My feathered friends.

Look who has taken up residence in our grapefruit tree. It is a very fragrant place to be this time of year. Nothing smells sweeter than citrus blossoms. I hope mama dove doesn't have allergies like me. I love spring, but it doesn't like me. Every bit of new growth in the yard reeks havoc with my sinuses, but who can stay inside when it's in the 80's?

I also spotted this hummingbird just hanging out. I must have taken twenty pictures and he/she just sat there unconcerned. I've never been able to get this close before, and they are usually flitting around looking for nectar. I love making these discoveries.

Nest

While watching my husband do yard work this morning, I discovered this bird's nest in our tree. Isn't nature amazing? It actually looks like it would be quite cozy inside. As you can see, the trees are budding and it gives me plenty of allergy issues, but I love spring. The color of the new leaves is one of my favorite shades of green.

I edited my original post because we believed that the nest belonged to a hummingbird. After hearing from my sister that it looks more like a finch nest, it probably is that. We have mostly finches at our feeders, so that would make sense, although we do have hummingbirds, too.

I finally made something

It has been forever since I made anything altered or as a collage. It felt good to finally play with paper again. I am so divided between my art and my stitching most of the time. I need to sometimes take a break from one to enjoy the other. I've been lucky enough to take two soldering classes taught by Josie Cirincione at Mystic Paper. It seems like everyone is soldering these days and it is lots of fun. Josie is a terrific teacher, so if you ever have a chance to take one of her classes, do it. Here is a necklace charm that I made for a friend. It's reversible, of course. The key can hang on either side as well. I originally wanted the key to hang from the bottom, but I couldn't get it to look right, plus I burnt my finger, so it's staying like it is. Those jump rings aren't my favorite thing to solder.

Back in the saddle

or should I say driver's seat? I've neglected my poor "Ruby" blog for so long. I have been so preoccupied with getting my Etsy shop opened and keeping it stocked. I've enjoyed painting again, but I'm getting the itch to start doing some collages or something with the vintage images I love. Don't give up on me. Here is a picture I took of the girls the other day. They were making themselves right at home on our bed, as usual.

Spoiled rotten and loving every minute of it.

I've been tagged!

My friend, Kim has tagged me to list five addictions. Only five? I have way more than that, but I'll play by the rules. Here goes:

1. collecting stuff... whether it be antiques, books, ephemera, charm bracelets, tin flat-backed cookie cutters, or pottery, I'm always on the lookout for more.

2. cross-stitching, especially samplers. My other blog is confirmation of that!

3. reality TV. My favorites are The Bachelor, The Amazing Race, and Big Brother. My husband doesn't get it either, Kim.

4. potatoes...mashed, fried, scalloped, and baked. I've never met a potato that I didn't like.

5. lastly, but not least of all, I have to say dogs. No surprise here. I could never imagine not sharing my life with at least one, or two, or three.

I'm now going to tag these five people: Rowyn, Kelcey, Sue, Cindy, and Becky

Fast Food

One of our regular visitors is enjoying feasting on this seed mitten. It looks like another is patiently waiting for their turn. My sister gave us some great gifts for feeding the birds. I've been saving these until the leaves all fell off the Arizona Ash tree, so I could actually see them as they dined. So far, only the finches have been able to partake, but I have no doubt that I'll see a dove swinging from it eventually.

A very special gift

As you all know, I love charm bracelets. I love the tinkling sound they make. I love the process of collecting the charms, and I love the stories they tell. They are little works of art that you wear. This Christmas saw one more added to my collection. My dear, dear friend Patti gave me a vintage bracelet that had belonged to her late mother. I was very fond of Nessie, and it goes without saying that I am extremely touched by this gift. Patti believes that the bracelet dates back to WWII. Two of the charms are a Jeep and a tank that says U.S.A. It also has several movable charms like a carousel with horses that go round, a grand piano, teapot, and mailbox that all open. My two favorites are a push mower with blades that turn and a wringer washer that spins. There is even a miniature spark plug, which is very appropriate since Patti's family made their home in the Detroit area. Thank you, Patti. I'll treasure it always.