practicing techniques.

Last week we hiked at a park, that also has a bird sanctuary area. Some paths are paved, part of the old World War II airport training camp.

Other areas are grassy and others are wooded pathways, so a nice variety of scenery.

We also spotted a few returning birds, but only caught the Eastern Towhee. On the ride home we spotted a  Merlin and a few other things along the way.

Another day we went to the island and let Bean have some fun time at the beach.

Today we went to another sanctuary. There were so many birds and critters, we barely took a few steps before seeing something. Most were shy and ran away when they saw us, but I caught a few along the paths.

A Yellow-rumped Warbler.

A Yellow Warbler.

A Tree Swallow.

And a few more things we spotted at the ponds and path. We have rain coming, but it may hold off tomorrow, so hoping to get out again. It is nice to see signs of Spring at the parks and at home. My flowers and trees are blooming, so it is a great mood pick me up, after a dreary winter. I hope you all can get out and enjoy spending time outside.

Friday Finish!

 

This week I realized that my hoop idea wasn't going to work. The large hoop would go tight, so I had to come up with another idea. I looked online for ideas and found this one by The Old Tattered Flag. I have a larger frame, so I used the idea and on the part that I had punched, I laid a piece of batting on the frame, to keep the teeth from digging in. I was able to stretch the rest of the fabric on the teeth to hold it tight for punching. It will take me longer, but it works much better now and I will have more even loops.

Since I like to have something simple to work on at night, I made up a couple of stitcheries. These are from a larger design, by Kathy Schmitz,  that I have done and the smaller designs in it, work perfect for lavender sachets. The fabric is something I aged years ago.

This week has been hot and muggy, so not as much time outdoors. Last weekend we went for a ride around the beach areas and even though it was misting, went for a walk along the park path. The paths are dry and the views are always beautiful.

In the last photo you can see the marsh area. In the distance, an Osprey was eating his meal.  We like this area since we can go to several places along the route, to enjoy the views and the birds in the marsh. Lots of egrets this year and always fun to watch.

We tried a day at the beach on the island. The water is freezing, so I had no desire to go swimming. I walked up and down and enjoyed the cooler air. As you can see, we were the only ones left on the beach.

I hope you all had a good week and enjoy your weekend. We have rain tomorrow, so no outdoor fun till Sunday.

Friday Finish!

 

This week I wanted to work on a new project. This is a design by Cheri Saffiote and perfect to add to my Summer decor. The original design is four blocks with the same design, so I made mine into a smaller wall hanging and added the saying. I realized after I took the photo, I forgot to add the stars. I have mini star buttons that I will add on.

Last weekend was Alex's first communion. He looked so cute, all dressed up.

And a family photo at the altar.

One afternoon we walked at the local preserve. It is a nice walk through the woods and down to the bay.

On Sunday we went to a local park that had a grand opening with giant trolls, made from found materials. 

And a second one, hidden in the wooded area.

Today Bill came home early, so we headed to the bird sanctuary. It is nice to walk along the paths without the weekend crowds. We got to see the Ospreys, hidden in the back area.

A first sighting for me, a Common Yellowthroat.

Lots of Catbirds in all of the areas, so there are always a few who will come out and pose for me.

A few more of the birds and critters that I could get a shot of. Most were busy flying back and forth and always in tree areas, so I couldn't focus in on them. I hope you have a good weekend and can get out and enjoy nature in your area. With the warmer weather, a lot of birds are coming in and you never know what you will find, if you look up.

Weekly Wanderings!

 

As usual the week went by and I still have a million things that didn't get done. Most of the week was spent, repacking the RV and getting things done around the house. We did get to spend time outside, which is always my favorite thing to do.

A day with the boys is always the best. We took them to a park that has a bike path, so Nick and I got to enjoy riding together, he loved it.

There is also a playground, so Alex got to have fun with Grandpa and Nick joined in after our ride. Anpd then we stopped at the ocean for some fun in the sand.

My favorite thing was playing with Alex in the waves, every time a wave washed over him, he would jump up and down and laughing. It is such a joy to see him having so much fun.

And we spend time at the ocean, beach combing. While there I enjoyed watching the Common Terns, while they dove for fish. They are amazing aerial acrobats.

And a lot of life in the inner marsh.

I also did a bit of shopping. I found the perfect lantern to hold glass and with a set of tea lights, I now have a night light for my bathroom.

If you are looking to do a little decorating inside or out, the craft stores have some really great sales, right now. I was able to get two new bird houses, for only 10.00, a piece.

I also love backyard birding. I have not seen any Cedar Waxwings this year, but I finally found them. They are hiding in the back area with other friends, enjoying the Mulberry trees.

And we seem to have a lot of Robins this year, my yard is covered in them, especially after a rain. You can see the different colorings on these Robins, the young ones haven't gotten all their color yet.

