Red-eared slider

On March 25, 2019March 22, 2019 By CarynIn Wildlife

Spring also means that the turtles are on the move. This old lady (?) was crossing the road in our neighborhood. We only noticed her because Sophie, our outside cat, went over to investigate.

I can’t leave turtles in the road, I just can’t, so we helped her across so she didn’t get hit. I persist in calling her a “her” because of this article by U.S. Fish and Wildlife, which says the females go on the move to look for a place to lay eggs. Since this is not a young turtle, I assume she is going to lay her eggs and not going to find new territory. She wasn’t overly concerned about us. Probably not her first assist.

And in doing my research I found a new app “HerpMapper”, which of course I had to download and add our observation. Must contribute to science.

Spoon two

On March 24, 2019March 22, 2019 By CarynIn Craft

I made another spoon! This time for my sister. I used more of the applewood, and it went a little faster this time (80 grit belts on my belt sander helped).

I really like how ergonomic the handle came out!

Side view of the spoon showing the nice wave

After sanding to 320 grit, I wet it with water, let it dry, then sand again.

Wood burned designs this time with apple blossoms and a bee!

Detail of the woodburning at the spoon neck

I also wood burned “apple” on the back since it is made of apple wood.

I finished the spoon with three coats of olive oil.

Redeemed

On March 23, 2019March 22, 2019 By CarynIn Wildlife

I thought perhaps we would get through another walk with Oblivious, but he redeemed himself today. Or rather, the deer gave themselves away. And I had my good camera.

Those white tails bring me joy too. So silly.

My dog doesn’t answer to “Oblivious” anyway, so it is good that he redeemed himself!

And a little “Aw” for your Saturday:

The other half of the herd was not spooked, but were watchful.

I am renaming my dog

On March 22, 2019 By CarynIn Wildlife

His new name should be Oblivious. Do you see the deer? He didn’t. In his defense, I don’t take him through the dog park often, but really dude?

He didn’t see these either.

Silly socks

On March 21, 2019March 21, 2019 By CarynIn Craft

Today is World Down Syndrome Day (3-21, for three copies of the 21st chromosome, also known as trisomy 21). Not only on this day, but on all days we should appreciate what people with Down Syndrome bring to the world. My life has been transformed by my youngest, but not in a bad way. I have discovered new priorities and have re-evaluated what I consider a successful life, for the better.

To bring awareness to Down Syndrome, and go from awareness to acceptance, many people wear silly socks, or mismatched socks on WDSD. Chromosomes look a little sock-like, especially when given false color!

Since this is a craft blog, I want to give a huge shout out to Paper Daisy Creations for her amazing knit along #lotsofsocks fundraiser! I did not finish my socks, but I have learned a lot, have the desire to learn more and improve, and have a beautiful skein of blue and yellow that will eventually be a pair of matched mismatched socks. (What? I have an unfinished project? Yes. Even I sometimes do not make a deadline. Life goes on. There will be time for socks.) For now, here is a picture of my test socks, in progress.

Unfinished test socks

I’m glad I did test socks with yarn on hand first before I use my special yarn. I’ve learned at least three new knitting techniques regarding sock knitting, and there has definitely been a learning curve!