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Friday, February 21, 2020

this and that...

Hi again! I'm back... somewhat. Have been kept very busy lately with all kinds of things going on.  Some good, some not so good. But all in all, we're fine. Life goes on. 

Several things have happened since January. Some I don't want to get into now, but others are just everyday annoyances. Our old Maytag dryer died last week. Then this week, the dishwasher decided it was going too. Thing is... we can't really complain as both have lasted way past their expected time - over 20 years. 

I'm back playing with clay again. Here are a few of my spring projects:


cheeky chickens again of course

a rough sculpted bunny 

left side of rough sculpted bunny

You may not notice but my cheeky chickens are now the cheeky chickens 2 model... with actual sculpted wings. 

And this next pic you may think is a bit weird, but I had a bunch of unused clay sitting in a pile and as I looked at it, I saw 2 baby birds sitting on top of each other. So I roughly carved them out... but it may not be something others see. However, I like it.



baby birds

That's about it. I have 2 glazed vases and a pink pie bird in the kiln which should be ready by class tomorrow. We'll see how they came out. If decent, I'll post pics later. 

Also I've read The Outlander books years ago... and watched the first parts done for TV a while back. However, now that the next season is out, I've lost track of where we left off. So now I'm watching it all over again from season one... hoping to catch up. It really is a good story. It's one of the few books converted to movie/TV where they did an outstanding job (IMO anyway).

And last here, I'm sending a pic that one of our neighbors took of a bobcat hanging around her house. We have bobcats and coyotes around due to the greenback that runs through the areas... as well as several parks close by. They are a threat to feral cats, wild rabbits, squirrels, and small pets. But the truth is, our houses were built in their territory...



bobcat
He really is a handsome specimen...

OK, thanks for visiting. I really appreciate my fellow bloggers  coming by. And I have been reading your posts, just not commenting too often lately. It's been a strange 2 months... 

Hugs,
Rian




18 comments:

  1. The Bobcat is wonderful but I must admit that I would fear for the cats if he was around here. Luckily the largest we have are the foxes.
    I love your little chickens. That is one think I have never tried, pottery.
    Briony
    x

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    1. You should try pottery, Briony. It's fun... but can be a bit messy. You have to not mind getting a little dirty.

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  2. Look at the bobcat's pointed ear tips. Just like in the books.

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    1. He is definitely a handsome fella... not skinny either like some we've seen.

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  3. I hope you are doing well. I think your little chickens are charming. I have also read all the Diana Gabaldon books and just started watching the most recent season. I am now reminded of the books, as it has been quite a while since I read them. -Jenn

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    1. Thanks, Jenn. Each of us have to give a demo before the semester is out. We can do it on anything we want, but I was requested today to do mine on making my little chickens...

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  4. You can see how much larger his back legs are than the front. He looks like a powerful specimen. And I have Version 1 chickens, which I love, although your pretty Version 2 are also lovely. You're very talented, Rian. :-)

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    1. That bobcat is really a healthy looking specimen. He's certainly not starving. But I would still chase him off if I saw him around our yard. I'm glad you enjoy your cheeky chickens. My flock has diminished, so I'm in the process of restocking it.

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  5. So good to see you back and enjoyed your cheeky chickens. Wow, that bob cat is beautiful but scary. I'd worry about the smaller animals.

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    1. Yes, I worry for the feral cats... as a bobcat was seen with one in his mouth in another neighborhood. We have a signal horn that we use to chase them (and coyotes) off if they come onto our property.

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  6. I love that bunny in particular, and all I can say to that bobcat is wow!!!! What an amazing sight, though I'd definitely be indoors safe.

    I hope Ghost is finding his way...and that you are too. Hugs.

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    1. Thanks, Kim. Ghost is doing OK. We all are. It will just take time... as you well know.

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  7. The bobcat is amazing! I can't help but feel sad though about the smaller animals, but that is the way of nature.

    Love your little birds, they are so cute. Hope things improve.

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    1. It is the way of nature, Mae... and we can only do so much.

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  8. I love the cat photos at the beginning of your posts. Your clay sculptures are so cool. - We are semi- retired here in NE PA. There's really not much difference in semi retired and not retired! LOL! - Enjoyed your post.

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    1. Thanks. And thanks for visiting! Well, I semi-retired twice, then finally really retired in 2011. DH retired in 2009 and went straight into retirement - no semi involved - and no regrets! We both love retirement.

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  9. Dear Rian, yes, it is the way of nature for animals to prey on other animals. They must eat. And we do build and build, expand out instead of up, and so take their territory. I think that it's wonderful you work with clay and sculpt such delightful and witty items. Cheeky, as you say. Them and you! Peace.

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    1. Thanks, Dee. You have to respect nature, and I do - and try not to interfere for the most part. And I do enjoy working with clay... almost as much as writing. But lately the muse has been with me and my sequel is already on Chapter 30!

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Thanks for reading and commenting! It makes my day...