Farmers Market, Fireworks and Evening Grosbeaks

Thursday evenings are North Bends

Farmers Markets and there is always

good things to get.

Then we had the Festival at Mt. Si

this last weekend complete with fireworks.

They were beautiful. I was worried they would not have 

them due to the fire danger. But they did and there was no problem.

And yesterday the Evening Grosbeaks arrived and put on

quite a show.

They flew back and forth quickly in and out of the pines'

landing for short times in the yard. They were to fast moving

to get any good pictures. They  all sang like a choir and  it was

so enjoyable. I hope they visit again soon.

It rained last night and a little this morning.

We sure needed it so I thanked the rain gods for sending

it our way. I hope eastern WA got some as the fires continue there. 

The Sketching Diet Journal & The Bird Man

I am part of a sketching group  called the Sketching Diet.

It's a bunch of Flickr friends and lots of fun.

For my journal I draw restaurants that I go to or 

recipes I like and use.

It's lots of fun and so many cute drawings by the group.

You can go to my Flickr and it's under The Sketchbook Diet.

Anyway this weekend we met up with our son, did a short walk

by Green Lake. I was intrigued with the "bird man", who brings

food for the birds.  

They were everywhere and what a chorus! Very polite too.
After the short walk as it was sunny but cold we went to
Eddies for dinner. The food was delicious and Eddie was
a joy to chat with.

The Great Blue Heron

About a week ago I went for a walk about the property and well
you can read the rest above. So I started these pages for my journal.
Unfortunately  I've  "been down for the count" as one would say.
No not the flu or cold but very painful stomach pains. After 
rolling about the bed for three days I was "taken" to the doctor.
Tests were run, (many tests) and so far everything is coming
back normal. One more test result to go..... 
Now really I feel fine except for the stomach pains.
 Kinda takes the wind out of my sails so to speak.
But I am still alive and somewhat kicking. Thanks to all
for your concern. YES I wish I had been doing some 
magnificent  thing such as.....mmmmm at a painting class
in Italy, cooking lessons with a famous chef , laying in the sun 
on some far off island, you get the drift. I must say Teddy my 
loyal Bichon stayed by my side every second, starring at me
with those big brown eyes. I swear he took my pulse a couple 
of times. Anyway I don't like writing "non fun" stuff so I shall close
for now. Teddy wants to watch a rerun of Downton Abbey. He's
addicted. Have a great weekend everyone of you.

A Special Day & EDiM

Yesterday was sunny and very warm so I 

decided to work in the garden. I have many 

birdhouses about the property. They are 

usually filled to capacity and you sure 

know when the babies are born.

Peep, peep, peep and momma and dad

flying in with food every few minutes.

I am always sad when the babies take

 flight and everything is quiet. Sad 

because I never see the little ones leave.

That is until yesterday. Mom was rushing

food to them and there was one who

 kept peeking out. You could see his big mouth

and little feathered head.

Mom at the feeder.

Mom flew to the feeder and all of a

sudden here came baby right behind.

Little wings flapping so hard, landing

at the feeder. He never stopped flapping

those wings and was very wobbly . Cute 

as a button. Then he flew into a bush

 with mom following, probably giving

flight lessons. It made my day.

Then to my surprise the grosbeaks 

showed up. I call them the parrots

of my forest

They are very colorful and always fun to watch.

 This bird house I built and put up almost 19

years ago. Every time I want to take it down for

maintenance it is occupied. So there it sits 

with moss and lichen growing on it.

I wonder if I will see more babies take flight

today.

May 27th. Draw some clouds & write

about it.

Happy Sunday everyone.

.

Look What I Found at the Pond

I was walking down at one of our ponds today

and look what I found. Mom and her newly

hatched "butterball" duckling.

They were out for swimming lessons and doing

quite well at that! I tried to get some close ups

but didn't want to scare them . We have an

island in the middle of the pond and each year

they have a nest and the their babies there.

We do not go onto the island until they leave.

I have named it Duck Island and they reward me

with ducklings every year.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!!!!!!

Sorry the pictures are not the best but they were

so quick , I almost fell in the pond and that would

not have been a pretty picture.

Lavender Time and Babies too!

Lavender picking time here

at Wildflower.

Out front I created gravel pathways

that meander through the gardens.

I planted heather and lots of lavender.

Makes a great combination and the

deer and elk leave it alone.

I took these pictures in bright

sunlight so the true color seems

a bit faded.

Inside you can see the deep color.

Also while I was gathering I checked

out my chickadee house as every morning

I can hear the babies.

Yup there is momma feeding the babes!

Sorry about the photo and shadows

but didn't want to upset her.

You can click on photo's to

enlarge.

Well off to town to meet the

posse for lunch.

Have a great day!

Sweet Little Hummingbird

                     I saw this video  on Jane Marie' blog  ( thyme for herbs) and just had to share it.

I am still in the garden weeding away between rain showers!

Maybe a little hummer will visit today.

I shall try to publish later today  what I have been making in the studio.