Out and about

We had a visitor in our backyard the other day.
I sure did not expect to see a red-tailed hawk sitting in the tree.
I happened to have the camera by me and took the picture through the window.

I have been practicing on my picture taking.
Think this one turned out pretty good.

On one of the rainy days we have had, this eagle was in a tree by the Fox River
He looks a tad wet.

After one of the rains.

On Sunday, there had been a lot of sandhill cranes flying over.
Thought I would take a drive and see if I might find some in a field.
Instead I found these two gorgeous birds.
I could not believe it when I saw them coming out of a small wooded area.

There was a house near by, so I stopped to see what they knew about them.
The gentleman said someone dropped them off about four years ago and he and his family have taken care of them.
They have free roam of their property and the woods near by.
In the winter he will put them in a barn.  He said they have just taken over.
I can't begin to tell you now many times I have been past this farm, and never saw them.
I thought maybe turkeys would be out, as there is a flock in the area.

In between the snow and rain I have been trying to get out and about.

Last night we got a bit more snow, but the overall temperature is still

in the 40's during the day.

Here is the last quilt that has gotten done for this year.
It was started in November of 2007 and was a "Buck a Block" at our local quilt store.
These were the colors and layout chosen by "Prairie Stitches:.

I had had all good intentions and had 6 of the inside blocks done, then it got
put away.  Last fall I decided it was time to finish it up.
After a couple of quilt retreats and Thursday sew days  I finally got the top done.
Quilting got done, then it sat a bit again until I sewed the binding on
Done!!

Feels pretty nice to have another of those pesky UFO's done.

On another day I wanted to try out another pattern I have been "saving".
I love containers, and these baskets are filling the bill.
I had a charm pack or two that coordinated with the fabric I used for the trims.
They went together pretty good.
I have to say one thing though, They always look bigger in the picture.

I used another coordinating fabric for the inside.


Sometime you just never know what you will find.
Beautiful things are all around.
Be open to them.
Enjoy.


Mary