And it looks like I wasn’t the only one out enjoying the sunshine today. Seems like I was making a new friend while I was out on my bike in Northerly Island… at a safe distance… thank you zoom-lens!!!

On a beautifully sunny day, it’s nice to see a little visitor in the garden. I haven’t seen a lot of monarchs this summer… but I’m guessing their migration must be soon?! One quick snack before the arduous journey heading south?! Take your time… and bring your friends.

So I have a friend in my booth today at ART IN THE GARDEN.
Just a little “good luck spider” hanging out on my ikebana display flowers!

Plus, it looks like I may have had an overnight critter visiting my booth… ever-so-gently “admiring” some of my hybrid mugs. Luckily they were on the top shelf… so no harm, no foul.

They sure raise them small out here! HA!!! My favorite little farm out here in Dover that raises miniature horses… not ponies, miniature horses!!! Slightly larger than a German Shepherd dog! Adorable!!!

So while it rained most of the day today, we didn’t have a lot of customers out shopping… but we did have a LOT of cicadas to keep us entertained at the Hinsdale Fine Arts Fair. Even Rhonda & Maria were getting into the buggy fun!!!

Even cats need a beautiful water bowl. Perfect for a fun Feline Friday!

It’s that time of the year… the pollinators are busy getting everything they can!
Pretty flowers now… spreading pollen & making yummy honey later!

So I made a couple “friends” today while I was playing along the lakefront this afternoon on my bike. While I know one is a typical seagull… err, Ring-Billed Gull to be specific. But I’m not quite sure what the other bird is?

Anyone…

UPDATE :

Okay… so we have confirmation from Karen… an avid birdwatcher…
“Juvenile Black-crowned Night-Heron. One of the last Illinois breeding colonies is at Lincoln Park Zoo.”

This Saturday morning before returning to the Pottery Tour, I met up with two of my students who were also touring. But we made a little “detour” to the “Shepherds Harvest : Sheep & Wool Festival” on the way up from the Twin Cities. There were all kinds of sheep, a few llamas & sheep… and plenty of people shopping for wool, yarn & felting supplies! Very fun, but we kinda stood out like a sore thumb… as we’re pottery people… NOT sheep people!!!

And our new best friend… who rocked the llama hat better than Katie!!!