Undecorating and going back in time!

Downy Woodpecker

Is undecorating even a word?

What's missing?

You know I'm going to tell you so here's what I've done so far....

the silk tree is gone, the whimsical ball hanging over the chair is missing too!

And the biggest change is the heavy comforter. I loved it but I felt the need to lighten things up so I bought a coverlet.

What do you think of going back in time?

I've never been one to dwell on the past but in recent months I've spent time reminiscing.  And you know what I've discovered? I'm still not a fan. I have a lot of good memories but I am realizing more and more that I need to compartmentalize my memories. Even thinking of happy times can make me sad.

But most of you know me well enough to know I love life and appreciate each and every day I'm blessed with. So this week, I undecorated a little and changed things up. 

And that makes me happy!

My view out the back window.

I like to look forward. I like to plan new adventures.

And I love to dream! I'm a dreamer!

Now to go back in time, I'll share some photos of this precious Downy Woodpecker that I took last August. I saw one this week but didn't get a good photo.

Do you ever feel the need to undecorate or change things up around the house?

And for those of you too polite to ask, NO I did not paint my walls green. I think it's just the lighting or reflection from the green grass outside. The walls are still BEIGE! hahaha!

Love Diane 💜

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE!

 

"Oddities" and time off for good behavior!

 I wanted to share photos of some of my sightings that didn't make it into a post this summer.

And as far as the 'good behavior'....it depends on who you ask! heehee!

This Utopia sign is at Ross Prairie State Forest, so we'll see what we've missed there!

I saw this Scarlett Tanager but it was deep in the dark woods so the photos aren't great.

But it sure was a good sighting!

I think this is a Painted Lady butterfly.

There were TWO of them!

I just wish it had stayed put for a longer photo shoot!

And this Gopher Tortoise was running as fast as his short legs would carry him when he saw me coming.

They really are surprisingly quick!

He was a beauty and close to our campsite at Ross Prairie.

Here's his home! 

The Cactus was in full bloom and I took these at the same time.

I am going to take a couple of weeks break from the computer to get some things done. We are busy with 'home improvements'. Nothing big, just cleaning out and tidying up! I finally removed the silk tree from my bedroom. 

I loved it but it was impossible to keep clean. The dust collected on it! 

Photos taken at different times of the year. I don't change much, just a throw pillow or two!

A view out my bedroom window. 

 Maybe we'll even do a few 'fun' things in the next couple of weeks. I hope so! 

See you later, gator! 🐊 Hugs, Diane 🐢

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

  and Mosaic Monday HERE !

Walking out the front door to hike!

 It's hot....what can I say! 

Black-bellied Whistling-duck

This is not in focus and I usually like crisp and clear photos but for some reason I love this duck in flight!

I've walked over to the neighborhood pond a few times in the late evenings to get some exercise and see some birds.

Oh, and watch the sunset!

I watched a Canada Goose leading a flock of ducks in a late evening round of golf.

So what's the hold up?  Can you try to keep up!

Oh my, are all geese this bossy?

This is a female Boat-tailed Grackle. Thanks for help with the ID Wally! And thanks Eileen for mentioning with Whistling Duck. I'm still learning!

And this is White Ibis with some of the sunset colors giving him a golden streak.

There were several ducks on the pond with young ones in tow.

One more photo of how pretty the homes look here in the summer months with flowers blooming and flags flying!

Standing in my front door!

I hope you are enjoying some summer time walks!

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

  and Mosaic Monday HERE !

It's Uphill all the Way!

We live in Florida on a golf course and we love it! 

And so does a variety of wildlife. This week a lone wild Turkey walked through the backyard.

He didn't bother getting on the cart path! 

He took the short cut! heehee!

I've been able to hike 3 times this week by getting out a little earlier and putting up with the heat. There's been a nice breeze so that makes all the difference. But we've had quite a lot to see right here at home. We have babies at the feeders again.

 Bluebird babies and Cardinal babies. I would love to get a video of the Cardinals. Those babies flutter for all they are worth! I don't even have photos of them yet and you know how quickly they grow up!

This was the sign at the entrance to our neighborhood all decorated for the 4th of July.

And here are a couple of photos of our 'new house'! 

Well, it's a new roof and it feels like a new house now. (and yes...it is indeed lavender gray!)

One evening I walked to the pond and saw a big bird in the Cypress trees.

It turned out to be a Great Blue Heron.

And doesn't this Moorhen look like he's looking at all the clover in bloom and smiling? (you really have to use your imagination to see the smile....but come on.....you can do it!) 😀

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’. 

I must have ORDER!

Well, I'm kidding just a little but I think we've all noticed 'changes' since we've been staying home more. I worked hard Spring cleaning at the beginning of this all. I had cleaned and taken things to donate before the pandemic. And then when we HAD to stay home, I worked even harder. And then when I did made something, I cleaned everything up just as soon as I finished. I like to sew and love to make cards and altered books. And I don't usually mind having an 'ongoing' mess while I work. But for some reason, I need order now.

One of the sewing projects I worked on was making pillow covers out of some old hand quilted pieces that I bought at a thrift store a long time ago. 

I loved the old fashioned fabric and they were all 18 by 18 square...more or less. 

I cut them to make them more perfectly square and then put some pretty gingham checks on the back in an envelope style. 

I'm not sure I can explain how to make the envelope but I'm sure there are directions if you search online.

I try to make covers because I already have so many throw pillows. So this way the pillow fits right inside!

I am using two of them in the lanai and one on my recliner in the living room. I think they look and feel cozy and comforting.

I think I'll get my sketchbook out next and see if I can do a little sketching or watercolors. Maybe I can stand a few more things on my desk and the rest of the room can stay clean for awhile longer.

Have you enjoyed doing your sewing or craft projects these past couple of months? I need some inspiration! What are you working on now?

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