Reed came over yesterday and we worked all day on his 4-H project sheets.
He is taking his quilt, his pillow made from a man’s shirt, his chickens and he is entering his succulent planter in the Open Plant and Flower Show. Tomorrow morning he, Nolan and Myra will be taking all the 4-H projects for judging except the chickens, Alta, Edna and Eunice. They will go tomorrow evening and he will show them on Wednesday morning. All this week the blog posts will be reporting from the fair.
The questions on the project sheets were thought provoking and sometimes difficult regarding decisions, steps in the process, as well as what was learned. Next year we’ll be working on our project sheet while we make the quilt because it’s too hard to remember what we did last January.
Here’s a real simple bird feeder I want to share with you. Not only is it simple to set up, the birds love it and I can see them easily.
Yup – shepherd’s hooks with plant saucers inside a hanging pot holder. The birds empty these every day and they’re right outside my porch so I can sit there and watch them come and go. Because the plant holder is not solid, they are very comfortable – as if it’s an open air feeder. And as a bonus the squirrels have a hard time climbing the pole – it’s not impossible but it’s not too tempting. Ha! A win win!
Connie and I are both working on that new project. The lead fabric is cut to the correct size in this photo. More coming.
And I will close with a current picture of the hydrangeas. I think they’re beautiful!
And Jackie being lazy in the chair just outside the shop.
Keep reading this week for all the news from our local fair – not a huge fair in size but huge in spirit!
Reed, good luck at the fair, exciting times.
Oh, what fun for Reed! Looking forward to hearing all about it. Love your bird feeders, I’ll have to make some of these – share them with my daughters. They’ve both recently bought new houses and love feeding the birds as much as we do. Just hope the one in NH doesn’t entice the bear in the area to come visit!
Good luck to Reed with his projects n the 3 chickens at the fair. I sat outside early morning watching the birds that have nested high up in trees around here. The chipmunks scurry around with their cheeks full of found seeds n treats. Fortunately the black bear hasn’t returned. Am surprised it didn’t notice the hummingbird feeder.
Good luck Reed!
-Jean💟
I love the hydrangeas! I thought the hail had beat them up so bad they were ruined. So nice to see them in full bloom. We are having cool Iowa weather this week in Kansas City so I hope that means your fair weather will be enjoyable also-GOOD LUCK REED!!
Amy – the hail happened last year
4 H is an amazing group. Our daughter was a member for a number of years, raised chickens, made clothing and leather items
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Sending lots of good luck wishes to Reed!
What very special people you are to each other’s lives! A wonderful relationship. It looks closer to me than most actual “blood relationships.” And good luck at the fair! I am still longarming entries for some of my friends in our fair that is next month!
Carolyn -not having any kids of my own, I guess I can’t tell if we’re closer than “blood”—- ha!
I hope Reed gets a lot of ribbons!!
Our granddaughter is busy with fair projects too. She will show a heifer, a goat and then is involved with alpacas on another day. She does showmanship, obstacles and also costume so will be spending a couple afternoons at our fair watching her. Reed is like a grandchild for you and how wonderful for both of you to have each other and do these things together! I am looking forward to seeing more of this project that you are starting – it looks so interesting! Will look forward to your Fair posts!
Kathy – and how is Sunny? Does your granddaughter help you with the alpacas or does she have her own?
I remember those days! So nice that you can help him with them. I wish him good luck and good ribbons!
HI Mary, enjoy the fair! Nothing beats a country fair, I still love them, even though I’m not competing in them any more (many years ago it was flowers, sewing, barrel racing and sheep showing for me). Good luck with your entries, Reed!
Fiona -barrel racing is soooo exciting! How did you get into that?
I am going to set up the bird feeders. Ingenious!!!!
I hope Reed does well with all of his projects. He certainly is deserving!
