Friday Finishes!

 I spent more time at home this week, so more time to finish things. The weekend looks like a washout, so no big outings for me. Today we went for a ride to the beach areas and I was surprised that the private ones, are still keeping people out, so I wasn't able to get to the long point for bird watching. It seems they are keeping parks and beaches open, longer this year. 

My first finish was my Halloween piece. This is another design by Cheri Saffiote for our Facebook group. It had several designs to put into a quilt, but I just wanted this and the other I made, for a set on my wall. As always, it was fun to do and add a few of my own touches. I added a quilted star in the left area, but hard to see in the photo.

The second project I did was a Halloween cat, done with needle felting. I started with a cookie cutter and then added a little more bulk and detail after I got the main shape, felted. I think I do better without a shape, it does limit me, but I wanted it for my wreath, it sits in the middle area.

Over the weekend we got out for a few outings. I am always watching the Semipalmated Plover and wondering what they find in the seaweed. Now I know, there are worms, that come in with the seaweed.

Another day we went to the forts on the island. It was nice to walk around and they cleaned up the area so more open spaces and better pathways to walk on. Beautiful views from the top. I hope everyone had a nice week and have a good week ahead.

Friday, No Finishes!

 

This week I have not finished things as much as worked on finishing things. I did make more masks and actually sold some, so that will help with new threads and things I am running out of for my regular sewing. I think I need to get ones done with the material I have for kids and then just make a few if someone needs some, but I have too many unfinished projects and things I havnt had time to make. I also saw a need for quilts for the fire victims and need to start using my quilter and get some tops finished.

I do keep busy with the boys on the weekend and here it is Friday and tomorrow is a day with the boys. I spent the day cooking and made a batch of apple crisp for the boys, theirs has some sugar and a brown sugar topping. I make mine without sugar, so thought it would be fun to make them a special treat.

Last Saturday we went to Jamestown and spent the day at the forts. This time we were able to get a spot in front of the cove, so great views. The boys had fun playing on the beaches and a picnic in the trailer.

On Sunday we headed to Connecticut and took them to Esker Point. There were only a few people in the parking lot and no one at the picnic area. We went across to the street and walked on the beach and decided to head to Groton long point for lunch. It is a beautiful area at the mouth of the Thames river and we watched the ferries as they came and went.

Our last stop was Fort Griswold, another place the boys loved. Lots of exploring and even a bit of history. Nick likes to hear the stories and Alex wants me to read the signs for him, so a bit of learning too.

I hope you enjoyed a bit of our adventures and have a some fun adventures of your own. Stay safe and healthy and enjoy. your weekend. Hopefully I will get back on track and start finishing my projects this week.

Monday Makings and Weekend Fun!

We had a busy weekend, so today I spent some time in my sewing room. I cut up some more masks to sew later and I made some pillow covers for my mini pillows. I use the pillows in the car for long trips, they sit behind my back to keep me sitting straight but comfy.

Now I will use them in the trailer, perfect for long drives and the camper material was fun to use for them. I made two and the back has an envelope opening so I can switch pillows and wash them easily. I had enough to make a few more masks, but that is it, fussy cutting is a pain with designs like this.

Yesterday we took the boys out. They were dropped off at our house, so we decided to take them to the island. We went to the lighthouse first, it was crowded but we found a nice side spot. The boys loved walking around the lighthouse and exploring.

In the beach shots, we went to another area and found a spot facing a cove, so the boys loved that, since they could play on the beach. Of course they couldn't resist getting wet, luckily we always have spare clothes.

Nick also had another treat, fishing at the pond. Alex fell asleep on the way there, so I took Nick down while Bill stayed with Alex in the camper. The pole had a plastic fish for practice, so we practiced and he did great with casting and learning about safety, so next time we will attach real lures.

And Alex is at that fun age, he is just happy hanging out with us. He has a thing for fire hydrants, no idea why, lol.

And to my surprise there was a lot of glass on the rocks and hiding beneath the piles. Lots of great colors and I am sure there was more, but the piles are high and deep, so I just looked below the surface.

Another thing I enjoy is bird watching in my backyard. We have a lot of birds of all varieties but they zoom by too fast, so hard to get shots, but I enjoy watching them. My new friend is a male hummingbird who comes to the feeder and then sits in the tree by the fence. I would never know he was there, if iI hadn't seen him fly there.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and finding joy in your own backyard.

Weekend Wanderings!

We had a nice weekend, even though storms rolled in, both days. I check the weather map in motion to figure out when the storms will hit, so I can plan how long we have. It was pretty accurate and we were able to spend a few days on the beach with time to get home before it hit.

On Saturday we went to East Matunuck Beach. It is a long beach, with an area at one end, that is roped off for the birds, so we walked that way first. Lots of rocks and plenty of driftwood and I have been thinking of ideas, for using it. Today it is sitting in a bleach wash, then I can sun dry it tomorrow.

