Garden Grumbles and Cross Stitch Fumbles

The Header Details Revealed

2012-02-02T06:12:00.000-08:00

YYYYYYYYY

Wow it's February - 2012 is certainly flying by. Thank goodness February has 29 days this year. I'll need the extra day to even hope to stay on track.

Here are the details of the Blog Header. This time, just to confuse everyone, I'll name them using horizontal rows.

Row 1: Heart in Hand, Bits and Pieces "Hodgepodge Hearts"; Bent Creek, Snappers "February Glows"; DMC, Color Variations "Love Your Hearts"; Heart in Hand, "2000 Collector's Heart" (I changed year to 2002); Heart in Hand, "Gentle Heart".

Row 2: Heart in Hand, Wee One "Be Mine"; Brightneedle, "Twin Hearts Sampler"; Heart in Hand, "2005 Collector's Heart" (I changed the date to 2006); then below it is Heart in Hand, Mother's Wisdom "Be Nice".

Row 3: Top with white fabric Ibex Designs, "Rainbow Pillow"; beneath the rainbow hearts is Heart in Hand, "Stack of Hearts"; Heart in Hand, "One Love"; Heart in Hand, "2004 Collector's Heart"; Heart in Hand, Monthly Mania "February"; " Heart in Hand, "2006 Collector's Heart"; Bent Creek, "Love".

There you have it!

YYYYYYYYY

A Mushy Missive and a Mossy Meander

2012-02-01T06:39:00.000-08:00

Let's start February off with a BANG!

A new Blog Header and the first completion of the month.

Design - "February" Flip it - A Year With Charm

Designer - Lizzie Kate

Fabric - 28 count Country French Cafe Mocha linen

Fibers - GAST - 2 strands over 2 threads

Started - 30 January 2012

Completed 31 January 2012

I think we should title this walk "A Mossy Meander".

Our unnaturally mild weather continues this week. No need for gloves or mittens. Just a light coat or sweater and a good pair of boots.

My mother was the trail-blazer for this walk, and we followed a deer path (proof later) along the west side of our property. This old stump is about at the end of its cycle - the interior has totally decayed, and just the bark and outer layer remain.

A Mossy Meander - Yes, moss and lichen - this looks like a photo from outer space. The tall lichen are called Cladonia Ecmocyna Lichen - Pixie Lichen (Cladonia ecmocyna) It is widespread throughout the Pacific Northwest, and found in soil, humus or moss. It is prevalent in exposed to lightly shaded habitats

This lichen looks like a sea anemone. I need a lichenologist to help with the identification.

And I need to take a walk with a muscologist - someone who studies mosses. I think the moss is Broom Moss (Dicranum scoparium).

I love this photo - the bright green moss and the red capped lichens. The amazing thing is that this photo and the two above it were all taken of the same decaying stump - such diversity in minutiae.

This stump has several small symmetrical holes...who?

Remember, I said we were following a deer path - hoof prints.

More moss...

...and more moss...

...and yet more moss...

...and still more moss!

I've featured this lichen before - Lungwort Lichen (Lobaria pulmonaria). It is commonly found on trees in humid forests, both coniferous and deciduous, at

lower elevations.

And leave you today with...moss!

Mittens Needed

2012-01-31T07:32:00.000-08:00

Design - "Alphabet Mania - M"

Designer - Heart in Hand

Fabric - 32 count Clay Belfast linen

Fibers - GAST & WDW - 2 strands over 2 threads

Started - 28 January 2012

Completed - 30 January 2012

Another nice addition to my growing mitten collection. This one appears to be a 'single' without a mate in sight. Isn't that how it goes?

It was cold enough this past weekend, I think the deer and birds would have worn mittens if they'd been offered.

I had a group of three deer...

...and a group of two.

This House Finch provided a bit of color in the brambles.

This Junco was awaiting a turn at the peanut feeder.

Commemorating Our January Snow!

2012-01-30T07:42:00.000-08:00

Here it is, here it is, here it is!

Design - "January Snow"

Designer - Twisted Threads

Fabric - 28 count Cream / Natural Gingham Riviera linen

Fibers - GAST - 2 strands over 2 threads

Colors used: Black Crow, Cidermill Brown, Cornflower, Lavender Potpourri, Morning Glory, Nutmeg, Oatmeal, Old Blue Paint, and Peacock. I also added a JABC Snowflake button.

Okay, okay, okay look at this! The perfect frame!

A perfect fit!

Here are my Gratuitous Snow Photos - from January 2004 - 8 years ago now.

This was a heavy, wet snow. We were without power for almost a week.

It was pretty...

...and destructive. We lost several large trees.

No snowmen were built during this snowfall.

Sunday Bunnies

2012-01-29T07:10:00.000-08:00

From The Cross Stitch Archive

Design - "Plaid Bunny"

Chart - "The Bunny Collection"

Designer - JBW Designs

Fabric - 28 count White Cashel linen

Fibers - DMC - 2 strands over 2 threads

Started - 6 August 2010

Completed - 8 August 2010

I thought I'd post a photo of an Indoor Bunny, as recently all my Outdoor Bunnies decided to make an appearance.

The first bunny to arrive.

The second bunny - this is the one with the white blaze on his/her forehead.

Bunnies #1 and #2.

Oh, and here hops Bunny #3!

One, Two, Three in a row - safe in the protection of the brier patch!

Frosty Birds

2012-01-28T07:49:00.000-08:00

Thursday night / Friday morning was forecast to be cold - 22F. Instead we dipped to just 31F, but with a heavy frost. This morning it is colder - and frostier (is that a word?) - 29F.

Under the watchful eye of a Steller's Jay, I put out sunflower seeds.

I was assisted by an Oregon Towhee (in the back) and a Golden-Crowned Sparrow (front).

The sparrow was willing to pose for a few photos.

She felt her right side was her 'best'...

Followed by a full-on profile!

I don't know the variety of this sweet little guy. Some kind of sparrow I think. Everyone was puffed with down against the cold this morning.

Chill Out - Find Your Zone

2012-01-27T07:30:00.000-08:00

Design - "Chill Out" (kit)

Designer - Heart in Hand

Fabric - 32 count Dirty Belfast linen

Fibers - WDW & GAST - 2 strands over 2 threads

Started - 19 January 2012

Completed - 25 January 2012

I thought about stitching some buttons on the snow guy, then decided I liked the simple, uncluttered look.

The Big Gardening News today is the publication of a new U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map for the United States and Puerto Rico.

You can click: http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/ and get to the website to find out more information about your location. There's a box to input your zip code to get your zone. For example, I live in zone 8b with average extreme low temperatures of 15-20F. You can also click on any state on the map and get a more detailed look at your state. Note that mapping was done by our very own Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR. Very cool!

Snowmen and Robins

2012-01-26T07:17:00.000-08:00

I've got all the supplies together to begin stitching Twisted Thread's "January Snow". It's an over-one stitch, but I have enough gingham fabric that I'll be stitching it over-two instead. It has a snowman and some snowflakes, and so it is in keeping with my January stitching theme.

"January Snow" also shares the same color pallet as this Scrub Jay.

A rainy, blustery day did not deter this Red Tailed Hawk from keeping watch.

