Fun sewing

The challenge for this years May retreat is "Earth, Wind and Fire" meaning you could draw on one or more for your project inspiration. Initially my mind went to my favorite block, flying geese, however it seems my time went flying away with those geese.  

I needed an alternative quick project so I made this guard owl for next to the front door.  I found this pattern from Toad's Treasures  on Pinterest and used it as jumping off point,  so simple and fun!  He is stuffed with batting wrapped large rocks to keep him sitting upright.  I think he needs a friend.

Since no stitching has been happening...

I thought I'd share some of what I have been up to.  I have been pretty lucky (*knock on wood) that my days off have been beautiful and have allowed me to get started on some yard stuff.  Which means not much sewing, still haven't figured out what's the deal with the big machine/frame, but in the meantime its making a fabulous cat hammock.

So here is my little birdbath, and yes, that is a hole from a M-80 firecracker so not so much bathing happening.  It is still a mystery as to which of my sons actually threw the damaging M-80, but since it might have been Q, we've decided that this isn't going anywhere, it will literally need to rust into the ground because its a fond memory of Q and G together and being mischievous.

 But of course what kind of crazy lady keeps a birdbath in her yard in which no bird has hope of bathing?  Well, it was me for over a year, until I decided it would be the perfect place for some hen and chicks with a couple of large rocks thrown in to hopefully block the flow of dirt out the hole.

 And I thought I'd pop a couple pics of my Harry Lauder's Walking Stick or Contorted Hazelnut since they're in my second favorite season, winter is the best when it snows and all the gnarly twisted branches are set off against the white snow.  But I do love the spring when these catkins are hanging from it.  reminds me so much of another late summer fav of mine, Love Lies Bleeding.