How exciting for Reed – and for you. He’s got a lot of projects to present and your help and support are invaluable. Your hydrangeas are fabulous. I can’t tell what kind they are but they look great. I have several oak leaf hydrangeas that do quite well here but they re done blooming for the season. I have what I call a fancy one that blooms blue but because of deer chomping and bad winter seasons they have taken a hit. I had only 3 blooms this summer. I don’t know what quilting project you are working on but that fabric you showed is beautiful. What line is it? We are in a serious weather pattern here in Maryland. We usually are dry throughout mid summer through Fall but we have had torrential rain from Saturday that seems to be a long term prediction. Flash flooding. river flooding and on it goes. The whole east coast is affected. Those that need the rain aren’t getting it. Have fun at the Fair.
Best of luck to you Reed at the Fair. Wish I was there. Anita Fetzer
Mary, love the bird feeders!! Where did you find the pot holders?? I have never seen any like this for sale. Love the blog. Good luck at the fair Reed.
Joan
Love a country fair, good luck Reed! Be sure to let us know how you do!
County fairs are the best. I hope the judges give good comments to encourage the ones who enter their projects and animals.
Our county fair gives cash awards as well as ribbons.
I hope Reed enjoys the experience and you do to.
I just love reading your blog. It’s like getting a letter from a dear friend! Good luck, Reed. I’m looking forward to your posts from the fair!
Cheryl – funny you should say that because it feels like I am actually writing to a good friend – in this case multiple good friends! Smiling!
Good luck, Reed!
Our fair is next week. Judging Saturday and animal shows all week. We worked on paperwork today also. All three grandsons will have 4H projects in the youth building a market steer, pigs, market chickens and egg production chickens. They are 9, 8, 7. We are very proud of them.
Sandra -and I know just how much work goes into each entry! Best of luck to those boys!
Is the emailed that’s posted the correct email it keeps bouncing back
Patricia -my correct email is marye@ncn.net
Good luck to Reed at the fair! I love your hydrangeas! Gorgeous! Clever bird feeders. Oh & if the squirrels start climbing those hooks, just put something really slippery (cooking spray/oil, grease, etc.) on the poles & they’ll have a very hard time getting enough traction to get to the bird food. There are very funny FaceBook posts/videos showing squirrels in action at this! Lol!!
Good Luck Reed at the fair. Can’t wait to hear how many ribbons you win. U are a very blessed boy to have Mary helping you. Paula in KY
Good Luck at the fair Reed. Love the bird feeders. Will do this in the fall as we are expecting heavy rain for the next few days. Our fair in VA is in August and our group will be demonstrating rug hooking, quilting and punchneedle. WE did this last year and it was a fun day and met lots of people who were interested in our crafts.
Carolyn from Shenandoah Valley
What a lucky cat!!!
GOOD LUCK, Reed. Hope you win many blues, reds, even whites. I used to enter in our fair and it is so fun. I also worked in the flower booth for some years. Fairs are the best, win or take home your beautiful entries just as they are. Try again next year. You never know.
Mary…do your hydrangeas turn pink? Mine are blue…always blue from our acid soil. I would love to have pink ones just once. It is always greener on the other side of the fence. lol Or pinker.
When I worked at our 4-H office it never felt like I was going to work. There was so much thrill in seeing the youth develop in their project areas and skills. I love every aspect about it except the judging but thankfully a good judge will be fair and point out ways to improve or commend on how well the did. It can be positive. I can’t wait to see Reeds ribbons and displays of his work and know he contributed some great projects to view. Are there a lot of quilts at your fair? Or sewing in general? Gosh I can remember some gorgeous suits made at ours. And the foods!
Good luck to Reed! Looking forward to dispatches from the Fair!!
I’ve no doubt what a special (and very important) place you have in Reed’s heart. He’s a lucky young man to be learning so much from you and sharing your many interests. Beautiful relationship the two of you have, for sure!
I love the bird feeders I’m going to get some tomorrow. What a good idea. Thanks
Patricia – I don’t see your order – I’ll give it a couple more days.
What side does your hydrangeas face? Mine never open up? They get big and green and then stop.
Carol – hydrangeas face east. Those shown are Annabelles.