My Grosbeak Boy

I'm done stitching "Old Man Winter" and will post the finish on Monday. 

So now I'm thinking...maybe another snowman?

Whether or you are a knitter or not, you have to take a look at the photos and video of "Visit Scotland's" newest campaign.  Too cute!

I know I've posted lots of pictures of my Evening Grosbeaks lately.

It's just so unusual to have them around this time of year.

Rather than Oscar and Felix, I've decided my two guys are Father and Son.

This is Son.

He is shorter and chunkier than his father. 

He still has his baby-fat and downy baby look to him. 

He isn't the brightest bird on the planet either.

He lets me get very close to him.

He just stares at me - doesn't fly away in alarm.

He is a very pretty boy though.

There's something about the yellow eyebrow stripe that makes an Evening Grosbeak look intelligent and inquisitive.

You can see from the bits on his beak that he's had a delicious meal of sunflower seeds and is now topping it off with a drink of water.

Silly boy!

Winter Stitching Summer Photos

I'm continuing my January stitching theme with a snowman by Val's Stuff.

Our neighbors to the west have a couple of Trail Camera.

They shared some of their 'best' summer photos with us.

Bears

Bobcats

Coyote

Two Bucks

A Cougar

Their meadow has lots of different critters using it at different times of the day!

Chirp Chirp

Design - "Happy Chirp Chirp Day"

Designer - The Trilogy

Fabric - 32 count natural Belfast linen

Fibers - Crescent Colours, GAST, & WDW - 2 strands over 2 threads

Started - 7 January 2013

Completed - 22 January 2013

The last of the fog is lifting, let's take a walk.  

We still have bits of fog about, but it isn't nearly as thick as it has been...or as cold.

We haven't had much rain this month either.

The color on this walk comes from lichens and mosses.

And the contrast of the cones against the boughs.

Otherwise, our walk is January dismal.

It's good mushroom weather.

This is my favorite vignette.  I'm enamored with this soft, feathery grass.  

I found this print - it looks pretty big.  Too big for a deer, it might be an Elk.  We'll have to see if our Trail Camera 'captured' anyone unusual.

We Go Back in Time...

I'm battling the Drear Fog with a Vivid Post!

I found this lion the other day.  He is a study in crewel embroidery circa 1974.  The mane and tail are composed of French knots.  At a glance I see straight stitches, back stitches, chain stitches, and satin stitches too.  I think he must have been one of my earliest finishes.  He looked smashing decorating the wall of my teen-aged bedroom.

There are bits of vivid color to combat the fog outside too.

This Fuchsia continues to bloom happily away safe in my little lean-to greenhouse.  

The Cyclamen appear cold-resistant too.

It nice to have a spot or two of color in mid-January.

The earliest of the Witch Hazels is in full bloom.  

I've seen the Hummingbirds taking advantage of the blossoms.

It too appears to shrug off our cold weather.

In the Foggy Dew

Design - "Winter"

Chart - "Winter Crazy" #133

Designer - Lizzie Kate

Fabric - 30 count Ice Blue linen

Fibers - GAST & WDW - 2 strands over 2 threads

Started - 13 January 2013

Completed - 20 January 2013

This has been the perfect stitch to counter day upon day of unremitting cold and fog.  Thanks to everyone who commented on my WIPs.  I think they are all worthy of finishing - I just need to get motivated and start working on one on a regular basis.  

Here's a look at the "Foggy Dew" we've enjoyed the past week.

I think the fog temporarily 'grounded' a group of Robins.

It's pretty unusual to have them hanging out in the hedgerow.

The Flickers remain active in the foggy weather.

This female is rather shy, but she comes by the suet feeder several times a day. 

My Evening Grosbeaks (two bachelors 'ala Oscar and Felix) are bright beacons in the fog.  Not only is their plummage colorful, they make a very bright, cheerful 'chirr' when talking to one another.

I'll just call this "Birds" - Finches or Pine Siskins or something of that ilk. 

The Mourning Doves gather in large groups each morning and evening.

They are the same muted colors as the trees and sky.

My Oregon Juncos are daily visitors no matter the weather.

This hawk, spent all morning ruffling its tail feathers.  Probably trying to dry out a bit.  I think we are both ready for a change of weather.  I know I will welcome the rain when it arrives on Wednesday.

Junco Sunday

With all the 'New Birds' around here lately...

...it's easy to overlook the 'Reliable Winter Birds'... 

...like the Oregon Junco.

I think Juncos are among the sweetest and prettiest of our Winter residents. 

They are small and inquisitive and talkative.

Their feather pattern resembles a formal suit complete with a pink/brown vest.

This one appears to have a fluffy feather shawl.