A New Friend?

 This dragonfly landed on my sleeve when I was out by the pond.  For some reason it took a liking to me.  When I tried to move it walked onto my hand.  Fortunately I had my camera with me so I managed, rather awkwardly to get a few shots.

I think I'm going to be doing a lot of winged critters on my pottery for the next few months.

Here a couple of small piggy banks.  It's odd that I have lived among oak trees for the last forty years, but have rarely used them in my work.  Go Figure!

The flower pig is an experiment.  The feet are glued on and it's glazed with one design then a couple of coats of glaze and a new design.  Toes crossed, that this works!

The sun is trying hard to come out after a week end of rain.  We had over  3&1/2 inches over the week end.  No complaints as we had all of 1/3 in in May!

As always, thanks for stopping by........*s*

Litha, Summer Solstice

It's looking like a day of rain for the Summer Solstice.  Somehow I don't think we will be doing any outdoor celebrating today.  Ah well, rain is an important part of life too.  Living in the woods the threat of fires in times of drought is always a worry.

Here are a few photos of the flora and fauna from the last week or so.

  

 This is the time of year for Luna Moths.  This one was tucked into a shaded corner outside my window.  They usually like to hide up in trees during daylight hours, so I was happy to see him/her where I could get a good shot.

I thought at first this was a black swallowtail, but I see now that it doesn't have any tails.  I'll have to look this one up.

The large white dahlia broke off when I was taking the plant out of the car.  I've been enjoying it next to my computer.

More dahlias.  I lost all mine last year in an early deep freeze, There are so many beauties out there that I am like a kid in a candy store!

This is a new, to me, passion flower.  I find they winter over quite well.  I consider them an investment!

I love this time of year when everything is so green and lush.  Winter is very far my thoughts these days.

Wishing a Happy and Joyful Fathers' Day to all the daddies out in the world!

As always, thanks for stopping by........*s*

We Painted The Cat!

NO!  Not that cat!

This one.  I got this at some secondhand shop several years ago.  It doesn't look too bad in the photo, just a nice white cat.  You have to see it in person to truly appreciate the pearlescent effect!

 I wanted a black cast iron cat made from this mold.  When I saw this I realized a can of barbecue black would do the trick!  Now he can sit in the garden among the flowers!

This is not a snap dragon but a Snap Godzilla!   I stuck his head on the stick to get it out of the way, then thought, "Hmmmmm, I know of someone in blogland who would appreciate this!" So this one is for you,   Gary

Have a great week end where ever you are in the world!

As always, thanks for stopping by...............*s*

Camera Found

I forgot that I put it in the safe place I use when I have been taking pictures outside and am not going upstairs right away.  It's an old terrarium I use to keep the cats away from precious things. 

I have been working on the bottom of Tyrian Turtle.  I generally use some sort of mandala on the bottoms of my turtles.  The rounded shape seems to call for it. The bottom is not generally seen, but an interesting design is a nice surprise when it's upended. Next I will wax the design so I can put in the background color without smearing or otherwise messing it up.

  I don't know if this could be called a true mandala as it has five points instead of the eight I usually see.  It's very Atevi.  Those of you who read CJ Cherryh will get it.

We have had over two inches of much needed rain.  Everything is blooming, including the poppies!  This year I am also planting California poppies.  Toes crossed that they will reseed themselves from year to year.

I bought the dahlia and will buy more as I didn't get them up in time to avoid frost and winter!  I like having some in bloom because the toes I plant will not bloom until August!

It's sunny but below seasonal warmth.  I will be able to work in the garden this afternoon.  It should be warmer by them!

Enjoy the week end, and, as always, thanks for stopping by..........*s*