It's all about the birds

 

When you come to see us next look for the easy way in the store.

We felt it was time to repair the steps.

M

24 hours later, snow

Mark had spotted a Bald Eagle on the pond Thursday late afternoon so on Friday before we went to work we walked slowly around the pond to see if we could spot the eagle. Not only did we spot one we spotted two. One very large one and one smaller one.

As we were stopping to look for birds I noticed that we were having one of those days where the pond looks like glass.The water was so still, giving those great reflections in the water that I just love, with a blue sky and just hints of clouds.

 How could it possible be calling for cold and snow on Saturday when this weather was so savory.

We worked in the studio in the morning and then took advantage of the weather to get some outside work done.

Then today just after I had been over to check on a kiln a light rain started and now we are having a nice light snow.
Just like I like my winters.
Here today, gone tomorrow.

I hope you are all warm and safe.
M

Loading the kiln

Yesterday made a liar out of me by being a really good day to fire.
The winds were so calm and the weather, even though it called for evening thunder storms, was over all pretty nice.

 Mark said as soon as I woke up that he wanted to brick up the door and fire the kiln yesterday.
 We went out at 7 to bricked up the door and he had the kiln lit by 8:30.
 The day was with us on weather, but it will be tomorrow before we can show any results. Having the smaller kiln is interesting in that you can pretty much glaze and fire in just a few days and have pots. Amazing!

I am going ahead with the glazing on a big load of pots while Mark is working on the large vases. Another 20 pound vase is out on his wheel now.
No pictures since I tried once and it is too distracting for him.
I don't want to disturb his "zen" while he is working.

 I did get some tiles ready for the end of the month kiln opening.
I have tiles in many spots throughout the house.
It is nice to have a spot not big enough for a picture yet- just big enough for some handmade tiles.
(note handmade)

This bird was sitting outside my kitchen window this spring and he needed to go on a tile.

Rabbits! Funny bunny rabbits!

We are transitioning quickly into summer as the weather changes.
I miss the 70 degree days as we head into upper 80's with the moist humidity.
Oh, yummy southern summers.

Time for tea and work.
Cheers!
M

Sweet gift from over the seas, birds and dreams

When Doug, Hannah and Angela were here last month they brought over some great gifts for many of us and I was presented with three very lovely gifts.
The tile of the bird was from Doug- marvelous and goes perfect in the kitchen.

Then from Ang- this sweet tile goes perfect in the front room of the house- how did she know?

And just look at this sweet creamer (jug) from Hannah- it is keeping company on the mantle

On mother's day we went and meet up with our son and his wife.
Later I noticed there was more then the usual poop from the birds who are nesting on the carport.
I snapped a picture to get a closer look and when I looked at it on the computer I noticed not the usual 3 babies we have had the last two years but 5!
Now that is a load of babies to feed.
One has been pushed out of the nest and I think we will see some flight soon.
But goodness the mess.
I have some clean up to do.
Food in- food out.

After my dream about Lee I decided to do an embroidery piece using the colors from the dream.
I have about 5 of these small pieces done and now I have to do something with them.
Hummmm
But- today pots!
Work is calling.
M

No, you go first....

"After you", they both seemed to be saying.
Yesterday was the day.
The babies were out of he nest.
The mother bird was back and forth back and forth.
Fussing every time we were around.
I came in about 5 and Mark came in 20 minutes later and they were gone. I thought I might be able to catch the flight but I missed it.
Now the question is, "who's going to clean up the mess?"
The other question is what type of bird was this one.
This was not our usual nesting birds for around the house.
I still have not looked them up.
You would think I would be a better birder with so many birds around us.
The trees here are just full of them.
We have Yellow Finch, Bluebirds, Cardinals, Wrens, Indigo Bunting, Carolina Chickadee, Humming Birds, Red-winged Blackbird, Hawks, Wood peckers, Ospreys and the list goes on....... but this was I am still looking for any ideas?
Now, I just found this bird Eastern Kingbird, which is what a customer thought it might be.
Now that I have look it up, I think maybe he is right.

Happy 4th of July to all!