Feathered Friends and Jungle Stars (Sutherlin, OR)

We drove to the reservoir the other day.  Unlike the ones we have visited in the southwest, this one looked more like a lake and had a lot of bird activity.  We were barely parked and the engine turned off when this hawk popped up.  He was so close to the car that I was afraid to get out of the car, so I took a few photos through the windshield.  I'm surprised this one came out.

 

After a few shots through the windshield, I tried to get out of the car as quiet and as slow as possible.  No good.  He flew off, but he did not go very far.  I was able to follow him along the shoreline where he was trying very hard to balance himself on this point.  He finally did and had to show off by standing on one foot while watching me. 

In the meantime, I kept hearing a loud chirping behind me.  I turned around to find this little guy making all sorts of noise.  I believe he was mad at me for interrupting his lunch.  He certainly did not mind telling me all about the trouble I had caused him.

Cormarants were everywhere.  I love the way they were all lined up on the pier.  I was hoping they would not mind me getting closer....

but they did...  Well, I managed to upset every bird in the area.  I guess my work is done for now.  Next time, I will take my 500mm lens and maybe I won't disturb my feathered friends.

On The Cutting Board

All right!  I finished the two owl mug rugs.  I just need to add a label to the backs and they will be done. 

I was able to finish the elephant within two nights, so another quilt top is ready to be quilted.

Tonight, I will start appliqueing a car and a train to this top.  Once this top is done, I will have a total of four quilt tops to quilt and bind.

Well, I better get back to my projects.
Happy Quilting!

Sunshine On My Shoulders (Florence, OR)

We went downtown Florence on two different days.  We walked along the main street and the port.  We stopped often to read each building's sign that gave us a short description of their history.  One building actually slid into the Siuslaw river and was pulled back out by the owner.  The building is still standing and being used today.

We did not see any sea lions, but we did see some birds sitting out while soaking up the sun.  We noticed this Great Blue Heron has been in the same spot both times.  He is sitting on what looks like an old wharf near the town's park.

Go away.  I'm trying to sleep here.

He blends in rather well.  We almost missed him.  While taking its pictures, a motorboat went flying by and this was its reaction to it.

We need a "No Wake Zone!" sign.

In the meantime, the Cormorants were enjoying the sunshine and drying their wings.

That is the old Siuslaw River Bridge that was built by Conde McCullough in 1936.  I am always amazed by all his bridges with the beautiful art deco design and by the fact that they are still being used despite their age.  He built bridges to last more than a lifetime. Of course, the ODOT does a great job of maintaining these beautiful bridges.

oh yea, that feels soooo good

Titanic move over

We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day for walking and enjoying the sights.

On The Cutting Board

I'm moving right along on my next custom order.  Of course, it helps that the pattern is already to go from Nancy Halvosen's book.  The snowman is pretty simple.

I straightened out his eyes and he looks pretty good that way.  Maybe I should make more with straight eyes instead of following Nancy's pattern.

The Cupid/Angel looks very stylish with her new hairdo and straightened eyes.  I also did a double layer of peach for the face so the rose bud fabric would not show through her face.  Seems to be working quite well.

I used a crayon to give her a little pink to her cheeks.  After coloring with the crayon, I put muslin over it and heated the area with the iron until I smelled wax.  I read it will fuse to the fabric and not wash out.

Well, time to pull out the sewing machine and get them done.

Happy Quilting!