Working on and mini vacation time!t

 This has been quite a week, twice as much work with the clean up and then repacking everything, along with cooking for the trip. I made up a big pot of goulash so all I have to do is heat it up and a salad, as well. Unfortunately, the day we left, I woke up sick. So not sure if it was from cleaning the mice mess or something else, but it means less activity. I really love to paddle in the cove and ride around the park, so hoping by tomorrow I can feel good enough to do more. The bad thing is, a big storm is heading our way, so hopefully the worst of it stays north and we just get a few hours of it.

Last week for a break, I decided to use up some of my boho style fabrics for a quilt. I need a long twin for the guest bed and thought it would be a fun way to use up those fabrics and make a light quilt for summer.

This is the layout I made with them. I saved all the scraps and plan on sewing them into small strips and running that around the edge.

After I lay them out, I stack them up, from left to right in order and tag each row. This way I can sew them next week and not loose track of where the go. 

Our campsite is nice, right on the cove. Plenty of space between the campers so we can sit and relax. We have had some sun and lots of fog. A view of the cove from the boat launch.

The lighthouse is down the road, so we go there for walks and at the fishing beach. Lots of fog, but beautiful.

On the way out I spotted this beautiful warbler. 

Today we walked at Black point. It has a nice path along the rocky coast, with spots to go down to. The tide was coming in strong, so it was nice just to sit and watch them.

It ends at the site of old ruins from an estate and the beginning of a state beach. 

We did quite a bit in a few days, more walking than I normally do and yes, I get get exhausted being sick, but well worth it. A fun shot I took today was the Osprey nest. This pair always seems to find the weirdest things to put in their nest. This time I spotted a large plastic mesh bag, the type you might put clams or potatoes in. 

And at camp, we walk in the back camping area. Not sure why, but they have it closed off, so no campers but lots of bunnies. It is peaceful without people and more critters are hanging out there. 

So, that is some of my week. I took lots of photos today, but too tired to do them all, but a good tired. Tomorrow we shall see how the weather goes, but we are nice and cozy in the camper, so I can work on my small quilt project or work on some sketches. I hope you all had a nice week and the weather was not too bad in your area.

Friday Finish!

 I hope this post finds you all well and not affected by all of the storms and fires that seem to be taking over the country. We have had some rain, lots of wind and sun, so I can't complain. I had another bunny to do, so I finished that, this week. I went with more yellows and found a yellow ribbon with glitter in an old box of supplies. This one is for me, or Alex who is always stealing the little dolls I make. Of course, Grandma can never say no to the boys. 

Last weekend we did our drive around the ocean areas. We went to one that has a boat launch and there area always birds around. In the photo montage you can see the launch at the bottom and the birds out in the water, that was only a few of them, there were hundreds. The rest were in the breachway, catching things that went out with the tide.

And here are some of the others, fishing in the breachway.

We also went to the island, always nice to walk a little on the beach and enjoy the wildlife and views.

Today it was windy, so we just went for a ride and a little walking on the beaches. We like to take Bean one day so he can have some fun. On days we stop in shops, he has to stay home. Today it was too windy to be out, too long, but the cove beach was a little calmer.

I hope you all have a nice weekend and can enjoy getting out and exploring your area. If you use Google maps, you might be surprised to find parks and sanctuaries that may be near your area.

Lots of Snow Weekend!

We got quite a bit of snow this weekend, so we couldn't go out for any long drives. I was upset about my lens being sent back so we called back and explained to the company, which was actually a foreign service but at least he connected us with the manager of the store. It would be nice if they actually had a number you could call, but  you get an automated message only and no way to talk to an actual person.

The manager was nice and she said she would call back but after two hours, I got tired of waiting. The snow was starting to fall so we headed to the store before it got worse. At that point I was tired of going in circles, so I stated that I didn't like the fact that I would have to buy another lens and since the standard lens was junk, I would want a better one which was twice the price. It still came back to the statement that they already sent it back to the warehouse. No idea why they just didn't shelf it and sell it again and what happens when it goes to the warehouse, it disappears? Haha.

