Friday Finish!

 

This hasn't been my best week, but I was able to get meds and feeling a bit better now. I decided to make up some simple stitcheries to work on, while I rested. These are filled with lavender, which I do need to replenish the old ones. They are free designs by Deborah Cade on Facebook.

Last weekend we went for a paddle on a smaller lake, that follows the state park and then homes along the shores. It is a great place to go for a swim on the little island in the middle of the lake and half of the lake is in Rhode Island and the other is in Connecticut.

There were a lot of butterflies along the shores and on the island, magical day.

We also spent a few hours at our favorite beach, we always seem to get lucky and have the beach to ourselves, most of the time. At home, I had a few visitors come, lots of young are coming to the feeders by themselves now.

Today I was feeling better and after a quick storm, we headed to our beach. It was nice to walk along the beach and go for a swim, even though the water was cold and rough. I enjoyed watching the birds and other flying objects in the sky.

I hope everyone had a nice week and enjoy your weekend. 

Friday Finish!

 

This week I got a new resin mold and I wanted to try it out. It is a heart box, that has indents, so more of an ashtray. I like the idea of having something that I can give as a gift and add my sea glass. It came out pretty good, but I think I need to add less glass to let the light in and show off the glass. 

I had too much resin, so started filling the other molds to use it up. I tried some dye but I guess too much on the dog and lady piece, it came out too dark. The good thing is, I mixed the resin in the right amounts, so all the pieces hardened. I like the idea of doing smaller pieces, maybe get some ornament molds. The anchor was too thick to be an ornament, so maybe if I fill it with less resin, it will be the right thickness.

I also painted some new rocks. I love using the markers and paint pens, so much easier to do. This time I painted them white first, which makes the colors pop more. There are lots of designs on the internet that are fun to do.

Last weekend we went to the beaches on the island and enjoyed watching the birds. The Red-breasted Mergansers, are funny to watch. I also spotted a Red-tailed Hawk flying by and a Common Eider. With the mottled coloring, I would say this is a younger one.

We also stopped at another beach and it was where all the gulls were hanging out. I enjoyed watching them fly about and diving for fish.

I also spotted an all white one. I found out from a local group that is is a Glaucous Gull and I was the first one to spot one, so that was a thrill,

Today we went to the beach again and I had the camera out, just in time to grab a shot of this guy, as he came out of the water with his prize. It looks like a sea worm, not sure what type.

I hope you all enjoyed your week and have a nice weekend. We have rain again, then one good day, before more rain and snow. I guess we are in for a cold March, since we missed all the snow this winter.

Camping Month and Birthdays!

Well, the month is over and the last weekend, which is the one we looked forward to, was a washout, so we came home early. For me, camping is being outdoors and if I am stuck inside for 3 days, I would go nuts, lol.

We did get to spend one day before we left, so at least I got in one more paddle and time enjoying the wildlife. It is amazing how many birds and animals live along the waterways.

I was able to find a new nest and  get a shot before I disturbed her enough, to leave the nest. I would think the blackbirds would be used to all the boaters who paddle and fish on the pond.

And here is another Redwing Blackbird couple, she was not going to take that worm to her babies until I left the area. The male just makes a lot of noise and hopes I will go away.

Since the weather was on and off that day, we took a ride to the observation deck and spotted this Hummingbird high in the tree. There were a lot of birds, but they move too fast and hide in the bush, so that is a hard area to get shots.

And I tried to get some shots of the birds near the waterfall, but the rain was blowing into my window, so I couldn't get a clear shot. I decided to make a montage with a saying, for them. 

And since we came home early, we had a little party for the family, Ivy, the boys and Bill, all have birthdays this week. Nick got his new bike, which was too big for him, and since they couldn't take it home, we offered to drop it off the next day. In the meantime, I had Bill take it back and get one a few inches smaller. I rather have him ride a bike that makes him happy than one that he is afraid to ride. Once he got used to it, he was riding like a pro and smiling, that was all I needed to make my day. Alex loves space and wants to be an astronaut, so we got him a play mobile spaceship, play set. 

