Practically a finish..

Can't really call this a finish, yet, but it is as good as done.  Just a few more red stitches in the upper right and it will be ready for the edge binding (simple whipped edge to prevent fraying).  While this motif would make a gorgeous biscornu, or ornament, or needlebook, I'm going to shock all my friends and family and actually do what what suggested: it will soon be a mini-notebook cover. 

My cardstock is already folded, cut and ready to fill the stitched cover.  As a kid, I can't tell you the hours I spent and the enjoyment I found folding, fitting and personalizing my text book covers.  Yes, I was strange even then.  This little education project was not only fun to stitch but it also brought back found memories of book covers long forgotten.  Thank you Liz!  The "World Tour" you've taken the members of TANA on has been just wonderful!  I hate to see it come to an end.

Thanks to all for your kind words about the table hubby built for my sunroom.  I've been thoroughly enjoying the room and birdwatching (between the hours of 6:30 and 6:45 am).  This week, at the feeder:

Red bellied Woodpecker

Sorry for the blurry photo - he was in a hurry to leave and I was in a hurry to snap a shot of him.  Actually, I was hoping to video him.  About 5 seconds earlier, he was standing on the railing, stretching his ginormous tongue (YES, TONGUE!) into the holes of the hummingbird feeder.  I don't think I'd ever thought about birds having tongues, let alone birds being able to stick out their tongues, until I witnessed this spectacle.  And folks, when I say huge, I'm telling you, this bird must be kin to Gene Simmons.  So, in order to keep the woodpecker from drinking all the hummingbird syrup, I found a recipe just for him.  If you enjoy feeding the birds too, you might want to try this "Heat Resistant" powerbar bird food recipe.  It probably took me 5-7 minutes to make, including the time to gather ingredients.

1 cup solid Crisco or lard

1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chucky)

2 cups Quick Oats (not instant)

2 cups yellow cornmeal

1 cup white flour

possible extras: raisins, chopped peanuts, sunflower seeds

Melt the first two ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat until completely melted.  Mix all dry ingredients in large mixing bowl.  Add liquid mixture to mixing bowl.  Stir well.  If necessary, add another 1/2 cup of flour to achieve fairly dry consistency.  Once combined, press mixture into small, empty margarine tubs (only 1/2 or 1/3 full) or mini-loaf pans.  Cover with foil and freeze.  When ready to use, slice to fit your suet feeder, or simply set a small amount out in an open area for the birds to enjoy. 

Remember:  Never draw birds to areas where cats are capable of ambushing them.  It's just not nice. 

Lastly, hubby and I are gearing up for a big week.  I'll celebrate Father's Day on Saturday with my Dad.  Two of hubby's three boys are coming in for a visit and one is bringing his new lady friend to meet us!  We are very excited about this development.  I'll be the first to admit, I'm past ready for a female addition (or two) to the clan.  And, on Monday, hubby and I celebrate another wedding anniversary.  Then!  next Wednesday-Sunday, I'm off to participate in EGA's Tennessee Valley Region, Share-A-Stitch.  Rounding out the month are the two cherries on the June cake: sis and hubby birthdays.  Any gift suggestions?  I'm reaching.

While all this activity is fun and exciting, it can also be a bit exhausting.  I'm looking forward to all of it and will do my best to savor every moment. 

Wish me luck!