Mountain Quail

These little cuties are new to my area, only seen in the last couple of years. 
Easily confused with the California Quail, but if you look at side by side photos, the differences are many.  These are bigger, like the size of a football, much more colorful and their topnotch is more of an apostrophe shape.  The CA Quail's topnotch curves over the top of their head.

This year I have only three or four.  Last year I had about twelve.  I imagine they are a tasty treat for cougars, bobcats and coyotes, which we didn't have last year, but have been seen this year.

I enjoy watching these sweeties roaming about the yard, driveway and bird feeding area, just about any time of day.

I'll try to get better photos, but they are quite skiddish, so I have to shoot from inside the house.

Mini Art Studio

If you've been in a vintage mobile home you have seen the second "bedroom" which is really more like a closet.  Very small.  In the old days a single bed could fit in them and maybe a small dresser.  A friend of mine had one and they built in bunk-beds for their kids.

This small bedroom, that I previously used as a closet, (calling it my walk-in closet), has been transformed into a small art studio!
I have lived here over 10 years and never realized how perfect this space is for a studio.  It even has a window!

Before it could be a studio I had to remove some old shelves, caulk the cracks and seams and repair some wall board.  Then I painted it a lovely bright white, installed new shelves and additional lights.

The next two photos are some of the tools and supplies I use.

This very small room turned out to be perfect for the metalsmithing work I do.  I work standing up and can reach all of the shelves and work tops easily.