I've been meaning to post this little guy ever since we got back. We've seen killdeer a lot in the Midwest, and once even here in our church parking lot. The bird book says their nest is a "scrape on bare ground in field, bald spot in pasture, gravel shore, roadway, etc." This house stands on what used to be farmland in MN, and you guessed it, much of where we live used to be farms also. I'd say these little fellows have lots to squawk about!
KilldeerAnd then there's this member of the jay family that's been visiting us lately, mostly to steal nuts from the resident squirrel. Their "song" is a particularly raucous squawk that doesn't resemble a crow's but is distinctive. I love their blueblack feathers as well as their cheeky spirit.
Steller's JayWhat's going on inside, you say? Well, this little plant decided to bloom which is always an occasion of mixed blessing. The flower is beautiful and fun to watch open, but it has a sickeningly sweet odor....at night! Our niece says that's to attract insects, but I sure hope it doesn't work. It's other interesting "trick" is that it drips a honeylike substance from the flowers. So, these lovely blossoms never last long in our house because I cut them off right after they open. It's nice to have a photo reminder though as it neither smells nor drips!
Wax Plant or HoyaBefore my voice and energy deserted me, I partially embellished the front and back of the purse that's pieced with Allie's fabrics. Now my purse is flying across the mountains to visit Janet who will add some of her magical stitches.
Purse FrontI was very excited to find the large flat button in my stepmother's button box. I also learned a lot, mostly that the stitching needs to conside the flap and overlap. I'll do better on that next time hopefully!
Purse BackThat's it for now; I'll be back when I can do more than squawk! Soon, I hope!
21 comments:
Hope you are feeling better soon!
I have not seen a killdeer since I moved from MN. I think they are beautiful. Hope you feel better soon. Sharon Ps we are still staining. grrrr
Sorry you are contending with a laryngitis bug. Hope you feel better soon.
I think we have had killdeer making nest in our yard on occasion. Didn't notice any this year though.
Your stitching is pretty on your purse. Yes blue is my favorite or should I say first, then every other color in the rainbow. :)
So sorry you aren't feeling well! Don't try to talk, your vocal cords need the rest! Relax with a cup of tea and a new quilt magazine until you are better!! The purse is adorable!
The purse is stunning! Hope you are better soon!
Micki
Hi Sis, Hope your voice is better and that you are getting back to normal. Love the photos of the kids, the birds, the flowers and your hand crafts.
Jane
The color of that jay is beautiful -- we have a jay here too with lots more white and, though it's attractive, I guess I've grown accustomed to seeing it so I don't marvel as muuch. It sounds like they sound the same.
Sorry about the laryngitis -- but maybe that's why your flower bloomed..I love the shape of the unopened blossom -- kind of like a puffy pinwheel...
And your purse is looking great. I like the leaf you added to the front flap and the one row of french knot flowers all in a row.
Have a great day. We're off to the beach with the whole family again for a final Summer Hurrah!
Hi Judy,
Thanks for stopping by.
I hope your "bug" is better now!
I feel better with more energy but I still sound like a crazed hyena!!!In spite of all my precautions DH is now coughing!! Good Grief!
I was looking at these birds, Can't say I have ever seen either. They are sure pretty.. and those racoons!!! Little rascals..... so sweet but a real nuisance...
Our problem is rabbits.... Lots of them and they have eaten a lot out of my garden. I see I have ONE zuccinni and ONE cucumber left at the moment!!!sigh!
xoxo
((((hugs))))
Maggie
Judy I meant to tell you I LOVE your crazy patch. The stitches are really interesting and i really like the appliqued leaf. Nice work...\
xoxo
((((hugs)))))
Maggie
Hope you are feeling better soon.
I saw a Killdeer the other day, he was standing on the corner of our housing addition as though he were waiting to cross the street. I was surprised to see one in Oklahoma but the bird book says we are within their range area.
Hope you are feeling better by now and not speaking blue jay :) Love the photos, and especially the back lit hoya! xo Pam in Chico
Dear Judy
for a very long time my last visit is past...
today I much time with you spent, and would not like to you than first to your new family increase to congratulate, the small Daniel.
I wish all property for him! Sofia is in the meantime already 2 years.
where did the time remain?
And Daniel is the large, proud brother.
You knitted beautiful things for all children!
Also your Patchwork is very nice! Your garden is also so beautiful. Beautiful flowers, and as many birds and other animals.
from your fill in to the Mount Baker you so beautiful pictures with brought.
I wish you a beautiful Sunday, and thanks you for your nice visits.. ♥☼♥Barbara♥☼♥
Hope you are feeling perky by now! Thanks for your comments on my travel blog. I appreciated them.
Thanks for your comment!
My piggy memory is that my Dad bought me a big stuffed pig with flowers on it when I was a pre-teen. I think it was because I always had a messy room...
Smiles, Cat
Hello Puddleducks... I sure hope you are feeling better darlin.. Nothing like not feeling good, when you want to stitch.
I love that Stellar Jay, and you have brought back my memories of Oregon.. I sure wish we had them here, but it is too darn hot..
BTW, how come I never see you joining in with things on the list? Your work is wonderful.
Hey Judy! Uh oh!! Being a 'bit' of a talker, I hate when my voice goes - I don't really stop talking, it just takes more energy to make a noise come out!! Of course, it probably takes me twice as long to get over it too!! :0) Hope you're feeling better soon! Bear Hugs! KRIS
Lovely embellishing! Look forward to seeing it all finished up : )
My goodness, I can't believe it's been so long since I came to visit. I have missed sooooooo much!
Let's see, where to begin????
Love the new banner. The rose is just gorgeous. Is that from your own garden? My roses sure don't look like that. They always look like they're hanging on for dear life. LOL.
Cute purse project. Is it a little clutch?
Oh, and look at Sophie. She is just a doll. Really, really pretty. Better tell dad to get that shotgun out. LOL.
Love the octopus. It looks HUGE! We (DH, DS, and I) ran across one in San Diego a few years ago in the tide pools.
Well actually, it snuck up on us. It was fairly small, with a body about the size of a cantelope, and bright orange. We all screamed like little girls and ran away from it.
Racoons - how cute! They can be destructive, though.
Gosh, the booties are too cute. So little. When is Magan due?
Love, love the mountain vacation photos. I think that's the best part of living in Colorado. Well, at least it's close to the best. LOL.
Okay, gotto go. Don't be a stranger and I'll try not to be one too.
Great photos Judy...I wish something as beautiful as that jay would visit my garden!
I had a wax plant in my classroom for a year or so... people used to ask if the flowers were real,they look almost artificial. I do remember cleeaning up after it every morning! (The caretaker made me get rid of it eventually)
Hope you are feeling better...
Hugs
Linda x
Hi Judy,
you know,I like this kind of needlework and I'm very interested to see the finished purse!
Wish you a nice sunday! Many greetings from Germany,Ulla
I enjoyed seeing your birds and flowers. I haven't see a Jay in quite a while and was wondering the other day why that is. Don't you love watching the Killdeer run across the way? What a pretty flower to have to behead so quickly. Could it live outside? Lovely purse! Love those vibrant, jewel colors. Can't wait to see it progress! Hope your voice is back, and you're feeling better soon!
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