These holes attract hummingbirds too! But I didn't get a shot of one, but here's a shot of the sap sucker.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Sap sucker
We have lots of woodpeckers and sap suckers in the area (at the trailer in WI). It's the sap suckers that leave the rows of holes in the trees.
These holes attract hummingbirds too! But I didn't get a shot of one, but here's a shot of the sap sucker.
These holes attract hummingbirds too! But I didn't get a shot of one, but here's a shot of the sap sucker.
Sap sucker
We have lots of woodpeckers and sap suckers in the area (at the trailer in WI). It's the sap suckers that leave the rows of holes in the trees.
These holes attract hummingbirds too! But I didn't get a shot of one, but here's a shot of the sap sucker.
These holes attract hummingbirds too! But I didn't get a shot of one, but here's a shot of the sap sucker.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
My concrete workspace
I've taken up concrete as my art medium. Man, that sounds pretentious, doesn't it? I spent ten years doing mental labor, now I'm moving on to more physical things. The urge began with the need for garden pavers. The effort resulted in an art project for the front slope of our lawn. Now, I'm experimenting with the concrete and my workspace. We spent the holiday weekend at the trailer and so I had plenty of time to work on my concrete projects.
I love my gloves! I always have to have a pair of gloves when I'm working on a project. These are pretty, but not water proof, so I gotta rethink my gloves.
When we arrived at the trailer the Big D noticed a tree that had fallen. He likes seeing things like this so that he has a reason to pull out his chain saw. This time he had to pull out the wedge and the ax, too. So, while he was in woodland chopping bliss, I was setting up my workspace.
It is so much easier working out here in the woods then it is working in the city. I don't have to worry about getting dye and concrete on the patio. The dirt road is not effected by the drips of concrete. I'm experimenting with concrete colorants and was recently surprised to see there are blues and greens available. Today, I had only brown and red.
My view! I had one of those moments where everything seems just absolutely perfect. The bugs were around but even all the mosquitoes didn't bother me. I kept checking my cargo pants for wood ticks. Not so many this weekend. Whoo hoo! The only thing I can't stand about this time of year is the woodticks which to me bear a sign of evil. But, this view, it was incredibly peaceful.
My plan was to make little holders for tea light candles. I want to line the path to the fire pit area with tea lights and usually I do this by putting the candles in a plastic cup. I decided to use the cup for a form.
I made quite a few, but the results were not so good. Choosing brown wasn't the best idea as they turned out to look like piles of shit. With the next batch I tried the red dye, but the form wasn't working out for me. They are usable, but not so pretty to look at.
I decided to move on to the next experiment and I was mighty pleased with the results.
I learned so much about this craft this weekend. I learned to use a wet cloth to smooth out the top of the concrete. I went crazy with all the leaves and such to imprint on the concrete. This might have been the last weekend to find leaves small enough for the concrete forms as I'm assuming they will just continue to grow.
This experiment turned out much better than I had hoped or expected!
I love my gloves! I always have to have a pair of gloves when I'm working on a project. These are pretty, but not water proof, so I gotta rethink my gloves.
When we arrived at the trailer the Big D noticed a tree that had fallen. He likes seeing things like this so that he has a reason to pull out his chain saw. This time he had to pull out the wedge and the ax, too. So, while he was in woodland chopping bliss, I was setting up my workspace.
It is so much easier working out here in the woods then it is working in the city. I don't have to worry about getting dye and concrete on the patio. The dirt road is not effected by the drips of concrete. I'm experimenting with concrete colorants and was recently surprised to see there are blues and greens available. Today, I had only brown and red.
My view! I had one of those moments where everything seems just absolutely perfect. The bugs were around but even all the mosquitoes didn't bother me. I kept checking my cargo pants for wood ticks. Not so many this weekend. Whoo hoo! The only thing I can't stand about this time of year is the woodticks which to me bear a sign of evil. But, this view, it was incredibly peaceful.