The recent rains have made ~~looking~~ listening for worms easy-peasy.

Our 'front yard' has been filled with Robins.

Rain and Reindeer

2012-01-25T06:23:00.000-08:00

Design - "New England Reindeer Sampler"

Designer - Elizabeth's Garden

Fabric - 36 count Creme Brulee R & R linen

Fibers -Needlepoint Silks - 1 stand over 2 threads

Started - 30 December 2011

Completed - 24 January 2012

The design called for two strands of NPS, but I decided that looked too bulky with the 36 count linen. I used one strand over two threads, and am pleased with the coverage. I think this is an extraordinary design. It uses just two colors - and repeats motifs over and over - and manages to create a wonderful bit of thread art! I guess the symmetry of the piece is pleasing to my eyes.

Well, the rain began at 4:30am Tuesday morning, and it hasn't let up since. You'll need a raincoat and wellingtons if you're going to join me on today's walk.

Unlike the other Oaks on our property, this small Oak has kept its leaves all through the Fall and into Winter. I've walked over to look at it a couple of times and it is alive. It must be some kind of hybrid pin-oak. I wonder what critter dropped the acorn and from whence it came.

The Hazel Catkins flutter in the wind and rain.

Besides the catkins, the Hazels are forming buds.

On a rainy gray say, this patch of chartreuse moss glowed.

The Osoberry (Omeleria ceraisformis) is one the earliest plants to bloom in the Spring. It too is setting buds. Last year it was in bloom in April - you can see a photo with this link.

The Pussy Willow is also forming buds.

I think this small bunch of moss and lichen would make for a charming hummingbird's nest!

The Green Tree - Leafless but green!

This Ash tree is in dense shade. Moss has covered all but the tips of the branches which still retain seeds.

That's it for our walk today, it's time to come in out of the rain.

The Rain Returns

2012-01-24T07:19:00.000-08:00

I've started work on "Chill Out" a kit by Heart in Hand. I needed something portable for basketball games on Thursday and Saturday - this was just the ticket.

Solomon was quite taken with the idea of Hermit Stitching. He further suggested Hermit Sleeping as a hobby.

I've a few things in bloom in late January including this primrose

and my ornamental kale

and I've got several pansies going strong.

The daffodils are beginning to poke up out of the ground - a sign of things to come.

As today is a rather dreary day, I think Solomon has the right idea. Make sure you schedule an Afternoon Nap.

Nine Little Snow Guys

2012-01-23T06:27:00.000-08:00

Design - "Baubles - January"

Designer - SamSarah

Fabric - 28 count Newport Natural / Cream Zweigart linen

Fibers - WDW & GAST - 2 strands over 2 threads - I changed the color Straw to Oatmeal

Started - 16 January 2012

Completed - 22 January 2012

The first pictures shows the stitch before I attached the JABC buttons. This photo is the 'after' with the buttons.

Sunday was a blustery mild day - no rain, but the wind indicated that a storm was on the move. Not much new on the Nature front.

Sparrows greeted me as I set out the bird food.

Though much smaller than the Quail, they appear to co-exist peaceably.

One bunny appeared for Sunday brunch. I didn't hang around, but I wouldn't be surprised if more showed up for the buffet.

The Good Earth Show

2012-01-22T04:33:00.000-08:00

Each January, The Good Earth Home and Garden & Living Show comes to town. The over-arching concept is sustainabilty. There are architects, and home designers, and landscapers. There are urban farmers and cook-book authors - something for everyone.

There was local honey.

Fragrant Oriental lilies.

Roosters, chickens, coops, and eggs!

Seeds to turn a gardener's thoughts to Spring.

Greenhouses! Wow!

Floral cupcakes.

Baskets from Ghana. These would be great Market baskets.

Art - The bat is reading a book, "The Sun Also Rises"!

Gardening books.

And the darling of the show - alpacas.

If one did not come away with an idea or two...well...

The Rain was Raining all Around

2012-01-21T07:11:00.000-08:00

We've had a lot of rain the past few days...

One of the signs? Hundreds of Cackling Geese hanging out on soccer fields.

Here's a picture of our Big Creek - Before the storm on the left, after the storm on the right.

This is our Big Creek at its widest point as it flows to the edge of our property line. It was easily three times wider, and who knows how much deeper, than before the storm. We received 1.53" of rain on Tuesday, 2.42" on Wednesday, and 1.07" on Thursday. All my 'After' photos were taken Thursday afternoon.

This is a before (left) and after (right) of the Big Creek on our neighbor's property.

Another sign of copious quantities of rain?

This guy! There were two Nutria in the quarry pond.

Nutria are an invasive species - originally from Brazil, they were imported to Louisana for their pelts. They escaped to the Pacific NW (don't know how) where they are extremely happy. They are very much like beavers except they have a big rat-like tail.

Even little Dorothy's Creek was running at full throttle!

We were very fortunate in the Eugene/Springfield area to make it through the storm without any damage or loss of life. The coastal community of Mapleton, OR is under several feet of water, and there were two deaths in Albany, OR as a car was washed into a creek.

More Mittens More Snowmen

2012-01-20T07:11:00.000-08:00

Design - Cookie Cutter Charmers - Mitten (kit)

Designer - Charland Designs

Fabric - 30 count Natural linen

Fibers - DMC and Threadgatherer linen overdye

Started - 16 January 2012

Completed - 18 January 2012

The border color is a Threadgather linen overdye. It was challenging to use as it was bulky and delicate at the same time.

The snow is long gone, but the snowmen remain hopeful.

I've even got mittens and a hat ready to go.

Please send me enough snow to build a snowman this Winter.

Please!

Scarves and Such

2012-01-19T06:41:00.000-08:00

I've stitched all nine of the snowmen's scarves. I think it looks rather pretty even without the snowmen.

The snow has long departed, and we are back to rainy, windy, typical-Oregon weather. I did enjoy our little snowfall - so a couple more photos...

Lorane Highway from our mailbox.

Padma watched the finches and sparrows take shelter under the eaves.

A hummingbird waited out the weather under the Front Porch.

Our Christmas garland looked festive with a light dusting of snow.

The Big Creek with snowy banks.

A Snowy Stroll...A Winter Walk

2012-01-18T07:16:00.000-08:00

With the Wintry weather of late, I decided to concentrate my efforts on "New England Reindeer Sampler". I've finished up the center of the design and am almost done with the remaining olive colored motifs on the outer perimeter. Then, just a few more reindeer...

Put on your mittens, let's take a Snowy Stroll.

Monday morning we awoke to the signs of a Stealth Snowfall.

The trees, small and tall were freshly coated with white.

The sky was blue-gray and the temperature cold - 22F.

The cold temps crusted the snow and made for a perfect surface to record tracks. Here you can see the bird tracks beneath our Big Bird Feeder.

The snow caught in the Pines branches...

...and the Fir boughs.

Nature can 'flock' a tree to perfection!

I liked how the snow delineated each and every branch.

This set of tracks was my Big Find.

They began in one of our lower meadows, and strolled up our driveway, to the Big Bird Feeder where I lost them.

Based on their size, and my sister hearing a 'close-up' coyote earlier in the morning, I decide these are coyote tracks. He was probably hunting an early morning bunny or quail. The coyotes are one of the many reasons we attempt to make sure our two Outdoor Cats are inside from dusk to dawn.

