Friday Finish!

This week I worked on my painting and got more done, but I also drop my brush so much that I make a mess and have to fix the blobs of paint that I drop, lol. I decided to take a break and give my arm a rest, so I worked on a new stitchery. Yes, I agree, I do not know how to rest, but a brain break to think about my next steps on the painting.

The new stitchery is done with a design by Kathy Schmitz for the One Stitch Club. I do love pieces with inspirational words and this was a fun one to make. I colored the bee but the new colored pens seem to bleed more than the ones I get in the craft store, I don't think they are the same quality. So, a bit of black went into the yellow but I can live with that.

I like making pillows, something I can sell or gift and most people have room for a little pillow, more than a wall hanging.

I also got to spend last Saturday with the boys. The kids dropped them off so we took them to the island. We started with the diving beach, since most people are boating or diving from that spot, so there were only a couple of people on the beach. The boys loved playing in the water, even though it was cold.

After the beach, we drove over to the picnic area and found a nice big spot to park the rig. The boys loved having all that space to run around in and a picnic lunch in the trailer.

After lunch we went for a walk to the old forts. The boys loved exploring the forts and seeing all the graffiti, luckily Nick noticed the drawings more than what some said, lol. It was nice to spend the day with them and Nick told me he had a good day, which makes my day. I hope everyone is doing well and save from the fires, illness and able to spend time with your families.

Weekend Wanderings!

This weekend we spent with the boys, always my favorite thing to do. They love getting out and exploring with us and with the trailer, they are comfy on the ride and we have plenty of snacks. We had a change of plans and headed to Connecticut to see if we could find a good spot at the state park. I decided to see if the camping area was open and there was no one at the gate and found out from the ranger that it is ok to park for the day, just no over night.

We picked a campsite across from the beach, nice and shady and no one around.

Alex fell asleep as usual, so Nick and I sat outside and an ice cream truck came by, perfect treat for a hot day. When Alex got. up we walked around the camp, also a good place to bring their scooters, with the paved roads.

The ranger also said it was ok to let the boys play on the beach, though they ended up in the water and got wet enough to cool down. Of course Bean had fun too.

We got the boys pizza and treats for lunch and while they ate, I walked around to see if I could catch some birds. Of course they all hid when I came, but I was able to catch a Baltimore Oriole.

And across the pond, I spotted a Great Blue Heron.

Yesterday we stayed home so I could do some cooking and catch up around the house. I wanted to get things done so we could go out today, but thunderstorms rolled through Connecticut so we will do that trip tomorrow.

They dropped the boys at our house and they had fun swimming and sliding, perfect for a hot day.

Today we decided to head to the ocean to get a pass for the trailer and take a swim. We found out that we cannot take it into the state beaches, but there was one that takes trailers, so we headed there. I could not believe there were only two others there. They have acres of grass that you can park on and spend the day. We will definitely spend more time here with the family, perfect for picnics and space for the boys to play, as well as miles of beach.

Friday Finish and Fun!

This week I worked on a stitchery. It is a pattern from Kathy Schmitz's, One Stitch Club. It is fun to get a new one each month and they make wonderful pillows. The designs this year have a bird theme and are all the same size, so those who want, can make them into a quilt.

I made a pillow, something I can decorate with or give as a gift. It measures 10" x 10". I wanted it a bit larger, so I added a little border.

Last weekend we took the boys to the aquarium and then to the owl sanctuary, as well as a picnic. The boys loved seeing the outside areas, now that it is warm enough. The sanctuary was a great place to play and explore.

We went for a picnic in between and I wanted some place close that wasn't crowded, so we went to the Mystic cemetery, which was nearby. It was a beautiful day to sit and enjoy watching the boats and the boys were fascinated by the gravestones. The funny thing was, I told Bill to stop at a place that had an open area and parking, and when we got out, I noticed the gravestone in front, said Daniele. Spelled differently than my daughter's name, but a strange coincidence.

At the sanctuary, they noticed that the different trees, made different sounds when they banged a stick on them.

And a few of the critters we saw at the aquarium, as well as, a Tom who was showing off to the two females in my yard. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Weekend Wanderings!

