by Susan | Apr 9, 2016 | Backyard Birds, On the Farm
Gidget gave me an early morning wake-up call. As I stood outside with her in my crocks and jammies, I spied what I first thought was a Mourning Dove in a tree. Too big for a Dove, I headed back inside for my camera. ‘Twas a Ruffed Grouse dancing along the...
by Susan | Apr 6, 2016 | Critters, Odds and Ends
This morning, with little fanfare, I spied Gidget and Cinder sharing the same space. No barking, no hissing. This is a first! Miss Kitty submitted to gentle sniffing and snuffling. Their tiny little noses gently touched. Might this be the beginning of a friendship?...
by Susan | Apr 3, 2016 | Critter Patterns, Felt Patterns
When I was a teeny-bopper we lived in Friedburg, Germany. My father, an Army officer, was stationed there for three years. During that tour of duty, an Australian soldier visited with us for a time. When he departed for home, he gifted me with a stuffed Koala....
by Susan | Apr 1, 2016 | On the Farm
I’m familiar with Spring Peppers and I love their sound. However, these Wood Frogs seem to be a new addition to the pond this year. Frankly, I find them a little bit creepy when outside in the dark with the Gidge!
by Susan | Mar 30, 2016 | Out and About in Maine
Passing by the Narraguagus River in Cherryfield yesterday, I spied this majestic bald eagle perched in a tree surveying the river. Big fat snowflakes fell against a gray sky as I snapped these pictures from the comfort of my car. Why is it that I never have my camera...
by Susan | Mar 29, 2016 | Out and About in Maine
What should have been a quick stop at the Post Office on this drizzly morning turned into a bit of a distraction. Perched in a tree outside the door was this flock (or museum) of beautiful Cedar Waxwings feasting away on berries, looking like little bandits with their...
by Susan | Mar 27, 2016 | Felt Patterns, Waterfowl and Seabird Patterns
One of the enduring signs of spring (if you’re paying attention) is the return of the Wood Duck to the ponds and rivers here in Maine. I was reminded of this when a friend shared a picture of a lone Wood Duck swimming on his pond this week. I find Wood Ducks one...
by Susan | Mar 21, 2016 | Ducks, On the Farm
Given the unseasonable beautiful weather we’ve been blessed with as of late, the first full day of spring was a rude beginning. A month since we had any measurable snowfall and today’s Snow Day No. 4 feels like a step backward in the march towards spring....
by Susan | Mar 20, 2016 | Ducks, On the Farm
Ice out on the pond was last Sunday, March 13th. It seems that after two months of frozen water, the ducks had forgotten all about it. They are definitely creatures of habit. I was able to snatch up Dilly, our physically challenged duck, and drop her in. That’s...
by Susan | Mar 20, 2016 | Critter Patterns, Felt Patterns, Woodland Patterns
No woodland creature collection would be complete without a skunk. I was always a bit amused by skunks, if not their smell. Early on, Paul taught Hannah and me Arlo Guthrie’s song “There’s a Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road” which we sing...
by Susan | Mar 18, 2016 | Out and About in Maine
I pulled off the road the other day to admire this pair of Golden-eye ducks meandering along. Before I could manage a decent photo, my presence startled them and they took off in flight, leaving me feeling a little sad that I’d disturbed their...
by Susan | Mar 9, 2016 | On My Mind
I have to wonder if seeing five Bald Eagles in one day is a sign of some sort. I’m thrilled when I spy just one or maybe a pair soaring in the sky. Today they seemed to be everywhere – flying alongside the car as if we were soaring together, crossing my...
by Susan | Mar 8, 2016 | Photography
I work from home a couple of days a week. The bulk of that time I’m glued to my computer, the time passing without notice. Yet, there are those moments when I wander to the kitchen for coffee or chase down a too quiet puppy, and I find myself distracted by the...
by Susan | Mar 6, 2016 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Shore, Water, and Wading Bird Patterns
The inspiration for this pattern came from a news story I watched on television this morning about the migration of the Sandhill Crane. These graceful birds are making their way to their summer breeding grounds in Canada. It must be a sight to see when the stop over...
by Susan | Feb 28, 2016 | Out and About in Maine
In Maine, sweatshirt weather in February calls for a celebration. This morning found both Hannah and I dragging. It was 2:30 a.m. before I made it to bed following the high school state championship basketball game last night. (They won!) It was so beautiful outside...
by Susan | Feb 26, 2016 | On My Mind
Gold fever has taken over at our house, in school, and in our community. Hannah’s high school girls basketball team is going to the state championships (class “c”) in Augusta tomorrow evening. Each night this week has been filled with Hannah’s...
by Susan | Feb 22, 2016 | Critter Patterns, Felt Patterns
Looking for something “easy” to work on this weekend, I thought I’d stick with the bear theme after finishing the Great Grizzly. I saw my first Panda during a visit to the National Zoo in the late 70s when I was just a teen. A trip to the same zoo...
by Susan | Feb 21, 2016 | Out and About in Maine
Jasper Beach, a half-mile of natural rock beach, is where we found ourselves on this mild, overcast February day. More like spring than winter, I felt the lure of the outdoors, but was thought most of the trails would be mucky as we’re having a sneak peek of mud...
by Susan | Feb 19, 2016 | Garden
Sprinter. I didn’t coin the term, but it fits the weather we’ve had lately. Winter one minute, spring-like the next. The switch from below zero to 50 degree temps in just 24 hours was enough to spur some wild weather. Earlier in the week, we battled...
by Susan | Feb 14, 2016 | Critter Patterns, Felt Patterns, Woodland Patterns
This Great Grizzly, along with the Bashful Black Bear and the Fearless Polar Bear, rounds out my collection of North American bears. You won’t find him in Maine, but he’ll make a good addition to your critter collection. To download this printable Grizzly...
