Sugarwings – Page 19 – Karla's Cottage

Hunting for signs of the Big Giant Cat

By Karla Nathan / February 3, 2013

My son, Ryan, mentioned, oh- by the way, I saw that giant cat a couple weeks ago. A couple of weeks ago?? And he doesn't tell me right away? Dogs, cats, chickens, and KIDS have wandered around in danger?

He said at first he thought it was Twinkle's boyfriend, the neighbor's tall, tan, standard poodle. Then realized it walked different than a dog and took another look realizing it was a huge cat. The trappers had told us it might come back and that we should call them back if we saw signs.

I wanted to be sure, since it was NOT cheap to have them out to set traps last fall. We spent a few hundred dollars on catching oppossums, but no cat.

So, on a snowy day, Sugarwings and I bundled up to go hunting. We thought we might see footprints in the snow.

Our first step was to climb up high and look out over the valley and down the trail to make sure it wasn't waiting for us. We wanted to see footprints, not the cat itself! Since there were no leaves, and the trail was quite wide, we could see all the way to the highway. We didn't cross the creek to go deeper into the woods, we stayed on the big, open trail.

She carried a big stick and we made lots of noise. The cat seems to only be seen around dusk, so we figured mid day was a good time to look.

She decided that she would be a Knight in Shining Armour and the Big Giant Cat, or Bobbed Cat, as she calls it, was really a dragon. Her stick was a sword, and we were ready to search out the dragon's liar.

The snow was too spotty to show footprints. We didn't even see any prints from deer, and I know we have dozens of those out there. We did find poo, and I took some photos of it, so we could compare it to pictures of cat scat online. I'm sure you can imagine that part without me showing you the actual pictures.

We also found this tree, used as a scratching post. The marks are about chest high!!

After doing some research, we found this, which fit perfectly with what we saw:

Identify bobcat scat by noting its size, composition and
location. Bobcat scat ranges in size from about 2 to 6 inches in length
and is usually less than an inch in height. It is often but not always
segmented, and looks very similar to the feces of domesticated cats,
except that it is slightly larger. Bobcats tend to leave scat in the
middle of a road or trail or at an intersection or a turn in the trail.
It is believed they do this as a method of marking territory and
communicating with other animals.

Look for other possible signs made by bobcats. Bobcats will
sharpen their claws on trees, and claw marks can often be see in tree
bark. Bobcats will scrape dirt or snow over both their urine and feces.
Claw marks may be seen from this covering, as well as from when they
make scratches in the snow when rubbing their glands over an area to
mark territory.

Valentine journal workshop cougar hunt 012

It was quite an adventure for us, we had a lot of fun pretending to hunt dragons, but it was also educational as well as some imaginary game time. We learned to watch carefully for movement in the woods, and also to search the trail for signs of animals. We did see some raccoon prints, and talked about different animals and how to tell what they are by the tracks they leave behind. I also made her aware that the woods are full of creatures, even though it is our own Fairy Berry Trail, and we think of it as a play ground, it really belongs to the creatures that live there, not to us.

Looking up pictures online to compare to our photos was a good project for her too. I want her to respect the woods and the wildlife, and think about them as a place for animals to live, and not to run out there without an adult at her side.

Until we can get the trapper back out here, the woods are officially closed for play time. The chickens are on lock-down and the dogs don't leave the fence. No children can play outside without supervision.

I sure hope that Trapper Tom can help us out. Please wish us luck with this.

Hawk of the Week

Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / January 8, 2013

At Sugarwing's school, they have a program where each student gets a special day. The kids bring in things they love to fill a display case, and family gets to come to lunch then hear the child talk about why those items mean something to them.

The grandfairy and I made photo boards of family and things she enjoys doing. She took those in for her display box as well as a few fave toys.

After her talk, the teacher said she could call on three friends who could ask questions about what she brought in. Her teacher said to the kids, 'try to ask something other than "where did you get it," because you all always ask the same question.'

So, of course, Sugarwings called on someone and was asked where she got the pink elephant.

I don't know how that teacher can function all day with so much cuteness around her. I was having the best time watching all the serious silliness that goes on in a kindergarten class.

