STRANGE PLACE FOR A BIRD NEST!

About a month ago, we were doing some spring cleaning...and we were setting things outside on a little stoop, that we needed to take to storage building. Well...in the midst of our work and before we moved these items, a pair of wrens began building a nest inside this "foot spa". Since they started their nest, we haven't touched those items. She laid her eggs and they hatched. So far, we haven't been able to tell how many babies are in there, because the nest goes so far back in the container and it's so dark.

Last year, we had the wrens build two nests, but one was close to our bird feeders and we think the blue jays got the babies before they were ready to leave the nest. They built the next one on another deck, but too close to the ground and we think a snake got them. We saw the snake crawl right straight up the wall close by. So, this year's nest is in a more secluded area from the other birds...and hopefully, wild animals. We're hoping they make it this year.

Wrens are such busy little birds and their song is SO beautiful! We've enjoyed watching them feed the babies...in fact, we once almost had a "collision". I was going out and one was flying in. This is an entrance that I have to use. They don't seem to mind our sharing of this little porch.

MY TULIPS!

I thought "Spring had sprung"...but for the past few nights, it has been below freezing here in North Carolina. I brought in some of my plants, covered some of them, and took a chance with the rest of my flowers.

I'm not sure whether the freezing weather will hurt tulips or not...my husband says "no", but I have a friend who said "yes" and told me to cover them...so I did. I have the most beautiful red tulips this year. This is the first year I've had tulips do so well. In the photo, you can see the dew still on the flowers.

CLEANING MY STUDIO!

I have a beautiful studio that I had remodeled about three years ago right before I retired from teaching high school art.

Here is my old studio before it was remodeled.

"Before Photos"

I pulled everything out of the room and had new upper and lower cabinets installed on three walls...with white tile on the floor...but beautiful brightly colored purple counter tops.

"After Photos"

This is my painting corner!

NURSERY FOR A BABY GIRL!

My latest project has been painting a couple of murals in a nursery for a baby girl due in March.

A BEAUTIFUL WINTER MORNING!

What a beautiful sight to wake up to...the sky in all it's majestic wonder on the North Carolina coast!

MY HEARTS OFF TO YOU!!!!

My valentine to you is a recipe of delicious Mexican soup!

Just throw in a can of Mexican corn,

a jar of Salsa,

a can of diced tomatoes,

a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies,

a can creamed corn,

1 or 2 cans of black beans,

a box of Zatarain's Yellow Rice,

and approximately 2 - 3 quarts of chicken broth.

Do NOT drain cans. Put into a large stock pot and bring to a boil.

Simmer until the rice is done...about 30 to 45 minutes. Serve in bowls with finely grated cheese on top. YUMMY!

Back in the Groove!!!

Well...I think I'm finally back in the groove...working on my jewelry. Back in November, I got busy on Christmas gifts and my "jewelry making days" went by the wayside...and after Christmas, I was busy planning for and going on vacation. So...maybe now, I'll keep on working.