Spring Sunset...

This was the sky outside the restaurant as I left on Tuesday evening. The place where we gathered is at the south end of Lake Winnebago. If you aren't familiar with Wisconsin, just look at the map and you'll see that large lake in the east central portion of the state. That's Lake Winnebago, and the place I call my hometown is Fond du Lac (French for "foot of the lake"), located right at that end of the lake.

This photograph is unretouched, and I can tell you it really doesn't do justice to what I actually saw. It was raining to the east (behind me), and there was a rainbow there, while this magnificent spring sunset was laid out in front of me. The wind was blowing waves onto the shoreline and it was a fitting end to a night with friends.

My hands are still sore, so no new embroidery updates. These darn arthritic thumbs! Don't they know I have things to do? I hope some of you are managing to get a little needle dancing into your day. As for me, I'll try again today.

It Was A Perfect Day...

Brynwood Needleworks - Red, White & Blue In The Garden

The hollyhocks began to open yesterday, and I realized that we had red, white and blue in the garden for Independence Day. Mom's daisies, the delphiniums and more hollyhocks will continue to open in the coming days, but it was nice to see some of them on the 4th.

Brynwood Needleworks - Lakeside Park Bandstand

Handsome played with part of the Fond du Lac Symphonic Band last night. They can't fit the entire band into the historic bandstand at the park, so only part of the musicians play this gig. The bandstand was built in 1900, and it was hard not to imagine another band, 119 years ago, performing their own Independence Day music.

I got to the park at 6:30 for a 7:15 performance, and as I was setting up my lawn chair, others were also beginning to move into position. I drove through just a sprinkling of rain, but thankfully, the rains held off until the concert was well over and we were back home.

Brynwood Needleworks - There's Handsome

There he is! Handsome is right in the middle (in the back), already set up and ready to play. It's nice that he always looks for me, so he knows where to smile when he stands up. (Be still my heart.) The concert began on time, and was a beautiful assortment of patriotic and fun music.

Brynwood Needleworks - Late Day Lake Winnebago

The bandstand is situated quite close to the shore of the lake, so we had nice breezes blowing in on a comfortably warm evening. By the time we left, it was dark, the fireflies were blinking in the grass, and the shoreline was filled with people  who moved from the concert area - or who came specifically for the fireworks.

As we drove home, fireworks could be seen all around the lake! Every city along the shores of Winnebago began their display, and everyone ooh'ed and aahh'd the light show. Fireworks could be seen from cities an hour away!

Once we were back at the farm, it rained a light, cooling rain. Perfect timing, and the perfect end to a perfect day.

Beautiful Weekend...

Oldest and Youngest

 

What a perfect fall weekend I had! It began with a visit with my youngest sister. I always enjoy time with her, and this visit was no exception. We had a great time, and of course, memorialized the day with a picture together.

 

Drum Room Painting

Handsome and I also put the final coat of paint on the inside of his ground-level storage room. Now for him to choose carpet and shelving. This room will be climate controlled (and comfortable) for storing and setting up his drums. He'll be setting one kit up to play, and I think he needs a chair or two in case anyone (me! me!) wants to sit and listen while he rehearses.

 

Farmhouse Lavender Jelly

After putting the final coat of paint on the new room, Handsome and I each hopped on one of our yard tractors and mowed our yard. It usually takes one person about three hours, so when we both tackle the task it takes (somehow) less than half the time! It was done in no time flat!

On the way back inside, I noticed that my lavender was full of blossoms (and bees, enjoying them), so I thought there may be enough to share. I worked without disturbing the bees and left plenty for them to enjoy. I quickly had enough blossoms for a "short" recipe for Lavender Jelly, so I went inside.

Within an hour, I lifted the finished jars out of their water bath to cool. I now have five small jars of jelly to enjoy or share over the winter. I may be able to make one more small batch after the bees are ready to rest for the winter, but it's okay if I don't. I'll be preparing my garden to sleep under the snow in a few weeks, so the bees still have time to feast among the flowers.

Sunset over Lake Winnebago

 

I took this photograph on my way home from my sister's on Saturday evening. I pulled over to safely take it. It was a perfect day weekend, and I'm happy to have these pictures to remember it.

Dreamstime.com

I hope you had as wonderful a weekend as we did, and that you have a great week ahead, too.

 

A Mixed Weekend...

Lake Winnebago Shoreline

 

Handsome and I had a busy weekend. On Saturday, my dear friend, Laura, came to visit. I've known her since grade school, and when I had my needlework shop, she was my shop manager. I couldn't count how long we've been friends, but I'm sure you'll understand the fact that we have so many shared memories and experiences.

Tag and Laura

She drove down from the northeast part of the state and we spent the entire afternoon together, drinking tea and catching up. As you can see, that fickle Corgi jumped right up into the chair with her, and spent the entire time cuddling. Laura loved the attention. I just shook my head.

 

 

Wood Stove For Farmhouse Decor

 

After she left, Shelly and Andy came down with a new flea find for me. They brought a ittle wood stove for me! It's no longer suitable for actually burning anything, but will be perfect with a plant in the firebox. I think it needs geraniums! I'll show you again once they're planted.

 

 

 

Sunday morning, Handsome and I went to town to pick up some "girl supplies" for Bella (sigh), and then had brunch together. As we turned up our road to the farmhouse, I noticed a sandhill crane in the field. We usually see them standing on their long legs, but this one looked to be in a nesting position...too early for this time of year (and they don't nest in open farm fields either).

I was concerned, so we backed up the truck and I walked far enough into the field to see that she was injured and dragging herself by her wings. Both legs were straight out the back and she couldn't get up. I don't know how long she'd been there, but she wasn't there when we left home. She was obviously in pain.

I immediately contacted our local game warden, who arrived within twenty minutes. He got closer to inspect the bird, and we agreed that rehabbing a crane with two badly broken legs would likely be impossible. He decided to end her suffering. I asked him if I could see her after she died. He said I could.

As he walked across the field again, the cranes (about two dozen gathered in the opposite field) started calling. It was almost like they were saying goodbye. (I know this is attributing human actions to animals, but the timing was so coincidental.) The crane passed quickly, and the warden motioned for me to approach her. 

 

I wanted to touch her, and silently honor her as I had read Native Americans might. I admired and stroked her beautiful plumage, regretting her passing. I then thanked the warden, who picked her up and took her with him. I was sad at her passing, but grateful that she was no longer in pain. I went back home with tears in my eyes.

 

Handsome and I left home again about two hours later to attend an afternoon concert. It was the last of the winter series, and it was filled with fabulous music. He's really looking forward to playing with them again this summer.

We finished our Sunday date with dinner at a restaurant on the south shore of Lake Winnebago. Even though the weather had turned colder and grayer, it was still a nice dinner with a great view of the lake. 

 

Brynwood Strawberry Rose Sachets

 

This week, I've got a number of new commissions to work on. I'll be sewing a few projects, and making some new silk ribbon embroidered strawberries. It's going to be a fun week!