So, we came to an agreement, I get to keep the wide angle for free, so I came out ahead on that since it cost more than the other. Then she said I could have a discount on a new lens, so how could I resist. I decided to go with a better quality 55mm, so I have something for regular shots and it is also nice for portraits.

Of course I had to try out my new lenses, but even with the sun out, the roads were snow covered and slippery.

The first is with the Zoom. I usually shoot at 200, since the full 300 will come out blurry. I shot this from the porch and Bill and Bean are in the back yard. I was hiding under the umbrella, the boys didn't seem to care that it was near blizzard conditions.

This was a phone shot, Bean would stay out, till he turned into a popsicle.

Since we got a late start Sunday, we headed to the village. The first stop was the wharf. As usual the sun was in the wrong position but I caught this cute little guy, hiding in the pots, to keep warm. They like to eat the bugs and things that are on the seaweed that sticks to the cage.

On the other side, I noticed some sailboats, so had to go check it out. It was cold and windy, I would not want to be in a boat now.

In town is another wharf, where you can sit and enjoy the views. 

I was just about to take a photo of the seagull, sitting on the post, when he decided to fly off.

The last stop was at the town launch. It seems someone forgot to bring their boat in. I love the coves in the winter, but it is so cold, I had to give up and go home, to warm up. I hope you enjoyed seeing our town in the winter.

Weekend Wanderings Giveaway!

This weekend was perfect for paddling on the pond. A good majority of the land is owned by the state park and campground, so there are a lot of nice coves to explore without the crowds from the beach side.

The wonderful thing about kayaks is that  you can get into the shallow coves and explore. The water is so clear that you can see the bottom and any fish swimming by.

And here is the contest photo …….. What do you think Bill was doing? Take a guess, it can be right or wrong, I will draw a name from all of the comments. The winner will get my newest pattern, that I am working on now. I will draw a name on Friday and announce it that night, along with the new pattern. If it is not something you would make, then you can pick from any of my epatterns.

The other nice thing about this side of the pond is the beach. This area used to be part of the campground, but they had problems with people starting fires and not enough rangers to cover this section, so now it is closed and overgrown. Perfect for us, the beach is still there and a nice place to stop and enjoy a swim and a snack.

The coves are filled with natural beauty and I even had a hawk fly right over me, carrying a squirrel, that was something I have never seen and so close. The coves are filled with birds and dragonflies, we even saw red ones, something I have never seen before. The tall grasses make you feel like you are in the land of the giants.

It was the perfect day, cool breezes, quiet and relaxing paddling and nature all around. I was using my pocket camera so I couldn't get shots of the dragonflies or birds. 

Purple marsh of majesty!

Weekend Wanderings!

I hope everyone got to enjoy the weekend. We had beautiful weather but hotter than I would have liked. On saturday I wanted to go for a shorter walk to a new area. It said 3 miles, but I wasn't thinking, that was for one side of the park, in one town, once you cross the bridge, you are on the other side which added another 3 miles. So, we walked over 6 miles and it was hot and the mosquitos were out in full force.

I had a map, so we headed to the bridge. What I didn't know was, we went on a different trail so we actually went in a different area and found a different bridge.

As you can see, the bridge had a long wooden walkway. That is because the area is swampy and swampy means mosquitos. I am glad I had bug spray with me.

After we walked up and down granite hills, we came out to the back side of the bridge we were looking for. The original bridge was used as a crossing to move granite to the next town. Then another was built and the floods carried it away. Hopefully the new metal bridge will last longer.

The views from the bridge were worth a rest stop. Rushing waters on one side, calm on the other. This is the river we paddle on, but a section we haven't been on, something for a future paddle.

I finally had my bearings for where we were on the map, so the next stop was a historic grave. The grave sits near the river and I found this grave from a revolutionary war veteran.

