Readers, Welcome to my blog (formerly Birds, Blooms, Books, etc). I'm entering a new decade taking on the challenge of moving from Maryland after living there 46 years and learning about my new home here in New England in the Live Free or Die state - New Hampshire. Join me as a write this new chapter of my life.

Monday, March 11, 2013

Ukrainian Eggs or Pysanky

I promised several internet friends I would post photos of the eggs I have been decorating, called pysanka.  My daughter, Emily (Greens and Jeans) introduced me to them last Easter time.  This year I purchased my own supplies from the Ukrainian Gift Shop and have had some fun.




Above and below are the six I've made so far.  I did have a seventh but when I pumped out the innards the side of the shell gave way.  It must have had a crack I didn't see.


Closeups of some of this year's below.





Here's a bowl of the new ones, last year's and some other decorated eggs.



Three of last year's.  The two on the left were done by daughter, Sarah.


If you've never tried these, it is quite a lot of fun. What you do is paint with wax using tiny tools that you heat and collect the wax in.  Wherever the wax is will stay the color you have waxed over.  So where you see white was the first coating of wax.  You then place it in the color to dye and then wax over whatever you want to be that color. You continue progressing from lightest colors to darkest colors.  Once everything is done you place it in a candle flame and melt the wax off.  It's amazing to see your design appear.  The final step is to pump out the egg so you are just left with the shell.  Even with shaky hands like mine you can make some neat designs!  

Happy Easter in three weeks!

Sunday, March 10, 2013

More from the Flower Show

I am always fascinated by the types of containers, even some very plain ones, that others can make so striking with the assortment of plants selected for potting.  Here are just a few that I managed to photograph at the Philadelphia Flower Show.













Saturday, March 9, 2013

A Taste of Spring at the Philadelphia Flower Show

I took a bus trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show - theme "Brilliant!" for Great Britain.  Here's just a few of the many photos I took to give you a taste of Spring as it did for me.











I'll post more photos in the days to come.  Check back.

Monday, March 4, 2013

Mourning Doves

Today was a cold blustery day.  Strong winds made it feel so much colder than it was and these mourning doves chose to congregate under the bird feeder this morning and early into the afternoon.  Some of them napped in the sun using their coloring to hide from any soaring hawks.






This one chose to sit on the frozen pond.


In the afternoon more had gathered.










Below the gold fish are just visible through the ice.



Joining Wild Bird Wednesday &  Our World Tuesday