spring on the Delaware

I love this time of year and all that is popping up in our yard by the river. The weather has been perfect last few days -Sunny but not real hot.



This is an adorable black squirrel that has been playing in our yard last few days. sorry ...When I try to get closer shot- it runs.

Clue1 done- Slow Bee Shawl

Shawl and had a lace spat for a few days.

I was not liking it with so much concentration but still constant mistakes after recounting and trying to figure out what was wrong constantly.(ssshhh I did a lot of fudging) It was shunned for one day and when I returned mistakes calmed down. I know it is not a race but would be happier if progress improved. Many hours have been spent on this - No kidding -my pace might average 2 rows an hour with all the rechecking and fixing.

It is a lace learning experience.

...here are some things I have learned by mistakes

• Keep careful track of what rows you are on. NOW I mark it on the charts and on a post it note right before I start a purl row.

• Get one of those magnetic boards and enlarge the chart!
  



• Be careful of those yarn overs when you go to purl they can be stuck together with another stitch




• Give up when your eyes twitch and hands start throbbing.




• Keep the beads and shawl in a bag so Stinky can't get to them..yes Stinky loves beads and lace.




• next time use bigger beads. Small ones one are shredding the yarn with crochet hook




• Don't use Crystal Palace circulars because lace gets stuck at the joint and it very annoying.




• never attempt to do lace while watching TV- not even the purl rows




• use Ravelry forum for help




• It is good to be behind because everyone else can tell you what to do or find mistakes.



• Beads are fun and are helpful for keeping track of where you are.

Stinky- a bird lover!

Spring time is so exciting here with new blooms and birds arriving.

here are a few of the birds that Stinky gets to see..

Can't see to catch a shot of a huge wood pecker,, an eagle flying overhead and male bright red cardinals . Yesterday my son saw an eagle swoop down to a baby duck in the river.

Rose breasted grosbeak
Indigo blue bunting

indigo blue bunting ( this is my favorite!)
yellow finch

rose breasted grosbeak


purple finch
purple finch ( but looks red!)

wood pecker