We had a beautiful weekend and it was nice to get out again. On Saturday we went for a ride to the ocean and spent some time at the wharf. It was a little cool for the beach but I wanted to get photos of the seagulls that were flocking on the buildings and check out the boats on the docks.

I caught this photo and thought it was funny, with the speed limit sign. It makes it look like the gull on the post is chastising the other gulls for flying too fast in the slow zone.

At the docks behind the building is why there are so many gulls. The fishermen were throwing the leftover fish to them.

And, I found out, it attracts the seals too. I never knew they came into the harbor and it was a treat to see them swimming around and playing in the channel.

On the way home we took a detour and stopped at Snuff Mill. It is where they ground tobacco and also the home of Gilbert Stuart who painted the famous unfinished portrait of George Washington. It is the one, seen on the dollar bill. The museum grounds are closed, so I took a shot from the road, I would like to go back and revisit it when I can go inside. I used to go as a child since I could walk there and it cost 10 cents to get in.

Sunday we had Nick for the day and it was an even nicer day, so we went back to the wharf and got to enjoy some time on the beach. We watched the sail surfers on the water, while Nick played in the sand with a toy he found on the beach.

Even though it was nice, it was still cooler at the beach, so we headed back up the bay and Nick had a picnic on the URI Bay Campus beach. It was a lot warmer and less people, so we could relax and Nick loved the fact that were were thousands of rocks he could throw in the water.

I have also been searching for a vacation place, for our anniversary in June. It seems the Acadia area is popular in June now and now openings on the water, but I finally found one in Stonington at Old Quarry Ocean Adventures. It doesn't have hook ups, but he will plug us in with electric and water and we will stop at a camp on the way home to dump the tank. Now all we need is nice weather so we can enjoy kayaking around the islands that are scattered all through the area.

I think the view is well worth it and there is a launch right next to us. Another bonus is, they will cook our lobster dinner and bring it to our site, so a nice anniversary treat. And, if Bean behaves, he is allowed to go leash free so he can play on the beach. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and hopefully winter will end early this year.

Merry Christmas!

I want to wish everyone a Blessed Christmas and Happy Holidays to those who celebrate the season in other ways.

I finished my Christmas pillow and still debating on making a corded edge for the outer edge, I think it will finish it off nicely. Maybe after the holidays, since I have no desire to go to any stores this weekend.

The design is by Bird Brain Designs, the pattern a gift from a  friend.

Today we took Nick out and had some fun at the submarine museum in Groton Ct. He had a lot of fun and enjoyed playing with grandpa.

Going inside a submarine was an adventure for him, a few times he started thinking it was time to get out, but he made it through and had fun climbing through the hatches and up and down stairs.

 We picked up some lunch and enjoyed a picnic at the point. We got to sit on the porch of an old home and enjoy views of the long island sound.

On the way home we stopped in Mystic Village and checked out some shops, Nick was awestruck in the Christmas shop, and I had to watch what he was trying to put in his pockets, lol. It was a fun day and I am sure he is as tired as I am.

Christmas will never be the same for us. We will have the joys of our son and his family, but Danielle will always be missed and a big part of our hearts. I still send her a note or add a photo of her childhood to her Facebook page each Friday. It is my way of keeping her memory alive. This is the card I made for her, for Christmas. May all of you who have lost loved ones, may you find peace and joy in the memories of those who have gone before us.

Weekend Wanderings and new Stitchery Club!

I wanted to share a new stitchery club being offered by Kathy Schmitz, called One Stitch at a Time. I received her email and you can read about it on her blog. For only 2.00 a month, you will receive a new monthly stitchery, in epattern form. They are smaller ones,  which makes them quick and fun and a great way to get started on your gift box. I think this is well worth the money and something fun to look forward to every month.

Here is the first one she is offering, starting in June. I can't wait to get mine, it will be the perfect project to make a few of, for gifts, when we go camping.

Saturday we were lucky enough to have perfect weather for hiking. Warm sun with a light breeze, so we headed to Stepping Stone Falls. This was a place that I went when I was young and we had picnics in the spring and fall, so it is one of those places that just lifts my spirit when we go there.

