A Surprise Present

Last night, Glenn went to town to run some errands. He brought me back a present… a huge, new wheelbarrow.

 

He did not tell me about the wheelbarrow, but I saw it first thing this morning just waiting outside the door.   I was thrilled!  It does not take much to make me happy.

 

My second thought was that Glenn wants me to do more work - ugh!

 

My old wheelbarrow; which is getting very squeaky, loose and rusted/rotten, is very small.  I currently use it to move mulch from my stockpile located out in the pasture, through the yard, to the furthest perennial beds.  I decided to mulch the challenging beds first. The going is slow.  On the upside, I am getting quite a bit of exercise walking back and forth. That was my plan.

 

Ol' Reliable will still be useful - probably for the lighter jobs

The new wheelbarrow looks to hold double the amount that the small one does.  My fear is that I do not have enough muscle to wheel such a load.  I will find out soon.

 

Isn't she pretty?

For now, I am just admiring my brand new, forest green, unscratched, undented wheelbarrow. Then, tomorrow, I will get back to hauling and spreading mulch.

 

Today, I just want to savor my shiny new implement for one entire day.  

Getting Back To Quilting

Recently, I signed-up and attended an English Paper Piecing class.

 

My quilting activities have been on hold for years.  Now, I was feeling the urge to return to an interest that had once been my passion.

 

Maureen, a wonderful customer of Becky’s from the Staunton Farmers Market, was going to be teaching English Paper Piecing, a two-session class, through the Staunton Parks and Recreation Department.

 

I had previously taken classes (cheese making, soap making, cake decorating, jewelry making) sponsored by this program and was always much satisfied and so satisfied with my efforts. 

 

Knowing Maureen ahead of class time was a bonus.  Maureen is very friendly and sharing, so I knew the class would be a hit and a perfect beginning to my return to quilting.

 

Unfortunately for Maureen, I was the only student.  Fortunately for me, I was the only student.  The one-on-one, private lessons were marvelous. 

 

I had tried English Paper Piecing once before without much success.  Maureen passed along new techniques, amazing worksheets complete with detailed photos, and the encouragement I needed to continue with an art I had abandoned for other, new pursuits.

 

My biggest hindrance was that, over the years, my eyesight has been deteriorating.  The close handwork was more of a challenge than I had anticipated.  But, purchasing an inexpensive pair of reading glasses was a blessing.  Yes, I am getting older but I can still manage the detailed handwork with the proper tools.  The old saying, ‘If there is a will, there is a way’ is so true.

Appalachian Piecework - in Staunton...you must visit this shop



 




Our work area - what a fun spot to have class!

 

 

 

An unanticipated benefit was class location.  Maureen held her classes outside a most wonderful shop, Appalachian Piecework.  The shop is located in a charming old depot.  Behind the building, we sat on the wide walkway next to the platform surrounded by flowers, old train cars, and towering old buildings that comprise what is known as ‘The Wharf’.  And, modern tracks.

 

Maureen, my fabulous instructor with a couple of her amazing 'hexie' projects

 

Occasionally, a commuter train would pass us, stop at the current operating station to unload/load passengers, and continue on its route.  The Engineer would wave as he passed Maureen and I stitching.  I waved back.  I was quickly reminded of my childhood when waving at a train’s Engineer was a must as we sat in the car waiting at a railroad crossing as a long and slow train passed. 

 

 

 

The English Paper Piecing class was a success.

my home workspace for this English Paper Piecing project

Class is over and I am still stitching on my project, a table topper for daughter Becky.  I decided to use the typical Grandmother’s Flower Garden pattern with my paper pieced hexagons, more commonly called ‘hexies’.  After all, the topper will be going on the table I gave to Becky which, originally, was my Grandmother’s kitchen table.  My fabric choice was based on the beautiful sunflowers Becky had growing around her barn and silo this summer - so bright and happy. I have no doubt that this is a project I will finish. 

 

 

 

Now that the class is over and Becky’s Farmers Market days are over, I am sure Maureen and I will stay in touch. 

 

Making a new friend…so worthwhile!

 

P.S. Check out Maureen’s blog at pursuitofquilts.blogspot.com

4 October 2014 - Weather Is Changing

Last night’s rain resulted in ideal weeding conditions. What a joy!  I was able to completely pull weeds out of the soil today rather than breaking them off at ground level and leaving the roots in the ground which had been the case for most of the summer as the ground was more akin to cement rather than friable earth. 

