It will be short-lived, our sun. Clouds and temperature drops. But when it is nice, one takes advantage and I did that by my first visit to the Ditch since fall. To be honest, there wasn't much to see, except for a lot of ducks and geese!
The pond is in varying stages of frozen. It's firm enough to hold a duck or a goose...
...they can even move around on the surface with ease.
But there's plenty of open water, too. And a huge number of waterbirds. Last year there were very few in February, so that was heartening to see.
I have nearly finished another feltie and I'm rather happy with this little guy. He took ages to do, making my hourly akin to sweatshop pay in third world countries. But I'm liking his sweet owlish face! I may have to try another. It needs a little "feather" trim -- too many yarn strands -- but pretty close to done!
And I picked up paint brushes for the first time in months. A few LONG overdue birthday cards (they're on their way, Joan!) and then a birthday card for my favorite almost three-year-old. He was Buzz LIghtyear for Halloween and Buzz was his favorite Christmas toy so I did this one of him in costume. The face is nothing the same, but I don't think he'll notice!
And I did a couple of cat portraits (of the same cat). Bella was my friend Maryanne's sweet love. They're slightly different. I'll send her both and she can decide.
Lizzie, meanwhile, has been enjoying some catnip that hadn't died out completely from underneath Rick's pine tree.
And then, one might expect after a period of debauchery, some cat naps.
It's hard to be a cat.
Crafting is good for the heart and soul.
ReplyDeleteLife in your world is so lovely, Jeanie. And I really do think you should submit some of your cat photos to magazines, they're incredible! Always love to see your paintings and felties. That little owl is too cute. Do you sell these when they are finished?
ReplyDelete~Sheri
It's nice to see the water birds. We had milder temperatures here today. It's so nice that you can paint your cards. Your family must cherish them. Happy to hear you are feeling better.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos & art ~ Lizzie is precious! Your owl is terrific..I feel the same when I sell a card for $2 and I spent 1/2 hr. deciding which button or ribbon goes the best (heehee) blessings ~
ReplyDeleteWe gave a cat some catnip when I was a kid and she ruined my mom curtains and drapes. She didn't come down from her high for a full 24 hours, then she slept for the next twelve. I'll never forget the look on my mom's face. LOL
ReplyDeleteSigns of spring are coming, slowly but surely and I enjoyed your photos of the ducks enjoying them. In exchanged, this side of the state is sending your side a little more winter.
Happy you are feeling better .. .
ReplyDeleteand back to the ditch seeing bunches of the critters.
Liked your post, felt spring like!
I enjoyed both this and your last post, with the cats and ducks and sunshine and ice -- and I think needle felted dolls and toys are so lovely... my daughter gave me a doll that I adore, felted by someone else. But she has made some smaller things, like acorns to go in real acorn caps ;-)
ReplyDeleteYour cookies remind me of some that I made a few years ago and called Salted Toffee Cookies, when I had *part* of a package of mini Heath Bars leftover from something and was trying not to eat them all. Everyone thought they were great. The next year I was away without my recipe, and when I tried to do them again they were too salty. I didn't even try them this year, but they will surely come around again!
I'm so glad to hear you are feeling better. This bug that has been making the rounds is not very companionable, and its departure is no doubt a welcome relief.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the animal life you've found along on your walk to the ditch, and for the pictures from your back yard (and sofa) -- and, yes, your impressionistic fantasy -- great shot! -- definitely looks like a hawk.
I adore your felted ornaments -- so charming! and I have a particular soft spot for your watercolors.
Yes, there's more snow & cold coming, but there's spring behind it all, and the sun we've seen this last week gives me hope that it will be here soon.
Have a great week!
Glad you were out and about again. Its looking good at the ditch. Love your pretty water-colours. That last photo of Lizzy is fabulous! Have a great day, hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteGreat you are better, dear friend, but, ewwww... the ice! We are lucky so far!
ReplyDeleteOwl :-)
2001. My Brother went to Mc Donald´s like 20 times and ordered a kid´s menue (aged 24) until FINALLY got a Buzz Lightyear.
He gave it to me and said: "So you find a great job". Worked.
Buzz is still here and working!
Sunday (no kidding) they offered a Buzz Lightyear. I kept the picture. Fingers crossed that works, too!
Great painting, I certainly saw who that really is, very well done!
And the cat, beautiful!!!
And Lizzie, dito!! Those eyes! The smile! And the huge yawn. If it wasn´t morning, I´d go to bed ;-)
Isn't it ironic that people are offended at the high cost of handmade items? I find if I had to price my art, I would also be working for slave type wages. That's why I don't sell it.
ReplyDeleteThe pond photos are gorgeous. I was impressed with the photos of the birds on ice and in the water.
