A Day in the Life!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend. My husband needed help getting the new tub/shower for the basement, so he had my son help him and that meant time with Nicholas for me. Of course Bean was excited to have company and spent the day, trying to herd him.

We ended the day with lunch, homemade rice and chicken that his mom makes up for him. We used the day to eat and be silly.

After we drove them home, we stopped at a local park for a short walk. This is a pond that used to be a public beach and picnic area, but now there is no swimming and they closed the campground down, years ago. Such a shame, it was a nice place to take the kids and we need another state park for camping.

There was still snow in some areas and ice on the pond.

The trail goes around the pond, so we started into the woods.

Lots of nice places to stop and enjoy the views and of course Bean had to explore every nook and cranny.

It was cold and windy, but the path narrowed and it was nice walking in the woods. The problem was, the paths got muddy, so we decided we would come back when we had more time and it was dry, then we can go around the whole pond, something I have never done.

On the home front, I have been working on the rag quilt and hopefully I can get more done in the next few days. The kitties are always finding new places to sleep and Izzy thought my easter hat and chicks made a nice pillow.

And then there is Moki and Bean. Bean has been chewing holes underneath my new couches when I wasn't looking. And Moki has decided it is the perfect kitty hideaway to sleep in.  While I was on the floor trying to get a photo of Moki, Bean decided to get in the act.

What is it, Giveaway!

I am working on finishing some projects so nothing new today.
This weekend we got some nice walks in and I took some photos of some unique items.

Here are two photos, you can comment on one or both and comments will be entered to win a free ebooklet. I will pick a winner from the comments on Wednesday night.

This is a common site at low tide, what is it?

On the way back, we walk through the woods and  pass this rock. I never noticed the shape before, what does it look like to you?

Fabric and Fall Fun and Giveaway!

Last week I won some wonderful fabric from Corrie at Quilt Taffy. Corrie has a wonderful ebay store and a place I have gotten my special issues of Quiltmania from. She has wonderful sales, so worth keeping in your favorites and she is always having a giveaway, so make sure you visit and sign up for her blog.

I stole this photo from her site, since it has a better view of all the fabrics. I can't wait to use them, they have a wonderful vintage look to the shades and I am trying to decide what I can make with them. I would like to make something for my kids, they both work at jobs working with computers, so thinking if I can come up with something that would be good for a guy and a girl that they might be able to use at work or something fun at home. Give me some suggestions or links to free patterns that I could use them on and I will pick a name from all of the comments on tuesday night, for a free epattern.

The shades look lighter here, but they have a muted vintage look in person.

Today was a beautiful day and I got the bright idea to go for a trail walk, to the falls. We started from the middle area this time, for a shorter walk, which took us a long the old road and then onto the trail area.

My body was not being agreeable and my bones got really stiff, but I kept going, I am a glutton for punishment, lol. But it was worth it, to get to the falls and we took a break and had a snack and rested.

Great place to sit and this is the view of the area, from the opposite side.

We walked along this side to the bridge, which crosses back to the main trail. There are a lot of bridges crossing along the path, since there are a few small creeks that run down the hills, especially when it rains heavily. Coming back was a little easier, I guess I got my second wind finally. Tomorrow will be another hot and beautiful day, maybe a good day for an ocean walk.

And if you would like to go for short walk with us, here is a video I tried with my new pocket camera.

Saturday Stroll and Slithering things!

Today we went back to the Big River Management area, it is over 8,000 acres, so lots of places to explore.
The trails are not well marked, just the major ones, so back track on some, when we find the trail is not that great for hiking, a lot of areas are watery mud pits.

This time we found a trail that lead over some small streams and ended at a place they call indian rock.
If I had not glanced over at the right time, on the trail, I would have missed this. It is hard to get a shot through the trees, but in the right position, you can really see the face, very neat.



We took a few different paths and had no idea which was was which. Too many paths in the area, so I decided I would keep going right and I had to end up back where I started and I was right, lol. We did find a an area where an old home must have been and nice rock cliffs. But I wanted to see the other lake, so we went back and found the main trail to the lake.

We found the lake and the path, but the water was so high, it had spilled over into the path.



I had no idea how far the water went down the path, it wasn't that deep, but it was this that made me decide It was time to leave the swampy path. There were quite a few swimming around.



We got a nice view of the end of the pond, but we need to start on the main trail next time, on the opposite side to get to the beach area of the pond. I hope you had a nice day, as well.

Sunday's Stroll!

Blessings come in the little things and for me, in the nature and beauty around me.
Today we went for a walk at Rome Point, a great place for me to get some exercise and to enjoy a beautiful day.

It is still cool enough for the seals to be in the bay. They come out when the tide is down, to sit on the rocks, but it was still high when we went. There was enough room for two seals to enjoy some fun in the sun.



I wish I could get a better close up, but I have to use full zoom to see them. In the summer when we paddle, they are gone.



After we go to the point, we walk the path that goes around the inner cove and into the woods. The area used to be a farm, so there are stone walls and remnants of old buildings scattered about the grounds. We took a new path and I found a tree spirit;)



And on another path we explored, we walked through areas of huge rocks that were shaped by the glaciers. And then we entered a bramble area and were delighted with a family of deer. I don't think they were used to people walking on these paths, and disappeared into the thicker areas. I hope you enjoyed a walk with me today.

Finally a touch of Spring and a Freebie

I really needed to get out of the house and it finally got warm enough to go for a walk, a whole 53 degrees, lol.
We wanted to walk to the point to see the seals, but so did everyone else, so kept driving and decided to go to Pettaquamsscutt Rock. It is a historical site that originally belonged to the indians. It is a bit of a steep climb for someone who has had bronchitis all winter, but well worth it, once I got my lungs working again;) The views are spectacular, reaching out to the bay.



