Friday Finish and Fun!

I didn't get a lot done on my projects this week, but I did finish more masks. I have some flag material left, so I will finish that off and not make too many more unless it is for a specific person or someone asks. It is hard on my hands and joints, and I have a ton of projects waiting to be finished, so I will start working on those.

I also tried a new style, a box style. It was a lot easier to do and easier on my hands, but tougher on my machine. There is more finish sewing and going through the thicker edges, is not making my machine happy. I like the look in one way, but the stitching seems sloppy. It also is too snug on my nose, so you have to wear it looser, which defeats the purpose of wearing one.

If you want to try this style you can find the video on YouTube. It is easy to follow and I think if you have a smaller nose, it might be perfect.

We also got to spend time with the boys this weekend. The beach was more crowded so we left after a bit and took them fishing at a local pond. It was nice and the boys had fun. Nick got to use a real hook and Alex practiced with the plastic fish, but it only took one lesson and he was casting like a pro.

And for my quiet time, I have been sitting on my porch and enjoy the birds and critters who come to visit. Some birds have left the nest but these two still have a brood that they are feeding. 

Bill has the next week off, it is our anniversary on Sunday, 45 years. We had planned on going to Maine, but that is cancelled, so we will have to do day trips in our area. I was planning on trips to western Connecticut but we may be in for a heat wave, so hiking may not be the best activity. I guess it is time to get the kayaks on the water, so we will see were our adventures take us.

Friday Finish and Hikes!

Last week I was shopping at a discount store and they had needle felting kits. They were only 4.00, so I thought it would be fun to try one. It came with all the materials, a needle and a small foam block to punch on, so the extra tools are worth the price.

The stocking comes all cut out with the printed design, so all I had to do is punch in the roving. I used a bit of my own roving to give it more variation, and swapped the blue for the light green they had. I thought it was too close to the back material. The stocking is felt, so for me it was hard to felt on. It was fun to do and I Think I will embellish it a bit, before I put it together and decide who gets it, so I can put a name on it.

I think it would be fun to get another one and make them for the boys, maybe the baby blue for Alex and I can do Nicks with a gold.

We had some nice days this week, so we went for some walks. The first one was at the park, we walked around the lake and put in 3 miles.

Today we went to the bike path. We hiked down the bike path, which follows the cove.

Since we got an early start and had time, we walked further down and decided to follow an old road path into the woods. It was a nice walk, surrounded by woods and no people around. It came out the the other side of the harbor. Looking back to the area where Bill is standing in the first photo.

Of course Bean was thrilled with coming to a beach and since there was no one around, he got to play off leash. This is the bay side, you can see the ship at port in the distance. On the other side of that dock is the dog beach, that we usually go to. We will definitely come back to explore the area and enjoy walking along the beach, when we have more time. Today we walked 3.7 miles and I didn't realize it was going to be hot, so I  was in jeans and a sweat shirt, definitely a good workout today.

I hope  you all have a wonderful weekend. We are getting rain and high winds, so not sure what we will be able to do in that. I do need more apples before the orchards close, so hopefully we can go apple picking on Sunday and maybe take Nick and get him on a tractor.

Spring is here!

Today it was too nice to stay inside, so we took our first walk around the pond. Then I crashed for the rest of the day, lol. I am out of shape and a 3 mile hike was more than I am used to, but well worth it.

The ducks and swans were out on the pond and the trees were full of birds. I spied this egret as we walked down the path.

My flower mat is done, but it is drying, had to wash off the blue ink, so tomorrow I will have a photo. I also messed up on my wool quilt. I added the applique to the new block and then realized it sticks out more, than the other blocks below it. So, I have to add more wool pieces to the side to even it out.

Signs of Spring!

With this beautiful weather we have been able to get out and go for walks at our local parks. One are I love is just down the road and the paths go around the fishing pond and it seems the birds have come back for nesting.

I was so thrilled to see a blue heron so close and of course, just as I go to shoot, he flew away.

This pond has a few swan families and they are very territorial, so they each have their own spots. This guy was just enjoying himself and the beautiful weather.

This is one way that they rest.

And he was just as curious about me, as I was about him.

And I am not sure what he is thinking here, but he sure is a contortionist. 

And here is a wonderful contest I found today, gorgeous fabric colors. Visit Quilted Works and enter and watch for more giveaways this month. 

A day with the Kids!

Today we went shopping for health food, I have a special diet so I go there for some things and got some cats claw to try, heard it is good for lyme and heals a million other things, so we shall see;)

My son and DIL came by, so we took them on our walk with us. It was a bit muddy but still a perfect day for walking. It was nice to relax and enjoy having the kids over for dinner and just talking. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. I worked on a fall piece and hoping I can finish it tomorrow.

Fall in New England

Today was a little cool, but with the sun, I decided it was a perfect day for a walk.
Right down the road, we have a beautiful pond for fishing and paddling.
Sometimes we need to explore the little wonders, in our own backyards.

We took the main path and as you go through the woods, you get glimpses of the coves. This is all swamp area where the birds hide and nest.



The main path goes along side the pond and comes out at the end. Here is where a lot of people go to fish.
The views and the color from this point, are breath taking.



It is just too peaceful and beautiful to walk off, you need to sit a spell and enjoy the day.



To get to the other side, we cross a little wooden bridge, which crosses the spillway.



We walk along part of the dirt road to get back to a path that takes you to the perfect spot to stop and enjoy the views.




It is a great place to take in some more views, this is looking back to the first stop we made.



And on the other side, a wonderful view of the wildlife. The swans were out and in the spring it is teaming with birds and turtles. Sadly just as I put my camera away, the swans took flight, what a perfect way to end the day.