Tuesday, March 30, 2010

On into April...

It seems mazing to me that we are getting ready to close the books on March.  In a blink of an eye the month is gone these days.  We came in like a lamb and will go out like a lion with a new storm heading to the West coast bringing more rain and wind.  The month has been glorious so far so you will not hear me complain.  Plus, I believe that Easter Sunday will be beautiful.

I had my doors and windows open yesterday and had an interesting experience.  A hummingbird flew right into the house.  Hello???  There was no way of getting this little guy out as he immediately flew to the top of the skylight.  I had to wait him out and he eventually just tired out and landed on the floor.  I was able to go over, pick him up and carry him outside.  I was worried that he was not going to be okay as he was so still and gave me no fight.  As soon as I placed him in a pot he flew away and landed in a high tree.  Guess he was no worse for the experience.


Spring has definitely been gorgeous so far.  The hills remain green from all the rain and the wildflowers have been abundant.  This past weekend we took off for a few days on a scenic drive to look at all of their blooming.  The rolling hills are covered with the California poppies, lupine, witches broom and many more.  It almost appears as though they are painted by the Master for our enjoyment.  It was breathtaking!  Photos would not do the landscape any justice, but you can catch a glimpse of what we enjoyed.



Do you think this guy knows it is April and there are months before Thanksgiving dinner?


We stayed for a couple of days at one of our favorite spots - Pismo Beach.  It is a great location and is close to where our #4 son and his family live as well as my brother and SIL.  We had a chance to get together with both so it was a great weekend.  The weather was beautiful with temperatures near 80* and sunny the whole time.

This is the time of the year where we can often see whales migrating north, but we were not so lucky this time.  We did see lots of dolfins playing and pelicans diving for food.  They are not quite the same, but delightful all the same.

Sunrise...


Sunset.....


Look at how deserted this gorgeous beach was.  With temperatures so warm and spring break going on I would have imagined it to be packed.

Pismo is near the college town of San Luis Obispo, a charming town.  We went for lunch there and I have to share a picture of their gum wall.  It is actually an alley and both sides are covered with chewed gum.  Can I say YUK????   I can't say that I see "art" in it as most people do.


A funny story took place outside of our balcony that I have to share.  There was a family with a little guy and a very LARGE dog.  Daddy took the little guy down to play with his new ball.  He was soooo excited....so was the dog with a very LARGE mouth.

Happy and excited little boy!!!!


What happened to that bouncing ball???  One bite is all it took.



There was not a lot of sewing going on here this week with being gone, but I did manage to finish my block for the Jelly Roll Quilt Along.  The colors should be perfect for fall when the last of the blocks are finished.


Two of the granddaughters will be here sewing their Easter dresses this week.  We went to the fabric store and selected the fabrics and notions so they are set to sew on Thursday.  I am looking forward to the day.


The tortoises are all out and wandering about the yard now.  The children love to feed them when they are here.


Taking time to smell the blossoms while picking the "orange balls".

We all need to take time to smell the flowers.  I hope everyone gets a chance to this week.

Happy Easter to all!









28 comments:

  1. Have fun sewing with your grandaughters & a nice holiday with your family.

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  2. Poor hummingbird! I had to rescue a huge dragonfly once in our friend's garage! Not quite the same but another close encounter with nature. Love the quilt-along block! And I agree with you about the gum wall...EWWW!!!

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  3. Man you are busy these days! But it looks like a good time! I didn't think a hummingbird would let you get near. .....that is something!

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  4. Thanks for sharing such beautiful pictures. Minus the gum wall.

    I love how your quilt along is looking.

    You brought back fond memories with the Easter dresses. I miss sewing for my girls.

    Maybe...My daughter will have a girl this time. It doesn't hurt to wish right?
    Happy Easter!

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  5. Wow~ loved the sunrise & sunset, but the gum wall? yukko! :-/ How wonderful to have oranges in your back yard. :-) We had turtles when we lived in TX~ very fun. Have a great week!

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  6. I love hummers and just put my feeder out today. I figure by the time the 85 degree weather arrives on Friday they will welcome the drink.
    Gum wall...ewww!
    Little guy/Big Dog/Ball -- seen that one coming right?
    Enjoy your holiday.

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  7. It had turned quite cold here this past week but now it's starting to warm up again and by Friday it's supposed to be in the 70's! We're just not used to these kind of temps for this time of year but like you, I'm sure not complaining!! lol With not having had any snow in March and no rain, everything is very dry so there's already a fire ban on...again not usual for this time of year.

    Awww poor little hummingbird, I'm glad you were finally able to catch him and put him back outside. I've had some hit the windows and I always hurry out to see if they're ok. Some have broken their necks but others have just been stunned. They should be coming around here mid May but it might be earlier because of the mild temps.

    The picture of the rolling hills is absolutely breathtaking! I've never seen fields of wildflowers like that. It's no wonder you love going to Pismo Beach, how gorgeous it looks there.

    Ick on the gum wall...I had posted a similar picture of the gum wall in Niagara Falls last summer and like you, I don't think of it as art at all! lol

    Poor little guy and his ball! lol Too funny to see the dog with it all deflated in his mouth. hehe

    How interesting that you get tortoises come to your yard!! That's definitely not something you'd see around here but I think it would be so neat. Good thing they're not dangerous with the little ones being there. What do they feed them?