We decided we had time to walk to the other end, which comes to a breaker wall, the opening to the Salt Pond area.  Bill was enjoying the view.

And this is the view, Bill was looking at, Galilee, this is where the fishing boats and ferries come in. As you can see, the fog was coming in, as well.

Sunday warned of early storms, so I noticed that the last area to get hit was Jamestown, so it would give us more time out.

We found our own little piece of heaven, with a few friendly visitors enjoying a quiet swim.

Bean got to come this time, he had lots of fun playing with another pup and being silly in the water. Here he is, showing his walking on water skills.

Here he is, levitating rocks.

A close up of the sailboat in the cove. Love the old sail, on her.

And before we left, the racers and larger sailboats were coming in, to beat the storm.  Newport is in the background.

And I didn't leave, empty handed. It was a rocky beach and not much glass on the surface, but by digging through the piles, I was able to find some nice pieces. I hope you all enjoyed your weekend and found your own adventures.

Weekend Wanderings!

This weekend had on and off rain, so we didn't get out as much, but we did get out enough to enjoy the good weather. We always like to give Bean a day where he can have fun, so on Saturday we took him to Jamestown so he could play at the beaches and go for a walk.

We spent the first part at Fort Getty, where Bean had the beach to himself and I hunted for rocks, but the tide had just started going out so not many good choices. After the beach we walked along the cliff path and enjoyed the fresh air and views. In the fields there were a few thistles and the remaining butterflies were getting their fill of nectar.

We walked around the lighthouse loop and then headed to the diver's beach, another beach all to ourselves, at least for awhile. Bean made another new friend who was goofier than he was. The tide was out enough that I found a few heart rocks and pieces of glass for my collection. Someday I want to make something with multi-art techniques, with them.

That night it was foggy and I really wanted to get a photo of the moon rise. We took the chance and of course the moon was barely visible but it did pop out at times. I was able to get one decent shot of the moon over a Bridge in Newport.

On Sunday the kids came over, and it was raining, so they visited and then slipped out, while I kept Nick occupied. He will not stay if they leave, so it was time we got him over his fear. Once I told him they had to go home to get something and we were going to the beach and then taking him home, he was fine and ready to go. He enjoyed playing at Fisherman's Memorial and running around the hill top.

Even Grandpa had fun running around. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Prayers for those in California.

Weekend wanderings!

We had another beautiful weekend, but Bill had to work on Saturday. Sunday was our day out and we made the most of being out, by going to Fort Getty where we just sat on the beach and enjoyed the views and Bean got to run and play, all he wanted.

I thought the bay would be rough, but the waters were pretty calm and lots of kayakers were out. I wish we had bought ours, someday I want to paddle over to Dutch Island, where you can see this lighthouse.

We had the beach to ourselves, but of course, people started coming in, so we went to the divers beach. Lots of people with dogs go there and I can usually let Bean play off leash, even with people. I was also getting hot, so I slipped my suit on in the car and was able to play in the water with Bean. The water was cool but full of chopped of seaweed and icky stuff, so I didn't go for a swim.

On the way back we saw a big ship, so I stopped to get a photo, this is the Regal Princess, I never realized how big the cruise ship was, till I saw it with all the other boats.

When we went to pull over, something big flew up past our car, so I had to go see what it was.

A turkey vulture, and while I was taking photos, I finally realized why there were there, when the smell hit me, a dead raccoon. 

Today Bill went to work and things were slow, so he decided to come home early so we could go to the beach and watch the sunset. Well, we left the house and headed for the bridge and a huge fog bank came rolling in and covering everything so that you couldn't even see the island. But, we just wanted to get out so we went to the lighthouse first and a good time to hide a few rocks. There were a few kids coming and going, so hopefully they found the fun rocks. As you can see, no sunset tonight, at least on the ocean.

Afterwards we went back to the beach at the forts and enjoyed a walk down the beach, and of course, adding a few more rocks to my collection. I hope everyone had a nice weekend.

Weekend Wierdness!

This weekend was another beautiful weekend, sunny skies, at least until we hit the ocean, and the views went as far as the shore, the ocean was blanketed in fog.

We decided to go to Fishermen's memorial and the lighthouse, since we enjoyed it so much when we were camping. The breakers were busy, everyone was out enjoying the waves and fishing, so we didn't stay long. We headed to the lighthouse beaches and enjoyed one beach by ourselves and collecting rocks. I wanted to take photos of the surfers, but I couldn't see them, lol.

Then we headed to the other side, it was even more fogged in, but still a beautiful place to sit and just enjoy the waves and fresh breezes. A few kayakers were going in and we did spy a group, further out when the fog lifted a bit.

What is this? Bill carrying a surfboard, maybe he is going to give it a try?

But no, I spied a board coming towards us and I said, where is the surfer, then his head popped up. The currents and waves were so strong, the board was flying by sideways and so was the surfer. Bill was trying to get the board, but the waves were crashing on the rocks and pulling the board down the shore and the surfer was trying to follow it, but he couldn't see it or where he was going. Bill finally got a chance to grab the board and yell to the surfer so he knew he had it and help him back to shore, just in time to avoid the rocky outcropping he was headed for.

