It has rained most of the week, which has been wonderful for tamping down the wildfires. It has made the grass and weeds grow, and brought the azaleas in full bloom. I’ve been taking more photos of them. We have this deep pink, along with the pastel pink and white ones. A few days from now, there should be blooms all the way down the driveway.
My Merlin app says we have a blue-grey gnatcatcher in the local avian choir, but I have not seen it yet. They look a lot like a titmouse without the tufted head. There is no activity around the bird house, so I don’t know if we have a brooding chickadee hen or if she abandoned it in favor of another home. The Merlin app also says we also have a hooded warbler, a black throated green warbler and a hermit thrush, but I have not been able to spot any of those either. I never did identify the black and grey birds from last week, and I have not seen them again. Last week, an indigo bunting came by for a meal at the feeder, always a treat to see them.
Inside, the amaryllis has made wonderful progress over the past few days. When the large bud started opening, it became clear that there were three flowers on the way.
One day later, they are now pointing in different directions to allow for the large petals.
Another day later, the flowers were opening.
One more full day later, and two blooms are fully open. The third still had another day to go.
Then, a total surprise! Another flower stalk is growing! I couldn’t believe it!
It is growing fast, now getting almost as tall as the first one. The middle flower is fully open. The petals on all of them are curling outward so prettily. I can’t wait to see what it will be with both stalks open at the same time.
While I was cleaning things out, I found a stack of bird seed bags that I intended to make into bags. I started in by cleaning the bags, cutting them straight across the bottom, and cutting a strip to make handles.
Turning down the top, I like to use clips to hold it in place. Pins would make holes.
A couple of rows of stitching, box the bottom corners and you are done.
See the full tutorial on my post Birdseed Bag Totes. Two done here, and three more to go.
Virtual Retreat on Thursday was fun, and I made some great progress on a wall hanging I’ve had in mind for some time. More on that later this week.
Tuesday, I’ll have an update for you on the Helene Quilts project. An amazing shipment arrived and was delivered. I’ve updated my page on the project. See Hurricane Helene FAQs for answers to your questions. I’m going to wind down the project this summer.
We were at a big car show yesterday, and more events are coming. We are coming into spring with warmer weather and lots of fun on the way.
What are your plans for the week?
********************
Electric Quilt Special!! Barbara Brackman’s Encyclopedia Sale April 27-29: Customers save 20% on Barbara Brackman’s Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns with code 4000BLOCKS.
Last day for Fat Quarter Shop’s Spring Charm Sale! Save up to 50% on select charm packs. Then, get 20% off the Basic of the Month Grunge by Moda, 30% Off the Notions of the Month from Clover, 30% off Patterns of the Month from Cluck Cluck Sew, and see the Book of the Month – The Kaleidoscope Quilt & Cross Stitch Book. Check out Today’s Flash Sale and see the Precuts of the Week, plus The Cross Stitch Sale of the Month will be from Needleminder.
From My Carolina Home 
Sneaky birds, you can hear them but they hide – especially the hermit thrush who has the most beautiful voice. Your amaryllis knows how to put on a show!
Good morning, Carole! Your azaleas are gorgeous and I can just imagine when they are in full bloom lining the driveway. My peonies are blooming which is exciting. We also had a lot of cloudy and rainy days last week, which means pulling weeds this week!
I love the flowers so pretty for spring. That fish fabric is interesting. Those binding clips are so handy I use them for a lot of things including the end of the knitting needles if I can’t find the piece you put on those to keep the yarn on the needle when you put it away.
I’ve never seen an Indigo Bunting. What a treat!
We had to clean out our bluebird box last week because another bird forced out the blue birds and made a nest. We cleared the intruder’s nest and the bluebirds returned to the box. Now the bluebirds are more vigilant than ever swooping and protecting their box.
Seize the day!
Jo Anne
So fun to see the amaryllis come into bloom. 3 flowers on one stalk is especially lovely. Our azaleas are at their peak this past week because it was so warm. Usually it isn’t until Mother’s Day when they put on their best show. I bet you were glad for the rain! Fires and pollen need to be tamped down. We are getting smoke from New Jersey fires, and the rain last night was a very good thing here. I can’t even go outside when the pollen or smoke is strong, so it was a blessing.
Your amaryllis is a star..beautiful..my sister has an app that tells her what birds are singing in the area..I’m not sold on the fact..Some of the birds I’ve never seen around here???
Look at those azaleas – wow! The Indigo bunting makes a beautiful photo, too. Merlin tells us it hears birds that we haven’t seen also. I guess we have more birds in the area than just those who come to the feeders! Not exactly sure what the week will bring here – some appointments to take care of, but hopefully sewing and reading on the agenda, too! Have a lovely Sunday, Carole!
Your amaryllis is beautiful. I wish my blooms lasted a bit longer but I’m satisfied getting the plant to rebloom year after year, like you! It is quite amazing how fast those stems shoot up! My plans this week are finishing up a cross stitch project. I’d better hurry as it is a Spring pattern! Lol! I also need to get Month 4 of my LQS mystery clue finished up for quilt club. In between you’ll find me trying to get a handle on some of my weeks. The rains here have sure made them shoot up — almost as fast as your amaryllis!
Your garden must be looking lovely. And very special to have those gorgeous birds coming in.
Such a lot of beauty and wildlife going on in your world, Carole! And I love it all, from the fabulous azaleas and other floral to the beautiful birds! Your seedbags are great fun, too!
Have a terrific week!
Those azaleas are amazing! I am really excited about your amaryllis; it is repaying you for your patience during its sabbatical! This week will be some outdoor planting and I think it’s time to start the squash, canteloupe, cucumbers and pumpkins inside. I have two Roman shades to do tomorrow before the end of the month!