Still Winging It...

I got in a bit more stitching yesterday. I sat down between loads of laundry, and enjoyed my dining room view while sheets dried on the line.

I'm working out all the edges and black sections now, and will again finish with the monarch oranges. Perhaps I'll get to that today after this morning's PT session. (I'm sure hoping so.)

What is especially fun is stitching these colors as I watch at least a half dozen Baltimore orioles (same coloration) flying past the windows to the grape jelly feeders I fill daily for them. I'll try to get a few photos of them soon.

 

An Avian Architect...

Baltimore Oriole Nest

Look at the wonderful gift from last season's Baltimore orioles! Handsome and I were working in the yard to winterize the place before the rough weather sets in and I saw this dangling from a low branch of one of the trees between the farmhouse and the north field. Now that the tree has dropped all its leaves, the nest was visible.

It's the most perfectly constructed pouch to protect, hatch, and grow wee birds to fledglings. When I dragged Handsome over to the tree to point it out to him, he said he'd been ducking it most of the summer when he was cutting grass (and he never told me?!). No matter. It was completely intact, and I wanted to keep it that way. 

I ran and got my clippers and removed the section of branch to keep the nest intact and undisturbed. (I don't believe they return to the same nest every year, so no harm removing this one.) It now hangs in our dining room, close to a Baltimore Oriole carving I've had for years. 

You may notice the bracket it's attached to. Yes. It's acorns and oak leaves. I found it in an antique shop and you know I had to have it. Sometimes I hang a potted plant from it, and sometimes it's just empty to enjoy its shape. Now, it is the anchor for this lovely nest. Two lucky finds in one place. squeeee!

"Baltimorioles"...

 

 

They sit in line and wait their turn. Shortly before I snapped this photograph, both boys were waiting for a little sparrow to finish his snack. It's a treat for Handsome and me to watch them flit in and away from the feeders all day. Each one's coloring is just a bit different from the others, but there's no mistaking that orange flash when they're flying around in the yard. 

The hollyhocks have begun to open so I'll be sharing images of all their colorful blossoms very soon. The hummingbirds love feeding from them, so I hope to catch a few special photos of them feeding, too.

Wishing you a lovely Friday, as another week quickly comes to an end. Wishing my mum a happy 86th Birthday, too. Lots going on today, so I'd better get going. I'll tell you all about it very soon.

Birds and Bella...

 

 

Many familiar birds have returned to the farmhouse in the past week. Yesterday I saw a trio of Baltimore orioles - two males and a female - when they visited the grape jelly feeder I had out. Their colors are stunning, and I'm quite sure I'll embroider this bird some day.

 

While I heard a hummingbird late Wednesday, I didn't actually see one until yesterday. This female was buzzing around the feeders I've had filled awaiting their return. I'll make new nectar today for them.

Bella came through her surgery in fine form. The remnants were exactly where they'd been located in the ultrasound and were removed by the surgeon. Dr. Welker also had a little look-around to make sure there were no other anomalies before closing up the incision. When she called us, Bella was resting comfortably. Handsome will be going to pick her up this morning, but I'll stay home with the other two and get some things done that have been waiting for my attention.

Thank you to everyone who took time to think about, pray for, or offer good wishes for our girl. We were praying hard for her, and I know our collective thoughts were heard and answered. We're beyond grateful. I'm looking forward to having her back home and giving her a little extra love tonight. Thank you again! Have a great weekend. I know we will.