Our Christmas

celebrations, Dew Drop, family, Food and Drink, holiday decor, parties, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / December 30, 2012

It's hard to say goodbye to Christmas this year, but on the other hand, on the 26th, I was itching to take down the tree. I wasn't able to, due to other goings on, but I was ready to see it go. I think its because the lights all went out on the tree the minute the last gift was opened! That was some sort of sign. Plus, I feel like a dark tree is a bit sad. So, into the closet it goes, and I'll deal with the kaput lights next year.

We had an extended Christmas celebration, with all the kids over on the 24th for brunch and gifts, with a hot cocoa and cookie party afterwards.

Dewdrop came over with her parents on Christmas morning to see what Santa left under Grammie's tree while all the rest of the family visited other relatives. I think it was special for the youngest of 7 to have a whole morning of being the center of it all and opening gifts just for her. She was pretty excited, and a joy to watch.

We spent a lazy day, watching our littlest fairy play. My son, Mr. Zen and his Gypsy cooked a great meal for us all. Broiled lobster with seafood pasta.

YUM! The only thing better than having someone cook a meal for you, is if the meal is lobster.

Sugarwings had a sleepover on Christmas night, so Santa could bring some gifts to Grammie's tree for her too. She loves the whole spectacle of Santa, Christmas, and the arrival of gifts, but I think the stories and ambiance are what she appreciates even more than the presents. We decided that if we didn't buy a thing for her, and told her that the Grinch had come and taken everything out from under the tree, she would have been so excited, she would have popped.

That kid lives for fantasies and her imaginary world. She'd love to be plopped into the middle of the Grinch story and wouldn't think twice about not getting a present.

On the other hand, she was in heaven with the magic of everyone's gifts.

Many of the photos I tried to take look like this. She is darting about from one person to the next, excited to see what is under the wrappings. When I'd snap the picture, I'd get a blurry image of Sugarwings racing in to check out the latest, greatest gift her siblings got to open.

Yet, in the middle of all the gifting frenzy, she did the sweetest thing ever. We had 14 people squeezed into this little living room, along with three Christmas trees. So, Aunt Sandy made herself comfortable on the stairs.

When Sandy got a gift, Sugarwings would take it to her and sit to watch while she opened it. And finally, took her by the hand and led her to the center of the room and told her that she was "part of the group" and shouldn't be sitting by herself.

I was so proud of our little angel, who was caring about her great aunt during all of the hullabaloo, and not wanting her to feel left out of all the joy.

And joy there was. Plenty of it!

I think the dogs had a good time too. With so many kids around, there were plenty of crumbs. Twinkle tends to park herself under the highchair at most gatherings.

We kept the meal simple, honey baked ham, French toast and hashbrown casseroles made the night before, sweet corn frozen from last summer's farmer's market with some peas added for color, and scrambled eggs straight from the hen house, with chopped spinach and red peppers to be festive.

Paper plates, plastic forks, and foil pans made it all even easier. There was minimal clean up time, so we could get right to the fun stuff and gather around the tree! For some of us, it was hard to wait for that part.

I'll leave you with some photos of our day and I hope that yours was joyful as well.

The Merriest!

celebrations, Dew Drop, dogs, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), family, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / December 28, 2012

We had the BEST Christmas! This is a little video of our gift from our littlest fairy, Dewdrop. She practiced a dance and gave us a performance. The non-stop giggling you hear is me, she had me laughing through the whole show.

The video is pretty short, because she kept slipping and falling since her tights were slippery on the wood floor. A lot of the video was filled with mooning. Her little bottom was the star of the show. While I think itsy bitsy baby bottoms are adorable, maybe the internet is not the best place for them, so here is the edited version.

Our whole holiday was filled with laughter.

And a few tears too. I got a hand made stocking from our Gypsy and it was filled to the brim with sweet notes from all of the kids. I grinned and cried as I read each one.

We are a sentimental bunch. The calendar that the Hippy Chick and Sugarwings filled with family photos was a hit too.

Sweet is a good word for our
Christmas. Very, very, very sweet.

Breakfast with Santa

celebrations, Dew Drop, family, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / December 21, 2012

We had the best time at our breakfast with Santa at Lion's Gate Coutnry Club. The club is part of the company my husband works for so we have a membership, but if you know me at all, you will know that we are not a "clubby" sort of family. My Handsome Husband takes a chance every time he invites us in to see how his side of the world operates. We are all kind of arty and down to earth. He travels with the club set.

