Friday Finish!

 I finally finished my stitchery. It is a pattern by Bareroots and a fun one to do. I did it on a tea towel, like the pattern, but I think this would make a fun pillow. I used an iron on cloth to cover the back stitches, but it shows through, so not sure if I like that. 

I also did another painting, my first flower. I find it hard to follow the instructions, some make no sense, so I tend to do my own thing. I really don't like copying someone else's style, but I like learning a few new things and practicing techniques.

Last week we hiked at a park, that also has a bird sanctuary area. Some paths are paved, part of the old World War II airport training camp.

Other areas are grassy and others are wooded pathways, so a nice variety of scenery.

We also spotted a few returning birds, but only caught the Eastern Towhee. On the ride home we spotted a  Merlin and a few other things along the way.

Another day we went to the island and let Bean have some fun time at the beach.

Today we went to another sanctuary. There were so many birds and critters, we barely took a few steps before seeing something. Most were shy and ran away when they saw us, but I caught a few along the paths.

A Yellow-rumped Warbler.

A Yellow Warbler.

A Tree Swallow.

And a few more things we spotted at the ponds and path. We have rain coming, but it may hold off tomorrow, so hoping to get out again. It is nice to see signs of Spring at the parks and at home. My flowers and trees are blooming, so it is a great mood pick me up, after a dreary winter. I hope you all can get out and enjoy spending time outside.

Free Easter Bunny!

This weekend I took a break on Saturday since it was windy and cold. It gave Bill a day to work on the bathroom, though I am not sure how much he really did, lol. On facebook there is a group called Homespun Whimsey - Woolen Friends. She offers free patterns and block of the month. When I saw the bunny, I knew I had to make one.

I used what I had in my stash drawers and did more prim stitching, but I wanted to add a pop of color too. I like having things that the boys enjoy too, so more color in my pieces, lately. It was fun to make and I put it on the wall with rug tape. A great way to hang pieces without wrecking the walls.

On Sunday the boys had plans with mom and dad, so Bill and I went exploring by ourselves. We went to a small wooded park, that has paths and along the way, artwork by local artists.

It was a short walk, but fun to see something different and I left a painted rock along the path, for someone to find.

I was in the mood for a longer hike, so we went to the bird sanctuary at Trustum Pond. It was more crowded than usual, but we could still enjoy some quiet hiking along the paths and the local wildlife along the way. There are fields that are off limits for hikers, but I spied this guy and snuck in a little way to get a shot. A red tailed hawk, perfect spot to watch for mice in the fields.

The turtles are still hibernating, but we spied this beaver in the pond.

At the entrance, there is an area for birds with feeders and water, so a great place to see varieties of birds that are coming and going for the spring migration. This little Tufted Titmouse sat just long enough to get a shot.

The tide was going down and I wanted to check out the beach nearby. It was windy and cold, so I did a quick look in the immediate area and grabbed what I could, but too cold to stay out too long. The beach was covered in rocks, I know there was tons of glass in there, hated to leave, lol. The larger round piece was so clear, I grabbed it, thinking it was probably a rock, but I realized it was glass, so a nice find.

Hopefully I can get in the creative mood this week and start working on some art projects.

Holiday Weekend!

I guess you could say I have been busy and enjoying my company, since I didn't get many photos. We had a house full and everyone doing their thing, especially the kids, so it was hard to get anyone to stay still for too long.

I rearranged the dining area and made room for everyone at the table, a bit snug, but we all fit.

Today was a nice day, a bit cool, but a nice day to get out for a walk. I wanted an easy day, and no stress, so we went to the bird sanctuary. I love the paths and the beautiful views of the pond and ocean.

Coming through the back path, I almost bumped into this deer. She was standing at the edge of the path and seemed used to people. I also noticed when I looked at the photo that she has a large hole on her back left leg, so I will send it to them, not sure if she caught it on something or a coyote tried to get her.

On another path I hurt a racket and discovered two squirrels, running up and down a tree to gather more leaves for their nest. Hard to catch them, they run at top speed, back and forth.

Back at the center, they have a little porch with a bench. A great place to sit and relax, while the critters enjoy the feeders and bird baths. It was a nice way to spend the day and we stopped at some small local gift shops, but nothing worth bringing home.