My plan was to make little holders for tea light candles. I want to line the path to the fire pit area with tea lights and usually I do this by putting the candles in a plastic cup. I decided to use the cup for a form.
I made quite a few, but the results were not so good. Choosing brown wasn't the best idea as they turned out to look like piles of shit. With the next batch I tried the red dye, but the form wasn't working out for me. They are usable, but not so pretty to look at.
I decided to move on to the next experiment and I was mighty pleased with the results.
I learned so much about this craft this weekend. I learned to use a wet cloth to smooth out the top of the concrete. I went crazy with all the leaves and such to imprint on the concrete. This might have been the last weekend to find leaves small enough for the concrete forms as I'm assuming they will just continue to grow.
This experiment turned out much better than I had hoped or expected!
My concrete workspace
I've taken up concrete as my art medium. Man, that sounds pretentious, doesn't it? I spent ten years doing mental labor, now I'm moving on to more physical things. The urge began with the need for garden pavers. The effort resulted in an art project for the front slope of our lawn. Now, I'm experimenting with the concrete and my workspace. We spent the holiday weekend at the trailer and so I had plenty of time to work on my concrete projects.
I love my gloves! I always have to have a pair of gloves when I'm working on a project. These are pretty, but not water proof, so I gotta rethink my gloves.
When we arrived at the trailer the Big D noticed a tree that had fallen. He likes seeing things like this so that he has a reason to pull out his chain saw. This time he had to pull out the wedge and the ax, too. So, while he was in woodland chopping bliss, I was setting up my workspace.
It is so much easier working out here in the woods then it is working in the city. I don't have to worry about getting dye and concrete on the patio. The dirt road is not effected by the drips of concrete. I'm experimenting with concrete colorants and was recently surprised to see there are blues and greens available. Today, I had only brown and red.
My view! I had one of those moments where everything seems just absolutely perfect. The bugs were around but even all the mosquitoes didn't bother me. I kept checking my cargo pants for wood ticks. Not so many this weekend. Whoo hoo! The only thing I can't stand about this time of year is the woodticks which to me bear a sign of evil. But, this view, it was incredibly peaceful.
My plan was to make little holders for tea light candles. I want to line the path to the fire pit area with tea lights and usually I do this by putting the candles in a plastic cup. I decided to use the cup for a form.
I made quite a few, but the results were not so good. Choosing brown wasn't the best idea as they turned out to look like piles of shit. With the next batch I tried the red dye, but the form wasn't working out for me. They are usable, but not so pretty to look at.
I decided to move on to the next experiment and I was mighty pleased with the results.
I learned so much about this craft this weekend. I learned to use a wet cloth to smooth out the top of the concrete. I went crazy with all the leaves and such to imprint on the concrete. This might have been the last weekend to find leaves small enough for the concrete forms as I'm assuming they will just continue to grow.
This experiment turned out much better than I had hoped or expected!
I love my gloves! I always have to have a pair of gloves when I'm working on a project. These are pretty, but not water proof, so I gotta rethink my gloves.
When we arrived at the trailer the Big D noticed a tree that had fallen. He likes seeing things like this so that he has a reason to pull out his chain saw. This time he had to pull out the wedge and the ax, too. So, while he was in woodland chopping bliss, I was setting up my workspace.
It is so much easier working out here in the woods then it is working in the city. I don't have to worry about getting dye and concrete on the patio. The dirt road is not effected by the drips of concrete. I'm experimenting with concrete colorants and was recently surprised to see there are blues and greens available. Today, I had only brown and red.
My view! I had one of those moments where everything seems just absolutely perfect. The bugs were around but even all the mosquitoes didn't bother me. I kept checking my cargo pants for wood ticks. Not so many this weekend. Whoo hoo! The only thing I can't stand about this time of year is the woodticks which to me bear a sign of evil. But, this view, it was incredibly peaceful.
My plan was to make little holders for tea light candles. I want to line the path to the fire pit area with tea lights and usually I do this by putting the candles in a plastic cup. I decided to use the cup for a form.