It was fun to have a reason to get dressed up, and have a fancy place to go, that was still kid friendly. I think its important for the little grand fairies to see both sides and experience some more formal places.

On the drive there, the kids told us how they had been practicing their manners. And there was a lot of talk about Santa and just how old he might be, if he was strong enough to chase down reindeer to catch them, and a few other curious aspects of the jolly old elf's life.

Fin was wondering if Santa lived there at the club, or did he just work there. And if Pop Pop worked there too, did that make him an elf?

Dewdrop didn't get the whole part about asking for presents, but she has been very good, so I'm sure he will bring her some ponies.

Everyone was at their country club best, manners were ideal and we all had fun. The only hitch in the whole day of us pretending that we fit in, was when my husband carried the baby around, accidentally bunching up her dress over his arm, as her little panties slid down, so that she mooned the whole dining room.

Her teensy weensy little baby butt was paraded all across the restaurant.

Aren't their dress up clothes cute? I found the girl's clothes at Salvation Army, for $2 each.

I'm quite happy to let someone else pay 50 bucks for a dress that gets worn for only one occasion, then donate it for me to buy cheap. Plus, my girls will wear them over and over as dress up clothes in their play closet.

I can just picture them all as winter fairies in their velvet and lace.

I wasn't so lucky finding something there for Mr. Fin, but he had this outfit already and looked extra cute. They did all get brand new shoes for the party, but that I don't mind spending on, since that is such a practical thing.

We were very proud of the kiddos, and they all said thank you to the manager and to Santa as they left.

The food was amazing. For Christmas Eve dinner, we are doing brunch instead of a big evening meal because Ryan has to work at 4pm. So, I was inspired by some of the tasty brunchy items on the buffet.

How are the plans for your holiday meals going?

It can be a lot of work, but when we all sit down together to eat, talk and be together, its worth every bit of the trouble of pulling it together. Moms and grammies tend to be overworked during the season with a heavy load of shopping, wrapping, grocery buying and cooking. So, days out like this are especially appreciated by me amidst all the rush and work of putting a holiday together.

I
will be away from my computer till Sat. the 22nd. Sorry, I can't get
new orders from the Boutique or Etsy out in time for Christmas. Next
shipping date is Dec. 27th. Wishing the happiest of holidays to you!!

Christmas trees, cocoa, gingerbread houses, yay!

holiday decor, Sugarwings, Workshops

By Karla Nathan / December 7, 2012

We are making the most of our holiday season, and have our bedtime hot cocoa in front of the tree when Sugarwings is having a sleepover with us. We make it into a real party, setting out the pretty cups, and fancy napkins. After that, we read a few stories from our collection of Christmas books while enjoying the lights.

Our gingerbread house is progressing too. Every time Sugarwings comes over, we work on it a little bit more.

This year, I actually was able to assemble the house in a decent way, it didn't fall over, I didn't need to use hot glue, it really held up and is even straight.

It gets a LOT of layers over the next few weeks. But Christmas day, it will be a huge, amorphous blob of colorful icings and candies. Then, it gets carried down to the Fairy Berry Trail for the fairies to move into.

Because they need to get a present too, right?

We worked on our gingerbread house while we waited for our guests to arrive. My Utah friend, Molly, was coming to stay with us before she and I attended the Shine workshop, so I decided to have a little dinner party. Beth and her husband, Jeff, joined us, and Sugarwings was using her best manners at a grown up dinner party.

Molly used to be a ballerina and you can tell its still close to her heart. I found a couple of these vintage brooches and made added them to some gifts for her.

Yes, this is a brooch on a brooch. I've been making pins from my bottle brush trees, and added a ballerina to this one for Molly.

We hadn't used the guest room in a while, it needed a good freshening.

And of course some holiday foof.

This banner is from the Romantic White Christmas class that Beth and I did a while back. Its still for sale and has some fun projects, including all the vintage papers scanned for you to download and use.

I've enjoyed unpacking some of the examples I made for the class and using them around the house.

And I enjoyed decorating the guest room a bit for the season too.

Especially since I had helpers with the task.

This guy helped me clean the closet out in the studio. Leave it to a little pup to find the dirt, they make great dust mops. But it looks like I've gone way beyond dust! The closet in the studio is open to the garage. Ugh, might be worth building a barrier of some kind this spring.