While we were there, I noticed a lot of activity in their backyard. I guess I don't need to go far to find birds, I can just sit in their backyard.

I spotted a robin, bring dinner, only one baby in her nest.

  

On the side of the yard, another nest, this one a Catbird. She had two smaller babies in her nest.

I also caught a Blue Jay, who was kind enough to pose for me.

And a few of the other visitors to his yard. A Downy Woodpecker, a Carolina wren, one of the neighbors chickens came to visit, a Chipmunk and lots of bees. It definitely was a lot easier than taking photos from a moving boat. 

I hope you all had a wonderful week and a weekend filled with joy. 

Friday Finishes!

This week I made up some more pillows for lavender. I love doing the simple designs and they make me smile. It seems easier to do simple, small projects with the heat we have been having. The designs are free and can be found on the Facebook group, Primitive Folk Art Quilts and Projects.

I also made up more masks, these will be the last of the camping types. I found the fabrics for the at Walmart and they are not as thick as my good cottons, so I added a third pocket layer. This adds enough to wear as is, or the person can add a filter for added protection. After this I need to find some fun fabric for the boys, in case they go back to school and I would like to make extras for kids who cannot afford nice ones.

And I was able to spend some time with the boys this week. While mom and dad went out, we all enjoyed some time playing outside and keeping cool. Bean loves it when the boys come, I think he gets more excited than them.

Tomorrow we go camping for the weekend, and as usual my body decided to crash. I cooked our meal for the weekend, and most things are packed and ready to go, so I plan on just relaxing and enjoying our site on the water. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and stay safe.

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.

Friday Finishes!

This week I finished two projects. I tend to start things and not finish them or finish something but not quilt it, so time to finish things and I have a large to do list, so a bit at a time.

This quilt is a design by Cheri Saffiote and she has offered it for free on her Facebook Page, Quilts by Cheri. The original had eggs in the basket, but I decided to add simple flowers so I could use it for spring and summer. I did basic quilting around the shapes and edges and I was thinking of tea staining it, but that needs time to soak, so if I do it, that will come later. It does look better in person, much darker and prim, but as usual the outdoor photos were too bright and indoor I get light and dark so it makes it harder to see, so it is still a bit brighter than in person. Now I have to figure out where to hang it, time to take down my Easter pieces.

I also realized after I saw the photo again, I forgot to put the stitching on the border. I can still do that, will be a stitch around the inner edge with a dark tan thread.

This second piece I made and wanted to frame, but it didn't fit or look right, so I added a homespun edge and simple stitching. I gave it a light staining and it makes a nice mini wall hanging. Another piece for my gift box.

Tomorrow is our local quilt show, they do it every two years, so I will be going. Not a big show but fun to see the quilts and hopefully some new vendors from other states. Hopefully I can get some nice photos, usually people stand in the way;) Have a wonderful weekend and I will be sharing some photos of the show on Monday.

Friday Finishes!

Well, I guess our flu wasn't over yet, Bill woke up coughing bad on wednesday, so I made him go to the doc and he got medicine for both of us. I got the sore throat and sinus, no cough and now that I am on meds, I won't have to worry about that. Hopefully we can enjoy the weekend, Sunday is going to be beautiful and I really want to get out and enjoy a day of nice weather.

The good thing is, I had plenty of time to rest and work on some new pieces. I am still working from the Kindred Spirt books and made an easter pillow for me and two that I can give as gifts next year. It is fun making up things I can give next year and sometimes I like to have things to give just for fun.

Now I am going to have to buckle down, I have two weeks to make a baby quilt for the new baby and since I know it is another boy, I can get to work on it. I have an idea, now I just need to draw it out, figure out sizes and get it made, lol.

I had one more piece that I stitched, but didn't have time to finish it today. I have some ideas on ways I can change the finishes, fun to experiment and try different things.

Another thing I love, is to see the work from those who use my patterns. Deirdre of The Old Rose Cottage made a beautiful rug, using my Spring Chicks pattern. I love the lighter chicks against the dark antique background.

