Bluebird on My Shoulder (Patagonia, AZ)

We did not get the snow that was in the forecast for last weekend.  Instead we got some much needed rain and yet, it was still too cold to go for walks.  I kept myself busy with projects instead of walking.

Monday turned into a gorgeous day plus the Preserve was closed so Dan and I went for a walk.  When we left, the House Finches were busy eating up all the birdseed...

 The Western Bluebirds showed up for a little while near the office...

 A good sign that the winter birds are finally returning.

Oh, and our new neighbor was resting near a game trail near the Preserve's Railroad trail.  How Dan spotted him..I have no idea.  I often look along this trail for deer, but I did not see the mountain lion.  We are suppose to haze him, but he probably did not realize that ol' eagle-eye Dan had spotted him.  We took some photos and decided to leave the sleepy cat alone since he looked like he just wanted to take a catnap.

One visitor told me that it wasn't unusual for a mountain lion to be sitting near trails and watching unsuspecting humans.  They blend in so well with the background.  Now, I give myself whiplash on my walks while looking for the lion and I still did not see him.

 I need to work on my "eagle-eye"!  I spy a big kitty!

On the Cutting Board
I have been spending quite a bit of time in the evening working on my granddaughter's quilt.  I would really like to finish it soon.  I have been hand-quilting this one for too many years.  It's time to get it done!

And in between hand-quilting, I got the machine-quilting done on this quilt.  I still need to make the binding.  I might use some pastel scraps for a multi-colored binding.

I'm also experimenting with designing some new mug rugs using different royal free cliparts.  I'm getting a lot of ideas on paper, but nothing in fabric.  I finally took the leap and here's my first try - a sneak peek of Ms. Belle Cow...

Clipart designed by Fayette Terlouw

She's almost done, so I should have a photo of a finished project for the next posting.

Happy Quilting!

All In A Day's Work (Patagonia, AZ)

I'm feeling very productive this week.  Last night, I finished crocheting the baby blanket.  Yea!  It only took me a year to finish, but I had fun doing it!

Once in awhile, I like to read my horoscope.  I don't see me reminiscing about my past unless it is about my sewing room, but I do like the last part (in bold).  Oh Yes!  So True!

• If you listen to someone reminisce about the past today, don't be surprised if you get an urge to follow suit. Your mind will wander back to the person you used to be, and you will naturally compare that person to who you are now. The rose-colored lens of nostalgia might make you miss the life you used to have, but after closer inspection you should come to the conclusion that there is no other place where you would rather be than right here. It's a good feeling. 

 I got some great photos of Western Bluebirds and a Cedar Waxwing.

Getting some sun

Honey, who is that masked bird??

Never fear!  I will protect you from that crazy lady with the camera! 

I finished another murder mystery book....

Knit, Purl, Die by Anne Canedeo

I finished the second book in the Black Sheep Knitters’ series.  Once again, the Black Sheep Knitters pick up on dropped clues and slowly knits them together to solve the mystery.

I had a harder time getting into this story.  The knitting group is still the same.   Their support for each other had a great feeling of camaraderie.  I love this group of ladies and I would learn to knit just to spend time with them.

So, why did I have a harder time with the beginning of this book compared to the first one?  I finally realized that I was having a problem liking the new member – Gloria.  Gloria is in her fifties and one of those flamboyant rich women who insist on fighting natural aging with chemicals and surgery.  I have a very strong dislike towards women like Gloria.  I’m not jealous.  I just happen to respect older women who age gracefully with healthy living and with a mature attitude towards aging.  Women like Helen Mirren who starred in “Calendar Girls”.   Which is also #1 in my favorite movie list…….. and I digress….

Once I realized it was me and not the story, I was able to enjoy the second mystery.  Gloria is the murder victim and her untimely demise leaves the Black Sheep Knitters in shock.  During one of their knitting sessions, their friendship deepens as they talk about life being cut short and living to fulfill their dreams.  I see some subtle changes in Maggie the shop owner and widow.  I also see Lucy deepening her relationship with her boyfriend.  A message to all of us is to live life to the fullest.

In the end, I found myself enjoying this story.  What I really like about Anne Canedeo’s writing is the mystery clues actually fit, but she doesn’t overdo it to the point that I have solved the mystery before the ”Poirot Conclusion”.   Well, okay, I usually have a general idea as to who did it, but she has managed to surprise me both times….and yet the clues were there.  I’ll have to do better on her next book “A Stitch Before Dying”.

Last, but not least....the cats got some outdoor time.

Did I hear a tweet?

I'll be your friend.

And that's my work week so far......

Bluebirds of Happiness (Patagonia, AZ)

This week has been busy at the Preserve.  I get the feeling that our quiet days are coming to an end.  The days will go faster, but I will miss our peaceful days of bird watching.

While sitting near the creek and watching a Black Phoebe, a couple of Western Bluebirds decided to get a drink.

Then another one joined them along with a Red Robin.  I did not see him until I viewed this photo on the computer.  You can just see his head in the lower left hand corner.

While taking the above photos, I started getting pelted from above.  I looked up to see more Robins.  I'm not sure if they were trying to send me a message or if all their movement on the branches were knocking stuff onto me.

I guess they decided it was safe enough to get a drink and soon there were 4 to 6 Robins in the creek.  Of course, I could not get all of them into one shot, but I tried to get as many as possible.  Too bad I could not tell them to get closer together for a group shot...

I wonder if this means Spring will be early this year...

Birds and Hikes ~ Hops and Freebies!

Blog Hop Party!

Quilting Gallery is celebrating their 4th Birthday with a Blog Hop Party and giveaways.  The list of participating bloggers will be revealed on 10 December.

It's My Memories Freebie Friday

Please note that all of these are .png files only, not MyMemories Suite Templates. They are usable in any software so these freebies are for everyone!! These freebies include 2 Quick Pages, and all of the papers and elements used in creating them. The elements and QuickPages are .png and the papers are .jpg format.

This Digital Kit Includes:

• 2 Digital Papers
• 5 Page Elements
• 2 Quick Pages

This Digital Kit Includes:

• 2 Digital Papers
• 5 Page Elements
• 2 Quick Pages

If you are interested in getting the software, please go to My Memories website and don't forget!

  Copy and Paste the code below before clicking on the above link: STMMMS75192

Check out MyMemories Suite,
the #1 Rated Scrapbook Software

Use the DISCOUNT CODE
(provided above) during your checkout and receive:
$10 off the software purchase
and a $10 gift certificate to the online store

And what have I been doing?

It has been a quiet week for us since Shaun left.  The birds have been our biggest entertainment.  A cold front is moving in with rain, so I’m hoping for some more frosty morning photos.

Western Bluebird

No, you are not a Hummingbird….

Gila Woodpecker

We hiked the Ramsey Canyon Preserve on Monday.  It was a wee-bit steep of a hike and my legs have been sore for the last two days.  We saw lots of fall colors, a couple of deer, and some Western Bluebirds.

Well, winter is finally here.  You know what that means….lots of Quilting Time!  Okay, so it is always Quilting Time, but you have to admit that it is more fun to stay indoors, drinking lots of hot tea, and working with fabric on cold windy days….Or….Better yet!...curling up under a quilt I am hand-quilting.  Who wants to be outdoors being wind blasted?  Not me!