HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

Happy 4th of July! 

I had the idea that Nigel and Scout would look adorable in patriotic tank tops. I didn't factor in their lack of shoulders. There were lots of out-takes.

That's actually a yawn and not her Shark Week audition.

As the weather is very iffy, we decided to do a little road trip today. Drove over to Greenwood, Delaware for barbecued chicken at the fire house...truly some of the best on the shore. We were planning a trip to Chick's in Harrington to buy horsey things after, but had not reckoned they'd be closed for the 4th, so we wandered home through country roads. Stopped for fresh produce, browsed an antique mall, running into an old friend and neighbor and wandered home to play with the horses before the rain set in. Again.

Always been curious about this little no-name church.

This small windmill is on the way to Timber Grove Farm. I've wanted to stop and take a pic for weeks. The farmhouse burned down a few years ago, but it is still a working farm. The next time I see someone there, I will stop and ask if the windmill is for sale.

No words. Only the large print is visible from the road.

Guineas on a country road.

So tempted by this. It works!!

Glad that Mike is home from the father-son, road trip to LA. Our first born is happily moved into his LA apartment and anxious to start work at USC. Mike was away for eight nights, our longest separation in thirty-five years. Happy to spend this holiday weekend puttering with him. Tomorrow is our best chance for decent weather, so we plan to get the kayaks out.
In other news, now that Mike is home, I've brought my new horse, Bates home. I had planned to leave him at Timber Grove Farm for a month of training but that turned into two months and has eaten up an enormous amount of time. Abby has fallen instantly in love with him. It doesn't help that she is in season, and kicks and hollers when I take him out of the barn.

Ashley Hopkins of Timber Grove Farm, delivering our new guy home.

Now the task is to let him adjust to his new surroundings, and start riding him here at home. Without all the travel time to and from the other farm, life should get back to normal and I can get back on schedule with BarnBugStudio.
We are trying to decide whether to hop on our bikes and ride down to the river to watch the fireworks (it just stopped raining) or nestle in here at home. The thought of soggy ground and epic numbers of mosquitoes has us leaning toward the former.
Happy 4th of July, blog friends!! XO

DRIVEN TO ABSTRACTION

We've had another week of frigid temps with alternating snow and ice storms, in this winter that will never end. Hopefully, having more daylight at the end of the day will make it seem more like spring. I hear we should reach the 50's every day next week. Hurray!
On the upside, rotten weather means more time indoors and a jump start for my creative mojo. Earlier in the week, I was seized by the urge to fling some paint around, followed quickly by a desire to play with fabric. Here's how that turned out.

Collaged paper and acrylic, with charcoal on canvas board.

Printed this on white cotton, and then gave it the fabric treatment. You might say, I was driven to "abstraction." 

Mostly fabric and a bit of paper on linen. Nearly all the fabric is from a very old quilt I bought at auction. I'll be really sad when this one is used up. It had the most interesting bits of fabric and almost no repeats. I don't mind that it's in really rough shape. I love every little faded, stained scrap of it.

Haven't decided whether to add text. I am open to suggestion.
Also made some time for dog pics. My little Scout is growing up and was very cooperative with the props. 

After last night's snowfall, Abby was convinced that horse-eating snow goblins were waiting for her outside the barn. 

She made very sure it was safe before going out and making snow angels.

Mother Nature apologized for yesterday's excess and offered this. The Full Worm or Sap Moon.

Have a wonderful weekend, blog friends. Don't forget to spring forward. XO.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

From me and all the four-legged helpers here at BarnBugStudio, wishing you a happy and healthy New Year!!!

RAINY MONDAY SEWING PROJECT

Yesterday was so dark and drizzly...perfect for napping (the dogs) and sewing (me). I like these one-piece button pillow covers because they're quick to make and easy to pop off and launder. Important in a "dogs on the sofa" sort of house.

Sometimes I go crazy with buttonholes, but I decided less is more with this lovely toile, and rummaged through my vintage buttons for these big beauties.

Sifting through the buttons in Mike's grandma's old button tin, I came across a bullet. Hmmm...what's up with that, Della Rose?

I stitched French seams to make them more durable, as this Waverly fabric is not technically machine washable. I do it anyway and find it just gives them a soft, vintage feel.

Of course, all pillows must be tested by my quality control team...

Works for Nigel.

Works for Scout.

Scoutie's really thorough and even checks the inside.

Also finished Nigel's Halloween costume for Talbot Humane's Bark in the Park. Keeping it a secret until the parade on Saturday...

Now I'm off to shovel manure and mow while the sun is shining. I hear the rain is coming back. Later gators! XO

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY II

It seems someone's little furry feelings were hurt that I used roses for my Valentine greeting yesterday, and not himself. I am sorry Nigel. I don't know what I was thinking.

Hope this makes it all better.
Young Scout is becoming much more tolerant of our photo shoots. Today she hopped right up in a chair when asked and wore a hat without complaint. Mostly. In the past, headgear made her crazy. My little girl is growing up.

She looks more Little Red Riding Hood, than Valentine's Day. Perhaps I should dress Nigel as the Big Bad Wolf. I could have some fun with that.
Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day. Mike and I realized last night that this is our 40th Valentine's Day together. FORTY! Seven years dating, thirty-three years married. Feeling Blessed.
XO

SNOW BIRDS

Another five inches of fluffy snow fell last night, so of course my camera and I were out first thing. Walked down to the river, spying these robins along the way.

I heard while walking on a snowy morn,

A robin red-breast's song forlorn.

In time, a happier tune he'll sing,

Born on the first sweet breaths of spring.

Then I spent some time in the backyard with these monkeys, who I do believe enjoy a snowfall every bit as much as children.

Stop! That tickles!

Hope you're keeping safe and warm, with a dog or two to cuddle, and a little bird song to remind you of spring.

                                                                           XO

BARK IN THE PARK 2013

Yesterday was Talbot Humane's 4th annual Bark in the Park, their biggest fundraiser of the year. Scout and Nigel donned their Halloween scarves, and off we went.

This was our third year attending this fun event. Heaven for dog lovers. Take a look.

I love this old face!

Available for adoption from talbothumane.org.

Ollie, a corgi/sheltie mix.

Corgi and German Shorthair puppies in the same pic? I die.

I am adoptable from Talbot Humane. I am very friendly, and a good kisser.

Watching the Tricks class made Nigel so tired, he had to lay down.

Little Bo Peep

Her sheep, who it turns out, was something of a bad-ass, lunging at much larger dogs.

Bo Peep's sisters, the T Birds.

Oh lookee! It's that goose again. You may remember we first saw Amelia waddling through the Easton Farmer's Market.
www.barnbugstudio.blogspot.com/2013/07/good-things-on-saturday.html

Amelia, the goose, even entered the tricks class. Bark in the Park does not discriminate.

Scout, checking out an adoptee.

Roar!

Our neighbor (and Nigel's girlfriend), Samantha, showing off her agility.

Had to show another pic of Tully, the German Shorthair. I think I love him!

If there's a better way to spend a fall Saturday, I'm not sure what it is. XO.