by Susan | May 20, 2019 | Backyard Birds, On the Farm
One of my favorite events of the year is when the Hummingbirds return. It’s as clear a sign of spring as we get here in Maine. The boys returned the weekend of May 11. I saw my first little guy buzzing around the other bird feeders, so I rushed to get a nectar...
by Susan | May 18, 2019 | Backyard Birds, On the Farm
Today was a very “yellow” day at the bird feeder! Male Yellow-rumped warbler Female Yellow-rumped warbler A Goldfinch? Male Goldfinch Male White-throated Sparrow Male Yellow-rumped Warbler
by Susan | May 12, 2019 | Birds and Wildlife, Out and About in Maine
My Mother’s Day beach walk with Hannah was the highlight of today’s celebration. Having just returned from Ohio on project “Rescue Hannah,” we spent a lazy day. I had fun playing with my macro lens discovering close ups of the beach. ...
by Susan | Apr 21, 2019 | Ducks, On the Farm
Hannah’s family of Swedish Blue ducks have made it through their first winter at Downeast Thunder Farm. They didn’t stray far this winter, sticking close to their house much of the time. With the snow melt and spring rains, they been enjoying the driveway...
by Susan | Apr 13, 2019 | Backyard Birds, On the Farm
I had some unusual visitors at the feeder today. The ducks found a break in the fence and have been exploring new territory. One look at me through the window and they waddled back through the fence to where they should be. Then this beauty showed up this afternoon...
by Susan | Mar 31, 2019 | Backyard Birds, On the Farm
Look who came to visit this evening! A Timberdoodle! Or American Woodcock if you must. Timberdoodle is much more fun to say. I’ve only seen one before and this guy was just a foot or so beyond my porch. Paul spied him while he was talking on the treadmill. What...
by Susan | Mar 29, 2019 | Critter Patterns, Felt Patterns
When the suggestion for an elephant hit my inbox, it immediately resonated. I’m fascinated by elephants. They have such human-like emotions. I love that they are good mamas, banding together to raise their babies. And what’s cuter than a baby elephant? I...
by Susan | Mar 19, 2019 | Out and About in Maine
The last day of winter is three days into Hannah’s spring break. After two days spent working on a paper due yesterday, today was our first day to get outdoors. We headed to Roque Bluffs beach, Hannah’s happy place. This has been her toughest semester so...
by Susan | Mar 9, 2019 | Backyard Birds, On My Mind
Hannah once asked me what my spirit animal might be. Given my deep affinity for owls, I told her it would be an owl. “A small owl?” she asked. “No, a big ass owl, like a Great Gray,” I told her. Frankly, I’d want to be top of the food chain. However, the truth is, it...
by Susan | Mar 4, 2019 | On My Mind
Today is the second Monday snow day in a row. We woke to a winter wonderland. As ‘Noreasters go it was somewhat mellow dropping about 15″ of snow – the most we’ve had in one snowfall so far this year. Through the woods and over the pond, the...
by Susan | Feb 24, 2019 | Shop
The middle of February in Maine is a good time to dream of warmer places. On the heels of a frozen septic leach field (spring cannot arrive soon enough!) and the second snow storm of the week raging outside, it seems like a good time to introduce the re-imagined...
by Susan | Feb 20, 2019 | Birds and Wildlife, Out and About in Maine
An eagle pair against a crisp blue sky keeping sentry over the Narraguagus River in Cherryfield today.
by Susan | Feb 18, 2019 | Out and About in Maine
A few days ago Hannah mentioned that it was foggy on campus and it made her feel a bit homesick. Of all the things that could make her miss Maine – fog. Fog is such and intrinsic part of living on the Maine coast. There are days I relish the fog. Tucked in the...
by Susan | Feb 12, 2019 | Critter Patterns, Felt Patterns
Many a visitor has suggested a cow pattern. She spoke to me yesterday as I was tinkering with designs. With a snow day in the forecast, she’s the perfect project for shoveling procrastination! Download the free plan below or purchase a complete kit with expanded...
by Susan | Feb 1, 2019 | Backyard Birds, On the Farm
I wondered how long it would take. Turns out it was only a matter of time before the squirrel discovered my new window bird feeder. They’re brazen little things. That cat virtually on the other side of the window didn’t scare him. Gidget barking...
by Susan | Jan 21, 2019 | Backyard Birds, On the Farm
It’s rare that I have the house to myself. With Paul away taking Hannah back to college, I had all types of plans for my weekend. Rather than being wonderfully productive, I felt a bit unsettled. I worry when my family is on the road – and in a winter...
by Susan | Jan 20, 2019 | Family, On My Mind
Hannah has been returned to college and I once again have an empty nest. Paul braved the storm for the trip, plotting and planning his route while I sat home and worried. It’s amazing how quickly the past month passed. And it was a wonderful time –...
by Susan | Jan 18, 2019 | Shop
It’s only been this last year that I’ve tracked the number of downloads for my free plans. Every time I take a peek at the numbers, I’m astounded. Happy the Hedgehog was such a popular pattern that I’ve added him to the SHOP. Also new to the...
by Susan | Jan 8, 2019 | Bird Patterns, Owl and Raptor Patterns
Only at Downeast Thunder Farm will you find this Spiffy Spectacled Owl in the woods. He’s more inclined for warmer climates. You can download this free plan here or pickup a kit in the SHOP. Either way, she’s a good project for a snowy afternoon. The...
by Susan | Dec 26, 2018 | Out and About in Maine
After a half-day of work on this day after Christmas, Hannah and I both felt the need to get out and about. With snow in the forecast for Friday we made a snap decision to hike Pigeon Hill. We didn’t get there until the sun was low in the sky, so we hiked...
