by Susan | Nov 8, 2014 | Critter Patterns, Felt Patterns, Woodland Patterns
We enjoy the little red squirrels that live in our woods. Their antics as they try to raid the bird feeders are so very entertaining and provide lots of great photo ops. Your bird feeders are safe from this squirrel who comes with his own acorn. To save this squirrel...
by Susan | Nov 6, 2014 | Backyard Birds, On the Farm
Until the other day, I had never seen more than just a pair of goldfinches at my feeder. Last week a flock of these lovely little birds came to visit. Facebook friends helped to identify them as non-breeding goldfinches. I’m not certain if they’re males or...
by Susan | Nov 4, 2014 | In the Kitchen
I have a good problem – I am completely overrun with ripe tomatoes. In November! At a loss for what to do with them, I’ve been pushing tomatoes. Just about every dinner I make lately has lots of fresh tomatoes in it. Making and canning tomato sauce is a...
by Susan | Nov 3, 2014 | On My Mind
November arrived in a most rude fashion. Our little patch of woods escaped the worst of this first wintry Nor’easter with a few inches of icy, snowy, slushy mess. Just a few miles inland from the coast they’re shoveling out from a foot or more of heavy...
by Susan | Nov 2, 2014 | Critter Patterns, Felt Patterns, Woodland Patterns
Raccoons, as cute as they are, are not welcome visitors at Downeast Thunder Farm. They long to eat my chickens and steal my suet feeders. A few years ago I found the suet feeder hanging from my my porch post open, the suet cake missing. I replaced the suet cake and...
by Susan | Nov 1, 2014 | On My Mind
November 1st dawned with the threat of a Nor’easter heading up the coast. The weather man has the nerve to predict 5-10 inches of snow for us. I am not ready for snow. I have too much unfinished business. The last of the garden cleanup is not yet done My garlic...
by Susan | Oct 30, 2014 | Critters, On My Mind
Have you ever noticed how cats like to sit on a “spot?” These random spots are kitty magnets. The spot may be a newspaper sitting on the floor. A dish towel that’s fallen off the counter. A t-shirt left on the bed. A box lid sitting on the floor. A...
by Susan | Oct 30, 2014 | Photography
As October comes to a close, here are a few of my favorite autumn photos from the month. Full color on the Mill River Wounded wing In transition Glorious maple Autumn on the East Machias River Serendipitous sun flowers Lingering butterfly Brilliant autumn barren The...
by Susan | Oct 24, 2014 | Critter Patterns, Felt Patterns, Woodland Patterns
The moose is loose on Downeast Thunder Farm. At least the felt version. It’s been years since I saw a moose standing outside my window late one summer night. The crunch of his hooves in the gravel woke me and I froze in fear at the noise. When I finally drummed...
by Susan | Oct 22, 2014 | On My Mind
While visiting my folks in Pennsylvania last week, Mom and I stopped at a farm stand. Amongst the gourds and pumpkins, they still had fresh, ripe tomatoes for sale. Their growing season is about a month behind ours and I was feeling a bit envious. Until I got home and...
by Susan | Oct 21, 2014 | On My Mind
I’ve just returned home from a week spent at my parent’s home in Pennsylvania. It was a wonderful trip with lots of time for visiting. And shopping. Within a few minutes drive are shopping centers with every type of store imaginable. At home when we make a...
by Susan | Oct 18, 2014 | Critter Patterns, Felt Patterns, Woodland Patterns
This red fox is my first attempt at a non-bird pattern. He’s inspired by the fox that visits Downeast Thunder Farm all too often. This guy is a friendly looking fox. However, my advice to you: never trust a smiling fox! Right click here and select “Save...
by Susan | Oct 14, 2014 | Backyard Birds, On the Farm
My bird feeders were three-quarters full when I left in the morning. By afternoon, I was surprised to see that they were all but empty. Then I spied a band of blue jays – four in all that descended upon the yard. Now I understand who’s raiding the bird...
by Susan | Oct 13, 2014 | On the Farm
The sound outside my window last night as I snuggled down in bed.
by Susan | Oct 12, 2014 | On My Mind
This year I’ve done a terrible job with my flower beds. Few flowers got deadheaded and the weeds and grass are running rampant. The only places that got a little attention this year were the veggie gardens. Now, as the days grow shorter and the flowers spent,...
by Susan | Oct 9, 2014 | On the Farm
As I was leaving the house today, I found this little porcupine crossing the drive. Paul spied him down the road at a neighbor’s yesterday, so it seems that he’s making his rounds. Me being me, I had to stop the car and get a closer look. As I moved...
by Susan | Oct 5, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Tree Clinging Bird Patterns
This yellow-bellied sapsucker first appeared on my drawing board this spring when he routinely performed a morning tattoo on an old television antennae. It took a rainy day for me to dust him off and finish him. Right click here and select “Save target as”...
by Susan | Oct 2, 2014 | On My Mind
Do you see a bird in the sunset clouds?
by Susan | Oct 1, 2014 | Backyard Birds, On the Farm
As I walked out the door this morning, arms overflowing with handbag, coffee, water bottle, lunch, day planner, and camera over my shoulder (yes, I could use a tote), a large black bird swooped out of the fir tree and flew straight at me. I think he was as startled as...
by Susan | Sep 30, 2014 | Out and About in Maine
Autumn colors shining bright on a dreary day. Farewell September!
