evening walk

barn swallow

chipmunk

catbird

cottontail 

When I left for work this morning I threw my boots and 

a pair of heavy socks into the backseat of my car.

At day's end I drove to the Pool Wildlife Sanctuary for a walk.

The air was thick with humidity and dark clouds threatened a downpour

but I was undeterred and shoved a plastic bag in my back pocket 

in case I needed to protect my camera.

A few minutes out and I was drenched in sweat but the sky began to clear.

Although I've walked this park many times I'd never wandered this particular trail.

It was overgrown in places but busy with fauna and fowl tending their young.

Rabbits and chipmunks tried to lure me away from their babies while

the swallows took a more aggressive approach and dive-bombed my head!

Bees where busy on the meadow flowers and

wild raspberries and strawberries lined the path.

A wonderful way 

to close my day.

April is Here

Within weeks the cherry and apple trees will be blooming.

Yesterday was all steady rain and today the sun is bright,

so is the pattern that awakens the trees and flowers.

I've been unwell again.

Last week a small itch on my arm covered my torso and arms

overnight with large red welts and little pustules!

Contact dermatitis.

I went to the doctor twice and am now on steroids to stop the progression.

I don't like taking medications and this one makes me a bit restless.

So yesterday I stitched together the hankie window shade, painted the rabbit 

and the polar bear and frantically knitted away on my grey sweater.

Oh, and the apartment has been thoroughly straightened!

Needless to say, sleep has been difficult.

I also just bought a new camera.

These are my first photos taken with it.

All the settings are right out of the box as I haven't taken

the time to read through my manual yet.

It's a bit intimidating...baby steps.

Hurricane Sandy

playing around with paper clay

a few emergency kit components

Some random photos of what I've been doing today.

There is a major storm, hurricane Sandy, headed my way and I've spent the day 

collecting water, canned food, batteries, etc in preparation.

Last year at this time there was a storm that dumped 12" of snow

on the ground and left me without power for 3 days.

This year I'm ready!

Hopefully, I won't need any of the extra precautions.

Drawing Table

I straightened my drawing table last Sunday evening.

It may look cluttered but I know where everything is...

The rabbit gazing at the moon is only 1" square.

I went through a phase of tiny painting and not so great soldering.

The horse a study for a much larger piece.

: )

Can't wait to get back to making things.