Surfer and board, reunited. The bad thing was, it hit the shore a few times before Bill got it and it did get cracked, so he had to give up surfing for the day, I think that was a good idea. The next day we heard that five people got swept off the breakers at Fishermen's, and the storm isn't even close yet. It will be hitting us tomorrow, high winds and rain.

I was taking photos for fun and saw some ducks sitting on a bank, on the little pond. When I got home I noticed an object in the photo, so I blew it up and this is what I found. Real gun, toy gun, maybe a flare gun? I did send a photo to the local police, but no word, so maybe they don't care? Strange things wash up on the shores, especially during a storm surge, wonder what will be littering the beaches next weekend.

Sunday was another nice day and more fog, but it did lift on occasion. We went to Jamestown and had a nice spot at the divers beach. Most people were going out in boats and diving, so the end of the beach was the perfect place to relax and let Bean play.

A team from the Boston Museum was reeling in nets for the day, they were trying to catch fish to take back, but no luck. As you can see, the sun was out on the shore and the fog further out, in the next photo.

There was also a group of kids, who were on the cliff, with a Bungy cord and this is what they do for fun.

The kids wanted to get some pumpkins, so I told them to go to Holmsberg orchards. I guess they are glad they went, looks like they all had fun.

And Nick got to sit on a tractor, it may not move, but he sure had fun pretending he was driving.

I hope you all had a nice weekend. I am still working on a name for the Facebook group, I do like the idea of using a universal name, so anyone, anywhere can join in. I had SmileRI, but that is too local. I  Was also thinking of using the initials DS then mile after the end, in honor of my daughter and in her memory since she always hated seeing people sad and wanted everyone to be happy. So, if you can think of better names or ideas, I would love to hear them, so I can get that set and open up the group. I am going to keep it simple, rocks are one thing, but also small pillows and I have even found some simple ideas that anyone can do, so I will set up folders with ideas too.

Weekend Weirdness!

This weekend we went back to Jamestown, another partly rainy day then sun, so we like to go to the Diving launch, where it is not crowded. There were a lot of boats out, so it was nice just relaxing and enjoying the views.

I was also trying my filters, to block the bright sun. I love how this photo made the water and boats look like glass.

I was trying to get the schooners, but they were really traveling fast with the higher winds. This is a cliff we have gone on, from the other side. If you look closely you can see some boys at the bottom of the cliff, wonder if they jumped off or swam up.

Of course Bean had lots of fun, we always pick a spot away from people so he can play off leash. I think he wants to be in the movies.

Here he is practicing his dance moves.

 And for a part in, The Walking Dead.

 I had planned on swimming, but the water was all murky from the boaters, so we headed to my Sister in laws beach. Her beach is at the end of their road and usually empty, so I love swimming there and Bean can play some more, plus the water was nice and clean. Bill and Bean are looking for rocks that I can use for painting.

Sunday was another slow day, but Bill decided he was going to repurpose our old fence for my beach room, so he started getting the nails out and cleaning the wood. We needed a power washer to clean it good, so we headed to my son's to borrow his.

Of course I got to spend time with Nick and Alex which is always fun. I took Nick to the river and he rode his new scooter. Fun for him, but tiring for me since I had to walk really fast to keep up with him, lol. He was happy for about 10 minutes and then wanted to go home, he has this new fear of going places with me and having his parents disappear. He starts preschool next week, so hopefully that will help with his new found fear.

So, we played outside his house and had fun watching the frogs in the run off pond, in front of his house. Alex is walking now, so the rest of the time was spent keeping him from running into things so no photos this time. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

It's all about Bean!

This weekend was Bean's weekend, we planned our trips around things he could do. On Saturday it was cool and cloudy, perfect day to go to Fort Wetherill and avoid the crowds. Newport is hosting the annual Folk art festival and I was hoping to hear it from the hill, but it was hard to hear much and the wind didn't help. It was nice to get out though and the air was refreshing and there were a lot of large sailboats, enjoying the breezes.

With the weather, we had the beach to ourselves. Of course Bean was thrilled with that, he could play off leash.

This gray catbird, wanted nothing to do with us, so he went the other way.

On the way home, we stopped to watch the Osprey's flying about the cove.

And the Lotus flowers were in bloom in our town, so I had to stop to enjoy those.

On Sunday we took him to his Aunt Natalie's house. She has beach access on her road, and it is a great place for all of us to go swimming. Bean can swim, but he avoids it, at all costs.

He is getting braver with the higher water and waves. And of course he loves to show off. His water walking skills......

And his high jump, acrobatics.

I hope you enjoyed following us along on our weekend fun. Today was clean up day and yard work, then it is some me time, I need to get back to creating again and have a few projects in the works for this week.