I have a female defect---the one that makes us keep a clean and tidy house.  I think it is a gene thing...I'm missing mine. However, there is nothing like company a comin' to get my butt in gear.  The West Coast and North Coast Reeves are in town for a brief visit and I've been in a cleaning frenzy.  Busy lives and many miles keep us from regular (face) visits  and I am stoked!!
I'm letting City BBQ do the cooking, put beer in the fridge and have the guest room ready.  Just a few last minute tasks and I'm ready to go... 

"...take me out to the ball game...

...and what a beautiful day it was for a game; a double header no less!  Our seats were right behind Home Plate and we saw all the action. Hot dogs and fries, and a pizza prize made for a fun day.  Although the home team lost the first game, it was "homer city" and we clobbered our opponents 11-6. We were even spotted on the 11pm sports news when they showed the clips.

Spring 2011: Wet and Cold, and Wet

It's May, and one thing I refuse to do is run the furnace!!  Mother Nature has seen fit to make us shiver in our spring capris but I am standing firm (more precisely bundled up in a blanket watching tv with the fireplace going).  Whoever annexed us to Seattle has some 'splaning to do!!!

Wilted lettuce (July 2010)

At least it would be if I had planted any...did the Earth tilt a bit too close to the Sun this week?  Certainly feels like it. I don't know what those crazy cicadas are singin' about other than in 90 days we get our first frost--or so the saying goes.  You know things are slow around here when there's nothing to crab about but the weather

Beginnings and Endings

Funny the way things go in nature..as summer begins, June is coming to a close.  June. There is something unmistakeably summery in that name. Weddings, of course. Pools open. School aren't. Long planned vacations are finally realized.  I love June.  I love the lushness of my garden before the heat of July wilts it into submission, thunderstorms that aren't too intense yet, and my favorite: the longest day of the year.  I celebrate the Summer Solstice the way most greet the new year.  Oh, I don't blow horns or make resolutions, but I usually have a party in the garden and if possible stay out there until there is no light whatsoever, usually around 9:30.

This year there was no party as the solstice landed on a Monday, and I have put some garden projects on hold.  But the celebration went on in my head and heart. Where summer lives on.....

Cat  =^..^=

A rainy beginning....

June has been a soggy month, so not many opportunities to paint outside.  I could, of course bring my paints and set up in my garden, but the old fear of not having Anita there as a safety net still looms over me.  I know I have to get over this, but....
Today was absolutely fantastic in the studio.  Our lesson was clouds and reflections; Bill and I painted along with Anita and the results were as varied as the artists.  I really need to bring my camera along or learn to get photos off of my cell phone.  I hope she will post her photos on FB or email them to me.
Jerry and I had a great road trip to Chicago, Winona, and La Crosse to get Julia moved.  Her 4 yrs at Winona State are just a memory now, and she is moving on to the world of advertising with an agency in La Crosse.  We had great weather, and the van was so fabulous to have---I just love that vehicle.  Visiting Jim was as delightful as ever, and we stuffed ourselves with Italian beef  sandwiches, and a wonderful dinner at Gale St.  He sent us on our way with Vienna Dogs and included some sausages too!!!  yumm--eee. Thanks, buddy!!
There won't be a Summer Solstice Party this year; I need to work on the garden path, and as well I am saving money for a possible trip to Greece in Sept to paint and write!  From time to time, I'll have a few friends for lunch alfresco, but nothing elaborate.  
Here's hoping the rest of summer is laid back and relaxing....I'll certainly do my part...

My first plein aire painting....

 5-5-10
Some how I just knew....at the last minute I grabbed my easel and tossed it in the van.  When I arrived at the Roost, Anita said "outside today"  I struggled with this and in the end it was a great collaborative effort between Anita and myself. 
Next on my list:  a real easel for plein aire!!