Happy Customer

The highlight of our wet weekend in Tulsa was meeting a very happy customer. Jim Beeson stopped by our booth and then emailed us this amazing picture. It's always extremely satisfying to hear from people who are delighted with not only the eye-pleasing aspect of my art but also the functionality. Thanks so much for sharing with us, Jim. And kudos to your photographic skills!

The winds during Tulsa Mayfest never stopped. We felt like we were in a tumble dryer each day. But we were lucky. The devastation in Joplin, MO, is beyond comprehension.

We are still anxiously awaiting the completion of the new studio. Finishing the detail work seems to take the most time, probably because now we can see our vision coming to fruition.

Our hummingbird population seems to be flourishing. We have several large feeders out but they still have to be refilled every couple of days. Thanks, Laura, for taking care of our little flying friends as well as our kitties while we were gone.

June will be busy. Art in the Park in Columbia, MO, is first, followed by the Arts Festival in Olathe, KS, and then the Arts Festival in Lebanon, IL. We'll stop by and see the grandkids while we're in the Kansas City area just so they know we are still around. Time and distance constraints don't allow us much time with them.

Hummingbird fact for today: If a human's energy output were equivalent to that of a hummingbird, you would have to eat about 285 pounds of hamburger, 370 pounds of potatoes, or 130 pounds of bread each day just to maintain your body weight.

The Joy of Outdoor Shows

Last week Tulsa Mayfest lived up to its reputation as a wet show. It wasn't as bad as it could have been. Giant hailstones hit OKC one day, only about 50 miles away. Tornadoes tore up parts of Oklahoma while we were there. Still, when it wasn't raining, Tulsa came out in droves to support its arts festival. This is one of the better-coordinated events I attend, and there are no words adequate to thank the devoted volunteers who make life easier for the artists.

Terrie's out of school for the summer. She's still carrying a 4.0 gpa. Not too shabby for a grandma.

I just have to brag about my orioles. I counted 5 male Baltimores at the same time either at the feeders or waiting for the feeders. They are so beautiful and make such a pretty song. They're already going through the grape jelly, though. I'm going to have to find it in bigger jars.

Hummingbird fact for today: Most hummingbirds molt in winter in the tropics, out of sight of northern observers.

Baltimore Orioles!!!!!

Orioles migrate to South America for the winter and I've been waiting with breathless anticipation for their return. I hear that if there is no food for them, they will not stay. I put out my first orange half and grape jelly over a week ago and have had orchard orioles happily munching away. Today I saw a male Baltimore oriole in the jelly!

Female hummers are also back, about 2 weeks after I spotted my first male Ruby-throated. I saw a female at the feeders yesterday.

Thank you Springfield! Artsfest on Walnut Street is always a fantastic show, rain or shine. Once again, we were thrilled to meet and talk to so many wonderful arts lovers. Home this weekend, and then off to Tulsa for Mayfest. We were there two years ago, and the residents in the Tulsa area support the arts, too! We're looking forward to our return visit.

I want to thank our cat/house/mail sitter, Laura Koeberl. Without Laura, we wouldn't be able to attend the art shows that we do. Laura is a neighbor and also a real estate broker at the Lake of the Ozarks. If you've ever considered buying or selling property at the Lake, please contact Laura at Associated Brokers. Her email is lkhomes@earthlink.net. Her phone is 573-374-2771.

Hummingbird fact for today: Hummingbird preferences are relatively unimportant in selecting a feeder, as the birds are adaptable and will learn to drink from virtually any container.

Hurray! I saw a hummingbird!

Yep. Was out on the front porch yesterday late afternoon and I heard that familiar sound. He zipped in to the feeder, which was only about a foot away from me. We chatted for a bit, he drank for a bit, and he zipped off. So at least one scout is here. More will, hopefully, follow.

We were at the Greater St. Louis Association's Art Fair at Queeny Park this past weekend. Sales were down a bit from last year, but overall it was a good show. It's indoors, and the weather outside was perfect. There may have been some people who didn't come because of that. Oh well. Things happen. The people that came out saw some fantastic, incredible art.

Next thing up is Artsfest on Walnut Street in Springfield, MO, May 1-2. Followed by Mayfest in Tulsa, OK, May 13-16. We're so excited to be back in both of these shows!

My items are now available in Santa Fe, NM, at Quiquiri. The Flying Pig in Algoma, WI, has new items and Christa's in Lakewood, NY, will soon have new items.

Hummingbird fact for today: Sugar water is more perishable than seed, and feeders should be cleaned and refilled with fresh solution every two to three days.