I made quite a few, but the results were not so good. Choosing brown wasn't the best idea as they turned out to look like piles of shit. With the next batch I tried the red dye, but the form wasn't working out for me. They are usable, but not so pretty to look at.
I decided to move on to the next experiment and I was mighty pleased with the results.
I learned so much about this craft this weekend. I learned to use a wet cloth to smooth out the top of the concrete. I went crazy with all the leaves and such to imprint on the concrete. This might have been the last weekend to find leaves small enough for the concrete forms as I'm assuming they will just continue to grow.
This experiment turned out much better than I had hoped or expected!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Wandering on a remote forest road...
Taking a turn off the main highway onto a remote forest dirt road, marked by a tiny little marker is one of my favorite things to do to wile away the hours.
Sure, it take longer to get to where we are going, but that's ok because the view is amazing. There are no power poles, no vehicles, just the woods and the wildlife. The speed of the vehicle slows way down and the drive seems leisurely as we take the curves and turns of the dirt road. I get the feel of being off the grid where no one knows where we are and no one can reach us by cell phone. This is why we bought the Jeep. We can feel a little more secure knowing that the Jeep is equipped to tackle any unexpected obstacle on the road.
You never know what's going to be around the next bend. There could be trees down and blocking the road. This one seems to have fallen recently. There was just enough room to the side in order for the Jeep to pass.
And just beyond the fallen tree, we found water on the road. It was odd because the region is so dry. There hasn't been much rain in this month. Nonetheless, what water there was was making it's way across the road.
Sometimes it's strange looking out the side window to the ponds. The water appears to be higher than the road. It's a wonderfully strange disorientation.
These are some of my favorite areas to pass in the Jeep. Often there are eagles hanging out on the tree stumps dying in the middle of the pond.
It's important to have a good map when wandering on remote forest roads. A map that focuses on particular regions usually reveal these roads. The larger state maps may not have these tiny little, dirt roads. It's good to find a local map that shows the ATV routes. Of course, Jeeps can't drive on these ATV routes, but some of the remote roads are also used by ATVs and so these maps can be more accurate.
It's also good to have food on hand as most certainly the drive will take longer than planned. This is a great way to find hidden lakes and remote camp grounds. I'm always scoping for things I can forage, like berry bushes or grape vines.
Taking a turn on a remote forest road is like a mini-vacation to me. It's free except for the cost of gas, but since we are driving rather slow, there is the higher fuel efficiency. And, the pleasure of exploring the woods and forests with my lover is incredibly satisfying!
Sure, it take longer to get to where we are going, but that's ok because the view is amazing. There are no power poles, no vehicles, just the woods and the wildlife. The speed of the vehicle slows way down and the drive seems leisurely as we take the curves and turns of the dirt road. I get the feel of being off the grid where no one knows where we are and no one can reach us by cell phone. This is why we bought the Jeep. We can feel a little more secure knowing that the Jeep is equipped to tackle any unexpected obstacle on the road.
You never know what's going to be around the next bend. There could be trees down and blocking the road. This one seems to have fallen recently. There was just enough room to the side in order for the Jeep to pass.
And just beyond the fallen tree, we found water on the road. It was odd because the region is so dry. There hasn't been much rain in this month. Nonetheless, what water there was was making it's way across the road.
Sometimes it's strange looking out the side window to the ponds. The water appears to be higher than the road. It's a wonderfully strange disorientation.
These are some of my favorite areas to pass in the Jeep. Often there are eagles hanging out on the tree stumps dying in the middle of the pond.
It's important to have a good map when wandering on remote forest roads. A map that focuses on particular regions usually reveal these roads. The larger state maps may not have these tiny little, dirt roads. It's good to find a local map that shows the ATV routes. Of course, Jeeps can't drive on these ATV routes, but some of the remote roads are also used by ATVs and so these maps can be more accurate.
It's also good to have food on hand as most certainly the drive will take longer than planned. This is a great way to find hidden lakes and remote camp grounds. I'm always scoping for things I can forage, like berry bushes or grape vines.
