Not The Fastest Squirrel In The Tree

In my blog, “How Hard Can It Be?” I discussed that I have been trying new things. I started these projects hoping to relieve COVID-19 boredom and depression and challenge myself to learn something new. Even though I openly admit to not being the fastest squirrel in the tree, I want to update you on my projects.

Crocheting Project

I’ll start with my crocheting project. Several years ago, I tried to learn how to knit and was not successful, and now I am trying crocheting. I am slow and seem to be, shall I say, pathetic learning how to crochet, but I have finished the first two squares; after ripping all stitches out and starting over numerous times. I’m finally beginning the third square, and to my surprise, I am doing a better job. Could it be that I’m starting to understand? I don’t want to brag or sound overly confident, but I am feeling encouraged. Unfortunately, I’m now a couple of months behind in the club projects. The club sends three new patterns and the appropriate amount of yarn to complete three squares each month. It has taken me three months to complete two squares. Go ahead and laugh!

Each of the stitches I am learning falls under the difficulty title of Beginner. Once I master the basic stitches, I can move onto more advanced stitches and patterns. I hope. Remember, I started this project hoping to relieve COVID-19 depression and boredom, not increase it.

Single Crochet Stitch

Double Crochet Stitch

The V Stitch and the Shell Stitch

In the first square, I learned how to complete a single crochet stitch. Even though the club includes video instructions, it still proved challenging for me, particularly moving to the next row.
I learned the double crochet stitch while working on the second square. The double crochet stitch is roughly twice the height of a single crochet stitch. This stitch also proved very difficult, and I continued to have problems moving up a row.
The third square is providing an opportunity to learn two stitches in an attractive combination. The V stitch followed by the Shell stitch is lovely, and it brings back memories of some of the things my grandmother used to do with such skill!

What have I learned from my crocheting experience? First and foremost, it’s an art form. Both my grandmother and my husband’s grandmother were masters of this art! They were both able to create extremely delicate pieces to bulky Afghans! My grandmother made multiple afghans for me using the Classic Granny Square. I am ashamed to say that I didn’t appreciate either grandmother’s work at the time, now after my attempts, I do!

My aunt was a master of both knitting and crocheting! When I tried to learn to knit, the ladies I was working with seemed to be masters from the very start. I would watch them intently, but I was not successful.

The Puzzle

The puzzle, well, I’ve completed the outer edge and some of the center image, but I’m ready to box it up and send it to my niece, who told me it usually takes her a couple of weeks to complete puzzles with 1000 pieces. Only two weeks???

What have I learned from the puzzle? I expected the puzzle to be easy, but it has been extremely challenging. Working on Puzzles is supposed to be an excellent way to exercise your brain. Both sides of your brain supposedly work together when you are working on a puzzle. Maybe the left and right sides of my brain are refusing to work together and even trying to punch one another out. Working on puzzles is supposed to help prevent cognitive decline. Hmm, I better work harder!

Latest Book Club Book

The latest book from my book club, Troop 6000 by Nikita Stewart, is another inspiring story about overcoming the odds, but I have a ways to go. So stay tuned for a future review.

What have I learned from the book club? So much! Each author shared their thoughts and personal experiences and opened my eyes and heart. I admire the dedication and hard work of the authors and the individuals they are writing about!

Field Cameras

One thing I am making progress with is testing camera features. When I am on-site in Arnold, there is little time for testing. In Arnold, there are several locations where there is a lot of foliage movement, and the result is thousands of pictures of branches moving in the wind. Conversely, there are locations where only the presence of animals activates the camera. I want to switch camera settings and continue the still shots in the highly active areas and switch to video in the other. So I am testing settings here in my backyard.

This photograph is of the bear that I had the opportunity to look into its eyes. We were that close, and I wish I had a video of the experience rather than a single photograph.

I am testing a new digital wildlife trail camera, a CamPark T100, with WiFi connection capabilities. So far I prefer my Browning Strike Force Field Cameras.

This is not a high-tech or wildlife camera placement; no, it is just the back of a chair for easy access for me.
One nice new feature of this camera is the viewing screen located inside the camera.

Best Camera for fast action photos

In case you’re wondering what camera I’m using to capture those fast action shots of Teddy and Cosmo? I am using a Canon EOS camera in sports mode. The field cameras do not have a sports mode. My Canon EOS camera is not new; in fact, I had it long before I got my first iPhone. So I wouldn’t be surprised if the more recent models have features that allow you to switch back and forth between still photos and videos similar to our smartphones.

Even though I have been using the field cameras for several years now, I am still learning! The photography and this blog have allowed me to explore my interests. I’ve always loved nature and particularly animals, but I never dreamed I’d have an opportunity to photograph wild animals and then share the photos with you.

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