by Susan | Feb 17, 2014 | On My Mind
It seems that every third day we’ve got another round of wintery weather at our doorstep. If it weren’t for the January and February thaws between storms, we’d be buried in snow by now. We built our home with a steel roof. If you don’t have...
by Susan | Feb 16, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns
The red-winged blackbird is one of the most abundant birds – found virtually everywhere in the United States. He’s also been very popular in the request list. Enjoy! Right click here and select “Save Target As” (on a PC) to save this free...
by Susan | Feb 16, 2014 | On the Farm
This morning, I stood at the kitchen window sipping my first cup of coffee, studying the aftermath of last night’s storm. Although still blustery and snowing, the storm looked as if it was on its last legs. Then, I noticed a little stirring in the pristine snow....
by Susan | Feb 15, 2014 | On the Farm
The past few mornings there have been fox tracks everywhere. This stealthy nighttime visitor has been routinely inspecting the chicken coups and duck houses, a fresh set of track appearing each morning. Today, as the afternoon skies turned gray with the promise of...
by Susan | Feb 14, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns
Another snowy day, another project! Eastern Maine may be a little too “east” for the eastern towhee, but he’s such a pretty bird. His distinctive pattern makes it easy to create his likeness from felt. Right click here and select “save target...
by Susan | Feb 13, 2014 | Felt Patterns
Despite all the birds I’ve created, I often find myself going back to a tutorial to remember how to make a laisy daisy stitch. I am geometrically challenged, so that might explain it. For those who also have trouble remembering, or are new to the embroidery...
by Susan | Feb 10, 2014 | On My Mind
This time of year I suffer with dry, chapped, itchy skin. Life in the country means I?m outdoors a lot. Hiking, snowshoeing, tending to critters for hours and cutting wood leave me exposed to the elements. The wind and cold paired with my penchant for a hot bath at...
by Susan | Feb 9, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns
The Boreal Chickadee is not as gregarious as it’s cousin, the black-capped chickadee, which we see here daily. The Boreal Chickadee seems shy in comparison and doesn’t seem to enjoy being caught on camera. Right click here and click “save target...
by Susan | Feb 7, 2014 | Out and About in Maine
The red, white, and blue of this expanse of snow driven blueberry barren caught my eye this afternoon. I didn’t have my camera with me, but then I remembered my iPhone so I made a u-turn in the middle of the road to go back and snap these pictures. It’s a...
by Susan | Feb 5, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Perching Bird Patterns
If you live anywhere in the northeast, you should probably be home, safe and sound out of the weather today. So what to do with an unexpected snow day? This evening grosbeak is the perfect project. They are year-round residents in Maine, but you’re lucky if you...
by Susan | Jan 31, 2014 | Ducks
Not long ago, Janet emailed and asked how the ducks were fairing this winter – that I hadn’t mentioned them lately. Well, Janet, winter is definitely not their favorite season, but our eight duckies are doing well. We got the ducks for eggs (although...
by Susan | Jan 30, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Tree Clinging Bird Patterns
When readers suggested that I create a northern flicker, I didn’t know where to begin. Although they’re native to this neck of the woods, I’ve never seen one. With this pattern, you can make a yellow-shafted flicker, found in the east, or a...
by Susan | Jan 29, 2014 | On the Farm
I wonder what she was thinking of me as I stood 30 feet away snapping pictures. She seemed as curious of me as I was of her. This went on for a minute or so before she became bored with me and quietly wandered off into the woods.
by Susan | Jan 28, 2014 | Backyard Birds, On the Farm
After watching our Misplaced Grackle for weeks, recently another Grackle arrived on the scene. He/she is shy, retreating to the safety of the fir tree when I appear to take pictures. I’m happy to know my grackle is not alone! Funny how I project human emotions...
by Susan | Jan 26, 2014 | Odds and Ends, Projects
For some time I’ve been searching for fabric to make sofa pillows. Finding a pattern I like that has the right colors? – robin egg blue, brown, green and a touch of red has been challenging. At least one that fits my budget – which is next to...
by Susan | Jan 24, 2014 | On the Farm
This winter has been defined by ice. The cycle of snow, sun and frigid temps has left us with icicles everywhere. There’s more to icicles than meets the eye. They hold reflections of the world around us.
by Susan | Jan 22, 2014 | On the Farm
Sunset on a bitter cold January evening. Only 56 days ’till spring.
by Susan | Jan 19, 2014 | Bird Patterns, Felt Patterns, Ground and Game Bird Patterns
One of the most requested birds at Downeast Thunder Farm is, surprisingly not a feeder bird, but a pheasant. After spying one strutting about the edge of our drive the other day, I decided to take a stab at designing it. Their color pattern is quite intricate –...
by Susan | Jan 19, 2014 | Chickens, On the Farm
Did you ever wonder how the term “chicken” came to mean scared? I am convinced it has to do with chickens and snow. Our chickens hate snow. When there is snow in the ground, the refuse to come out of the coop. And, if the outdoor roost is clear, they will...
by Susan | Jan 17, 2014 | On My Mind
It’s been a few years now that we’ve been a one car family. Our 8-year-old Prius has been a workhorse, but is becoming less reliable. Only recently have we felt we could swing adding a second car. After two months of research and test driving we brought...