 

Can you tell which side I weeded today?

I still have plenty more weeding to go...this is only one small area waiting for my attention.

Even though I was outside most of the day, I did not get very much accomplished as I have a lot of weeds, but I was pleased with the small patch that I was able to finish.  I will continue weeding, at my speed, until the ground freezes which might be any day now.

 

The warm and comfortable autumn temperature has drastically changed overnight.  Today was quite cool and our area has a light frost warning for tonight.

 

Yesterday’s rain was most appreciated, but it also resulted in a down side.

 

Yesterday’s rascally rain and stiff wind played havoc with the beautiful leaves of autumn.  Most of the leaves that had already transformed into colorful gems ended up matted on the ground.  Fortunately, there are still many green leaves remaining on the trees.   I am hopeful that the weather will be favorable again bringing back more mild temps and more color to the mountains.

 

Also, I was glad that I was finally able to harvest the butternut squash before the rain and the colder temperatures arrived.  Now, after a quick wash and rinse in water mixed with bleach at a rate of 10:1 to ward off spoilage caused by bacteria,  this season’s (actually the first butternut squash I have successfully grown in the past four years) butternut squash are now sitting in my living room curing to increase their storage life, so that  I will have enough butternut squash to use now and later into the winter.

 

I am not a big fan of butternut squash but I do have a fabulous recipe for Butternut Bisque compliments of author/artist Susan Branch.  D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!!! 

 

Even if you are lukewarm or even cold about butternut squash, this bisque is sure to please your palette - YUMMY!

 

 

And, we are still getting a few strawberries...so sweet!



The 'FLERD' grazing contently.

 

 

3 October 2014

RAIN!  We got some rain today.  Not a real storm but more rain than we have received in just about…forever.  I exaggerate, but not by much.  I will just say that the weeks of dust have finally been washed off my car and off our cattle.

 

This evening Glenn and I attended an art opening in historic downtown Staunton, Virginia. A first for us.  We knew both of the featured artists, Agnes Carbrey and Ryan Russell.  Agnes and Ryan are both very accomplished artists, each having a definite style.  Agnes and Ryan use a lot of color in their artwork.  I love COLOR! 



Check out the colorful paintings....

 

the featured artists - Ryan Russell and Agnes Carbrey
(Note:  both Agnes and Ryan are talented musicians as well)

Without getting into too much detail, Ryan paints wonderful landscapes and Agnes paints human bodies with a twist. 

 

I would love to own a painting by either artist, or both.  (Hint, hint Glenn)  I have plenty of open wall space which would be highlighted by an original, colorful work of truly beautiful art.  Knowing the artist...a bonus!

2 October 2014

October 2 - another wonderful day to enjoy and experience.

 

The weather was warm, sunny, comfortable and still very dry.  I cannot remember the last time we had rain, but it has been weeks if not months.  The plants are crying out for moisture, any moisture...even dew. 

 

The dry weather seems to be producing wonderful fall color.  The greens of summer are just beginning to turn, but I can already tell that the color change is going to be magnificent if the early color hint is any indication.

 

Every day the color of the leaves seem to change more. They become more colorful and more intense.  I do not have a favorite autumn leaf color as I LOVE them all.

 

Earlier in the day, I spied this bird in my ‘woodpecker’ tree.  I am lost as to identification.  Could it be a juvenile red-headed woodpecker?   I haven’t seen a mature red-headed woodpecker in years.  Of course, that does not mean they are not around. In any case, a definite bonus bird for me...named or unnamed.

 













I spent most of the day outdoors.  In fact, I just came in to finish up supper preparation.  It is past 7:30 PM and already dark.  I am not happy with the shorter days, but I must accept the obvious. 

Spotted Sandpiper

I took my laptop down to the pond to write this afternoon.  The setting was perfect, the distractions many.  Fortunately for me, the distractions were welcomed.  The spotted sandpiper cruising along the water’s edge pecking at aquatic insects.  Many fish were randomly jumping out of the water resulting in slow, concentric rings widening out and decorating the calm surface of the pond.  And, the bird of the day…the northern flicker perched in the infamous walnut tree, what I call the kingfisher walnut, growing just feet from the pond.

 

 

Northern Flicker (male)


 

My October is getting off to a magnificent start.

 

 

 

more October color...

 

 



 

 

Variegated Fritillary

mature persimmons

 



 

 

 

Celebrate OCTOBER

Today is more than October 1^st…it is the first day of my most favorite month of the year - GO OCTOBER!