And a new visitor this week, my first sighting of an Orchard Oriole. I hope he comes back to visit again and I can get a better shot. I hope everyone had a wonderful week. I may do an extra posting next week since we will be on vacation and of course I will be taking lots of photos.

Weekend Wanderings!

We had a beautiful weekend for getting out, so we took advantage of the weather and the lower tide. We spent a few hours at the beach on Saturday and of course I was happy I found more glass this time. There were other collectors who had gotten there earlier, but they tend to look for glass that is at the shore, I went for the rock piles and found a lot, hidden under the pebble beds.

And while we were there, we spotted about 100 sailboats coming toward us. I found out that it is an annual charity event, that was started after 911. They do it every year and the money goes to local charities, one is for sailing lessons, for wounded warriors and a kid's sailing program.

On Sunday, I was still feeling sick, but the boys wanted to go out, how could I say no. The plan was to take them to the park for a short walk and some time at the playground. But, Bill went by the exit and we ended up at the beach. I am glad he messed up, the weather was so warm, I wished I had put on my suit. But, we still got wet with the crashing waves. Nick enjoyed playing in the sand an all Alex wanted to do was stand in the water and have the waves hit him, I loved seeing him playing and laughing so much.

We finished the day with a trip back to the playground and then we took them to the farm for some ice cream. They have a play area for the kids with a giant sand pile for them to play on. They also had great displays outside and in a barn, for picture taking. Of course no one could sit still long enough for a nice porttrait photo.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. I seem to have over done it, so I crashed today. Some housework got done and lots of sewing on my quilt.

Weekend Wanderings!

We actually had weather that was nice enough to go outside. It was so nice to get out and enjoy the fresh air without freezing to death. It was still a little chilly, but with gloves and a hat, it was the perfect day to enjoy a few hours on the beach.

Of course Bean loved getting out too, enjoying his favorite activity, rock pushing. And, the freezing water temperatures didn't seem to bother him, he kept running in the water too.

It was also the perfect day for beach combing. The tide was going out and with less people going out in the winter, I found a nice amount of sea glass. Some is shiny and the tiny bits are being collected for art pieces. I am thinking of trying some mixed media pieces.

Sunday was another nice day and a great day to take Nick out for some exploring. He loves going on trails and leading the way. He decided to mark the trail so we wouldn't get lost.

He was excited to see the tower at the end of the trail, at first he started running, saying playground, lol. But even though, he was just as thrilled when he found he could go up the tower and enjoy the views from the telescope.

We headed across the road to the beach and enjoyed some time, beach combing. Nick was grabbing rocks, so it was slow going. The tide was still going out, but this beach has steep slopes so the rocks get tumbled and I even found some nice smooth rocks for painting.

We walked down one side of the beach to the rocks, a nice spot to stop and enjoy the views. The clouds are superimposed with photoshop, it was all washed out from the sun glare.

A beach bench, made with found materials.

We ended the day at the park, down the road. I knew they had bathrooms and I had to go, lol. Nick loved the fun equipment and digging in the dirt. It was a wonderful weekend, but Grandma is beat, so today was a rest day. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and now it is time to catch up around the house and work on some projects.

Weekend Wanderings!

This weekend we had decent weather, so we got out when we could, before the rains came. Saturday I  got some art supplies for our trip and hit every store that carries hiking boots and none in my size. One place was trying to sell me a size 8, on my feet they looked like clown boots, lol. So, I will just bear with mine for now, they are slightly tight from shrinkage but usable and maybe we can find some up north.

Sunday we had Nick, mom and dad needed to get things done and Nick needed some fun outdoor time. We decided to take him to the Fantastic Umbrella Factory, not even sure if they sell any umbrellas, lol. We got to enjoy the chickens who were out running around that day.

This chick was in the cages, I guess she is a prize hen. I finally got a clear shot with the new zoom through the wire. Love the pattern and tufted head.

Nick enjoyed seeing the Emu's and wanted to go into the bamboo forest. A fun place to explore for a little guy.

Strange rock cropping found here;)

He decided to get a stick, to ward off monsters, then he and grandpa had a sword fight.

Coming back we came though the gardens and found these unique sculptures.

This one was for sale, not sure who wants a piece with bird doo on it, lol.

We stayed out of the main stores, Nick is a bit too hands on, and on occasion, known to pocket items he likes, lol. We took him to the store that sells fun items and candy. He got a sugar daddy and a pretty shell.

The next stop was Ninigret Park, an easier walk for Nick and small beach areas. With the clouds looking ominous, I decided this was a good place for walking and some beach time. Checking out the views on the pond.

Digging for steamers, this a popular place for digging since the waters are low in a lot of areas. He was raking up clams and the life saver is to hold the bucket of clams.

Exploring the beach,  while enjoying his sugar daddy. The wild roses were in bloom all around the area.

Coming back I could tell he was tired, so grandpa gave him a ride. It was a fun day and we got to enjoy some time with Alex when we took him home. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.