    Take good care of YOU my friend and hope you're enjoying Holy Week:-) xoxo

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  8. How fascinating about the hummingbird AND the tortoises that come right into your yard! I could have done with the gum wall, though....LOL It looks like you stayed at a lovely place on your weekend getaway. Thanks for sharing with us. I am going to try a siggie block tonight....finally!!! LOL

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  9. It was 83 today - the snow is gone again! But it's supposed to yuck up again for Sunday - and Saturday when we have this big deal at our church for the community called "Easter Marketplace". Happens every year.

    Your trip looks wonderful - the views are fabulous after all your rain.

    The poor little guy and his ball! So cute. And I'm so glad the hummingbird was okay.

    I wish I still sewed - I've been looking for a dress that will go with my purple shoes, but no luck so far - dresses are hard to find, it seems.

    Have a wonderful week-end.

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  10. What gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. Nice place to be.
    Hope you have fun sewing with the girls, pretty fabric they have chosen.
    Happy Easter

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  11. Wow great pictures!!
    Have fun sewing with the girls!! Can't wait to see their dresses!!

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  12. Great pictures; thanks so much for sharing! April is one of my favorite months; nice to get out of the house a bit! Have a great Easter!

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  13. I am looking forward to seeign the dresses too! The scenery is absolutely beautiful....I can just imagine how much more beautiful it is in reality.

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  14. Wow beautiful scenery you have in your neck of the woods!
    Ball... dog...sort of knew what was coming! Ha! Ha!
    Pretty dress have fun with grands!
    Hugs,
    Lola

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  15. Glad the little hummingbird was okay. Too bad about the ball. I bet the little boy was so sad. Have fun sewing with your grandaughters.

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  16. Poor little hummingbird,I am happy it was ok!
    Sweet pictures minus the gumwall... ewwwwwww !!
    Happy Easter
    Diane

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  17. Gorgeous photos. We have been enjoying spring around here, too. Great weather.

    Thank you for the birthday wishes.

    Have a nice holiday.

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  18. I saw your Schnibbles on Sinta's parade - it is absolutely lovely!! (I'd like to be walking in that sunset!)

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  19. Oh how fun. I love all of your pictures and stories. I can't wait to see the dresses for Easter.

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  20. What a great post, thank you for sharing the beautiful photos with us. I have never been able to see a hummingbird up close they move to fast, glad he is OK!
    Gum wall!!! Hmmm, no Yucky!!
    Happy Easter with your family.

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  21. I love the pictures.....the ball story, Well, we live that one....Our dog has a huge thing for balls and he cant tell a baby ball from a kid ball....
    Happy Easter to you and all of your family!

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  22. Crystal clear photos. I grew up in CA and every time I hear Pismo Beach I remember t-shirts I used to see "Sun you Buns at Pismo Beach"

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  23. I just love your photos!
    You too sound like a busy lady;)
    awww the poor hummingbird...
    I am sure you had fun sewing with the your grandaughters!
    sweet! hope you had a nice Easter Weekend too!

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  24. I just can't seem to keep caught up with everyone. Sorry I am so long in commenting on your lovely post. I love that Pismo Beach area, the pictures are beautiful of the sunrise and sunset, some day I WILL visit there!

    The gum wall........Yuck.........why in the world would people think that was a fun thing to do?!

    Love the pictures of the little one picking the 'orange balls'! Just adorable.

    How many tortoises do you have this year? They don't bite? Were you able to find homes for all of the babies?

    It's still fairly warm here but a cold front is moving in for next week. Poor Mom and Dad are getting home just in time for a cold front!! I have their apartment all ready, groceries are in except for milk and bread. Didn't want to get it too soon.

    Take care dear friend, I think of you so often! xoxoxox

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  25. I agree, the months just whiz by! We had rain and gray skies today after our wonderful summery stretch, but the temperatures stayed warm and for that I'm grateful.
    How lucky that you were able to pick up the little hummer and take him outside. What an experience!
    Your weekend getaway sounds so delightful. Glad you had such a wonderful time.
    Sewing Easter dresses...what fun!
    And entertaining that little fellow...pure bliss. Lucky you!
    I'm glad you had such a happy Easter :)

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  26. Oh those beach pictures look amazing! Sounds so nice. We've still got a little snow left on the ground here in Utah.

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  27. Beautiful pictures. Yes the time has flown more then ever I think. Picking your own oranges - fantastic.

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  28. Well, dear old, old friend .... I hardly knew 'ye!
    Now, I know what you've been doing with your time. I spent all morning learning what you've been up to the last two years. WOW! I was waiting for a furniture delivery; realized this afternoon that it's next Wednesday. Oh, well, spot cleaned the carpet and got a lot done, in my world, not yours! :)
    You always were efficient, but, Mary, little did I know. What a "wonderful life" you've created with DH (?)! Not designated hitter ...

    Newly retired, I'm just checking out all this stuff that's happening out there; where have I been? Just got an iTunes account. Spent the weekend in Folsom with the twins; 50's father daughter dance; found a house in Historic Folsom; off to San Diego this weekend to see my Mom's BF and my BF. I bought a quilt, own an antique Singer. That's the way it will be with me! :)

    Well, what can I say? I was always amazed by you and now I'll sink into a great depression and try to figure out what I'll do the rest of my life. Did I tell you that I was presented with a 1906 Union Works Loom. Must learn how to use it soon. Did I mention that you're quite the photographer and writer?

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