Our final destination was the overlook. A beautiful place for a lunch break. A place I will definitely go back to and hike on the other side of the trails which criss cross the river.

Sunday was another hot day but we had to finish the new door frame and walls, so we did some shopping for supplies and Bill got that started. While we waited for the dust to settle, I decided it was the perfect time to go for a paddle at our town harbor. The tide was high in the afternoon, so the best time to enjoy the coves.

We paddled up to the breakers and enjoyed the cool breezes and the water was warm enough to sit in and cool down.

We went into town and enjoyed people watching, or maybe they were watching us;) A perfect way to end the weekend.

Saturday Drive!

It was a nice day, and with a storm going by in the atlantic, it was the perfect day to go to the lighthouse and watch the waves.

These first two things are what I call, dumb things to do during a storm.

Does this look like a good way to fish?

There were lots of people sailing, perfect winds for that, but ski doing in the waves around the rocks, not my idea of smart.

But it did look fun and great way to catch some air.

Speaking of catching some air, the seagulls were loving it. 

We decided to drive to the other side of the island. The cove here is a bit quieter and a lot of divers come to explore the coves.

We walked up a path to the top of the old forts and got a beautiful view of Newport Harbor.

Then it was home for a cookout with my son. My DIL had to work, but Billy bought over photos and a CD for us, of the wedding.

Here is one of the professional photos, beautiful shot of them both.
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Don't pick up Hitchhikers!

I had to get my brain centered today, to get myself going, but I finally got in a better frame of mind and was glad I went out.
We paddled for over 3 hours, and since it was high tide, we could paddle in and out of the coves further in. I just took my time and enjoyed being out. I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend.

"Didn't your mother tell you, to never pick up Hitchhikers!"



Why I never let Bill take pictures of me;)



We went into the village cove, lots of boats and the restaurant smells were making me hungry. I forgot my snacks at home. It was Bill's night for cooking, so we had fried shrimp, so now I am happy and full.

As for the time it takes to cook my green beans, I have no idea. Maybe because I cook them on low? But, the time in soaking and simmering, gives you the most delicious beans, just tender enough to eat, but not too soft to be mush.

Saturday on the Bay!

I really needed to get out and do things today, no matter how I feel.
It was a beautiful day, not too hot and nice breeze. So, we went to the cove.
It was hotter in the sun than I realized and it did tire me out quick, so instead of paddling in the coves, we went straight to the breakers. The breezes are so much nicer on the open waters and the views were spectacular today. It was so nice to get out and breath in the salt air, was so glad I went.

I do long to go out on the bay, splashing into the waves with my kayak, there is nothing like it. I will just have to a launch in the bay, then I can enjoy a paddle without having to paddle too far.



It was low tide today and lots of shells on the beach. I saw this conch in the water and pulled it out to look at it, then realized it was already occupied, lol. I thank you all for your wonderful comments and good wishes for a quick recovery. I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend, and enjoy the goodness and beauty that God has given us to enjoy.

"Oh Deer, what can the matter be?"

Ok, I am a bit punchy today, think I spent too much time in the sun, lol.
We finally got out for a paddle, and it even sprinkled on and off, but it was still humid.

There was a beautiful blue heron but he was hidden too much in the marsh and with the rain, I couldn't get a shot, maybe he will be there next time. Always wonderful wild fowl to be seen on the shores and in the marsh coves, but today we got a rare treat. I thought I saw a dog at first, then realized it was a deer with her two fawns. They were trying to get out of the neighborhood they were in, heading for the point, so not sure where they were going.

I think they were confused as to where to go, especially when they saw this sign.



I guess they can't read, or they didn't care, they just kept going.



And being the fools that we are, we kept paddling in the rain, around the harbor. I was able to take this shot during a rain break, boats going in and out of the harbor and a few people came out to fish on the breakers. We are not the only ones who love to "Play in the rain";)