 

I think my fondness for October comes from my love of the changing colors of the season - awesome autumn - I LOVE COLOR!!!!  

 

And, the weather is cool and crisp, more in keeping with my physical comfort zone…not the hot and humid days of summer or the wicked cold of winter.

 

I plan to celebrate each and every day of October. 

 

So, I will begin with a few sights of this early autumn day …

 

the greens are starting to turn...bring on the reds, the yellows, the oranges, the...

 

Common Buckeye

 

Sights and Sounds

Yesterday, my walk was totally worth my effort.

 

As I neared the pond, actually within feet of the water’s edge, a heron flew up just about in my face.  I was surprised as was that heron. The shore at that particular location was hidden from my view because of a slight slope; thus, initially I did not see the heron nor did the heron see me.  I had never been that close to any heron before and the intimacy, the detail of the physical bird, was amazing.  Unfortunately, I had to look fast as the heron made its way quickly, in his mind, to safety.

 

I proceeded a few more feet and could now see the shoreline.  I noticed some unusual motion.  I was observing bobbing heads though unsure of what kind of heads.  In an instant, six dark birds took to the air and flew in the same direction of the fleeting heron.  I made a mental picture of the unfamiliar species of bird - a water bird, smaller than a mallard, no duck-type bill, and all-over dark plumage.  Later, back at the house, I would retrieve my trusty Birds of Virginia Field Guide and ID the birds as Pied-billed Grebes, a wonderfully new, to me, species to add to my personal birding list.

 

As I watched the grebes fly away, I noticed the resident Belted Kingfisher arrive, lighting on the nearby electric line.  I moved inside the pond house and stood in the doorway of the pond-side door to get a better look from my somewhat hidden location.  But, the kingfisher had left its perch.  Then, I saw a fluttering shadow on the mirror-like surface of the pond.  I looked up to see that kingfisher flapping in place several feet above the water.  In a second, that kingfisher dove into the water making quite a splash.  As she withdrew from the water, she made her way to the fence and was just about to land on a fence post but decided to find a better option.  I watched as the kingfisher circled back and was just about to land on the bench of the pond house until she finally saw me only two feet away standing at the open door.  Once again, without stopping, she circled back and landed in her favorite walnut tree. 

 

Again, within moments of that close encounter with the heron, I have a close encounter with a kingfisher.   I was having a lucky day…more of a jackpot kind of day.

 

I left the pond house and slowly made my way around the pond trying to get nearer to that walnut tree.  One step too many caused the kingfisher to leave and fly over to the bench at the pond house.  Darn!  I was just at the pond house.  I do believe this bird is playing with me.  I continued to watch the kingfisher.  She flew to within feet of my location, did her little flutter in place and returned to the bench.  I think this bird and I are becoming friends.

 

Before leaving my position just below the walnut tree, I looked up and noticed a strange object hanging from a branch.  At this time of year, the walnut trees have already dropped about 75 to 95 percent of their summer’s leaves, so the branches are well exposed.  My conclusion was that this object was a pendulous nest.  What else could it be? I am guessing, by descriptions I have read, that this is probably an oriole’s nest.  But, I am only guessing as I have never seen an oriole’s nest.

 



Any verification?  Any guesses?

 

Just beyond the pond, I met up with the gathering bluebirds.  I do not see the bluebirds daily, but they have been a regular at this location for a couple of months.  The flashes of brilliant blue are magnificent to view.

 

One bird sighting is exciting, but all these exceptional bird experiences at one time were just about incredible.  

 

The last leg of my walk, up the steep Incline, was unnoticeable today as I replayed the recent moments over in my mind.

 

It was only 9:00 AM and my day was already full with delight.

 

Today, on the other hand, began much differently.

 

I was awakened by the chilling howling of coyotes.  This howling has become an everyday event starting as early as 2:30 AM, but easily occurring as late as 6:00 AM.

 

When the coyotes are really close to the house, Sammy goes into quite a barking tirade himself adding more noise to what should be the quiet hours of the day.  If the coyotes are further downhill, I can, at times, hear Avalanche, our sheep guard dog, bark in low woofs. 

 

My hope is that the response of our dogs is enough to keep the coyotes from killing any more our sheep.  (Note: This spring our flock was greatly reduced to nightly coyote killings.)

 

And, I once again, get any early start (4:30 AM to be exact) to my day - UGH!