Friday Finish!

 

This week I am working on a stitchery that I got at the store, so still working on that. I also got a book to review and having fun with that. It is a workbook with lessons for butterflies and flowers and comes with a pad of all the drawings, that I can practice and paint in. It has been a while since I did watercolor, so fun to relearn things before I do my own and I find it relaxing. I am using colors I had, and finally decided I needed a new larger set so I can follow along better.

I put it in a fake frame and since I don't want to keep them, I decided to cut it out and put it on the wall for fun. 

Last weekend we had rain and ended up at the island when we got a break. It was cold, windy and cloudy, so hard to get good photos. I was thrilled to spot a Kestrel, but he was not thrilled to be watched. He took off, then came back and had something he caught. When I tried to get closer, he would fly to another spot.

I spotted the Osprey who nests in the radio tower at the lighthouse. 

Today we were at the island again. Rain again, but it stopped long enough to enjoy the afternoon. I had fun watching this Merganser, who was by himself and didn't mind me taking photos.

Lots of geese like to hang out on the lawns and the coves in this area.

I also spotted a Mallard couple, the male was in the water, so I couldn't get a good shot of him.

In the bay there is a huge rock island, the nesting area for a lot of Cormorants.

In another cove, we caught some divers from the university, taking lessons in cold water diving. I hope everyone had a good week and better weather for the weekend. We have more rain, but sunny and warmer days coming next week.

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.

Friday finish!

 

I finally got the binding on my quilt and finished it this week. It is one of the first quilts I put together, so I used materials I had on hand. Now I need to get some backings on others and quilt a few more. I am thinking of buying larger quilt backing, so I don't have to piece fabric for the back, but also think it would be good to use up some stash, so I will think about it. The photo makes it look brighter than in person.

We got to enjoy some time at the island this week. I have found a few pieces on nice glass, but not as much as usual. I do enjoy getting out in the fresh air and there are more birds coming in and migrating. I always love seeing the Mergansers, they are such a funny bird.

And more Gulls in the area. Some are shy and some will pose for me.

Today we got out for a nice walk at the bird sanctuary, then to the ocean. Lots of rocks on this beach, but no glass. The Ospreys are showing up, they have their nesting areas and come back every year. The old timers have the same nest and are the early ones, to make sure no one else takes the nest. I also saw turtles in the pond, a sure sign of spring.

I hope you all had a nice week and can get out and enjoy the weekend. 

Friday Finish!

 

Well, I finished my quilting, but then I got sick and it affects my joints, so I wasn't up to trimming and adding the binding, so that will be next week. Since I was down for the day, I decided to make up some simple stitcheries. I cannot just sit, I need to keep my hands busy and it keeps my mind off my misery. 

I took some old designs I had from Robin of Bird in the Hand Primitives. I had done these in punch needle but they work for stitchery too. The boy bunny has always been my favorite. A fun project to stitch in a day. You can still find some of her free patterns on her blog.

We got out over the weekend. We took a ride to Mystic village to check out a few stores but nothing good. I did enjoy watching the ducks in the pond.

Then we rode around the old routes and visited a preserve. It was a short walk and had an old cemetery. This grave was sitting by itself, a sign of the times.

Another day we did the ride around the back roads along the ocean areas. I spotted this Merganser at one spot.

And this Mockingbird was kind enough to sit for a pose.

At one area I spotted a little bird and grabbed a shot before he flew away. It was a Yellow-rumped warbler. Sometimes I can't tell what type of bird they are, until I see the full photo and can see the details, so always a treat. On the way back home I spotted a Red-tailed Hawk in a tree, so stopped for a photo and just as we started up, I saw another a few trees up, so I guess they are mates.

I hope everyone enjoyed their week and hopefully this weekend. We have rain tomorrow, so we are having the kids over for dinner and a little party for my son's birthday. Hopefully Sunday will be nice enough to get out a bit.

Friday Finishes!

 

This has been a busy week, but keeping busy, keeps me from letting all the crazy in this world, stress me out. I made a few new things and finished an old item. I made this rug, years ago but never bound it. I actually enjoy binding, I find it relaxing and it was so nice to see it done. The pattern is by Mad Hen Primitives and the kit was gifted to me, by a friend. I am still unsure about the bold blue on the wing, I may just change that.

I also saw a free pattern for cloth carrots, but of course I just made them myself. I just made some triangles, sewed them together and added strips of cloth for the top, fast and easy.

And I made another set of rocks, to hide. I love doing fun ones, an hopefully they will bring smiles to the recipients.

Last weekend we did a drive around the beach areas, it was cooler so we just enjoyed the views. Along the way we spotted a group of Red Breasted Mergansers. They are so funny, trying to impress the females.

On the way home, we decided to go to the old base, to see if the owl was around.  I was thrilled to find her in an area that I could get some nice shots. She is so beautiful, but it won't be long before she leaves.

We also spent a few days at the beach. Beautiful weather and great way to get some exercise, as we find treasures.

Today Bill had the day off, so we took a ride to Newport and spent our time at the bird sanctuary. As usual they all flew off when we got close, but I was able to get a few shots of a Northern Mockingbird and a Song Sparrow.

The walk around the point is beautiful, surrounded by the ocean. You can see a lighthouse in the distance, even though it was foggy around the little islands. On the way home we stopped at my favorite beach and found more glass. The Newport Beach has mostly white pottery, so it was fun to spend a little more time on my favorite beach.

I hope everyone had a nice week and fun plans for the weekend.