How can you not relax and just enjoy the moment, with a front row seat to the falls. Of course Bean was more interested in the people walking by.

There were a lot of trees down from the wind storms over the winter. Bill wanted me to get a picture of him under the tree, Bean wanted to go so he could meet more people.

On the way back we came up to where the old picnic area was. It used to be all cleared out and picnic tables and there is a path through the stone wall that took us to the falls. I don't know why they closed it, but they are cleaning it up now.

We stumbled on an old pump house, the sign said that the AMC is restoring it and fixing the old shelters, so that will be nice. It was nice to get out before the rains came.

Holiday Happenings!

First I would like to put out a request to a blog follower who sent me the most beautiful floral arrangement from Sprigs. It really came at a time when I needed something to lift my spirits and get me through that first week. Could you please email me with your address.

I still need to go through the cards and do thank you notes to so many who have been there to support us and send us their love, it means a lot to us. I still have a hard time dealing with things, for now, but I want to thank all of you who have sent me wishes and support on my blog as well.

This holiday my Sister -in -law hosted a party at her house. Of course she had to take photos of us, sitting with her husband.

 It was nice to meet her husband's side of the family and Nicholas loved playing with his cousin, Bella.

Grandpa and Nick, walking the beach front.

Nick and Grandpa watching the action on the water, these photos warm my heart especially seeing Bill smiling and enjoying life again. I hope you had a nice weekend and hopefully I will have some finished projects to show by friday.

Weekend Wanderings Giveaway!

We had a beautiful weekend and even though I am still dragging, I had to get out and enjoy it. For saturday we went to Bluff Point Connecticut. It was warm but cooler near the ocean with the breezes so  hiking to the bluff was the perfect place to go.

I love walks where the paths are wide and you have views of the water, most of the way. It is so calming and a great way to boost my spirit. At the end of the trail, there are the bluffs where you can look out at the ocean and see all the way to the islands off of New York.

The afternoon got warmer and there are no trees at the point, so we headed back and sat at the picnic area under the trees. A great place to cool down and enjoy people watching.

Sunday was even hotter, so I decided it was a good day for the bay. We started in the cove but went straight out to the bay and headed down the coast. I left the house tired, but once I got out on the water, I wanted to keep going, I love being on the water.

Since the tide was still high, we went to a cove and paddled around the perimeter. It was calmer in the cove and a good way to relax after paddling in the waves and against the wind. I always love seeing the old mill, they are condominiums now but they still have their historic charm.

In the middle of that area, there is a group of patriotic birds.

Another cove comes to the sanctuary where we go for walks, so no homes past this point. A touch of fall is just beginning in the areas closest to the sea.

We ended out trip at the outer cove. I went in to the waist, too cold to jump in;) It is a nice place to walk around and see what interesting things are hidden in the sea.

And now for the giveaway! I tried taking a photo when we were at Bluff Point and this guy ducked under, just as I hit the shutter. What do you think it is? You don't have to be right, all comments will be entered. The winner will receive any one of my epatterns, of their choice. I will pick a winner on Friday night and announce it, that night.

Happy Anniversary!

Today is our anniversary and of course I spent it, doing my favorite thing, paddling.
Today marks our 38th year together and I won't say it is perfect or bliss, but we love each other and we work through the tough times and the differences.

I saved my favorite place for today and the original plan was to go to the island but I changed my mind and we paddled to Napatree Point at Watch Hill. Watch Hill is famous for it's grand homes and stretches of beaches at the point.

We started at Barn Island in Connecticut and headed to Napatree point in RI.

As we got up the point the waters got too shallow to paddle, so we had to walk the boats into the shore.

We had our own quiet beach area, no one around on this side. Bill got himself a present, now he can sit on the beach without worrying about the sun.

We spent the day enjoying the views and walking along the beach. We also went over the dunes to the other side, this is where most people go and a lot deeper. It is wonderful having vacation before school gets out, no crowds.

The winds were picking up and the waves were getting higher, but fun riding along as we headed back to the launch. The end to a perfect day.

We will probably do more paddling this weekend at our local launch, but I think I am about ready to relax at home and start sewing again. Next month will be my 5th blog anniversary, look for a special giveaway. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.