I've linked up today with Deb at Common Ground's link party. I'll leave you with some new additions to the Boutique and Etsy.

Happy Thanksgiving!

celebrations, family, flowers, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / November 23, 2012

Did you have a good holiday?

Ours had its missteps here and there, like any family gathering. But for the most part, it was a lovely day.
A 20lb fresh, organic turkey baked with garden herbs and olive oil went into the oven early and I got to hang out and play with the kids. I thawed corn that we froze this summer, baked bread and pies the day before, made mashed potatoes early and plopped them into a crock pot to stay warm, and I was FREE.

Setting the table is part of the fun, so I don't count that as any of the work of getting ready. Plus, I did it pretty simply, like the rest of the day, a few pretties in the center of the table and moving some furniture around to set up a second table, and it was done.

Ten of us went to see a matinee of Wreck it Ralph, which made me cry. That was a cute movie, and so much more than I expected. I don't care for video games, so didn't really want to go, but promised little Finn that I'd take him. I'm glad I did.

Afterwards, we played outside and in the studio. Perfect weather and perfect company. Who cared that we were doing this a day early? Everyone had the day off on Wednesday, and the date itself didn't matter to any of us.

All who came brought side dishes, that only needed warming up once they arrived. That was a delight! Every time I took a lid off a pan to see what was inside it was like a mini surprise party, and each one made me so happy. I love pitch in dinners, its so much tastier to try everyone else's favorites.

And I didn't spend all day in the kitchen.

This year, we tried to start a new tradition. Usually, I coerce everyone to say what they are thankful for before we eat. This year, I decided to do a "blessing tree", so diners could write their thankful thoughts onto a paper leaf and add it to the tree.

That way, those who didn't feel like speaking up could still contemplate their blessings and think about the reason for the day, beyond just snarfing turkey.

Sugarwings, Finn and I went out on the Fairy Berry Trail to gather up some leaves to use as templates.

I put all the kids to work producing enough leaves for the whole group.

Each person got a leaf and a glitter pen to write on it.

I made the mistake of using a base that was too light weight for the tree and it toppled a few times, but no harm, even when it dove into a candle.

If this is going to be a tradition, next year, I'll get a better pot for the tree. Maybe even bring in a living potted tree…

This is Sugarwing's leaf. (before the glitter got so thick you couldn't read it). I think it says it all, don't you?

Fine Fall Days

Dew Drop, dogs, Dorkies (Yorkshire Terrriers), family, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / November 9, 2012

These buddies had a good time the other day. Dewdrop's parents came over to plant some trees for me, and instead of helping, this kiddo and I took the pups down the Fairy Berry Trail.

We have not used it as much this year as we usually do. Sugarwings and I have spent lots of time out there having tea parties and picnics in previous years, but this summer was so hot, and then we had the wild cat scare (no sign of him again), so the Fairy Berry Trail was avoided.

Dewdrop was thrilled with all the details. At Birdsong last spring, some of the ladies brought pretties to foof up the trail extra fairy-ish for us. And it really does look cute this season! Dewdrop looked around like it was her first time there, and I felt bad that it was all so new to her.

That trail in the woods is such a part of my heart, I didn't even realize this baby was too little to remember playing out there last spring. But it was fun to see it through her eyes again. She had to point out every single fairy to me.

I'll try to make it up to her before the weather gets too cold. But I am still a little worried about the Big Giant Cat that came through this summer. The trappers expect him back this winter and are returning to try to get him.

Maybe Dewdrop and I will wait till the cat is gone…. We might just play in the yard for now!

Sugarwings and I have been working on the yard. Or lack of yard, I guess I mean.

We spread some straw over the bare spots, hoping they would reseed for next summer.

Of course, we had some helpers.

The babies are growing. Albie Brave and Strong can now sit on command. Dorothy Rosebud can run in and out of the doggie door on her mom's coat tails.

Back to the Beautiful Belamar

holiday decor, Snow White, Sugarwings, Workshops

By Karla Nathan / November 1, 2012

Did you hear the news about the Snow White bash that Kim is throwing? Due to some unsurmountable issues, she has had to change the venue, which also meant changing the date.

We will be leaving the Disney location and going back to the beautiful Belamar, which is a place I just love.

