House Finches, Part 1

A brief break from the Canada trip to bring you activity from my front porch.

Many years ago, when The Strawberry Patch Quilt Shop was still open in Pennsylvania, I bought this blueberry twig wreath.  It has hung on the front wall of the house ever since.  Several families of birds have thought it a good nesting site, but it is a bit lopsided with the nest on it!  See the second indent line from the right?  The nest is right there, at the top of the wreath.  It was only successfully used once in all these years.  (The wreath came without the nest; actual birds built it shortly after it was put on the wall.)

This year a pair of house finches decided to give it a go.  The wreath is near the front door which sees increased activity as the weather warms.  This frequently results in a flurry of wings as a startled bird takes flight.

The female is very wary and is hard to photograph.

Here she is on the power line to the house.

Can you see the babies?   I think there are at least three.

And you thought you were having a bad hair day!

The adventure continues tomorrow!


Blissful hugs,
Sharon

Spreading the Quilting Word in...

Canada!  Last week I spent three fun-filled days teaching two full days of hand quilting and one day of Dresden Plates.  It was my first time working with an interpreter and my heartfelt thanks to the two official interpreters and to the many "unofficial" interpreters who made each class accessible to all.

Tomorrow I will fill you in on the hand quilting days, but I have wonderful pics from the Dresden Day!  Here is Andree's first cardinal block laid out.  Just stunning!  She has plans for a large quilt and also has the same cardinal fabric with a green background.  I can't wait to see it!

Here are four happy Dresden makers!  Can you tell we are having fun?

"Wise Guys" was on display in the show.  We decided to meet there after lunch and take a closer look.  It was such a pleasure to be able to discuss this quilt with the entire class.  

Back in the classroom, we laughed and sang and worked some more.  And here are the ladies with their own plates started.  From left to right:  Terrie, Carmen, Pierrette, Mimi, Nicole, Manon, Lorraine and Andree.  Many thanks, my friends, for a wonderful day.

More of the adventures tomorrow!


Blissful hugs,
Sharon


P.S.  I am listening to Inner Circle by Brad Meltzer.  I hand quilted about half of a small quilt today while finishing Guilty Wives.  I love audio books--I can do two things at once!