Life in the backyard

This is one of two Honey locust trees in my backyard. It has burst forth with the most fragrant blossoms! I wish you could smell them! The big bumble bees are drunk with the nectar. They come in numbers too many to count. I watch them load up with the luscious blooms and fall in a drunken spiral towards the grass only to drift upwards again for more. In years past I have seen humming birds at the tree tops but, alas, none so far this year. Butterflies flit around these trees as well but never becoming quite so intoxicated as the bees. I have been taking my stitching with me to the backyard just so I can breathe in this lovely perfume.

As if in a competition with the Locust tree the back hedges are putting forth a showy white dance on the winds as well.
The rabbits are everywhere. The west Nile virus killed off so many of the large predator birds that would normally have kept the rabbit population in check. I have fortified the vegetable plants with masses of chicken wire to keep them out...this little guy is using the 'I cant see you so you cant see me' approach to stealthy maneuvers.

Trout jumping right along..

The Maiden and the Trout is progressing slowly. Here is how it looks now. I am just beginning to get started on the body of the Trout.

Meanwhile, it is spring with all the lovely springlike weather outside. One day it is HOT the next were in for a frost warning... The bunnies are loose among the plants and doing damage of course. I have put chicken wire all around the veggies. So far so good. I did think that the potted plants on the patio were safe. HA! I found a rabbit happily munching away on the flowers while lounging in the pot. Happily I was able to save the plant. It is now behind chicken wire. Apparently I will have to fortify the backyard fencing with chicken-wire barriers or everything will look like it is in chicken prison...sigh.

Sun and spring blossoms

With no quilt content photos to share just yet I thought I could at least post something that is of my handiwork. This is a pair of Osh Gosh baby overalls embroidered with my little lambs. These were such fun to do. I hope the little one enjoys wearing them!

While I continue to work ever so diligently on the Maiden and the Trout quilt, spring is in full force here. The plum trees have blossomed and faded. The lilacs fragrant scent permeates the air. The rabbits have done their usual and we have baby bunnies hidden in the newly dug holes in the yard. I just have to pull out the camera on one of these nice days we have been enjoying to get some updated shots of the Maiden. Soon...really! Meanwhile I will continue to stitch and enjoy the sunny days.