LOVE those cat paintings. They are gorgeous. And yes, it IS hard to be a cat (NOT)!
The cat portraits are gorgeous. I like both of them. Those poor ducks, it looks like is very cold.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI am happy you are feeling better. Loved the photos and your cute felt Owl. I assume the ducks do not mind having a icy bottom. Your cards and art work are beautiful. Neat sighting of the Hawk. Lizzie is a cutie, what a big yawn. Wishing you a happy day! Have a great week ahead!
Jeanie,
ReplyDeleteYou are so talented!! Your creations are lovely!! we had temps. in the 50's on the weekend and will be back down in the teens for lows by this coming weekend... That has been the case all Winter....Unseasonable warm and then back to normal and then back to unseasonably warm again with very little snow!! we are having the Winter that wasn't.....Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Hugs,
Debbie
It's nice to see the ducks and geese. Looking forward to some more signs of spring! -Jenn
ReplyDeleteGreat to see those ducks, Jeanie, and of course the CANADA Geese. Do I hear strains of "Oh Canada" wafting on the wind? I hope you wore your Maple Leaf toque and went home to a shot of Canadian Club, opened a bottle of Pelee Island wine, made poutine for lunch. Now there's a theme in the offing for a Cork Poppers get together!
ReplyDeleteI guess I can quit worrying about our ducks in our "cold" weather. If they get along on ice, they surely can get along in cold water. Just because I'm shivering doesn't mean they are. It reminds me of an exchange I used to have with my mother. She'd say, "I'm cold. Why don't you put a sweater on?" LOL
ReplyDeleteI'm all nervous -- today's the day I'm finally making the switch from my beloved Win7Pro to Win10. I hate this: I've never had one, single problem with my computer, but "they" say that, now that Microsoft isn't supporting it with security updates, it's an iffy proposition not to upgrade. So, I will. We'll see how it goes. It should be fine, and if it isn't, I have backups of my backups. You'd think I was the one going in for surgery!
Wow, it's absolutely true, when you've been under for whatever reason and begin to feel like ones old self it is wonderful. I know that feeling when my back acts up. You have a wonderful world to explore and I think nature always provides wonderful scenes I love going for walks with you to the ditch. You've certainly been creative Jeanie with painting and ornaments. Love the little owl and your cards are darling. Continue to get better and spring will certainly help us all.......
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad that you are feeling better! Phew! Being under the weather is the pits. We are in the midst of a sunny, mild stretch. It will be colder Wed/Thur but then warm again next weekend so it feels like the worst of winter is behind us - hopefully! It should be warm enough this weekend for some stroller walks. Paul adores visiting the ducks. The water isn't frozen so we can't see their orange feet - boy would he love seeing some ducks on frozen water so he could see their feet, though!
ReplyDeleteI love the owl! Your felties are so so cute!!
OH! That's my girl Bella! You got her coloring and that look in her eyes just right! It's amazing ... thank you so much for this kindness, my friend.
ReplyDeleteI love it when you take your camera to The Ditch. Thanks, Jeanie!
Spring will come eventually I think. These little teases are so nice. Glad you made it to the ditch. The ducks and geese seem happy. They must be enjoying the sun. And nice art. You are certainly enjoying the month. Minus being sick that is. Hope the good weather continues and then returns quickly since I think you had a chill down. I am in New Mexico and amazing how a couple of days can make you so out of the loop. Hugs ErikA
ReplyDeleteYour photos make winter look pretty. I'm just not a winter person I guess. Cute card for the birthday boy. You are so unbelievably talented.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you are well enough to go out and see the waterfowl. It amazes me that the ducks can tolerate the ice and the freezing weather. Love that last photo of that yawn. Lol.
ReplyDeleteIce on a lake isn't something we're ever likely to see, though mallard ducks are :) The felted owl is adorable! That does look like a hawk. How exciting! We see them in the air here but only twice on our little urban patio. I think it was disappointed to see the finch flight couldn't be breached ;)
ReplyDeleteJeanie, I always enjoy what is going on at the ditch. Such a sweet little owl. I don't understand how anyone makes money doing something they love. I know from experience that how could you justify your time in money when you just love doing something and want to get it right in your eyes. Lizzie is such a sweet and wonderful model. She sure gets it right doesn't she?..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteGlad to read you are feeling better (finally) Jeanie and also returning to some of your loves, especially the painting. I rather liked the felt owl but not so much the hawk in the woodpile. Hopefully he did not catch any dinner, except maybe a mouse.
ReplyDeleteJeanie, I do love your corner of the world. Love seeing the geese and the ducks. But I don't like your hawk. I know they have their place in the world, but they are dreadful to the little birds. They can find their dinner in the woods and not in my garden. I do love Lizzie, her life must be so cozy and wonderful. And, I've been wondering about your painting, looking forward to seeing your special gift come to life.
