Surprises from nature

I love it when we find cool surprises in nature.  Paul discovered three small separate species of trees living inside an adult tree.  (Notice I am not naming the species because I don't know them all.)

I love the baby evergreen deep in the center.

I know.  Little things thrill us.

Kitchen herbs and feathered friends

This year I wanted to have some kitchen herbs and a few vegetables easily accessible.  So now, instead of having to walk all the way out and around to the vegetable garden, all I have to do is open my door.  There on my deck are pots of basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary, cilantro, ginger mint, chocolate mint, lavender, nutmeg geranium, lettuce, spinach, and cherry tomatoes.

Isn't it pretty?  I just love seeing it as I come and go.

And I know there is a general rule that you shouldn't feed the birds after winter is over.  But if I didn't, I wouldn't have some of my favorites right out of my kitchen window! 

 

I love the way the male and female cardinals are always together...

Two more finished pieces....

A customer commissioned the pebble rug made in Colorado river rock colors......



And my son and his fiance's shower gift.....

Recent Projects

Some recent projects that have kept myself and my daughter busy:
My daughter built this tomato cage, no more squirrel thievery.  I think we could easily make a greenhouse out of it.  She is so talented!

 
My lilac bushes are so fragrant that I thought I would make soap.  I carefully removed each blossom and followed the directions.  Unfortunately the lilac scent didn't prevail.  Instead an earthy, woodsy scent did.  The bars still smell good, but I was hoping to preserve that lilac heaven.

And finally, a few paintings I've finished the past month....

Small Wonders

 

I am smitten!  I love miniatures and working with my miniature gardens:  http://keepingnotes.typepad.com/blog/2011/03/spring-greening.html.  But this has made me want to branch out and try something new. 

The artist is Annina Gunter and her work is amazing!

 

See more of her work on her blog: http://anninagunter.blogspot.com/

Learning to Sew

Remember these?  I wanted Olivia to be able to sit and sew while Grandma does so I made her some sewing cards and a sewing basket.  Since she always wants to do what I'm doing, these worked perfectly.






I made photo copies from a book, glued them to card stock, covered them with clear contact paper and punched the holes.

She loves them!!

New to our household.....

Six Rhode Island Red chicks!  Paul finally said yes to building me a chicken tractor!  Fresh eggs.....and they are soooo cute!!




I can't wait for Olivia to come for a visit!!!