Amazing treat

Moments ago I just had an amazing visit, a gift you might say. I was  filling a watering can when I heard a familiar hum near my head. I glanced back and I was face to face with a hummingbird. My first instinct was to close my eyes because of the warning I have always heard about hummers poking out your eyes...such a terrible fable to tell a child. Anyway I slowly turned back to the hose and held it so it would "rain" in the air. Sure enough the hummer flew to the water shower  and darted in and out. I was so delighted and thankful that I had already had a potty break,  because I was tickled to death to be allowed to treat the hummer to a bath/drink. I stood there as the dripping hose was soaking my pajamas and sandals. I could care less and would have stood there for hours watching this beauty. The sun revealed beautiful green on its back and the thin white line below the red throat. I didn't realize they look sort of blackish too. That was just an amazing experience and I wanted to share it. I wish I could have captured it on film but some things are just gifts for you to enjoy.

Ellen and her student, Ginny, from AU are coming for a visit today so I must run my errands early so I can relax and enjoy their company.
Enjoy your day and wishing you hummingbird visits.

Poppy in bloom!

I just finished mowing and it started to sprinkle....darn weather men! What happended to chance of rain this evening??? Oh well, I should stitch a bit anyway but before I do I wanted to share Mr. Poppy with you.

 He first bloomed  Monday morning just before Lindy arrived. The outer part of the poppy dropped off and a chipmunk was trying to steal a piece of it,LOL. It was gone later so he must have accomplished his task. I wonder why he wanted a poppy casing? Do they eat them?

I'm off to grab a needle!

Weekend extended...Happy Cinco de Mayo!

It feels like I've had a long weekend. Monday I had a great CQ class with a wonderful student. Lindy was such pleasant company. It was more like a visit from a friend than a class. We enjoyed a nice lunch break under the sun.  I'm excited that she is so enthusiastic about learning CQ and she is not intimidated with all the "options". She is a natural. Her block was beautiful and I think there are many projects ahead of Lindy :-)

Yesterday DH was off for Election day and worked on the front porch. I took mom to the beach early morning and didn't have much luck in the mermaid tear hunt however the stroll along the shore was relaxing as always. It was a beautiful sunny morning.

There goes my beach combing partner...

The only other person out there was an elderly man and his dog. I had to snap the picture of two pals enjoying this beautiful morning together.

Can you see my first glass find?

Although these are my scant findings  the peaceful  time spent along the shore rewarded me tenfold.

After the beach I stopped at Ellen's and met her student from AU. They are coming tomorrow for a visit and I am looking forward to hearing her beautiful Aussie accent again. Why can't we sound like that????? LOL.

I spent a few hours helping mom in the yard then headed home.

I found DH working hard on the porch so I decided to dye a few appliques and trims.It felt like Saturday so I took advantage besides, it's been a while since I dyed trims. I have so many appliques waiting for me and need to take the time to sit and paint. These are my results with some silk twist tossed in. It's a good start.

After my short dye session I had to get outside on such a nice day so I started to prime the railings which is not my favorite job. A coat of cream paint and I can mark that off my list. 

Since the weather was cooperating I thought I should not waste time and  began staining the walkway....it took forever. I did enjoy sweet fragrances from various blooming trees as I sat and scooted along on my behind.

 I am naming it "The Green Mile". I didn't think I would ever finish and luckily I took the last swipe as darkness set in. The stain is not as bright as the pic shows. Raw wood was just too bright and it needed a protective coating of something so.....green it is!

I literally fell into bed after a soak in Lavender Epsom salt bath . I couldn't bend and every muscle ached. This morning my back isn't too bad but my right shoulder is pretty sore. However.....those tasks are behind me!

I took this pic of the new blooms on the Paulownia this morning. 

 I must get off here now because it is another gorgeous morning and I must get into something outside. Rain might hit us this afternoon.

Happy Cinco de Mayo.

Paulownia tree in bloom

Yesterday morning my brother brought my mom over and we walked through the garden then headed to the front of the house to see the new walkway when my brother noticed the Paulownia tree was blooming. I didn't even notice it before. It has only bloomed once since I planted it and now 10 years later it is in bloom again. It is hard to see the light purple blooms against the gray sky this morning. It looks like they just started to open so in a few days I might be lucky and get a nicer photo. But for now, here she is...Princess Paulownia...look closely for lilac color trumpet blooms....

Today I must dye ribbons for class and get everything in order for Monday morning. Then I will work on the CQ outside if it doesn't rain. I spent a fun morning with mom yesterday yard sale-ing. Our first stop was a quaint Ivy covered brick home tucked away in the country. It reminded us of a gingerbread house and was so inviting. I asked to take a photo and after one shot my dead battery light went on and my camera shut down. Argh! I wanted to share the side yard area that just begged to walk through and have a seat under the shade trees.

The sale was wonderful and if I had room I would have owned a Queen Anne writing desk...which of course I would have painted cream, another Victrola cabinet, an old metal wall cabinet with glass front, etc.... so many awesome treasures and no place to put them. I did find some goodies to care for and was quite happy.

The collar is beautifully beaded....

 I love these old frames that swivel. The detail is very nice and will look great with a few coats of cream paint I think.

These two trays will be changed out for crazy quilting under glass and yes, painted cream........

 The added bonus was that everything was half off!!!!
The owner was delightful and shared a story of the beautiful beaded vintage dress she had bought to wear when her and her husband would ride in their vintage car....I can't remember the model but there were two nice vintage cars on her property. How fun that must have been. I had a fun surprise when a customer had recognized me from my blog. She is a quilter and I invited her to come over and try crazy quilting. It is refreshing to meet cheerful uplifting people when you are out and about. It was a blissful morning.
Hey hey! The sun came out...gotta go. Enjoy your day!!!!!!!!