ReplyDeleteHappy day and week, continue to be good to you!
Happy to hear that you are feeling better. Spring will be right around the corner and hopefully there will be less germs going around. I'm happy that you have been feeling well enough to do some enjoyable projects.
ReplyDeleteI'm so pleased to read you are feeling better.
ReplyDeleteLove your watercolours.
Sweet photographs of Lizzie.
Enjoy these last few days of February, March will soon be here!
All the best Jan
Excellent photos Jeanie, particularly the ones of Lizzie. Your paintings are lovely. One of my miniature projects is going to be a mouse house and I plan to felt a small mouse, never done it before :-)
ReplyDeleteJeanie, I am so thrilled that you are better and went for a walk to the ditch. Such a cute feltie and Lizzie is quite the photogenic cat!
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ReplyDeleteI love the felted owl, Jeanie. I have a friend who is an owl-lover so I am always looking for unusual types for him. Also, tell Lizzie she has THE MOST Beautiful green eyes I have ever seen! I am envious as mine are only hazel. Sigh!
Glad you are feeling better! Your watercolors are amazing and love all of the bird and kitty photos.Janice PS your owl is a hoot too!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that you weren't feeling well, Jeanie - seems to be making the rounds these days. Glad you are seeing some signs of spring and feeling better. Your little owl and painted cards are wonderful and such a thoughtful little gift to receive. Hopefully things will thaw out completely soon. We can all use some warm sunshine about now! Sending hugs xo Karen
ReplyDeleteGlad you're feeling better, and enjoying some sunshine and things that make you happy.
ReplyDeleteSeems like Lizzie is too. ;)
So glad you are feeling better!! love those b/day cards you make, especially the one of the gray kitty (Bella?) Love seeing the duck pictures too. Lizzie is GORGEOUS. She looks to be full of personality!!
ReplyDeleteGlad you're feeling better Jeanie.
ReplyDeleteBirds can be so difficult to photograph. I get a few in my backyard and by the time I aim the camera they are fleeting around or gone!
The felted owl is cute and the cats and Buzz postcards are beautiful! I'm sure your little grandson will love it :)
It sure is hard being a cat, when they have "parents" that spoil them :)
Jeanie, maybe you know, maybe you say, huh? But I thought certainly of you, maybe you´ve met this puppeteer as well? Ernie with his song is turning 50 :-)
ReplyDeleteOh it's good to see the ducks and open water! That owl you created is super adorable! The gift card for your favorite almost 3 year old is too cute. What a special treasure. The cat portraits look so good, it will be hard to choose which one is a favorite! Those hawks don't hang around for long. I know how hard it is to capture a shot of them. Lizzie sure has dazzling green eyes and those cute brown spots by her nose make her adorable! I think we are gearing up for a bit of an early spring here in Michigan- let's keep our fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteThose ducks look purrfectly happy on the ice.
ReplyDeleteGreat job on the cards.
I always enjoy seeing Lizzie:)
Wonderful ice photos. It looks very cold there. I like the owl you made. Your watercolor paintings are beautiful. I like the hawk photo, even though it's blurry. (Sometimes I get photos that are only of the sky, because I'm not fast enough to zoom in and focus on a flying bird.) Your cat has beautiful markings. They are great companions.
ReplyDeleteSweet little paintings. I love them. Is Lizzy working hard these days? We have suddenly been over run with mice which are driving our two girls mad.
ReplyDeleteYour paintings are charming. It always makes me smile to see you creating.
ReplyDeleteYour owl is adorable.
Fun also to see the ducks doing what they do. I look forward to them visiting my ponds. Might be a month or more.
Thank you for your birthday greeting.
Cute little owl:)
ReplyDeleteNow I'm glad to read you are feeling better, Jeanie!
ReplyDeleteYour felt owl and cat paintings are wonderful renditions. I see hawks here all the time but can never get photos as they fly away too fast. The ducks don't seem to mind the ice at all but I'm sure they are also hoping that spring arrives sooner than later.
Cats are such good company. aren't they?
Beautiful felty and drawings!
ReplyDeleteOohh Lizzie :)
Love Lizzie's big open mouth picture.
ReplyDeleteOh Buzz is such a fun picture. I always love seeing your paintings and your sweet friends at the ditch. Nice owl feltie too!
Lizzie has it made.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos there Jeanie, A shoutout "To infinity and beyond" to Joan. Feltie looks very cute, loved it. There are so many things in this post of yours that I got confused which one to love more! While you're being awesome, would love to hear from you which one you loved the most from this post.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jeanie, for sharing such beautiful pictures. The ducks and geese are adorable and good to see how they adapt to the environment so easily though the situation is icy solid.
ReplyDelete