Some pretties.....

I love Redbud trees.  I think they look mystical and "other-worldly".  After a couple of failed attempts, I now have a fine specimen of my own - right in my own back yard.  But what I saw today nearly took my breath away!.

Red Haw State Park is covered in Redbuds!  DH and I took a road trip to Southern Iowa today.  The park is located near the town of Chariton.  Timing could not have been more perfect. 

There is a nice lake, the banks of which were just covered with them!

They also lined the roadways.

Right around this bend, we could see the water again, and were thrilled to see a group of Pelicans.

DH liked the trees, but I think a group of Pelicans.....well, it made his day.  Up until then, we had seen only a few Canadian Geese and a few ducks - one of which was a wood duck.  I quickly grabbed the camera, but these guys didn't stick around for many  poses.

Then on to Pella.  Pella is a Dutch community, with an annual "Tulip Time" fesitval every May.  This year, I'm afraid the tulips may be past their prime.  They were the most beautiful I have ever seen them - today - which is two weeks before their festival.  The whole town is covered with gorgeous beds of tulips. 

This has to be my favorite color of all!  Followed closely by

these gorgeous yellow ones. 

I really don't know much about tulips, but there were some very unusual varieties! 

So, this year we missed the street dancers in their wooden shoes, and the street washing that they do.  We weren't tempted by all the junk food vendors either. We experienced absolutely gorgeous tulips and no crowds!  Not a bad way to end a spring road trip.

"Yeah, easy for you to say.  I had to have a bath when we got home....something about washing off allergens.  Up until then I was having a good day too! - oh well, at least that little boy didn't get to go!!"

Call me a bird brain....

But I really like birds. Probably due to the fact that my dad raised homing pidgeons when I was a child, and I spent many many hours at his elbow. I even had a pet pidgeon...."Pidge". (No, not very creative child.) Anyway.... DH, Sofee and I just returned from a little trip down to Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, just North of St. Joseph, Missouri. We usually try to get a fall trip in, as the last of the road trips till Spring. This visit was no disappointment. The mounds are caused from muskrat activity. Great sunning places for the birds. We saw quite few bald eagles, but I was not able to get any good photos. I was manning the camera this year....practicing for when Santa brings me a new one soon. These two bald eagles were just hanging out. Sort of a nice photo, silhouetted against the evening sky. When an eagle would soar too closely, this is what would happen....and the noise that was audible, very "other-worldly". Thousands and thousands of snow geese. Obviously the refuge is on their migration path. It's just an awesome sight. We saw quite a few pelicans and trumpeter swans also. Breathtaking!

We also stopped at my favorite fiber store, The YarnBarn in Lawrence, Kansas. That is where I bought my loom years and years ago. They are also the folks from whom I recently purchased my spinning wheel. They have a very nice store! We also stopped by the City Market in Kansas City. It's a great outdoor/indoor "farmer's market" with great prices and a very eclectic atmosphere. So...a nice little fall get-away. Oh...and Sofee..... She loves the Drury Inn. She can be a princess wherever she is! She travels very well - have bed will travel.

Awaiting for me when we returned was this lovely fiber. It's the fist installment of the FatCat's Mixed Blessing fiber club. Two 2.5 oz Merino braids. They are meant to be spun separately and plied together. I joined this club just to push myself into new colors. I totally love these, although there is no way that I would ever have chosen them for myself.

Actually joining the AllSpunUp SAL, sight unseen, was for the same reason. I just LOVE this yarn. I posted a photo of the singles on the bobbins in a recent post. Those three bobbins produced these three skeins of yarn. A nice worsted weight - 505 yards. Not sure what I will make, but it will be warm and squishy, whatever it is. A hooded scarf perhaps??? We'll see......
I think my consistency is getting better. I am not a very scientific spinner.....I just do what feels right and enjoy the process. It's a total no-stress activity. I will probably never win a blue ribbon for my spinning efforts, but then since I will never try for one, guess that's ok. :)

And the "forever" stocking has monopolized my entire day today, but progress is being made. I am now on piece number 46 - out of 113. Sigh..... "forever" is supposed to mean that BG will keep it forever, but perhaps it just means it will take me forever to make it! LOL. That's ok...I wanted to make a stocking for him. It will be worth it, once it's all done. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.......

Twins!

Did that title get your attention?.....as we await baby Garrett's arrival....it's a somewhat sensitive word around here. But no - I was referring to our baby cardinals.

Sorry the photo is blurry. I was trying to hurry as the parents were quite upset with me. I basically wanted to show the difference in their color. I assume the topmost is a female, and the one on the bottom of the photo is a male. There is such a distinct difference in coloration. The third egg, I fear, is not going to hatch. I assume mom will get rid of the bad egg eventually. These guys hatched on Sunday and Monday (I think anyway). They have very attentive parents - it's fun to watch, as they work to feed their hungry family. Hopefully these babies will be cute the next time you see them.

BTW - check out the grandma ticker over there....... Not too much longer!!! I think they are still undecided on his name. He will probably always be "Baby Garrett" to me. (Garrett is his surname - although it's a fine first name too, actually) I am sure he will be cute - even the first time you see him. (I think I will do just fine with this boasting grandma thing..... )

Ark blueprints anyone.....??