The teasel looked pretty with snow...

...as did the spent Cow's Parsnip.

See, if you don't take down your Christmas lights, sooner or later you are rewarded with a lovely Winter scene!

Well, I'm cold and my nose is red. I think a cup of Hot Chocolate is calling my name..."Beth....Beth". Yes, I hear it! Would you like one too?

A Wintry Finish

2012-01-17T07:04:00.000-08:00

Design - "Winter Alphabet" (kit)

Designer - Heart in Hand

Fabric - 32 count Dirty Belfast linen

Fibers - GAST, WDW, and Olde Willow

Started - 11 January 2012

Completed - 14 January 2012

Give our bit of recent snow, this is a timely little sampler.

I don't want to go overboard with Snow Photos (I need 'em for my Wednesday Walk!). So here's what I have to share.

A Hawk surveying the snowy landscape.

A Sparrow - Feed Me!

A Junco - backside

A Junco - front-side

Anytime I lose a Follower, my sister says it is because I post TOO MANY JUNCO PHOTOS! What can I say, they're our most common Winter bird.

Snowy Morning Snow Stitch

2012-01-16T05:28:00.000-08:00

Keeping with my January theme - a Sam Sarah group of snowmen!

We got teased this weekend with the possibility of LOTS of snow...

That didn't happen.

Sunday morning we awoke to a skiff of snow.

And had a nice snow shower from 8-8:30am.

I know you New Englanders and Mid-West types will laugh at this paltry showing...

The Sparrows were not amused.

Still the trees looking pretty with a dusting of snow.

The poor Hummingbird huddled in the Daphne.

The snow and cold did not stop this small hawk.

And hey, even a little snow can create a Winter Wonderland.

It looks as thought it snowed a bit Sunday night - I'll have to do some exploring after sunrise.

200 Followers!!! Wow!!!

The Nature Report

2012-01-15T07:19:00.000-08:00

Sunny blue skies have not been unusual as of late. What is unusual is that there are two hawks in this tree at the same time. They are pretty territorial, and normally can't stand to be this close to one another.

When we have very cold temperatures, I always feel for the tiny Anna's Hummingbirds. I can't imagine, given their metabolism, how many calories they burn trying to stay warm.

On cold days I make sure the suet and peanut feeders are well stocked.

This Junco is waiting for sunflower seeds.

Cold weather makes it all the more important to have accessible drinking water for the birds too.

Parvati Tells It Like It Is

2012-01-14T07:13:00.000-08:00

Parvati asked me, "Are you messing around in your stitching stash again?"

"I've told you and told you to stay focused!"

"Hopeless. You're just hopeless!"

(She's right, darn it).

Earlier this week I attended the Hardy Plant Group's January meeting.

Members brought botanical samples to share.

Heathers...

Camellias and Nandina...

But the Stars of the January meeting were the Witch Hazels.

Further Signs of Winter

2012-01-13T06:39:00.000-08:00

What could be more appropriate than "Winter Alphabet" by Heart in Hand?

It's got the snowman / cardinal thing going too.

Here's a pretty Winter Sunrise...

Though the Cats of Clos du Bois do not hibernate, they come close!

Padma says, "It's too cold out - even for Long Hairs!"

23F yesterday morning, and 22F this morning, I'd have to agree with Padma!

Brrr!

Signs of Winter

2012-01-12T07:15:00.000-08:00

Design - "Flip-it January"

Designer - Lizzie Kate

Fabric - 28 count Country French Cafe Mocha linen

Fibers - GAST - 2 strands over 2 threads

Started - 8 January 2012

Completed - 11 January 2012

What a fun little piece. I'm especially pleased with it as it has my three favorite Winter motifs: a cardinal, a mitten, and a snowman.

And speaking of Winter...

I was very pleased to have a Winter visitor return. This charming little bird is a Yellow Rumped Warbler.

The ornithological websites say that he should be here year-round, but for the past two years now, I've only spotted him in the Winter. A bit of yellow on the throat, the breast, under the wings, and on the tail faethers keep him from being nondescript.

The cold weather brought out the woodpeckers - A Red Breasted Sap Sucker.

And a Hairy Woodpecker.

Mitten Weather

2012-01-11T06:16:00.000-08:00

Design - Mitten

Chart - "Baby it's Cold Outside"

Designer - Sisters & Best Friends

Fabric - 32 count White Belfast

Fibers - DMC 2 strands over 2 threads

Started - 5 January 2012

Completed - 9 January 2012

Well this is a ~~pathetic~~ tiny little finish when compared to other's BAPs like "And They Sinned". Still I know my limits, and I'm using this small mitten to promote the wonderful series of knitted mittens that Melanie created - you should take a look. They are cute, cute, cute - makes me wish I could knit.

It's sunny, but the wind is brisk - I suggest mittens for this walk.

We've named this The Secret Path, but now that I've shared that information, it isn't a secret any longer, is it?

When my brother and I were kids and found a rock like this...

...or like this, we were instantly transported and became Pioneer Miners of the Old Oregon Territory. I'm still beguiled by sparkling crystals.

This Ash leaf has a quiet beauty amidst its decay.

More decay - this large tree lines Dorothy's Creek. Unusually, the "excavation work" is at ground level.

The Evergreen Blackberry vines provide a bit of color in early January.

I thought this combination of moss / lichens looked like something from Outer Space.

Yet more decay - this old stump's cavity is breaking apart chunk by chunk.

We had a little rain last night, so the Big Creek is flowing right along.

The spent blooms of the Ocean Spray remain on the bushes all Winter long. I'm cold, and the Winter sun has already set behind the hills, it's time to go back inside.

Reindeer Love Frosty Mornings

2012-01-10T06:38:00.000-08:00

...at least I imagine Reindeer like cold, frosty mornings, wouldn't you?

I've worked a bit on "New England Reindeer Sampler". It is stitching up pretty quickly, I'm just not working on it much. I'm suffering from my usual "Project in Progress Fatigue Syndrome", whereby I'm much more interested in buying the chart, the fibers, the linen, and starting the project; than actually stitching it- because by then my attention has moved on to 1/2 a dozen other 'more interesting' stitches!

Sunday morning was a frosty one. I'm not sure I've ever seen frozen dewdrops on the grasses before.

Frosty mornings appear to equal puffy quail.

Here are close-ups of my three bunnies.

Bunny #1

Bunny #2

Bunny #3.

All are big, healthy bunnies.

Tom-Cat and Parvati - let's make sure they stay that way!

No food with faces!

Trying to Get in a Winter Groove

2012-01-09T07:16:00.000-08:00

Except for the fact that it freezes at night, the weather as of late has not felt much like January. Nonetheless, I decided to stay thematically with the calendar, and I kitted up "Flip it - January" by Lizzie Kate.

Proof of our unseasonable weather is documented below...

Who gardens north of the Mason-Dixon line in January...without a coat?

My sister!

Who should be sunning themselves in parts further south than Lane County?

These three Turkey Vultures were part of a group of six that showed up Sunday. With stretched wings, they basked in the warmth of the sun.