Taking a turn on a remote forest road is like a mini-vacation to me. It's free except for the cost of gas, but since we are driving rather slow, there is the higher fuel efficiency. And, the pleasure of exploring the woods and forests with my lover is incredibly satisfying!
Wandering on a remote forest road...
Taking a turn off the main highway onto a remote forest dirt road, marked by a tiny little marker is one of my favorite things to do to wile away the hours.
Sure, it take longer to get to where we are going, but that's ok because the view is amazing. There are no power poles, no vehicles, just the woods and the wildlife. The speed of the vehicle slows way down and the drive seems leisurely as we take the curves and turns of the dirt road. I get the feel of being off the grid where no one knows where we are and no one can reach us by cell phone. This is why we bought the Jeep. We can feel a little more secure knowing that the Jeep is equipped to tackle any unexpected obstacle on the road.
You never know what's going to be around the next bend. There could be trees down and blocking the road. This one seems to have fallen recently. There was just enough room to the side in order for the Jeep to pass.
And just beyond the fallen tree, we found water on the road. It was odd because the region is so dry. There hasn't been much rain in this month. Nonetheless, what water there was was making it's way across the road.
Sometimes it's strange looking out the side window to the ponds. The water appears to be higher than the road. It's a wonderfully strange disorientation.
These are some of my favorite areas to pass in the Jeep. Often there are eagles hanging out on the tree stumps dying in the middle of the pond.
It's important to have a good map when wandering on remote forest roads. A map that focuses on particular regions usually reveal these roads. The larger state maps may not have these tiny little, dirt roads. It's good to find a local map that shows the ATV routes. Of course, Jeeps can't drive on these ATV routes, but some of the remote roads are also used by ATVs and so these maps can be more accurate.
It's also good to have food on hand as most certainly the drive will take longer than planned. This is a great way to find hidden lakes and remote camp grounds. I'm always scoping for things I can forage, like berry bushes or grape vines.
Taking a turn on a remote forest road is like a mini-vacation to me. It's free except for the cost of gas, but since we are driving rather slow, there is the higher fuel efficiency. And, the pleasure of exploring the woods and forests with my lover is incredibly satisfying!
Sure, it take longer to get to where we are going, but that's ok because the view is amazing. There are no power poles, no vehicles, just the woods and the wildlife. The speed of the vehicle slows way down and the drive seems leisurely as we take the curves and turns of the dirt road. I get the feel of being off the grid where no one knows where we are and no one can reach us by cell phone. This is why we bought the Jeep. We can feel a little more secure knowing that the Jeep is equipped to tackle any unexpected obstacle on the road.
You never know what's going to be around the next bend. There could be trees down and blocking the road. This one seems to have fallen recently. There was just enough room to the side in order for the Jeep to pass.
And just beyond the fallen tree, we found water on the road. It was odd because the region is so dry. There hasn't been much rain in this month. Nonetheless, what water there was was making it's way across the road.
Sometimes it's strange looking out the side window to the ponds. The water appears to be higher than the road. It's a wonderfully strange disorientation.
These are some of my favorite areas to pass in the Jeep. Often there are eagles hanging out on the tree stumps dying in the middle of the pond.
It's important to have a good map when wandering on remote forest roads. A map that focuses on particular regions usually reveal these roads. The larger state maps may not have these tiny little, dirt roads. It's good to find a local map that shows the ATV routes. Of course, Jeeps can't drive on these ATV routes, but some of the remote roads are also used by ATVs and so these maps can be more accurate.
It's also good to have food on hand as most certainly the drive will take longer than planned. This is a great way to find hidden lakes and remote camp grounds. I'm always scoping for things I can forage, like berry bushes or grape vines.
Taking a turn on a remote forest road is like a mini-vacation to me. It's free except for the cost of gas, but since we are driving rather slow, there is the higher fuel efficiency. And, the pleasure of exploring the woods and forests with my lover is incredibly satisfying!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