Friday Fun!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We kept dinner simple and just enjoyed the day, food and family, no expectations or stress.

Today we had Nicholas, so we decided to take him to The Fantastic Umbrella Factory. It is a group of stores and artisans in a farm like setting. It is a bit like a throw back to the 70's and in the warmer months they have folk musicians playing in the gardens.

Today was beautiful, perfect for walking and browsing the stores and no crowds. They have pathways and a fountain that we stopped to get a photo of Nick. I was unaware of the surroundings, and just took a photo, then noticed what I had missed.

Can you see what put that goofy grin on Nick's face?

We went to the animals first, they have ostriches and a goat, as well as chickens and various birds, running around the grounds. We took him to the bamboo forest, he was a bit apprehensive and then amazed at all the bamboo and how high it went up.

While we walked, we picked up a few buddies who followed us around. We also shopped small and bought Nick a wool hat and some gloves.

After that we went to Ninigret park and walked Nick in the stroller and then let him out to play on the beach. Throwing rocks is still his favorite sport.

Nick needed to eat and there weren't any kid friendly places in the area, so we got him a fresh sandwich and enjoyed eating at Charlestown Beach. The perfect way to end the day and just enjoy the beautiful day.

Four more days and the Christmas Hop begins. My day will be friday. I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the weekend.

Weekend Wonderings!

Well, I am in a cynical mood tonight, I had fun plans with Nick for the weekend, and on Friday night I got hit with The flu that is going around. I was ok on Saturday, I was sick and weak but used my energy for Nick and Bean and I even fell asleep with Nick when he took a nap.

Bill had to work the weekend so no help there. Today he took the day off, no help there, haha. He did take Bean out for me, that I could  not do, too weak and woozy. And he cooked french fries and hamburgers, not what I really wanted, but I ate it anyways;)

So, Saturday had it's up and downs and fun memories with Nick, Sunday my son pulled a muscle so told me he wasn't dropping him off, even though the fact that I was sicker from pushing it on Saturday, that wasn't part of the equation;)

I am on meds and vitamins and my body is on overload and I cannot stand sitting still all day, so hopefully I can get my energy back tomorrow and work on some new projects.

I was out of apples and I knew I needed them now, so we took Nick to the local orchard. The apples are not that great, a bit small and not as fresh, but still better than the store's.

Nick loved it, he loves apples and walked around saying apple, apple, apple. Grandpa helped him pick his own apple.

He had his own two apples, he was not letting them go. This is a place that you pay by the bag, so we had a full bag and Nick's two, just try and stop us, haha.

Just walking and kicking the leaves, being a boy.

I am not sure if he has ever seen a chicken, but he was laughing and loving their antics. We also spent the day playing with Bean and they are becoming best friends, Bean even put some of his balls in Nick's wagon and he never shares.

Do you like free patterns and looking for a fun gift to make for your dog loving friends? Check out Connecting Threads and sign up for their newsletter. They are offering a free pattern each week and this week, they have a scottie dog placemat. Once you sign up, you can also look through their pattern archive.

Friday Finishes!

This week I finished two ornaments that are being offered as a BOM from the Wool Applique Group on Facebook, by Attic Heirlooms. It is a free pattern each month, for just that month and for personal use, so no sharing. You can also download this months ornament which is the mitten, by visiting her website and clicking on BOM. Once the month is over, you cannot get it anymore.

I decided to make mine larger, it is a 5" circle. I wanted it larger to make it easier to sew and I will be having them from the homespun line for next Christmas. This way they will be the perfect size to hang in front of the window and be seen from a distance.

I also received a photo from Merrie of her hooked rug, that she made from my Spring Chicks pattern. I love seeing your finished pieces and Merrie did a beautiful job on her rug, that would be a fun one for the kitchen.

We are expecting a storm, again. I decided it was a good day to make chowder and clambakes, so we got the ingredients today so we wouldn't have to fight the crowds tomorrow. I hope you all have a wonderful Valentines day, whether sharing it with a loved one, a friend or yourself, we all deserve a little love and it is ok to treat yourself to something special tomorrow, because you are loved:)