Okay, I confess, my sister was not the only one gardening Sunday afternoon. I planted up this chocolate brown pot for my Mother. I used a Hebe, an Agave, and Santolina as the three accent plants. Then I filled in with thyme and wire-plant to drape over the container.

Up High...Down Low

2012-01-08T07:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was yet another mild semi-sunny day.

The day began as cloudy and gray, with the Steller's Jays perched in a Big Leaf Maple.

The Mourning Doves were up high too.

I always feel as though I'm being judged as I put out the sunflower seed.

Fortunately, the Quail appear happy with my generosity.

Tom-Cat and Parvati spent most of the afternoon outside enjoying the sunshine and watching "their people" as they performed outdoor chores - mowing in January!?!? Is that weird or what?

The Critter Report

2012-01-07T07:20:00.000-08:00

I think the Chipmunks win the "Cute Contest" every time.

Why don't we look cute when we are stuffing our faces?

Once again, there were three bunnies to greet me...

...and a rather demanding Steller's Jay too!

I ended up with a large group of Mourning Doves as well.

Here's why one should not have a Chipmunk as a pet - look at the claws on the wee beastie.

On the front porch, seated comfortably on a mullein, this Anna's Hummingbird scolded me something fierce.

Here's the reason why - I was too close to the Witch Hazel.

I backed up, and everyone was happy (if blurry) once again.

How many sunflower seeds can Chip eat?

Signs of Spring in Winter

2012-01-06T06:50:00.000-08:00

I needed something small and quick as a take-along last night. This fit the bill. I'm stitching the top mitten on the right sidebar of the "Sisters and Best Friends" design.

I think Spring is never far away in the heart and mind of a gardener, especially when visiting a garden center. In Oregon, the weather has also been doing alot to encourage me to think that Spring is only days away. For the past few days we've enjoyed sunny skies and temperatures in the 60's (F) - this isn't normal January weather!

I think seed displays are great eye candy! The many of packets have such pretty artwork.

I liked this Bee Banner.

Look at the pristine lines of the galvanized watering cans and buckets.

Can hose wands be eye candy? If the colors are pretty enough - yes!

Okay, I confess, we have this bird house, and yes it gets used each year.

If I had a young gardener in my life, I'd have to buy this rake and shovel!

I'd Like to Talk to You...Via Email Anyway

2012-01-05T06:55:00.000-08:00

I've got my blog set up so that when people are kind enough to comment, a copy of their comment is sent to me via my email provider. That allows me to interact - answer questions and thank people. But recently I've noticed that when I attempt to reply to an emailed comment, instead of an email address when I click on their Google account name (ie Sun Ray or Casa Diamond), I get: noreply-comment@blogger.com . The bummer is that I'm unable to answer, and often I'd really like to. I worry (I'm that way) that some people might think I'm rude or lazy or some such thing, when it's just I'm unable to respond. I think most people don't even realize that their Google account is set up with this no-reply default. If that is your choice, great! If not, I found a blog post that explains (simply) how to change your Google account so that your email address is provided when you post a comment (but only to the blog owner!). Here it is!

And that's enough ~~lecturing~~ on that topic; on with the show!

Design - "Baubles - December"

Designer - SamSarah Design Company

Fabric - 28 count Newport Natural / Cream Zweigart

Fibers - GAST & WDW - 2 strands over 2 threads

Started - 1 January 2012

Finished - 4 January 2012

The scan of the finish is a bit blurry - the nine buttons raised it up on the scanner. It's pretty cute anyway. There's a set of nine snowmen in this series which I've got ready to stitch sometime this month.

I visited Gray's Garden Center yesterday.

I was taken with these lavender gazing balls.

The frilly ornamental Kale looked like big cabbage roses.

It was warm, and I mean warm - 67F - and sunny.

Look, the bees are out in the camellia blossoms!

Yet more ornamental kale - love these deep green leaves.

January 2012 - Blog Header - Snowmen

2012-01-04T07:27:00.000-08:00

Charts and Designers noted below in 5 vertical rows.

Row One: The Trilogy, "Happy Snow Snow Day", The Trilogy, "Bucky the Snowman", Heart in Hand, "Herbert".

Row Two: Val's Stitchin' Stuff, "A Helping Hand", Bent Creek, "Snow".

Row Three: Heart in Hand, "Mother's Wisdom: Dress Warm", The Knotted Tree, "Winter Walk", Heart in Hand, "Snowman Roundabout".

Row Four: Val's Stitchin' Stuff, "Warm Wishes", Pine Mountain Designs, "A Round January", over to Brown House Studio, "Full Winter Moon" (used Stranded by the Sea fibers as suggested by Theresa Venette), then down to Ewe & Eye & Friends, "January", Heart in Hand, "Monthly Markings: January".

Row Five: Angel Stitchin', "Ahh Snow", Lizzie Kate, "Cold Hands, Warm Heart", The Trilogy, "Family: Cousin Wrigley".

Here we are the first Wednesday of 2012 - It's a dry day - Let's take a walk.

The morning began with a lovely sunrise - though weirdly these clouds are to the west - not the east.

A heavy dew still lingered in the grass.

Recent rains have been kind to the mosses.

No Elk prints today, instead I bring you fresh Deer scat!

Across the road, the Sword Ferns flourish in the forest under-canopy.

They are one of the few native plants that are healthy and vibrant looking in early January. My brother and I used to cut the fronds and use them to wallpaper our wooden forts.

Recent winds have taken down the last of the Oak leaves, and with them, lots of Oak Galls too.

Each week I look and look for a bird's nest. Is this one? I think it may be - click on the image to enlarge - there are lots and lots of little twigs - far more than would randomly fall in any one area.

December ended with several rainy days - 12/27 0.61", 12/28 2.18", 12/29 1.37", and 12/30 0.59". Our creeks are running much faster and with greater volume than just last week. Click here to compare.

Dorothy's Creek - most of the moss covered rocks are now under water.

The Big Creek - same here much deeper and faster moving water flow.

The Big Creek - about 1/4 mile from our house - bigger and wider still from the run-off of several more rivulets.

That's it for today - it looks like it might rain - we should go back inside.

And We're Off!

2012-01-03T06:54:00.000-08:00

Here's what I've chosen as my first start for 2012. It's "Baubles: December" by Sam Sarah Design Company. And no, I am not stitching out of season despite what my sister might say!), because I'm stitching by monthly theme this year. January's theme: Snowmen / Mittens.

So rather than having particular predetermined pieces set in stone for 2012 (which so does not work for me), I'm approaching 2012 differently. Broad themes / motifs - different each month. This will allow me alot of latitude, which scatter-shot stitcher that I am, I need. I have now posted a list of my 2012 monthly themes on the sidebar.

I will tell you that I am still suffering from Rose Bowl Exhaustion! I am a University of Oregon Duck Football fan. I watched the game last evening - I so get into it - my stomach hurt, I had a headache - you'd think that I was responsible for calling the plays or something!

The Ducks prevailed over Wisconsin 45 to 38.

How can you not root for the only drum-playing mascot in the Pac-12?

GO DUCKS !!!

Frosty Morning

2012-01-02T06:45:00.000-08:00

I've done a bit of work on "New England Reindeer Sampler" - one of my 2011 Stitching Goals pieces. It uses only two colors of NPS, and goes faster with fewer colors changes. I like the geometric nature of the design.

