Monday, February 10, 2014

Olympic Stitch Project and the Desert

Thanks so much to all of you who looked at my last post and a special thanks to the people who commented.  We spent 6 days in Tuscon visiting the DH'S sisters.  The first full day they took us to the Desert Museum and the Saguaro National Area.  Both were fascinating places.  I had never been to the desert before, at least not that I could remember. My family went when I was very young. I hope you enjoy the photos of this fascinating part of our country. First, I will share what I am stitching while watching the Olympics.

 Here you have "Paper Snowflakes"  by Country Stitches-With thy Needle&Thread.  I am using 32 ct. antique ivory linen and the recommended floss. Once the Olympics are over this will become a WIP since I won't be framing it until next winter. 

 The snow ladies dress is quite the big area.  I love GA Heirloom Gold but I am getting tired of the skirt!

Here we are in the desert so very different from our lush green Pacific NW.  The DH was willing to pose so you could see just how big the cactus's are!!!!

 We took this picture as it was getting close to evening.

 I hope that the Scout leader is nowhere to be found!!! ( Remember the guy who knocked over the very old rock structure!!)

Birds actually make nests in the cactus.

 I would not want to fall into this bush!!!!

 This was quite pretty. I didn't know a cactus could be so pink!

They had a hummingbird area at the Museum.  What a fun place!



 This one just sat on the nest with lots of people looking on.



 I enjoy learning about the local native population when I visit a place.  The rock art has always fascinated me.


Thanks for joining me. I will have a bit more tomorrow!

23 comments:

  1. did you get a lot of snow? i saw seattle on the news this morning. i love cacti. i have a tumbleweed i chased down a road in sante fe sitting on top of my TV cabinet. we named him tommy tumbleweed!

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  2. Great pictures!! I love the cactus nest and the crazy rocks!! Nice stitching too - very pretty!! Looks like you had a great time!!

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  3. Love your dessert photos. The birds in the cacti, the rocks, the humming birds and yes I do remember the hearing about the guy who knotted over that rock. Those scissors your stitching are adorable!

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  4. You've made me homesick - LOL. We grew up in southern Arizona, about half way between Phoenix and Tucson, and haven't been down in a couple years now.

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  5. Great start on Paper Snowflakes, that's a great Winter project.
    The Cacti are awesome!.............and BIG!
    Oh, how pretty are the little Hummingbirds, too cute.
    As always, thanks for sharing the pics.
    Marilyn

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  6. I love the desert, especially this time of year! I could use some Sun! :)

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  7. Wonderful Olumpic stitching Barb! I like this design a lot!! Wow those Cacti are beautiful! Must be nice to escape the chill of the northwest into the warmth of the desert :D

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  8. Great job on Snowflake ;-) Found myself wanting to take short naps during "skirt time!" You're going to cherish and love the finished piece, promise...

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  9. Paper Snowflakes is looking beautiful. Love that your stitching it during the Olympics too:) I didn't know birds could make nests in the cactus. I just showed my 23yr old son and he said yes they can. I asked him how he knew and he said he watched a film back in the 3rd grade.... Loved your photos. love Annette

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  10. Lovely stitching and your photos are great..those cactii are huge!!!

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  11. That looks like a great Olympic project!

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  12. Such an amazing place to visit!!
    Love your new project!

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  13. Awesome! Thanks for sharing your amazing pics. I'd love to see the hummingbird museum. Great progress on Paper Snowflakes!

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  14. Those are some amazing cacti! The desert seems appealing but I would prefer rain! :) Love the new stitch project! We are snowing. Again.

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  15. Your hummingbird photos are so good. They look like stuffed birds!

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  16. ohhhh love the wee birds and to see one on the nest too :) and I am with you about not falling into that bush of prickles ouchie .... love the stitching and I have just done a large skirt of colour I hear what you are saying ..lol love mouse xxxxx

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  17. It's always so great to travel in an area that is so completely different from where you live and to discover all the new landscape and flora and wildlife. What a great experience.

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  18. I've never been to the desert so I really enjoyed this post, Barb--such sweet little birds :) I had no idea there were so many species of hummingbirds--what fun to see them in person!

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  19. I have always wanted to visit the desert ~ thanks so much for sharing your pictures ~ makes me want to visit even more! Lovely stitches! Hope that fill in on the dress goes quickly for you!

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  20. Great photos. A lovely start to your stitching project too.

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  21. The desert looks amazing! Thx so much for sharing.

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  22. I am way behind reading posts. Really enjoyed your photos. Cactus and hummingbirds. What a combo!

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