On the backside of the rock, it is old grounds and stone walls. You can just imagine what it must have been like when the indian had their camp there.



The front side of the rocks are used by rock climbers. The cliff is 50 feet high, so great for beginners. Though even that is way too high for me to climb straight up;)



Since the walk wasn't as long as we expected, we decided to go over to the URI bay campus. This is an extension of the main college for oceanographic studies. Their research vessel, the Endeavor, was at the dock.



Looking in the opposite direction, you can see the inner bay with the Jamestown bridge.



Past the boat area, the bay opens up to the ocean. You could see the rain bands coming down from the clouds.



And as stated, a freebie that I wanted to share with you. I was browsing and found an online copy of one of Yoko Saito's books. It is a large file, but well worth the wait. It has the most wonderful patterns for quilts, purses and seasonal wall hangings. You won't be disappointed.

A beautiful day for a walk!

Today it was a little nicer but windy, but I wanted to get out and get some exercise and fresh air.
We went to Rome Point which is a nice walk that takes you to the bay. Coming back we walk through the woods where there were farms, so you can see what is left of foundations and stone walls where the animals were kept. It was nice to get out and just enjoy the day.

Moki got his vet visit and doing ok, a bit sore, so he isn't jumping on things and taking it easy. Dora is still having a fit, but he and izzy are becoming friends.

The water was choppy with the wind, so we stayed on the paths that had protection from the winds.
So, this is how I spent Veterans Day, enjoying this wonderful country I live in, thanks to the men and woman who protect our country.

A walk through the woods!

Today was another beautiful day, so we went for another walk.
This one was a good hike, through Arcadia State Forest, The trail we took was really beautiful, rolling hills, giant rocks and stone walls, in an area that was once inhabited by the early settlers.

We took a trail that led us to a fishing pond. The pond was so beautiful with the fall colors coming in.



We took the trail around the pond, which was a nice easy trail and then we crossed a little bridge where the river runs in.



On the way back we took the trail that ran along the river coming out of the pond. It was wet and rocky and hilly, so I got my workout on that path.



On the way to the pond, we passed an old graveyard. I didn't think to take a picture, so I got one on the way back. It was late afternoon and the woods were a bit darker, perfect time to catch visitors;)

Nature Walk

Today we went for anther walk, to another salt water pond, which is larger.
I wanted to get a longer fast walk in, for the exercise. We did the point which was nice, but as soon as we headed into the woods and swamp areas, we were attacked by hundreds of mosquitoes, so we got out of there. I didn't think with the recent rain and warm temps, that they would be hatching and looking for a meal. Next time, I will wear bug guard.

So, back to yesterdays wonderful walk. It was cooler, so no bugs, but there were lots of critters enjoying the day.

Coming back from the first point, I spotted theses guys, enjoying the sun.



Then we took the side path which is a long meandering path, through woods, fields and swamp.
Bill almost stepped on this little guy, good thing I was looking down.



Once we go through that path, we go to another point. There were a lot of swans in groups, but these two, preferred to be alone. Normally swans are territorial and stick to their own areas.



Coming back we were treated to a fawn, grazing in the woods.



Then around the bend is another small freshwater pond. Can you guess who is staring at me, from the reeds?



It's DinoTurtle, lol. This guy is huge and was out scouting for a meal. So it was a day full of wildlife and a few snakes and frogs who crossed our path. I think this day would make a wonderful story quilt.

Seals!

Today I finally got out for a walk and was so glad that I did.
Not only did I feel so much better, getting out in the fresh air, but I got to see some wonderful sights.

This place is called Rome Point and has a nice wide path that leads out to the bay.
We walked along the beach area and then took the path that leads to the point, at the end.



This guy was out laying his traps, with a little help from his seagull friends.



And this is what we got treated with, when we reached the point. Seals basking on the rocks. I had to use a telephoto on full zoom to get them, so not the best shots.



I went to take a shot of the birds on the big rock and didn't realize, until I saw the photo on the screen, there were more seals basking on the rocks below.



I took a photo of a line of rocks with seals. I can only see so far, since I am nearsighted, so it was fun to see what I captured on the camera. This is the right side of the line. The guy on the right must have his own little rock just below the surface.



Then on the other side of the photo, I captured the rest of the gang. It seems like you see one or two and then notice more and more that are disguised by the rocks.



And since I showed you a picture of me, that was 20 years old, I let my husband take a shot while I was enjoying the view.

Down by the old mill stream

We had two nice days, and rain coming for the rest of the weekend, so I thought I better get my lazy butt out and get some walking in. I am so out of shape, my legs are sore and tight, need to use those muscles more.

We went to a park nearby that was once the home to the first cotton factory in East Greenwich. This is the next town up from me.
There is a small pond at the entrance, that is normally frequented by fishermen, but because of the recent floods, there is not much left of the pond. The water is being funneled into one end, where is is cascading down the rocks and into the smaller stream. I love the sound of rushing water pummeling down the rocks to the stream below, I could sit there for hours.



In the 1800's, this area was teeming with activity. The park now contains the ruins of the 19th century textile mill, its mill pond, dam headrace, spillways, and steam boiler building. I wonder what life was like in those days, as I walk the paths.



The remains of the dwellings, several outbuildings, a well, a privy, and bridge abutments can be seen as you walk the paths.



The families of the village once grew flowers around their houses. Patches of lillies of the valley, day lilies, and periwinkle can be seen around the areas of the foundations. A day of peace and contemplation about the families who once lived and worked here.