We ended 2011 (Saturday) with a very frosty morning.

The birds were puffed with down.

Junco

Chickadee

Big Bunny and his Quail Groupies.

The rabbits were snug in the briers. (Yes, three of 'em!)

The deer were shaggy-coated.

The cats...were inside!

2011 Stitching Reflections

2012-01-01T06:35:00.000-08:00

2012- A New Year.

I thought I'd begin the year with a recap of my favorite 2011 stitches and an ~~critical~~ truthful assessment of my ~~pipe dreams~~ 2011 Stitching Goals.

January 2011 - "More Snow" - Val's Stitching Stuff

February 2011 - "Winter Walk" - The Knotted Tree

March 2011 - "Twin Hearts" - BrightNeedle

April 2011 - "Alphabet Sampler" - Birds of a Feather

May 2011 - "March Bouquet" Cedar Hills

June 2011 - "Blue Bird Alphabet" - Just Nan

July 2011 - "Cluck Cluck" - The Stitching Shed

August 2011 - "Free Bird" - Plum Street Samplers

September 2011 - "Button, Button" - Country Cottage Needleworks

October 2011 - "Sweet Little Berries" - Little House Needleworks

November 2011 - "Quaker Bee Sampler" - Chessie 'N Me

December 2011 - "Cranberry Deer Pinkeep" - Beehive Needleworks

The concept behind my 2011 Stitch Goals was solid: Have a dedicated "large" stitching piece to work on each month. The execution however, turned out to be rather piecemeal, as my attention turned to ever newer and more interesting releases. I finished 5 monthly stitches and one 'extra':

“Alphabet Sampler" - BOAF
“Winter Walk” – Knotted Tree
“Bouquet for March” – Cedar Hill
"Free Bird" - Plum Street Samplers
“Quaker Bee Sampler” - Chessie n’ Me
“Pumpkin Pie” - Cross Eyed Cricket

February's project, “Sweet Winter” by BrightNeedle is almost done, and "New England Reindeer Sampler" by Elizabeth's Garden is under construction.

These five never got out of the starting blocks: "Fair Daffodil" - Blackbird Designs, "Caught in the Garden" - Little by Little, "Bouquet for June" - Cedar Hill, “Birds in the Bower” - Goode Huswife, and “October’s Harvest” - Blackbird Designs.

I am still mulling over how I'll approach cross stitching in 2012. I'm in the process of formulating a plan which will allow me much more latitude, and I'll share the details of it later this week.

The Last Day of the Year

2011-12-31T04:18:00.000-08:00

Look at the time of this post! Are you impressed that I was up at 4:18am? I'll confess it was for the siren's call of a 25% off cross stitch sale - Central Time Zone. Oh, the sacrifices we stitcher make for our craft!

The last day of the year is a time for reflection. I thought I'd end the year with a recap of my twelve favorite photos.

January 2011 - Pileated Woodpecker

February 2011 - Hellebore Blossoms

March 2011 - Blue Bird

April 2011 - Shooting Stars and Lambs' Tongues

May 2011 - Wild Iris

June 2011 - Hummingbird and Fuchsia

July 2011 - Verbena and Agastache

August 2011 - Evening Grosbeaks - Fledgling and Mom

September 2011 - Cedar Waxwings Eating Berries

October 2011 - Big Bunny

November 2011 - Large Buck

December 2011 - Junco

Which one is your favorite?

I wish everyone a most Happy New Year!

Christmas Wrap-Up

2011-12-30T06:37:00.000-08:00

Design - "A-Wassailing" - limited edition kit

Designer - Shakespeare's Peddler

Fabric - 40 count Meadow Rue Lakeside linen

Fibers - GAST - limited edition colors - 1 strand over 2 threads

Started - 23 December 2011

Completed - 29 December 2011

I really enjoyed stitching this piece. A neat design and interesting use of colors and motifs.

And now for my Christmas Wrap-up...

I didn't cook Christmas dinner, but I did provide dessert.

Chocolate covered marshmallows, chocolate chip cookies, blackberry crumb cake, white chocolate macadamia nut cookies, and mint chip brownies. Yes, there was a theme, and the theme was chocolate, and it was good!

On December 24th, we had a truly lovely sunset.

I thought Nature had given us a special holiday gift.

Then on Christmas Day morning, I stepped outside to bare witness to this magnificent sunrise.

The colors were so vivid.

And the entire sky was saturated with color.

Another wonderful gift...

...for those who took the time to look and enjoy!

Better Late Than Never - Wednesday's Walk on Thursday

2011-12-29T07:04:00.000-08:00

Design - Partridge

Chart - "A Prairie Christmas"

Designer - The Prairie Schooler

Fabric - 32 count Lambswool linen

Fibers - DMC - 1 strand over 2 threads

Started - 26 December 2011

Finished - 28 December 2011

I think this is the prettiest one yet - love the pears!

I am so glad I decided to stroll about on Monday afternoon, as it began to pour Tuesday evening and hasn't yet let up. We've had over 2" of rain thus far. The creeks are now churning along, and there are ~~lakes~~ puddles everywhere.

Let's take a pre-rain storm look at the outdoor world.

I think the young pines look like bursts of fireworks - large geometric spirals of needles.

The deciduous forest is a blue / gray tableau - moss reigns supreme!

Or should I say moss and lichens reign supreme...

One of the few things that is still green and growing is the wild honeysuckle. I'm beginning to wonder if it isn't the Kudzu of the Pacific NW.

And the moss to has a star burst pattern similar to fireworks, but on a micro-scale.

Some of the wild roses still have a few leaves as well.

The Big Creek (pre-storm) - I can only image what it looks like now. Probably deeper and muddier.

I think part of Santa's beard got caught on this branch.

Not holly, this is the shiny new growth of a Mahonia (Oregon Grape).

The tree ferns glowed under a gray sky.

Dorothy's Creek - moss covered - gurgled along.

And how could I take a walk, without spying a mushroom on the forest floor?

This is the last walk of 2011. I look forward to many more in 2012.

A Rainy Day

2011-12-28T07:11:00.000-08:00

...And it's back to "Wassailing" I go. I'm sure enjoying working on this.

The weather has turned stormy - rainy and windy - a perfect inside sitching day!

As the year comes to a close, the birds and critters are busy at our feeders.

This Towhee patiently waited for me to set out sunflowers.

An Anna's Hummingbird used the mullein as a perch.

I caught this Junco has he swooped in to land on the peanut feeder.

The Hairy Woodpecker was also present at the peanut feeder.

Chip-the-Munk popped out to see what I was up to.

"Sunflower seeds?", he asked?

"That would be great good news!"

We did not open our gifts until the 26th.

When we did, we had Hufflepuff Helpers.

Padma found a gift tunnel to hide out under.

While Parvati found the 'purrfect' empty box.

Hope you received at least one perfect Christmas gift.

A Catnip Christmas

2011-12-27T07:31:00.000-08:00

I started on the PS "Partridge" ornament.

Each year, on Christmas morning, my sister presents Solomon, Padma, and Parvati with new Catnip Mice.

Chaos then ensues.