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving and a fun weekend planned. I am working on my stitchery and decided on what projects to make for me, for Christmas.

Holiday Weekend!

This weekend was nice for a few days and rain today, but we had plans to stay home, so we got out for some rides and a little outdoor hiking.

One place we love is Trustom Pond, a sanctuary so no dogs allowed. I was excited to try my new camera there, with the zoom. That is, until I realized I left the zoom at home, ugh. We enjoyed the walk though and the wildlife and got a nice 3 mile hike in.

The views are always beautiful from the first point and deck. Looking into the cove, a pair of swans.

An old windmill from the farm is still standing.

The rains bring more water to the streams and everything is so green and lush.

Sunday was shopping first, and we got some tin tiles to do the kitchen backsplash, hopefully Bill can get them on without messing it up too much, lol. We came back and got Bean and went to the lighthouse for a walk around the circle. Of course most of the time was spent stopping to let people pet Bean, but we got to enjoy some time on a beach and enjoy the views.

A couple were fishing, as a sailboat came by.

Today we had a little party for Nick. His birthday was yesterday, four years old. Alex was born on the same day, so his birthday was at Ivy's mothers and when she comes back tomorrow, they will have a big party for them.

Nick loves presents and we got him something small but fun and he loved it.

Of course the buddies had fun blowing and catching bubbles.

He wanted a puppy patrol cake and at walmart they do special cakes, it sure looks pretty but according to the guys, it is horrid, way too sweet and the frosting was a bit thick and rubbery. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Now it is time for me to get some things finished, get ready for our trip and build up my strength so I can do more paddling.

Sunday Stroll Giveaway!

This weekend was beautiful and the perfect weekend for some outings. One of the places I have been wanting to go is Bluff Point in Connecticut. It has trails that go around the peninsula and you can also go biking and kayaking from the park.

We decided to try a hike around the trail and it gave us a chance to see how good the trails were for biking, which I will try next time. There is also a nice area for parking at the boat launch with sandy areas to launch from, so that is also on the to do list, this year.

The trail follows the river that runs in and out of the Long Island sound. Beautiful views right from the start. The trails are perfect for biking too.

Lots of areas to stop and walk along sandy beaches.

It come out to a long sandy beach, perfect for when we go paddling. A great way to paddle at the ocean but still be in protected waters.

The trail comes out to Bluff Point, the perfect place to enjoy the views and the islands.

You can also see the Ledge Lighthouse, it is said to be haunted by a former light keeper. Now it is automated and run as a museum and learning center.

And here is where you can enter the giveaway. Tell me about a haunted place in your area and I will pick a winner on friday and announce it that night. The winner can have their choice of any one of my epatterns. If you don't have a haunted comment, any comment will get you entered.

On sunday we went to the bird sanctuary and saw an amazing variety of sea and land birds, but none of my photos were good enough to show, my zoom can only go so far before getting fuzzy. I did get a fun shot of the new arrivals at the pond, this guy has a good start on hopping. 

Hurricane Sandy...The effects continue and Giveaway!

It was a beautiful day out yesterday, so we decided to go for a walk at the Trustom Pond bird sanctuary. It is a salt water pond that is closed off to the ocean by a barrier beach. If  you click on the link, you can see an aerial photo of the pond and the small sand bar that separates the pond from the ocean.

It is home to over 300 species of birds and we arrived at the first platform, just in time to hear and see a flock of geese coming in.

We also noticed the water marker. It is used to mark the highest waters, due to flooding from storms. I guess it isn't needed now. This was our first indication that something was wrong.

The path we were on, takes us to a point which passes by the inlets, which are inaccessible. Not today, it is now a beach. This area was once covered in water.

At the point we go onto a raised platform to see views of the ocean and Block Island. The pond usually reaches up to the platform. Now, it has wider areas that stretch out into points and the shallows have revealed rocks, all through the pond.

And here is why, the storm broke through the barrier beach and it is now an inlet to the sea. The pond is now affected by the tides. The islands that provide safe harbor for the nesting birds, have land bridges which can be crossed by the foxes and other critters. I have no idea what this will mean for the future of the sanctuary and have heard that they plan on leaving it, as is and let nature take it's course.

