Dark and Damp December Dawns

 When walking Ned one day, we spotted a Barred Owl. I say "we" because it was on the fence and Ned stopped and watched it too. I took Ned back home, grabbed my large camera and headed out to where I'd last seen it. It had moved across the driveway and then as I watched, it flew much further into thick bush and I could get only so far. I couldn't find it but there was a very large shape in a tree I assumed to be my owl. I knew it was unlikely any photos would be good but just tried a few shots anyway. Seeing them on my computer I was so happy I had bothered. 

What I'd captured was definitely not my Barred Owl. I think it is a Great Horned Owl, my first ever sighting of one, even though they are common in Ontario. If you are able to confirm this for me, I'd be grateful. Definitely wish I had more photo enhancing capabilities than what this old Acer can do. The feathers look amazing. And those eyes!

Below is the very last of the summer '24 outdoor Geranium flowers in one of my smaller thrifted vases/jugs. This is an English James Kent Ltd. jug. They produced many during the 1930-1950's period, all of them featuring flowers. I keep an eye out for them but I've only found one other and that one I gave away. Wish I'd gotten a photo of it as it was an interesting mauve colour. 

I'd almost finished the last of the embroidery on the wool project, Cardinal Rule, as well as the backing and put it away. Found again so here are a couple of photos of it. When finished, I'm going to put this one on the wall for Christmas maybe. I used this Aurifil thread for the embellishments like the vein lines on the leaves which are just stem stitches. I think it looks okay. 

I did not use white for the snow flakes...tried it and it looked too stark against all these dark colours. So I used a light grey instead. It's a tricky thing to photograph...still not getting the nice soft texture of the wool or the deep colours. I'd thought of adding more decorative stitches like a fern stitch or couching stitching around all the seams but I don't think that's necessary any more so just two more leaf lines to add and then I'll call it done. 

I stitched four more of the Everglade blocks. 

And I'm testing a couple of blocks to sew a seasonal quilt. More next time about that.

We are all vaccinated now. And did get out for a breakfast. Here is mine...the usual Egg Benedicts...

and Tony's- eggs with French toast. He is losing his appetite somewhat so it's getting a little more challenging to feed him. 

Here he is with Petey. Sleeping with two loving Labradors was awesome-challenging to align all our bodies, mind you, but wonderful all the same. 

Petey is gone home and Ned is having a quiet, restful day. He loves his brother but finds house guests so tiring he told me.  

Hope all my American friends had a joyful Thanksgiving! I'm off to look at Black Friday sales. Take care all.