Mosaic Monday: Soiree with the Sea Lions

This last week we partied with the sea lions at the Houston zoo.

Unfortunately, by the time the sea lions came out to entertain us, it was too dark to take photos!

It was a beautiful evening, not too hot, and the zoo was lovely in the late evening light.

The blue tablecloths made it seem more *sea* like!

Zoo keepers brought out some of the smaller animals to visit with us.

The top images are two different lesser hedgehogs -- tenrecs from Madagascar.

Cute little guys!

The spiny coat is used to deter predators and is vibrated for communication with other tenrecs. When threatened, the lesser tenrec will roll into a ball, hiss and grind its teeth.

Lesser hedgehog tenrecs are one of 30 species of tenrec found on the island of Madagascar. These small mammals are adapted to fill the role of mice, hedgehogs, shrews and opossums found in other parts of the world. This species is found living both on land and in trees and is nocturnal - spending its days sleeping and its night foraging for food. 

Although tenrecs have lived on Madagascar for some 60 million years,it is possible that some will not survive more than a few decades more. Habitat loss is the greatest threat to this and other tenrec species.

The bottom images: bearded dragon lizard and owl. 

The owl was very nervous. The grackles were *grackling* and she didn't like them one bit.

We enjoyed the evening.

The setting was gorgeous.

We learned more about animals in the care of the zoo.

The appetizers were delicious.

The wine and beer flowed.

The sea lions put on a fun show.

Mosaic Monday is hosted by the lovely Mary.

Each mosaic is different. Each has a story to tell.

Please visit!

Wishing you well and a JOY filled week!

Postcard Friendship Friday

October arrives bringing cool weather and Halloween.

I visited the New York Public Library for this postcard.

A Happy Hallowe'en

He is your fate

Whose face you've seen

 in the mirrow's face

On Hallowe'en.

Postcard Friendship Friday is hosted by the lovely Beth.

On your visit you'll see a variety of  postcards: funny, serious, old and new.

Enjoy!

Wishing you well and a JOY filled weekend!

Good Morning!

Tea Tuesday

The Guywan (Chinese Covered Cup) has been used in China since about 1350.

It is a brewing vessel and drinking cup in one, consisting of saucer, bowl, and lid that all function together.

(Image from the Atlantic)

The lid is used to stir the tea, serves as a filter holding back the leaves when you sip, and covers the cup and keeps the liquor warm. You keep sipping and adding water as long as the leaves yield flavor. With a high quality green tea, you should be able to brew three cups.

There is a Chinese saying that the first cup is most fragrant, the second sweetest, and the third strongest.

There is a wonderful article on the Guywan at the Atlantic if you interested in further reading.

This is my modern version of the Guywan.

I found it at World Market.

I had to have the mug with the dragons ... of course!

Complete with infuser.

It makes a fine cup of tea.

Teacup Tuesday is hosted each week by Martha and Terri.

Be sure to visit all the tea parties and see the teacups on parade!

Wishing you well and a JOY filled week!

Mosaic Monday

One of my best buddies is an art teacher.

Every now and then we have a play day.

She tries out new techniques on me or shows me things she has recently learned.

Sometimes I help do the backgrounds for a project she has coming up in class.

Last week we got together.

The piece I'm working on is 24" x 24" -- larger than I usually work.

When it is finished it folds to make a book.

I have a long way to go before it is finished.

More paint, Caran deArche watersoluble pastels, more stamps, more texture.

The black and white areas need to be colored in.

I need to work on some of the transparencies that didn't get gelled down completely.

You get the idea.

If you look carefully, you can see some of the wonderful texture that is beginning to pop out.

Last week I showed you some crochet I'm working on.

Here is the pumpkin block all finished except for the row of black squares that goes all the way around.

The shadow on the right side -- Miss Cassie was checking out HER new blanket.

Wondering if it would be finished in time for Halloween.

The lovely Mary is the hostess for Mosaic Monday.

Each mosaic is different. Each has a story to tell.

You'll enjoy your visit!

***

Snippets:

- The washing machine died on Sunday. One load of wash to finish. We put a makeshift clothesline in the garage and hung all the wet things. Mr. Dragon says the washer needs a new transmission. (Who knew a washing machine had a transmission?!!!) Since China bought Maytag, Maytag just isn't the same.

I think we will try to have it repaired and see what happens before we take the plunge and buy something new.

- Busy week coming up. My turn at the doctor appointments. Monday I see my eye guy. Wednesday I go in for the lab work for the appointment I have with the internist the following week.

- Last week we took little Riley to the vet for her cardiac exam. The vet who does the ultrasound on her is reported to have said "I don't know why this cat is still alive."!!!! Our vet tweaked her meds and home she came. She's in no pain and seems to enjoy watching Teddy and Cassie. We will carry on.

- The weather guys are promising us a cool front. Nothing yet, but I'll continue to hope!

Wishing you well and a JOY filled week!