Little Critters!

 

There are many little critters out there roaming around on plants, animals, etc.

Recently, I found some of these critters in the gardens of the herb farm and other plant locations.

Some I know what they are

but others,

not!

Take this little critter--he sure looks funny!  So don't know what his name is--

wonder if he eats this plant material or just hangs around to

catch lunch--

like..............

this little one.  Not so much a ladybug look but

colors are interesting.

Maybe, it took a bite out of the leaf in the background.

And this creature!! Will some day turn into this

beautiful butterfly!

There are some little critters you can't see with the naked eye until...........

you look closely--the red color on this cactus comes from this

little guy--well, gal.  It's a cochineal beetle and it gives us lovely reds when processed.

Cochineal lives on cactus and I love when we drive through the desert and see these

brightly enflamed pads!

Oh, yes, there are interesting little critters lingering out there.

Okay--I'm Playing Along.....................

Oh My Gosh!  I've got to stop looking around on the Internet!

I have found way too many things that take my attention away from

what I'm suppose to be doing.

Just look at these nifty action loaded creative projects!

Babble Dabble Do website is not only creative but here we use our heads with math--

geometry--Yes!  I was horrible at Geometry!  If the math teacher had given me

this for a project, I would have learned so much.

Take a look at the website--view the video, print out the template for Flextangle:

color, fold, and have fun!

This website is just not for kids!

Hi Ho! It's Off To The Quilters We Go....................................................

Well, it's about time!

These tops have been sitting around

aging too long!

I contacted two of my Colorado quilters

to see if they were interested.....

and the answer was resounding

YES!

So, this week we are off to meet up with

the quilters who will turn these

tops into quilts!

 

 

This was a monthly ROM (Row of the month) project.

Really enjoyed doing this one--each row was easy to complete

 

A finished orphan block top that I finished up last summer!

this was so much fun!

Now, why did I do this top??  These penguins were just too darn

cute, I couldn't resist!  I'm sure someone will want it.

This was the BIG project from Bonnie Hunter gathering last summer--see,

I said these were well aged tops!  It's a huge top--106"x106"!  Should have cut it down

 

This is 2015 top--not so aged!  It was Ebony Love's pattern for

Downton Abbey series.  I didn't buy the fabrics; instead used all stash fabrics

and I think it turned out pretty good.

Ok, Hi Ho--off to the quilters I go!

The Sculpture Ranch and Galleries

One afternoon as we drove outside of Johnson City, Texas we took a detour into the Hill Country.

It was a scenic drive with views of pastures filled with grazing cattle, creek beds and gurgling streams to view this 142 acres of wondrous sculptures that dotted the roadside.

The setting is peaceful

and the art pieces enchanting!

Take a drive with us as

we view some of these

special pieces

at the Hill Country Sculpture Ranch

 

 

The property was purchased in 1999 by Italian artist Benini who turned a large part of these 143± acres into "The Sculpture Ranch", a showcase for international sculpture enhanced by the natural beauty and views of the Texas Hill Country.

At this time, more than 100 pieces are installed outdoors by 44 sculptors.

 

Viewing is free, just register at the main office

Check their website for hours open to the public

The galleries are filled with paintings and sculpture ~ a 50-year span of Benini's paintings and divertimenti as well as guests artists from Italy and smaller sculptures by sculptors who have largescale pieces on the hills and trails

This piece was intriguing with the hills in the background and the lake in the fore ground.

and then we walked into the gallery space.........

delightful!!

The gallery is located in the former hanger of President Johnson's helicopter that he used for

hunting. 

The gallery is spacious and the art is outstanding!

This was an oh WOW time!!

Locked in Love............

A recent article in Wall Street Journal came to my attention....

How can this be?!

 

Love Locks are to be shorn away in the most romantic city?

 

Oh, how can they do that? 

So many couples have walked across that bridge

just to place their lock of love; turn the key in the lock onto the railing,

kiss the key and together throw the key into the Seine--therefore,

sealing their love forever.

So many locks--of different sizes, shapes and colors.

There are even vendors who will sell you the perfect

lock/key to place on the bridge

How can so many lovers cause such a hazard?

Love does create heartbreak, but who would have

thought locks of love could cause a bridge to break and fall!

Ode to Loom

 

There comes a day when you just have to let go...................

You need to say good-bye to an favorite friend

A friend that has served you well

But, it is time for this friend to move on

and make someone else happy

and serve them well.

 

I'm saying good-bye to my 8 Harness Macomber Loom--

It has been working well, weaving many wearables, towels, rugs, etc.

There has been the happy sound of moving shafts

The tromping rhythm of the treadles

We have warped many a thread through those heddles

Oh, yes, there is tears in my eyes and sadness in my heart

It is time for #5816 to move from my home to another.

Good-bye good friend--you will be missed!  But, loved by someone else.

Happy tromping!

Urban Cowboy! 35 Years Old??

 

Here is the June cover of Texas Monthly.  I could not believe that it has been 35 years ago that this movie was released!

 

Yes, this movie was released on June 6, 1980!  Do you remember the dance craze from movie?

Well, in Texas--those dances have always been around. 

A night club went wild!  The movie spawned an outstanding music album.

 

 

And now there will be a special viewing in Austin, TX on June 16.  There is even a beer

named "Gilley's", made by No Label Brewery, Katy, TX.

There are rumors that there will be a reboot of the movie for a TV drama series-

will wonders never cease! 

I'm plugging into my mp3 player and listen to that music all over again and remember those days when we two- stepped across Gilley's dance floor!

Those were the days!