Solomon licks his mouse to death

Padma rolls his mouse to death

Parvati claws her mouse to death

Tom-Cat looks on in supreme disinterest, immune to the siren call of Catnip.

The Time of Trees

2011-12-26T08:35:00.000-08:00

I did a bit of stitching on "Wassailing". Perhaps I'll stitch a bit more today.

I think today will be a quiet, lazy day dedicated to post-holiday recovery.

This is the season for looking at and appreciating trees...

This leafless Ash is covered in moss (lichens?).

Look at this poor horizontal tree - it is growing from right to left, desperate to find a bit of sun.

Big trees and little trees.

This is our scariest tree. A Douglas Fir growing on a steep hillside with a terrible slant to it. It always looks as thought it is about to topple down - some day it probably will.

Merry Christmas (From the Cross Stitch Archives)

2011-12-25T01:54:00.000-08:00

Shopping - Done
Wrapping - Done
Christmas Cards - Sent
Baking - Done
Christmas Day Services - 10:00am
Christmas Day Dinner - 4:00pm
Gifts - 7:00pm

Designer - Ewe and Eye and Friends

Design - "Ho-Ho-Ho" from 2006 calendar
Fabric - 36 count white linen
Fibers - DMC - changed 613 to 612 for better contrast in beard
Began - 10 November 2009
Completed - 16 November 2009

WISHING EVERYONE THE MERRIEST OF CHRISTMASES !!!

Christmas Stitching Continues...The Bird Tree

2011-12-24T04:13:00.000-08:00

Okay here's the deal. I learned that Theresa Venette of Shakespeare's Peddler had some 'extras' of a Williamsburg retreat limited edition kit. Well, the minute I saw a photo of it, I had to have it. It arrived today, and off we go! Perfect for stitching on Christmas Eve.

My mother has had a 'Bird Themed Tree' for many years now.

It began life as a small table-top tree, but morphed into a 7 foot tree as her collection of ornaments grew apace.

She has a penguin, ducks, swallows, geese, a hummingbird, a pheasant, jays, a bald eagle, a heron, owls, partridges (of course!), cardinals, pelicans, parrots, and even toucans. She even has a bat ornament she hangs on the tree.

And this is our our large tree. The last couple of years I've decorated it with Santas and Snowmen. Mostly Hallmark ornaments, with a few others tossed in for good measure.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that a number of these ornaments also featured birds. No wonder our cats like to sleep on the tree skirts!

Birds Outside Cats Inside

2011-12-23T07:25:00.000-08:00

Design - "Reindeer"

Chart - "A Prairie Christmas"

Designer - The Prairie Schooler

Fabric - 32 count Lambswool linen

Fibers - DMC - 1 strand over 2 threads

Started - 20 December 2011

Completed - 22 December 2011

I like it, I like it, I like it! Next up - the Partridge!

On the shortest day of the year (yesterday), who was out and about?

A Red-tailed Hawk

A towhee

An Anna's Hummingbird

A Chickadee

Two Anna's Hummingbirds

A Hairy Woodpecker

And who was inside writing letters to Santa?

Padma under the Christmas Tree

Tom-Cat Under the Christmas Tree

Parvati under the Christmas tree

The Weekly Walk

2011-12-22T07:16:00.000-08:00

I worked a little bit on the Prairie Schooler Reindeer Ornament.

It's cold, it's gray, it's December.

Let's take a walk!

Yesterday was a typical December day in western Oregon. Cold, gray, and damp. Nonetheless, I had places to go and things to see.

The newest growth on the young Douglas fir trees is elongated and wispy. It reminds me of something from a Dr. Seuss book. Often, right at the tippy-tippy top, I'll see a hummingbird confidently perched while surveying his kingdom.

I'm batty for mushrooms, I know. But this is neat in an odd sort of way, as it is growing in a maple tree some 25 feet in the air.

From a distance, our hillside looks green with grass. Upon closer inspection much of the green is moss.

See, mushrooms can grow anywhere!

As the year comes to a close, the old spent Oak galls are Nature's decorations.

My mushroom fascination continues...

Though it has not rained much this month, our Big Creek is still burbling along. At our old house I could hear the creek from my bedroom window. The new house is located too far away, and I do miss the sound of running water.

I'd title this old stump "Nature as an Artist". It's really a pleasing geometric piece. The circular growth rings are over-written with star-burst lines.

Here's the most interesting thing I saw on my walk. Down the center of our driveway, this set of tracks (hooves). It's speculation only, but I think they belong to an Elk. I maintain they are too big and heavy (look how deeply they are pressed into the earth) to be a deer. I see deer tracks all the time, and they don't look like this. One of our neighbors said that they'd recently seen an Elk, so it's not out of the question.

And here are my Christmas ornamental - Holly....

...and Ivy.

I looked for Mistletoe, but could not find any. Brrr! It's cold; time to go back inside.

Christmas Chaos

2011-12-21T06:43:00.000-08:00

Never let it be said that I can't multitask! While in the midst of a wrapping frenzy, my mind was occupied with December cross stitching.

I decided to change my December 2011 Stitching Goals piece to Elizabeth's Garden "New England Reindeer Sampler". I've been on a reindeer rampage so thought this was fitting. Will it be done before December ends? Probably not, but that's just the way it goes.

Due to extreme Christmas ~~panic~~ ~~frenzy~~ ~~chaos~~ ~~disorganization~~ time constraints, I am postponing this week's Wednesday Walk. I hope to have a post ready for Thursday. But first I've still gifts to wrap!

As you've probably figured out by now, with my many 'collections', I could have my own episode of "Hoarders". Have I mentioned salt and pepper shakers?

This is a group of Fitz & Floyd salt and peppers shakers.

The top row has Fitz and Floyd Santas, the bottom row has an assortment of Snowmen salt and pepper shakers.

This time of year my Grandmother's hutch turns into "Snowman Central" with a mix of tins and salt and peppers shakers.

Again, the top row has Fitz and Floyd Santas, the bottom row has an assortment of Snowmen salt and peppers shakers.

...and yet more Santa salt and pepper shakes.

No, I've never counted them - it would probably frighten me if I did. And inexplicably, I've managed, year after year, to avoid buying a duplicate set.

Christmas and Cat Help

2011-12-20T06:22:00.000-08:00

I've been eyeing charts by Threadwork Primitives for a while now and trying to figure out where I could purchase them. One of the online shops I patronize started carrying the charts - so presto - I now own the seven above.

My sister set up a display of her Department 56 Dicken's Village pieces.

She has houses, and shops, and trees, and carriages.

She has vendors, and shoppers, and even a King's Road Market Cross.

If you look closely at her churchyard, you'll see she sneakily incorporated the Ghost of Christmas Past.

Within 24 hours of setting out the Dicken's Village display, a cat-sized hurricane blew through knocking down trees and people. Fortunately there was no permanent damage. Do you think it might have been Hurricane Solomon?

For the past several years I've been collecting Noah's Ark ornaments.

I now have a dozen or more.

Noah's Ark is also one of my favorite cross stitch motifs. I can't begin to tell you how many Noah charts I have - lots!

As I wrapped gifts today, I was ably assisted by Parvati Patel. All of our indoor cats are wild about the tissue / stiff cut-paper wrap combination that Crate and Barrel uses to pack shipped items. She's been nesting in the paper for over a week now and shows no signs of getting bored with it.

