Happy 4th of July

First of all HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

It was an absolute grand time at our cabin this past weekend with ALL of our family.  The girls, their girls and hubby's and puppies.  We had wonderful food, lots of laughs, hugs and of course fireworks (not my fav.)

I made this pasta salad and it was so very yummy.  It was so simple. Pasta cooked in salted water and then drop in broccoli to blanch pretty quick.  Frozen peas, chopped red onion, green onions and marinated artichoke hearts.  I love marinated artichoke hearts and since our group are vegan and vegetarian I had to do this without mayo or cheese.  So the dressing was the water/oil from the marinated artichoke arts and about 2 teaspoons of lemon olive oil.  That is it and it was fantastic, especially the longer it sat in the fridge.  

I also had another screened porch art show and sale since there would be so many more people in the camp.  Sadly the "regulars" didn't come which really disappointed me BUT there were so many of the new members that showed up and we got to meet.  That was pretty awesome and I DID sell a couple of small paintings!

Then there were these darling girls that made the whole weekend so much fun.  I cannot tell you how much I love these sweeties.

Plus we had some 4-legged company that I was stressed over but it turned out really wonderful.  They are going to be a great addition to the collective.

Granddog Vinny

New granddog Vance.  They think he has Great Dane in his lineage.  Wow!

We also got a bit of hair braiding done.

All in all it was one of the best 4th's we've ever had at the cabin.  I am truly blessed.

Better Days

We have a new granddog...Name is Vance, maybe.  He's all puppy breath, puppy kisses and so very soft and cuddly.  

Life Update in General

 We have company this week...

She, hubby and BABY are here.  They're here for a couple of weeks for just plain visiting and a baby shower for the "little baby girl."  I got to feel her bumping around and that's always such a fantastic feeling.  Makes me just plain giddy. 

They made their way from California driving and met up in Sante Fe with B and B2, and Snicklefritz.  They went a few days  early for their family vacation.  So, that being said they had to farm out their white lab, Vinny and I was responsible for going to their house everyday to feed and love on the grandkitty, ZeeBe.  He's a giant of a yellow tabby and was very lovey back.  But the Big Dog, Mondo, our favorite granddog, got to come stay with us and our sweet Clayton.  They love each other but of course Clayton was gone a lot because he was back and forth with the vet to take care of his wound.  

But, in the mornings when we let Mondo out it was an act of congress to get him back in.  He preferred to stay out and so we did.  He LOVED to dig a small hole in my flowerbeds and sleep all day long and with the weather fantastic, we just left him.  

Can you see him...

There that handsome boy is.  Love this guy.

This little guy has been styling different colored dressings for about 2 weeks now and by Monday he may be RELEASED from this daily, and now every other day trip to the vet.  He is healing so well and getting around like nobody's business.  His appetite is back, he can come in his doggy door, not out yet, and sleeps better than ever.

With all the coming and going happening I took a brief evening off to go and see one of my favorite authors speak.

Elin Hilderbrand, author of the recent "Summer of '69," of which I read this past weekend.  It's a great book and I highly recommend it.

 

Also some quick strokes of paint on canvas was in order.  I finished these two recently and they have been big hits on Facebook.

"Morning Glories" 9x12 oil on linen panel 

"Plethora of Pansies" 9x12 oil on linen panel 

Then I went to see pastel artist Jude Tolar demo at one of my art groups and this was her set up.  I quickly snapped a photo and started it in the studio. 

 

I think it will be really nice.

Paint, Toilet Paper and Food

Good Sunday morning.  It's been a fabulous weekend so far.  Rain is on the horizon today and that makes me kind of happy.  We definitely need it.  Yesterday I was up early to take care of the granddog, Mondo and Clayton and my planned breakfast.  I'm kind of bummed that I have not lost anymore weight than 14 pounds after three weeks, but I will continue.  I have not had any white stuff, as in bread, rice or potatoes in three weeks.  I've given up soda pop.  I think its still working because at least the body is changing but I want the scale to start changing.  Good news is when I take the blood pressure it is more in the normal range now too!  I spent yesterday taking some more pictures for possible still life paintings and my laundry.  While running around doing a few household chores, I was putting toilet paper in our various bathrooms, when I turned from the bathroom to walk through the darkened bedroom to the hall bath, I did not see the black granddog laying on the carpet.  My foot met his backside and with my arms full of toilet paper, down I went.  SPLAT---I hit the floor, partly on the dog, my right knee (the good knee), my left elbow and I think on top of a couple of rolls of toilet paper.  I think the TP saved me.  When I rolled over to my bottom I sat for a few minutes to see how the knee was and my poor elbow.  OUCH!  Toilet paper was all over the place.  Mondo came over to me, sat on his haunches and put his paw on my shoulder.  Awwww, sweet baby, he was either apologizing for being in the middle of the floor or making sure I was okay.  I'm fine and the only real injury was a rug burn on the elbow that plagued me all night long.

Life goes on.  On a good note, I got a Facebook message from one of The Hubby's distant cousins who is a retired teacher and AMAZING photographer.  He takes the most beautiful photos of his property, birds, bird baths, butterflies...etc.  He asked if I could do a painting from one of his photos that has a butterfly.  He sent me a couple of pictures and wanted a quote for certain sizes.  I quoted and he accepted.  EEK!  He wants it to look like a painting (no problem) not a photograph.  So a commission!  Yeah.  I did finish a painting and am almost finished with another, probably today.  

Weekend Wrap-up

Good morning, good morning.  The scale is up a bit this morning but I'm not too worried.  It could be not enough water or a bit more wine this weekend.  This morning I've already prepared our lunch and had my breakfast.  I've hit the ground running and will continue on my quest of a lighter me.  I can honestly say that my body feels lighter and my tummy is shrinking faster than you can imagine.  This is going to work!!!  The Hubby is so excited and happy by my desire and success so far that I came home yesterday to find these sitting on the kitchen counter -

I have chiggars!  Saturday, my time in the hammock has somehow caused me to have chiggars all around the bra area and I HATE it!  In fact, I have one bite from nearly two months ago that is still healing.  Gosh I so hate chiggars.  Why can't it be mosquito bites that my body seems to absorb and disappear quickly.  Nope, I shall have these for awhile!  Awww, lovely weekend!  It was also the fireworks show at the cabin retreat so I spent time indoors in the evening watching Clayton not care one lick about all the big bang boom!  He doesn't mind fireworks, like I hate them.  I did finish a book, A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams that I highly recommend.  I'm finishing a audio in the car called The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton that I thought was a bit long but the ending surprising.  I liked it.  Started the new Janet Evanovich book The Heist which I should finish this week.

I told The Hubby that this next weekend I wish to stay in town.  I have a lot of paintings to start and finish and many in my head to do.  Since my show is in October they need to get done so there is time to dry, since I paint in oils.  So next weekend I do not wish to budge from this house!  Besides we will be taking care of the granddog, Mondo and I don't want to take him to the cabin.  He's fun to have and Clayton will so enjoy having him around.

How was your weekend.  Staying cool!