Baby Birds

Happy Monday morning, everyone! I thought I would start your week with a few pictures of bird babies!

Remember the pictures from a few posts ago of the robin babies? Well, here are two of them fully feathered and ready to fly. Just a few minutes after taking this picture, the larger of the two (or the one in the front!) flew from the nest to the porch floor. Mama and Papa Robin had an absolute fit, as he/she landed just a few short feet from me! I went back inside to let things settle down and then the second fledgling made his flying debut as well. A proud day for the Front Porch Robin family. The Back Porch Robins had an equally fine family, although one of the babies did fall from the nest before all its feathers were fully formed. The parents hid him in a bush and I think he successfully matured and flew. Both nests are now empty, as is the phoebe nest in the shed.

Imagine my surprise to look out my kitchen window and see a baby hummingbird sitting in the wegelia bush! I grabbed my camera and took these shots. It sat so very still while one of the parents flitted around and drank from the pink blossoms. The adult hummers are so sleek but this baby still had a bit more padding! The last picture shows the iridescence of the feathers--so beautiful!

Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to class I go. A Powerhouse Applique day where students will learn to handle inside and outside points and curves. It's a repeat of a class I did on Saturday and those students did a wonderful job.

Have a great day! Special? Yes, that's you--did you forget?

Hugs,

Sharon

Flowers and Quilt Tops

Good things come to those who wait--and Susan M. of Baldwinsville, New York, has proved that once again. Susan has taken my hand piecing series for the past three years and now has two of the tops done except for borders. Her third piece--a hexagon composed of smaller hexagon blocks--is almost done as well. Here, for your viewing pleasure are:

Monthly Bliss 2 composed of 18 seven-inch blocks set on point.

And Monthly Bliss 1 composed of 25 seven-inch blocks, also set on point. What a change in fabrics! From the 30s reproductions in year one to brights in year 2. And her hexagon piece is a more subtle piece with Christmas prints.

Below are two pictures of my wegelia bush. It is in front of my bow window in the kitchen. Last night I was able to get pictures of a baby hummingbird perched in the bush. I'll share those in the next post. This bush is a major draw for the hummers--and I quite often find them resting among the blossoms. It's an easy way to draw birds without having the hassle of filling feeders. I also have butterfly bushes and fushias. Plus hollyhocks.

We've had two wonderful thunderstorms today. I always love the lightning and thunder. Lynnie hides under the table, but I want to be out on the porches watching the action. It's been several years since we've had what I think of as "real" thunderstorms. Not just heat lightning and a bit of a rumble. These storms were the light up the sky and rattle the windows types.

Good night or good morning, dear blog readers. Did you remember to tell yourself how special you are today? Stand in front of a mirror and look yourself right in the eye when you say it--then stand tall and smile and start the day on a high note. Repeat as necessary throughout the day for a special lift.

Hugs,

Sharon

Oh, Happy Day!

It's been rainy and gloomy here for the past few days, so I thought I would post pictures of my mom's clematis blooms to boost everyone's spirits!

These blooms are over 8 inches across and so snowy white. I especially like the close-up of the center--looks almost scary!

A short post today to let you know I am still out here! I have actually been quilting a small piece and have it almost done! Have actually had some quality time off this month--I'm trying not to like it too much because starting next Saturday it all hits the fan again. Next post I have quilt pictures from students and some other things to amuse you! Happy Father's Day to anyone who's a father and Happy Sunday to everyone else! Take time to do something special for yourself today and spend some time with your dad if you are still lucky enough to have one around.

Hugs to all,

Sharon