How do you know the University of Oregon's Athletic Director is a man? Because no woman in her right mind would schedule three basketball games, yes three games, to be played December 20th, 21st, and 22nd. Yikes!

A Cat Ornament and Holiday Market - Part 2

2011-12-19T06:41:00.000-08:00

Design - "Cat"

Chart - "A Prairie Christmas"

Designer - The Prairie Schooler

Fabric - 32 Count Lambswool linen

Fibers - DMC - 1 strand over 2 threads

Started - 12 December 2011

Completed - 17 December 2011

Pretty cute - Padma and Tom-Cat like it anyway. I still have plans to stitch some of the other ornaments in this series - stay tuned!

There were so many cute and interesting gift ideas at the Holiday Market. Where to begin?

First up, for that University of Oregon Sports fan on your list.

Cinderella Lucinda uses postage stamps to create themed pins and earrings.

This potter had lovely plates and platters and wind-chimes.

I was so impressed with the presentation of the peppermint soaps - what a great (and good smelling) stocking stuffer.

This display of brooms was awesome. I felt as though I was headed off to Hogwarts with my Nimbus 2000!

This gets an A+ in my book for creativity. These night lights are made out of recycled tin cans.

You know me and birds and plants! I could collect all of these most happily.

I've always thought that dried beans were pretty. Now someone has taken it a step further and created charming necklaces and earrings. So clever!

Happy Holidays - I'm off to wrap gifts as no Elf has stepped in to do it for me.

Holiday Market

2011-12-18T07:26:00.000-08:00

I didn't think we'd make it to the Holiday Market...but we did!

The Farmers' Market portion was much larger than it has been in past years.

There were a couple of bakeries, an ice cream vendor, someone selling fudge, and all kinds of other goodies including fresh albacore tuna and holiday meats.

A lovely display of apples and cider.

Isn't this a pretty cabbage?

Wine anyone?

There were beautiful pears - Southern Oregon is famous for its pear orchards.

I can't help but wonder what this popcorn looks like when popped!

Can You See The Forest Through the Trees?

2011-12-17T07:23:00.000-08:00

I have a passion for small, fake Christmas trees.

They can be wrought iron...

...or not.

I like to come up with a theme for each.

This is my newest mini-forest.

The center tree has birds and and nests and birdhouses.

This tree has a nature / gardening theme. Ornaments include pine cones, owls, mushrooms, a dragonfly and hummingbird, and lots of gardening implements including tools and a greenhouse.

In the kitchen I have two small "cooking trees".

They are decorated with cookware, utensils, cookies, cupcakes, and other goodies.

Last but not least, this is another small bird tree.

It has sparkly white and silver birds which contrast with the red cardinals. If you look closely you can see a bird's nest near the top.

Cat Ornaments, Cats, and Other Critters

2011-12-16T06:30:00.000-08:00

I don't seem to accomplish much on gray days, other than a nap or two.

Here's what the PS Cat looks like now.

And speaking of cats...

I promised to show some Cat / Critter pictures.

Here Parvati appears ready to take on a doe, when in fact this is her last courageous stand before scurrying to the safety of the Back Patio. The deer seem to find our outdoor cats endless fascinating, and given the opportunity, would sniff nose-to-nose if allowed to do so. Scaredy Cats!

On Tuesday afternoon I spied these two napping in the Winter sunshine.

While they were alert, I was far enough away they were not bothered enough to get up...

...which made me glad as I did not want to disturb them.

Also on Tuesday Tom-Cat reported a rodent infestation!

This ~~stupid~~ brave little chipmunk decided to store some of his sunflowers in the wood stacked on the Back Patio.

He ~~stupidly~~ courageously 'squeaked' out his presence, and I had to ~~deter~~ bribe the two Outdoor Cats with 'Seconds for Breakfast' (inside!).

The Tom-Cat Report

2011-12-15T07:20:00.000-08:00

I have nothing to show on the stitching front, but Tom-Cat, birder extraordinaire, is more than pleased to share some of the photos he's taken lately of birds.

Tom-Cat calls this "Mourning Doves Up High"

He has titled this "Mourning Doves Down Low - Catch-able"

This is called "Red Breasted Sapsucker Up So High You Get a Crick in Your Neck".

"Oregon Junco Looking Straight Ahead"

"Oregon Junco Looking to the Right"

"Steller's Jay on Alert About Ready to Scream His Head Off"

Tom-Cat feels that Steller's Jays are truly annoying birds. They yell and scream and raise a ruckus, and are very aggressive - feeding at the bird feeders and on the ground. Despite all that, Tom-Cat has never been able to snag one of these birds.

"McChickadee Nugget"

While these might be tasty, bite-sized cat treats, Chickadees are canny little birds. They flit to the feeder, grab a sunflower seed, and flit back to the thicket to consume the seed. As they are not ground-feeders, they are next to impossible to catch.

"Sparrow"

Sometimes simple titles are best.

Tomorrow the Cats of Clos du Bois will share some of their favorite "Critter Photos."

Cold, Cold, Cold

2011-12-14T06:44:00.000-08:00

Even though Mouse generously sent me some time to stitch, I don't have that much to show for it. But at least you can tell it's a cat, right?

Hey Padma! Ya' wanta' go for a walk?

Not so much you say...

Monday night / Tuesday morning was our coldest yet. I think we got down to 21F. As you can see Jack Frost wrote on a window pane. But hey, while we may not have long fur, but we do have fleece, and mittens, and scarves. So let's take a walk!

The sparkling frost was omnipresent Tuesday morning.

Everything glittered in the sunshine.

The frost delineated the veins of the Oak and Ash leaves.

Here on a cold, mid-December day, we have a harbinger of Spring - Pussy Willow buds.

This group of rose hips was pretty in the sunlight.

Echoing the hips' colors was this English Hawthorn.

While, the rose hips are elongated drops, the Hawthorne berries are rounded balls.

I was fascinated to find the trunk of a Madrone marked with these precise circles. The work of a Sapsucker? The home of Mason Bees?

I like how our old Douglas Fir trees loom over the Ash. They are the old, rugged sentinels of our forest.

A bird's nest? I don't think so. I believe it is just a large chunk of sheet moss that has caught on these branches. It certainly would make a nice foundation for nest come Spring if anyone stumbles across it.

Deep in the shade, the Big Creek continues to flow along. The two ponds were frozen, but the creeks had no sign of ice.

I know, I take alot of pictures of mushrooms. This photo is cool as you can see the stems of several, and even the frilly gills of one on the upper left.

My nose is cold, my ears are cold - it must be time to go back inside.

Some furry people would say sunshine or not, it's crazy to go out in the cold!

I'm Thinking a Series This Time

2011-12-13T07:23:00.000-08:00

I'm thinking that I might get really inspired here and stitch several of the ornaments from "A Prairie Christmas". I'm taken with the squirrel, the partridge, the rabbit, the deer, the cat, and the Noah's Ark. Hmm...that's six isn't it? I think I'll begin with the cat and see how it goes. The challenge this time of year is carving out some time, no matter how little, to stitch.

