My backyard Hummingbird

When I bought this house three years ago my main aim for my backyard, besides being a visual delight, was to make a cool and green haven for birds but especially hummingbirds. I planted many plants that appeal to them, but my one (or two?) little green hummer is only interested in the yellow tube flowered Chuparosa (Justicia Californica). I even read that they liked the red flowered one and I planted one but he still wants nothing but the yellow flowered one.


This morning I was filling a bucket with water to water a newly transplanted Salvia Coccinea and suddenly he was hovering over the running stream of water. He got close to it and drank, just a little, but then he is a very tiny little fellow. Just the nectar from the flowers is probably enough to sustain him. He was SO close to my left hand, I wanted to put out my finger and encourage him to perch on it. But, I was afraid I would frighten him so was just happy to observe him. Once he perched on the hose to rest, three inches from the spout and perhaps eight inches from my hand. I felt flattered that he trusted me.

I saw pictures of a woman with a red hummer feeder in the palm of her hand and four hummers perching on its rim. I also heard of a woman whose hummer came every spring and summer for five years and would perch on her shoulder as she sat on her porch. I just think they're adorable.

The Wine Swirl ring

I used to be very active at sewing, made my own doll clothes since I was 8 years old and made clothing in my teens and even made my mother two sets of slipcovers for her couch and chair when I was 14 and 17 years old. Then I got burned out and now never open my electric, portable 1964 Remington brand sewing machine unless there are things that NEED to be mended.

I had a beautiful maroonish red with dark inclusions button left over from the 1980's, a Vintage by all measurements, and decided to make a ring for my Earthly Creations jewelry shop at Etsy.com. This buyer bought it this weekend and I just mailed it today. I was going to put it in my curbside mailbox, but found that the mailman had already delivered to me. He usually comes between 11am and 2pm, but it's usually at 12 noon. I went out there at 11:15 and he had already come. So, I got in my auto and went 1/4 mile away to the nearest public mailbox. Next time I ship an order I'll have to make sure it's before the 11am time.

Anyway, here's the ring I sold:

Chili Pepper Power!

I bought these cute little lucite red chili beads on Etsy.com's seller Yummy Treasures and made a pair of earrings and a cell phone charm. I listed them today. I think they're so adorable and just bought another order of them. Hope the items sell, it's been pretty slow on Etsy and elsewhere. I'm tempted to say it's the economy's fault, but the big sellers are still selling. Sigh! Many times I feel like throwing in the towel, but I have too much money invested in supplies and equipment and tools. And, I HAVE told myself I will give the shops another year to make it. Good luck to me!