Ever Heard of a Javelina

Well, I just learned something with my Avery's homeschool work today. He was doing some worksheets in grammar dealing with possessive pronouns and had some sentences about a coyote and a javelina. The sentences were written much like the story of "The Three Little Pigs". After we finished the written work, I told him to come to the computer and look up a javelina. Don't know if you have ever heard or seen one but here is what we found: Though some people think javelina are a type of wild pig, they are actually members of the peccary family, a group of hoofed mammals originating from South America. Javelina are common in much of central and southern Arizona, including the outskirts of the Phoenix area, most of Tucson, and occasionally as far north as Flagstaff. Javelina form herds of two to more than 20 animals and rely on each other to defend territory, protect against predators, regulate temperature and interact socially. They use washes and areas with dense vegetation as travel corridors. Javelina are most active at night, but they may be active during the day when it is cold.

Tiger the Farm Cat

While going for a walk last night and then sitting out to watch the sunset, Tiger, the farm cat, decided to keep us company. I discovered that he likes to be photographed and had a little fun snapping some shots in different positions. I love the stripes on the tail. Also, one of the photos reminds me of the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland. Can you pick out which one that might be? The kids are loving the affection this Tiger is giving them. My husband is having to make sure to have the windows rolled up on the vehicles so he or other critters don't decide to bed down in them.

Thought I would also throw in even though I don't have a picture to go along with it, but I clocked a jack rabbit going 30 mph on the gravel/dirt road the other night when we were coming home late. That was a sight to see in front of me!

Sunsets on the Farm

Well, I have taken some time in the evenings to go out for a few strolls down the dirt/gravel roads with my kids to see the sights and watch the sunsets. The colors are magnificent! Even for a small old digital camera, I think the pictures turned out great to post here.

I must pause here to report that this blog site on google has changed their layout for posting things and I am stumbling through getting this one posted. That is what happens when you move and stay off the computer for a week!

My 11 year old, Avery Zefram, has discovered the stars being out in the country for the first time in his life. He likes going out at night and sitting to look at them. He does run in when the coyotes start making their noises, so sounds will be something he has to adjust to as well. I could hear them out my bedroom window when I went to bed last night and then when waking this morning at 6 a.m. I don't remember hearing those sounds when spending my summers in the country in Tennessee growing up, but I do know I loved sitting in the swing at night and viewing the stars just as my child does now.

Another sight I have been photographing is the farm equipment and silos sitting in the fields all around. There is something beautiful about them to me.

Interlocking Seasons Block

Interlocking Seasons Block, originally uploaded by Samelia's Mum.

I just have to send this out to my quilting buddies. (Judith, Twila, and Kathleen)

What do you think? This looks puzzling and quite challenging but I just might have to break down and try some. (Well, maybe one at least.)

Click on the picture found here on my blog and it will take you to flickr.com. and the picture. Go below it and click on the original blog to find the 8 pages of instructions.

I got my sewing machine unpacked today but haven't threaded it yet. Another day, another project, but I feel the need to start creating soon.

Elephant Walk

Elephant Walk, originally uploaded by ClearJadeStudio.

I have been moving to a new location for what seems like forever. Just decided to take a break at 9:30 p.m. and do some looking at people's creative photos on flickr.com. This one struck me as beautiful. I love the colors.

I am trying to decide if I like this picture because it represents myself as the girl in the front of the walk and all of our household belongings following behind. One good things is the bags of clothing and the boxes of "stuff" are becoming less and less. I was actually able to vacuum tonight!

Also, my husband took a break and did some canning of pickles today. It was the last farmer's market in Great Falls, MT and we had to go to get some cucumbers. Let's just say the house has an aroma of dill right now.

Back to the artwork. I do find calm and peacefulness in this. Even though one might not find it on my walls, it is lovely just the same.