I do have my Christmas groove-thing back. Proof: I spent most of yesterday (a lovely clear, crisp, sunny day that begged me to be outside) inside decorating. This is my small collection of hand carved Santas. Before he retired, I used to ride the bus with a gentleman who is a true Renaissance Man - very gifted and extremely knowledgeable. Amongst his many talents is carving wood figures. He carved and his talented wife painted the finished products. He used to have a sale once a year and I was lucky enough to be invited to attend.

These are a couple of Hallmark feather trees. I guess I've collected several "Count Down" figures over the years as well.

These are snowmen by the designer Sue Dreamer. I've had them for years - long enough one of the poor fellows has lost his nose!

And here's the last nativity in my collection. This is a large one, the pieces are 8"-10" tall. It's by Williraye. I love all the animals - the chicken, the sheep, and the tiger striped kitty-cat.

What I Did This Weekend

2011-12-12T07:16:00.000-08:00

Design - "Reindeer" (Small Freebie Chart to be used in conjunction with PS charts #100 & #101)

Designer - The Prairie Schooler

Fabric - 32 count Antique White linen

Fibers - DMC - 2 threads over 2 strands

Started - 8 December 2011

Completed - 11 December 2011

The chart has no name - I decided to call it "Reindeer" for obvious reasons. I especially like the pattern of the greenery and red berries.

Besides a little stitching, on Sunday I set up my collection of creches. They are safely displayed behind a set of glass fronted cabinets (Cat-free!).

This is how I set up the left cabinet.

The creche in the center is my newest - I just got it last year. It's called "Pillars of Heaven" and has several different ways / patterns the pillars can be displayed.

This shelf has an Hallmark nesting creche from 2001 and a Sue Dreamer folk art style creche.

This is one of my favorites, it's called "The Bethlehem Experience".

The cabinet on the right also has three shelves with a variety of creches including the large traditional one on the bottom shelf.

The top shelf holds a nativity scene by Williraye and a plastic / resin one by Sue Dreamer.

The creche is by Hallmark.

The three piece white nativity scene is by Lenox. I gave it to my maternal grandmother many years ago, and was given it back after she passed away. Grams even saved my original gift tag in the box so I have that too.

On the left is a small 'Peanuts' creche by Hallmark. On the right is another Hallmark creche.

I have one more creche to set up, but that will reside in the Family room. My project for today is to begin to decorate our large media center bookcases. They provide the focal point for the room.

Christmas Here We Come!

2011-12-11T07:44:00.000-08:00

I finally found my Christmas Decorating Mojo...or I internalized Nike's slogan and "Just Did It". Either way, I'm off to a decent start.

The Breakfast Nook

My Tin Collection - Santas

Santas - Close up

My Tin Collection - Angels

Angels - Close up

My Tin Collection - Reindeer

Reindeer - Close up

As far as decorating the Outside World though, I have met my match!

Isn't this just the greatest tree?

I love the Dr. Seuss-style wackiness of it all.

No lights in this outdoor tree, only these monstrous ornaments.

I appreciate the rugged individualism of it.

More Creches

2011-12-10T06:58:00.000-08:00

There were so many lovely and interesting creches on display at the LDS church last weekend. Here are some others that caught my eye.

The card noted that this Lenox nativity had been lovingly put together over a number of years. There certainly are lots of different pieces - Wise Men and camels, Shepherds and sheep, Angels and animals.

This nativity resonated with me - very tranquil.

This is a typical Mexican creche scene.

Each piece in this creche has a band of gold glitter that ties it all together.

I like the smooth curves of this creche.

A glass creche.

I thought this display really interesting with the creche scene at the top and market scenes along the sides and bottom.

The milk and dark chocolate colors of the creche and the large clock - all very interesting.

I liked the 'almost' manager used for a backdrop of this creche.

Now it's time to go put out my small collection of creches!

Reindeer and Woodpeckers

2011-12-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

I worked on this Prairie Schooler Reindeer for a couple of hours in the evening. I should be able to finish it up this weekend.

The cold weather has brought all my Woodpeckers to the feeders.

This shot of our "Ali-baba" fountains gives you an idea of the number of hours of sub-freezing temperatures.

Tuesday, while cold, gifted us with a blue blue blue sky.

I could hear the Flicker pounding away on the metal gutter long before I saw him. I like how you can see his bright orange under feathers and the dotted pattern on his breast.

This female Hairy Woodpecker is a frequent visitor.

She's a Peanut Addict.

I was pleased to see this female Downy Woodpecker too. It had been several weeks without a sighting.

She is much smaller than the Hairy Woodpecker. Her bill is shorter too. She seems to prefer the mullein and suet to the peanuts.

The Red-breasted Sapsucker, while not at the feeders, was easy enough to find as he worked on one of our large Douglas Fir Trees.

I had hope to end this post with a new photo of a Pileated Woodpecker. While I was outside Thursday morning, I heard one calling as it flew along - and I had my camera handy too. Unfortunately the Woodpecker did not deign to stop, but continued to fly along past our property. I wonder how many acres a large bird like a Pileated or a Great Horned Owl needs to have a viable ecosystem...questions, always questions!

Another Reindeer

2011-12-08T07:36:00.000-08:00

The sharp-eyed among you will have noticed that this chart was not part of the "December Stuff I Might Stitch Stash" I shared a few days ago. I flitter and flutter about something fierce when it comes time to pick out my next project. After enduring two cold, frosty days, I decided another reindeer stitch would be appropriate.

On cold frosty mornings, everyone feathered is wearing their down jackets.

A Golden-crowned Sparrow...

Look how puffy this Steller's Jay is!

Feathers or not, I expect this bunny was all puffed up too.

This poor bunny just looked cold.

As I came up the hill, I met a covey of California Quail heading to the Big Birdfeeder.

I thought this Red-headed Finch was pretty enough to appear on a Christmas Card.

The brambles were full of Finches, and Juncos...

...and little Chickadees.

Silent Night = Hard Frost Morning

2011-12-07T07:24:00.000-08:00

Design - "Silent Night"

Designer - Amy Bruecken Designs

Fabric - 25 count Rustic linen

Fibers - GAST, WDW, and DMC - 2 strands over 2 threads

Started - 5 December 2011

Completed - 6 December 2011

This is a great "take-along" stitch or stitch while watching TV. Fast and fun.

Monday night was COLD! Tuesday morning was FROSTY!

I now present: The First Wednesday Walk of December - (Photos Taken on a Frosty Tuesday Morning and a cold bright Tuesday Afternoon)

A cold foggy night (27F or colder) made for a pretty, sparkly, frosty morning.

Trees and brush alike were coated in frost.

While the valley was gloomy with fog, we had sunshine.

Later in the day the rose hips looked like nature's Christmas bouquet.

Our basic wild fern, the Sword Fern, looks good this time of year.

Our bridge over the Big Creek was littered with leaves and still frosty so I did not cross.

I loved the play of light on these small ferns high up on an Ash tree.

In the shade, the detritus of leaves, mushrooms, moss, and grass created an interesting tableau.

I love moss - can you tell?

We have one small patch of a sedge of some sort.

It too looks well this time of year.

Even without any rain for several days now, our small creek is burbling cheerfully along.

I'm cold and it's time to go back inside. I hope you enjoyed today's walk.