On the Verge of Spring in the Foothills

Hello from the foothills where the bluebirds are already house hunting in earnest and thoughtfully waiting for the winter to pass.

A couple of posts back I had mentioned that our Budding Herbalist had been down for a visit, but I failed to mention that she was spreading her wings as a sewist and had made this lovely laundry bag.

She's all about details and likes whatever she does to be a step away from the norm.

She was back this week and this time wanted to try watercolor painting.

Her first attempt fairly burs-ted with color.

 Meanwhile I busied myself finishing this spring-y crochet scarf/shawl.  It's called the Midsummer Garden Shawlette by Kristin Omdahl.  The video instructions and chart information is here, and there is another video therefor lefties to make the same shawl.  I think it's perfect for filling in those much too low necklines that dress designers are so fond of these days.  I'll just go ahead and say I don't care to see anyone's anything that ought to be covered up.  I'm just old enough to be over it and don't mind saying so.  ;)

I thought I had dug up all the daffodils that were in the pasture several years ago, but we have a bumper crop of them out there this year.  I'm calling 2018 the Year of the Daffodils.

One of our ever-present grumpy looking, yet beautiful Cardinals.

Happily my begonia cuttings made it through the winter and will be potted soon, Lord willin'.

More dyed sheep from the Scottish Highlands.

This photo is too pretty for words, but I think someone has doctored it a little bit.  Have a lovely week y'all.

Shared at Saturday's  Critters

Bird's Eye View

 Hello from the hills!
 We've had the best time birdwatching from the kitchen window for years.  I set out water and a few seeds and here they come.

Bluebirds and Purple Finches

There's always a bird or two to be spotted.

Northern Cardinal

  They'll always show up for a morsel of homemade peanut/raisin suet.

Northern Cardinal

 But since installing this window feeder (no affiliation) recently, we don't have to approach a window to see them, so I'd heartily recommend it if you're a mind to do a li'l bit o' effortless, up-close birdwatching.

Nuthatch

 I cook a lot so it's nice to have finely-feathered company when I'm busy, too.

Towhee

 Just add some seeds and be prepared for lots of birds.

Dear Winter, your days are numbered...

They're trying....

So are these succulents.

Sunset sky through one of the sugar maple trees.

More dyed sheep from the hills of Scotland.

Sharing this post at:  Wild Bird Wednesday,  Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day, Saturday's Critters. Wednesday Around the World

"Angry Birds" & Miss Olivia's Table

 Mine, all the seeds are mine.  Wait who's that near the water dish? 

                         
Squaaaaaaaaaaawk!

 My hawk squeal is evidently getting rusty.

It's too cold to move...

Our budding herbalist came down to visit for several days last week.  She's a big fan of tearooms so we lunched at Miss Olivia's Table in Maryville one day before she had to leave.

source

 Here she is with Miss Olivia herself.

Miss Olivia's is a casual tearoom/sandwich shop that you might consider stopping by for lunch on your way to the Smokies.   They serve an excellent chicken salad croissant, my favorite of the sandwiches on the menu, and I love the Summer Tea as did the budding herbalist.

We were seated in the sun room and watched a squirrel scamper among the trees as we waited for our food.  (It was raining so a silhouette is about the best my phone could do.)

Budding Herbalist had the strawberry trifle for dessert.  She gave it 5 stars.

Have a great day y'all!

Some sheep farms in Scotland dye their sheep for the tourists to enjoy as they tour the countryside. 

Link with Eileen's Saturday's Critters