It's imtimate, boutique hotel lay out makes it ideal for meeting and mingling at an arty gathering. I always know that if I have a few spare moments, that I can wander out to the courtyard, lobby, or lounge and find a friend around the corner to sit and talk to.

Now, I'm batty about Disney and loved the idea of visiting there, but I think that for one of these events, a place like the Belamar is much more convenient and cozier.

Plus quite a bit cheaper!! The classes themselves have been lowered $44 dollars and the hotel rooms are about that much less per night. So for a 4 night stay with classes you save $204 over what you would have spent at the original location.

You know that I'm cheap, so savings are great- but the best part is the smaller gathering place. I go to these events to mingle and meet other people who "get" me and my style. Ladies that I know I will have so much in common with, because we have so many loves in common.

At the Belamar, we are in a spot that is perfect for hanging with friends. We have our very own building with a lovely courtyard to spend time in, and are able to work late into the night if we want to finish projects started during class. Kim sets up a sweet and treats buffet and we can wear our jammies and have a slumber party while we chat.

Of course, I always learn some tricks from the classes, and come home with some nice pieces to treasure, but for me, that is a side benefit from the weekend. I'll be teaching at this one, so I hope that the ladies get something they love out of my class, but I know that its the camaraderie that takes the cake.

That said, the other teachers are amazing artists and I have already signed up to take the classes myself! I wouldn't miss them.

(feel free to click on this vintage image to save to your computer and print to use)

Will I be seeing you there next spring? I have to say, I love these events. Kim is a detail oriented person and spares no expense at making every inch of the room something beautiful to behold, and portrays the theme perfectly.

She transports everyone to a magic location with her decor and attention to all the little things. Plus, she is a thoughtful, caring hostess.

Now, don't be misled by this vintage page I just added, her Snow White will not be the typical Disney fluff of an endangered princess, we are going darker and deeper, more like the heroines portrayed on Once Upon a Time and Snow White and the Huntsman.

And please don't feel like you have to spend a fortune on an over the top outfit to wear. While we get a rare opportunity as grown ups to play dress up and TONS of photo ops, not everyone goes all out with the theme. For Breakfast at Tiffany's last spring, I simply wore a borrowed black dress, in a more modern style. I didn't go all out Audry. But it sure was fun to see all those who did!!!

Feel free to email me, karlanathan@sbcglobal.net if you have any questions about attending. I've been to 3 of Kim's workshops at the Belamar and would be happy to help out any newbies who might be going. My husband's sister, Terry, who came to visit me for Romantic Gothic Ghosts is also a first time attendee at one of Kim's parties, and I will be big-sissing her for the weekend. I'd be thrilled to add you to our group. Kim lets us asks ahead who we want to sit with, and we can request a "newbie" table together if you want.

While this photo of Calliope is more Halloween fairy than fairy princess, its still more the "feeling" of a darker princess that we will be having next spring.

We attended "Ghosts and Giggles" at Lions Gate Country Club over the weekend, and it was the cutest little Halloween party.

Sugarwings was Ariel (as usual!)

And Little Love was a Puppy Dr.

We had a grown up Ariel too.

There was dancing, games, balloons and a clown. Plus a great dinner complete with ice cream served in tombstones and topped with Oreo dirt and gummy worms.

I hope your Halloween Holiday was a fun one too!

Now that Halloween is respectfully over, I'm going to join in on the Christmas Retail Rush and start listing some yuletide items in my Boutique.

As well as a whole new catagory, Vintage Garments.

I'll be adding even more to it soon. I've been collecting vintage dresses for little girls just so I could dress Sugarwings in them for me to Ooh and Awe over. Once they are outgrown, I'm ready to pass them along.

Plus some doll dresses, and millinery pretties.

I'll leave you with a few more pics of what's new.

Simple Pleasures

holiday decor, Sugarwings

By Karla Nathan / October 22, 2012

I could go to the Pumpkin Patch a dozen times and not get tired of it. Sugarwings agrees I think.

We usually hit it a few times a year, since she was barely big enough to toddle around.

Oh my, she has grown so much!

But she loves the maze, and the fields of pumpkins every bit as much as she did when she was tiny.

Of course, she has fun wherever she goes. That kid is as happy sitting in a pile of dirt as she is going to a movie, boating on the lake, or any other activity.

That is a sunny, happy outlook that will do her well in life. Finding pleasure in the little things is a lesson we could all use.