We decided to go down the road, to the beach and see how the houses along the shore, fared. It looks like this house is a goner, there is no more support for the house. This is a house that has been there for years, built when there was more land. It shows you how much the ocean has worn away the coast and this storm took even more.

I spied this critter, hiding in the bushes, when we were leaving the beach. What do you think it is? Give me a guess and I will draw a name from the comments and one person will receive their choice of a free epattern from my ecrater shop. I will draw a name on Wednesday at 10pm and announce it that night, along with something for everyone.

The storms are still affecting so many people who live along the coast lines. There are a few places that are looking for help with quilts, blocks and monetary donations. If you have the time, or a spare quilt, or even a few dollars, those who have nothing right now, would appreciate anything you can do to help. Below are links to sites and information on how you can help.

Bumble Bean Basics is still looking for quilts to help those in New York and the New Jersey area.

Phoenix Quilts has rerouted quilts that they have received to help those on the coast, but funds are needed to help out with shipping costs.

The Rock Center has a list of those requesting help and organizations that are helping with the relief cause.

Quilting Gallery is looking for help with their block drive.

Stitch This has a list of places for quilters and other craft needs.

X-Rated Walk!

Today we went for a walk at Trustom Pond. It was a beautiful day with a nice breeze.

The first trail goes around a field and into the woods, then it comes out on a point with water on both sides, it is the perfect place to exercise and relax.

The views from this point, stretch out to the ocean and Block Island. The ferry was making it's way to the island.

This area is a bird sanctuary, so the trees were filled with the sounds of birds. There are a lot of varieties, but they tend to fly out and away, before you can get a shot. This guy sat still just long enough for me to get a shot.

After we finish enjoying the view here, we walk down the path and down a long side path to another point. At this point we noticed an osprey flying by with a long stick in his mouth. He was building a nest.

He was quite proud of himself and was showing off for his wife.

Then his wife decided to get some materials for the nest and this is what she came back with. Well, kid you not, she dropped it in and he started squawking at her and I would swear he was saying, "That is all you got". LOL

This is a view of the area that they are nesting, they own their own little island. Most of it in in the water, the heavy rains have raised the water levels.

After we enjoyed watching the Opreys, we headed back down the trail towards the cars. There is a small pond on the way and I was hoping I would get to see the old snapping turtle. I was thrilled to see he was there and before I knew what happened, he was jumping on another turtle. I guess he isn't as old as I thought;) At first I thought he was hurting her, lol. He smacked down on top of her, dug his claws in and pushed her underwater. He had her down for a long time and finally he started rolling around and she pushed up to get some air. We watched them until they quit, I'd say it was at least 15 minutes, lol. What I will do for entertainment;)

I kept this photo large so you can see the details of their skin and shells. 

And what would a pond be without frogs.

It was a wonderful walk today, we saw a lot of different birds, chipmunks, and snakes. I hope you had a wonderful weekend, as well.

Sunday's Stroll and Contest coming!

First of all, I made a decision on the hexagons. I am adding a the dark green from the middle for one more row around.
I think that will balance it out more. There are some bad edges, so I had to sew deeper on those areas, and that throws it off a bit, but I will do some fixes after, to make it look better, if I can.

Tomorrow looks for my Birthday Giveaway! It starts tomorrow and will end on my birthday, the following Sunday.
So if you are not a follower, now is a good time to sign up. I finally hit the 100 followers mark! I think I will have to add to the original goodies in celebration;)

Today we went for a walk. It is so nice to have a beautiful, semi warm day this late in the season, and it was so good to get out.
We ended up going to the bird sanctuary again. It is a beautiful walk through woods and fields with views of the salt water pond and the ocean, you just can't find a more beautiful spot.

Today was spectacular day for views, the sun was out and the pond lived up to it's name as a bird sanctuary.
You can see the waves crashing against the breakers in the distance.



Flocks were flying in and out of the pond. You can see the lighthouse in the distance. That is another area we love to visit.



This group was taking off for another area of the pond. You can see a few of them running across the water to get some lift.



Take off accomplished



Flying and soaring with the winds



As you can see, it was a beautiful day to just enjoy the view, the cool ocean breezes and the variety of birds who make their home at the pond.