Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Wednesday, March 3rd

Another Wednesday off today, and I needed to run some errands and purchase more birdseed. Fortunately I remembered to bring my camera along to take some photos of the eagles up the road. They're not always there, but today as I drove past I was happy to see that one of them was perched in the tree. Hopefully it would still be there after I finished my first 2 errands. And it was! I drove down the frontage road to try and get a better vantage point for photos and the cooperative eagle never moved. And here's why.......the nest! Because I've seen both eagles in the vicinity of this nest, I'm optimistic that they will be adding to this nest and using it for the third year in a row to raise their family. I'm looking forward to getting more looks at these eagles and their nest until the trees leaf out. The really neat thing about these eagles is that they're living right along the main highway into Rochester, so lots of people have gotten the chance to watch them over the past couple years.

I also made a stop at Michael's craft store this morning to look at some picture framing materials. A few weeks ago, I ordered some prints made of my "frosty morning" photos from Snapfish and they've been laying on my counter waiting for me to frame them and give as gifts. I spent quite a bit of time wandering the framing aisles of the store in search of what I wanted (with only 1 brief detour over to the yarn section!)

After getting home, it was time to see how much I remembered from long-ago days as a "picture framing specialist" in a local art gallery.

My skills were a bit rusty, but I was surprised to notice that some of the techniques used came back almost automatically. While I was assembling this picture, I recalled some of the fond memories I still have of that job and the good times shared with some of the best co-workers I've ever had the privilege to work with. It's always neat to visit someone's house or a business in Rochester and find a piece of art hanging on the wall that I can remember making the frame for or putting the picture together. I hope my gift recipient feels the same happiness when he unwraps this picture I made for him!


11 comments:

Mama Pea said...

Stunning! Absolutely stunning!

You are one talented lady. Is there anything you can't do??

KGMom said...

Oh rats--Mamapea absolutely stole my opening line: one talented lady.
I am in awe of all the creativity that flows out of you--and ability to put the creativity into action!

Love the eagles' nest. Wow--what a treat to be able to watch over the coming months.

troutbirder said...

I haven't spotted them yet. But our troutfarm eagles are working on their next! This whole thing is soooo neat!

Anonymous said...

Now that I know the eagles are there again, I'll be sure to watch that area. That nest is huge, they must have added to it this year. It was so much fun to watch them last year. It is a very beautiful area for them to raise their young.
Going to Rochester today I saw two groups of wild turkeys along #63, nice hens, no toms.
Your pictures look very nice framed, glad you didn't forget how to do it.

MOM

Jayne said...

That nest is amazing Ruthie! I'm sure once the trees leaf out, it will be invisible!

What a beautifully framed photo!

Bonnie said...

So glad you had your camera with. What fun to see such an amazing bird. I found it interesting that you had worked in an art gallery. Your creativity is an inspiration. I have been thinking of framing some photos, just for myself. Is there any advice you could give me about the type of glass that works good for photos?

Dave Dorsey said...

That's a big nest!

I shop at Michael's also for my framing supplies. They have a good selection and prices are reasonable.

RuthieJ said...

Thanks Mama Pea.
Lots of things I can't do....don't know how to swim and I'm awful with children....just two things on my lengthy list.

Thanks Donna. I wouldn't mind working in the picture framing business again....the gallery I used to work at went out of business shortly after I left there. I was fortunate to acquire the skill as a new job in my early 40's. As you know I love working with my hands and making beautiful things, so the art gallery job was perfect for me! I do miss it sometimes.

Thanks Ray!

Hi Mom,
The eagles aren't there all the time yet, and not always in the nest tree either, so you sometimes have to look around for them.

Invisible is right Jayne. That's what happened last summer too and I never did find out how many eagles were raised in that nest last year.

Hi Bonnie,
The only thing Michaels had for glass was picture glass (which is usually the cheapest too). We used several different types of glass at the gallery and it's really a personal preference. A lot of it depends on where you're going to hang your picture and whether the view of it will be affected by glare (from overhead lights or windows). If that isn't a concern, picture glass would be fine. I like non-glare for some artwork also. If your artwork is valuable or you're really worried about protecting it from UV damage, you might want to invest in special glass that would help filter out UV damage. More than likely, you'd end up going to an art gallery or framing store to find the higher end glass choices, but they should be able to cut it to the exact size for you. And always clean it on both sides before putting it into the frame.
One more thing, we never put glass directly onto photographs. If you don't want to put a mat on your photograph, then you should add spacers between the glass and the photo (if there's any moisture build-up on the photo, it will stick to the glass and ruin your photo).

A huge nest Dave! I hope the tree can hold up to another year's additional layer.
I was amazed at the selection at Michaels! I've never spent much time in their framing area.

Taos Sunflower said...

Your pictures look wonderful.

I see huge nests like that during the winter...I assume they belong to the enormous ravens we have. Haven't seen an eagle in our neighborhood (which doesn't mean they don't live here)...just down by the Rio Grande.

Dawn Fine said...

So cool!Nice having the eagles close by.
As far as the print..I adore adore that photo..and it looks beautiful framed!
I think you could sell that easy if you want to make more...wonderful for a winter holiday card!!

RuthieJ said...

Thanks Martie.
I would be interested in hearing what bird reside in those big nests (if you ever find out).

It is very cool Dawn to be able to see those eagles on our daily commute. And thanks for the compliment on my photo also.