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Thursday, November 22, 2012

Thanksgiving Birds

Happy Thanksgiving to all!  I've been up since 5:00 am this morning.  Not cooking, but savoring the time and making plans. Being up so early, I was able to head out for my usual morning walk shortly after sun up. 

One thing is for certain about life in Florida, you never know when you'll have an unexpected encounter with wildlife.  It was such a thrill to be trekking along the usual path, only to be surprised by a gaggle of sand hill cranes stalking along behind me.  A speedy dash to the car, a short sprint home, quick, grab the camera! and repeat in reverse back to the park and along the walking path..  Of course, they were long gone by the time I got back, probably laughing at me all the way out.  Oh well, as my photographer husband always says, some things in life are meant to be experienced, not captured.  Today I should be thankful to have this bit of wisdom.  But mostly I'm just happy that in spite of missing the cranes, the dash to capture them forced an extra lap and a speedier pace into the usual morning walk.

And even more in keeping with the day, I found a few more unexpected birds in my stitching closet, just in time for sharing. 



I stitched these guys years ago, probably even before my Shepherd's Bush days.  Note the huge klostern this dude is worked on.  That should date him a little?


This fellow was found along with the ravaged Prairie Schooler Santas I'm trying to refurbish.  Please ignore the blob of craft glue on his tail.  Well, I've already said finishing isn't my strong suit, but even I have enough sense to know better than that now!  Maybe a good New Year's resolution for me will be to improve my skills in that area.  Either that, or just to quit trying and hand them off to a finisher.

So last off, I thought I'd share a quick update on progress with Atocha.  Here's where I am, though further changes are going to happen.


I'm having so much fun with this, but have decided that a few things have to go.  Jim pointed out that there would never be a sperm whale cruising around in the Gulf of Mexico.  Of course, he didn't mention it until after the big guy was finished.  Same thing with the little seal floating under the manatee.  So as soon as the smaller stuff on the left side is in place, I'm going to make that whale into a pair of swordfish, which  I think I can pull off by adapting the dolphin design.  As for the seal, he's going to mutate into a stingray.in the same soft brown as the ships.  When all that is the way I like it, I'm going to give it a rest before putting in the big ship in the middle.  Back in September when I started this, I promised myself  I'd go back to Jean Rattray (remember her?)with enough time to finish her before the end of the year.   The clock is ticking and poor Jean still lingers on...

Our Thanksgiving celebration happened last weekend so that Jim could have some time in Illinois with his elderly parents today.  I'm thinking of them and having fun with  Halley and the dogs this morning.  I'm grateful for all the richness in my life and the time to appreciate it.  Here's wishing that for you too!

4 comments:

Margaret said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you! So sweet that your DH is with his parents today -- you are a good wife.

I love your Atocha piece! Wow! I'm looking forward to seeing the whale transformed into a pair of swordfish and the seal turn into a stingray. They do sound more appropriate for the Gulf of Mexico. I love your two turkeys! Yes, the klostern does date that one fellow -- but he's a beauty. And lol about the spot of glue! Finishing isn't my strong suit either.

I have a wonderful image in my mind of you being followed by a gaggle of sand hill cranes now. lol!

Krista said...

Very cute stitches, especially those gobblers! Happy Thanksgiving, Mary!

Nicola said...

What a wonderful DIL you are to your in laws.

Your husband is right some things in life are meant to be experienced, not captured.

Siobhán said...

I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving, and are having a good weekend. I love your turkey pieces, and your Atocha piece is so pretty! I can't wait to see it with the changes!