FALL VACA Part Dos

While at Arenal (Volcano) Resort, we decided to take in the Butterfly Garden and tour on our own.  The trail leading to it had some exotic fruit tree.

 The inside smelled citrusy.  We didn't eat any and never found out what it was.

Central American bulls have funny ears.

Along the trail...unusual plants.

Another strange fruit, inside something like a walnut shell.  And these 2 are a bit different.

Mr. T read this to me while I shot the pic, which brought more than a chuckle...in part, it says:

GREGADO RAIN FOREST AND RESERVE

"This trail you are about to walk is a loop about 1500 meters (1 mile long) passing over 

mildly undulating terrain. "  

(Oh, it was MORE than mild!  Hee-hee...Our newest favorite phrase now).

We made our way to the enclosed Butterfly Garden, aptly named, as we only saw a single butterfly.  And, he mostly stood.

This wild Blue and Gold Macaw visited the porch twice a day.

The workers there feed him almonds.

The Torch Ginger was large, abundant, and brilliant.

The limes are orange inside!

This guy rustled the leaves, surprising me on the way to breakfast.

Luckily, I had my camera ready, just as he struck a pose. 

 Looks as if he's ready to stick out his tongue at me!

MORE TO COME....

FALL VACA Part Uno

14 days ago, we landed in the tropical paradise of

The beautiful Arenal Lodge is located in the northern region, several hours from the airport in San Jose, found ONLY with the use of the GPS. 
 

Check those switchback roads...oh, it was quite the adventure!

 

The Lodge is named for the Volcano visible from our bed.

The room was very spacious and dark with the beautiful native wood.

After the clouds cleared, from our balcony.

 We rode up and down steep mountains on horseback

with the expertise of our new friend and guide, Miguel.

And every day fresh towels were folded on the bed to portray an animal.

Don't cha just love those cute lil eyebrows, made from fern leaves!?

More to come in Part 2 ~ real native plants and wildlife.

The Yaupon Tree

Back in the spring I was invited to showcase my glass art in another nearby beach town:

 

It was easy enough to locate...just a right turn after crossing the high-rise bridge.

It's a standalone retail shop...

 

 and studio where owner Brian Evans creates his pottery. 

Let's go inside:

The muraled walls are tastefully done, making it a delight to shop.

The Yaupon Tree 

has offerings by local and regional artists in pottery, painting,

photography, sculpture,

metalwork

and glass.

Notice another beautiful wall in the background!

If you're in the Southport/Oak Island area, be sure to stop in and chat with Brian and Diane Evans, the friendly owners.  You're sure to find some treasure there!

The Yaupon Tree

8501 East Oak Island Drive

Oak Island, NC  28465

(910) 278-5991

Recent Work

These are fun to make ~ they're like little dark tide-pools ~ and the lentil shape is comfortable to wear.

A sea wheel.

Strung on a hand-dyed silk ribbon, beautifully made by Tammy, here.

Key to the Sea.

Turtle Dave

These and others are all currently on display in the July "Going Coastal" show at Art Exposure Gallery.

This Good Day

Friday (July) the 13th is lucky for me.  

Fiftysomething years ago after 36 hours of labor, my Mama was ready to give birth.  Since the Dr. had not returned, the nurse held Mama's legs together for some time to prevent my grand entrance.  When he finally arrived, he administered gas and rendered Mama unconscious to deliver me ~ that's how they rolled back in the 1950's.  With all that interference, it's a wonder I do not have any dain bramage.

This song always makes me joyful.

Happy Birthday to me.

I'm back!  Spent the most time at the sewing machine lately, but I really have been somewhat productive behind the torch:

A custom order for large hole frog beads.

 

Another requested order, skeleton key.

Some garden variety rosettes.

And these fun to make rosebuds.

What have you been melting?

Farmers' Markets Open!

 Tomorrow marks another Farmers' Market Opening, this one is

Poplar Grove Farmers' Market

 where you can visit my booth every Wednesday, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Have to work on Wednesdays?  

You'll have another chance to visit my booth at 

Riverfront Farmers' Market this Saturday, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Find me at RFM First and Third Saturdays of the month.

I'll have some new items available like these, (in case you missed my Quilting Post blog)

.

 Fun mug rugs with my glass beads atop tea spoons to compliment 

the quilted rug.  These are perfect for enjoying tea/coffee and a snack.

Of course, I'll have plenty of glass beads in the form of bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and cutlery items.

Over the weekend I managed to plant 25+ bearded iris.  These are babies of flowers that used to be in my mother's garden long ago.  My brother-in-law dug up them from his beds and divided them.

I can hardly wait til they bloom, and will look like this:

and this:

HAPPY SPRING!

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