Penelope

 One of the benefits from regularly meeting with tatting friends is being inspired to tat patterns again, and again, and…..

This snowflake is the featured pattern in the Fall 2020Helping Hands Newsletter published by Hand Hands. Kendra Goodnow adapted it last April. It reminded me so much of a mum that I had to tat it in pink. We’ll discuss in today’s meeting how color can make a big difference in whether you think snowflake or flower.

Incidently, the current Winter 2020 newsletter has a favorite of mine: Square medallion adadpted again by Kendra Goodnow. Remind you of a mat I worked up for the Museum classes earlier this year?

Registration will open soon for the January classes at the Museum. Same online format; same beginner series of 3 classes followed by a dive into a pattern. I have received permission to teach a couple of simple hearts. Simple, but you can add beads or use intermediate techniques to zing the patterns up. Join us!

Here’s what I can share of pictures:

Really….

The ideas are taking shape, but nothing I can post here. So, enjoy what Mother Nature has been sharing.

The ones with the white background are the flax plants that are….blooming?! I have never liked these plants. They're poky and it’s hard to keep the weeds at bay around them. 

I can’t wait to see what things look like as the buds mature.

I hope to have something to share for all the ideas I've had. Just need to get on top of the house duties!

Another stroll in the 'hood....

This time, I spotted this crab in the Bay:

The next day, we hiked Huckleberry Hill. I did not get any pictures, but take it from the entire hiking party. The poison oak is a bumper crop this year! Just a picture of a wildflower locals call Miner's Lettuce. I've seen it before.

I narrowly averted disaster when saw a hummingbird on the path. That was before I stepped on it. And the next in line didn’t bump into me. Whew! I couldn’t decide if it was a fledgling or a female, but it didn’t fly well and looked so scared. There was nothing for but stepping very slowly over and continuing down the path. I heard at least one hummer in the tree chattering away, so hopefully all will be well. It’s hard, very hard, but I try to let nature take its course.

mentioned in the Herald

I take the local daily newspaper. I know…. I know…..how 20^th century! But, I like seeing what some people find of interest, and think I should know about, in the local area. I also scoop up the local weekly newspapers as you get a real flavor of the local history reading the ads AND the stories! It’s my gently amusement.

This week, there appeared a story on local wildflowers. That gave me names to put to the lovelies I see hiking around here. Here are 2 of my favorites:

Miner’s lettuce: Don’t know as I’ll forage around here for some. http://honest-food.net/on-miners-lettuce-americas-gift-to-salad/ I know they spray along most of the trails I visit.

Milk Maids: for a delightful poem visit http://www.pointlobos.org/category/tags/wildflowers

Please share what you have in your area for wildflowers.

Based on the chatter during class recently, most people are familiar with Mustard. And maybe even my bane: Oxalis. I’ll be curious to know what you look for and what you tear out!

I almost missed it.....

I almost missed a deadline for CNCH. I’ll be working hard to meet it now. Pictures when I’m doing something other than stringing beads, tatting, blocking, and mailing the piece. Teaser: I’m expanding on Diane’s Ice Drop method.

I almost missed the wildflowers. I took time for a hike yesterday. It helped to energize me and clear my head. They are pretty. Didn’t try to see if they smell; I don’t fancy getting into Poison Oak. The pictures didn’t turn out as I didn’t take the time to figure out how to take a picture under trees on a foggy day.

I almost missed a great pattern. Dagmar combines simplicity and elegance in fresh ways. Thank you! I’ll be working this up to use with a nametag.

Best get busy catching up! Enjoy Spring and all its beauty.

It's Mother Nature's fault

Cimbidium peeking through the weeds

Well, I didn’t stay on that task. But, I did accomplish a bit; more on that later.

Here’s what Mother Nature accomplished in our side yard.

I can see these through the dining window. The kitchen also has a view. I like sitting in the dining room better though. Too bad this is a desktop and not a laptop. Or, perhaps I’ll organize my time better. I’ve several projects that need just a bit more time to finish. I’ll be enjoying the flowers as I do that today. Honest!

organ concert after Evensong

I had the great pleasure yesterday of experiencing great music. Evensong is a wonderful contemplative service; Just the ticket for mid-Lent. The space at St. Andrew's Saratoga is a singing space. It's easy to pray in song there.

The concert performer and Evensong accompanist was James Welch http://www.welchorganist.com/index.html . I know I risk being labeled as a “groupie” by some of my musician friends that read here, but if you do get the chance to hear Jim, please do. He’s a wonderful organist and plays both new and standard repertoire equally well. The new music last night was a piece by local organist/composer Lothar Bandermann. http://www.lotharbandermann.com/index.php I’d love to hear it again. Any takers?

On the tatting side of life, I continue to make progress on several PHD items. I also found some size 15 beads in primary colors. I have all kinds of earring ideas for them. We’ll see what make it onto this blog.

Please find time to get out and enjoy spring. It has sprung in full force here. The blossoms on the fruit trees are lovely and fragrant, the buds on the mulberry trees are getting bigger, the ground looks wonderful and ready for planting!