MotherNature is unleashing her furry on the Midwest this time. We are treading water here in Des Moines as fast as we can. Personally, I am on high ground, so doing ok, but much of our state, Des Moines included, is struggling with major floods. We are hopeful that improvements made 15 years ago will be sufficient to protect our water treatment plant. In the "flood of 93" we lost our water supply for over a week. When considering what others have lost, it seems a small inconvenience, but we are still hoping for the best. Major sadness surrounds the loss of the 4 young men killed by the tornado last night in Western Iowa. My heart goes out to the families and friends of those young folks. I guess ours is not to question why....but....???

Feeling sort of down the last couple of days, Sofee and I were exploring the back yard during a brief break in rainfall this morning. It helped brighten my day a little when within this clematis vine....we discovered this cardinal nest. Mom (or dad?) flew out as we were looking at the blossoms. They have a nice home hidden away amongst the blooms. Perhaps I should erect an umbrella....
What can be more cherry than a little red sweater? This will be for Baby Garret (who has only 29 more days till his "official" arrival date). DD thinks he will come early. Grandma doesn't want to rush anything.... I am anxious for his arrival, but all in due time.

The pattern is a freebie from Berroco, "Baby Poonam". The yarn is Comfort DK. It's an acrylic/nylon blend. Very soft, but very splitty - so difficult to work with. I think it's a pretty sweater. The sleeves will be textured like the back, with the cabling down the front of the sweater.
I am knitting another pair of plainjane ribbed socks as a teaching aid for my sock class. These are out of a Cherry Tree Hill skein from my stash. I don' know the colorway - but I really like it very much. No Pony Pearls however - using the needles available at the shop. I am sure you all know how I really feel about that!!
And, another book on Lace came home with me on Tuesday. This is going to prove to be a great resource I think. I really will have no excuse if I can't conquer the lace demon.

Growing up fast!

They will soon be out exploring the world.... I wish them all the best!

For the birds....

I have worked at the LYS Tuesday thru Friday this week. Those of you who are retired will understand that I have a huge desire to whine right now. Those of you who are not retired, really don't want to hear it.... so - mum's the word!

Sometime since I last stuck my camera into the tree, the baby doves were hatched.
I think it is fortunate that there are only two. The Inn might be a tad crowded if there were anymore. I am not sure when they hatched actually, but soon they will be out on their own...they are growing very fast. Mom was none to pleased with me, so perhaps one more photo shoot in a few days, but not many more. I don't want her to get too upset.....

And on the knitting front:
I have been asked to teach a sock class at the LYS. As a teaching tool, I made this sock with each region of the sock assigned a unique color. There is also 4 different ribbing patterns from which they may choose for their own socks.I may be crazy, but I really like this sock. The colors blend very well (not so much in the photo) the top ribbing being a dark rust and the heel being a charcoal, and they are "my" colors. I may have to dip back into the scrap bag and make a mate.

I returned to work on St. Brigid earlier this week. After I reacquainted myself with the chart legend, I was good to go. It really is a fun project. I'll let you know when the front is done - but it may be awhile. Not a quick knit at all.

And, I am working on lace work again, for the Mystery Lace KAL. Yes....THAT one! I'm a stickler, and I think those of that that hung in there will be rewarded with a nice knitting experience. I have learned a great deal. I am concerned that I won't be able to keep up, but I am going to give it a good try.....

Belatedly...

I'd like to wish you all a Happy Mother's Day. I hope everyone had a great day! My daughter received her first Mother's day recognition...so I guess it's official! Exactly 2 months from today is her due date. Considering how quickly time flies by these days, Baby Garrett will be here before you know it!

I had this Mom and her youngster visit my yard yesterday morning. (The little guy is in the tree) Young squirrels are pretty big before they venture out of the nest - but size does not equal intelligence or abilities. This guy was totally confused. Mom was trying to get him to climb up the tree and jump onto the roof of the house. He was not quite ready for such aerial achievements and actually took a good fall once. After some motherly attention, he seemed fine, but eventually they took a ground route to the next training station.

Later she returned with yet another youngster, and this one made the leap from tree to rooftop with no problems. Perhaps she will bring them both back when they are ready for the "How to torment dogs" lesson. I think we are in the permanent training manual for that one....

I surprised myself by actually getting the third pair of socks finished for my mom for Mother's day. It was a first for me...but I made one sock, from start to finish, in only one day! I worked diligently most of the day on Saturday, and actually completed it. She seemed to like all three pair very much. She declared that a matching gift bag would be a welcome Christmas gift! Hmmm... not sure if that makes me happy or not..... At least I know she really likes the socks. Handknit socks are all I see her wear anymore. I did enjoy knitting these socks (well - 2 out of the 3 pair anyway) so perhaps I can make more to put away for the holidays....

These are out of the original "Petticoat" Opal that I had in my stash. I tried to get a "Feather and Fan" type of pattern worked up, but they continued to be too big, no matter what I seemed to do. So - just a simple 2x2 rib worked out fine. They were knit on 2.25mm Pony Pearl DPNs. Stitch count is 68 stitches.