Weekend Roads

 What a glorious weekend we've had.  We didn't get to the cabin until nearly 10 Friday evening as we had a function to attend but better late than never.  It's always the best when I am able to get up early in the morning at the cabin and make my way to our fabulous screened porch.  Hot coffee, birds starting to wakeup the morning and a good book in hand, I am in my happy place.  

Saturday was a wet morning so The Hubby had to wait to mow and do a bit of yard work in our small little yard.  We were having guests for dinner, ribs and he needed to clean up the tall grass.  Me, I sat quiet contentedly in my chair and finished reading a 400 page book and started in on another.  All the while I loved watching my bird feeders which were full with goldfinches, indigo buntings, purple finches, black-capped chickadees...oh there were tons of wonderful birds.  I could spend all day just watching, and I do.  

We had a wonderful evening of guests for dinner, lots of laughter, chitter-chatter.  After a bit we girls took a nice golf cart ride just to get out.  By the time we got back the sprinkles started so everyone decided to head back to their respective cabins to await the rain.  We have a metal roof on our cabin so listening to the rain is wonderful to sleep under.

Sadly, much too soon it is time to head back to reality, home and work.

Oh my goodness I almost forgot to mention, I got into another national show, the Allied Artist show in NYC I am once again in.  So two national shows in two days, my weekend just got even better.  

I totally forgot to take any photos of our weekend but captured a few from the drive home.  Maybe a painting will come out of these.

Home again, home again, till we head back down the road back to our Eden next weekend.

Ommmmm, Ommmmm, Ommmmm

 Today I am saying Ommmm, Ommmm, Ommmm...

It is time to release my anger from yesterday and remember the good stuff and just go on.  Mainly because I have a doctors appointment and I want my blood pressure to be down, down, down.  So I will focus on my painting and the beauty that is out there.

Tuesday was the usual art day and I start this little jewel of Rio.  It's going to be so sweet.

Last week I finished these beauties.  I call it 3 Fruits. 

This past weekend we went to the cabin and the beauty of the dogwoods is fantastic.

These pretty in pink dogwoods belong to our neighbors in town and overhang in our yard.  Aren't I lucky!

Our front yard is just awash in this lovely color from the tulips.   

I went out Tuesday and snapped tons of pictures and hopefully they will grace a canvas or two. 

Happy Thursday all.  Ommmmm, Ommmmm, Ommmmmm...

Water Of All Kinds

It's raining.  Yup this morning it is raining.  Sounds awesome.  Think I will go to the screened porch for a bit this morning and enjoy the pitter-patter of the raindrops on the metal roof. 

 

We've had a very quiet weekend here at the cabin.  Friday night we had dinner at PH's and she fixed a most delicious dinner, and it fit right in with our diet.  She made chicken breasts that were filled with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon.  The veggie was spaghetti squash casserole au gratin that was to die for. 

 

Yesterday afternoon I bit the bullet and went to the creek and SAT in the creek.  I'm just not one who does the creek anymore so this was kind of big.  When a kiddo I, we, my bro and sis, absolutely lived in the lake or creek, but I think the stupid movie JAWS ruined me on bodies of water that you can't see the bottom of.  There are critters in them waters! 

So Saturday afternoon, a rather hot afternoon, I joined a few friends and sat in the softly flowing creek and enjoyed the coolness.  I also sat on the creekbank and sketched a bit too.  It was quite pleasant. 

 

Here's to wonderful times spent with friends!

After the 4th!

Yesterday was such an awesome day.  Up for breakfast, later, much later than is the norm, then read, and take some pictures and paint, paint, paint!  A bit of a nap and more reading and relaxation.  That is what the doctor ordered, so to speak!  I actually finished a couple of paintings and started another so I accomplished a lot on the 4th.  

This is one of the pictures I took, a still life for possible painting.  The Hubby attended a recent bottle show and brought these lovelies home.  I couldn't help but photo them in anticipation of a painting.  

Started this one too today.  It needs to dry so I can do something more with the background.

Finished this abstract too and I must say I love it!

Last but not least is this pepper.  I did a tomato a couple of months ago and posted it on Facebook and it was snatched up quickly, like in 15 minutes by a friend who then requested a companion piece, a green pepper.  She loves it!  So SOLD!

Labor Day...

I have taken a break from my year long quest to post everyday.  The past couple of days the mind was a blank so I just went with it.  In fact, I may not post everyday for the rest of the year.  I have given eight solid months of blogging and I'm giving in to the break.

The Hubby and I rushed out of town Friday afternoon for the cabin.

Along the way we encountered some lovely rain clouds. 

It had been awhile since we have had rain of any kind and I was totally amazed by the beauty. 

I told The Hubby that there was a time when one tiny dark cloud would send me into shakes and shivers.  I had so many fears when young.  Living in tornado alley will do that to a person!  Now I love it and embrace the beauty of nature. 

The cabin area was very quiet and relaxing.  Not much water over the waterfall so more rain is needed. 

At least there was enough rain the past week that my hibiscus were in full bloom and the vines of passion flower and clematis were going crazy. 

Waiting for the cool down and a great fire in the fire pit.

What's all that wet stuff?

Remember the Bambi movie?  "What's all that white stuff," Bambi says.  His mother replies, "Winter has come."  Well, today it is RAIN!  Rain has finally come to our area of the state and we couldn't be happier.  It has drizzled off and on all day on Saturday and was a welcome sight.  

We flew off to the cabin Friday afternoon to check on things and take some hunting stuff in preparation for the hunting season.  We only stayed overnight as he needed to get back for some stuff needing done at the house.

Back home I had forgotten we are now parking in the neighbors driveway for a few days as I look at a dirt driveway.  The Hubby is getting it ready for the concrete pour on Tuesday, heat tape, etc.  I can't wait!  

While he piddled around working I decided to sit on the new COVERED patio on a few of the new Pier1 chairs I purchased and tables.  I fixed myself a cup of tea, read the paper and my Kindle and enjoyed listening to the drizzle of rain.  The chairs are just some of the outdoor furniture we have purchased and more is on its way when the drive is complete.  Don't you love the table!  I bought three of them with the Pier1 chairs for accent and color!  Can't wait to have it all complete and share the snapshots with everyone!   

Relaxing

Friday night was a quiet night in town.  I enjoyed a mango martini from a kit a friend got me for my birthday and it was YUMMY!

Clayton decided he wanted to enjoy his evening on a high perch, the back of the couch. 

Yesterday afternoon we sat outside enjoying the much cooler temperatures.  I watched as Clayton meandered around the yard and then decided he wanted to go high again.

See in the picture below how high he really decided to go.  That is one brave doggie. 

Weekend Happenings!

Today I will spend my day doing this, not painting but laying in my hammock.  Looking at the sky, wondering, daydreaming, sleeping, reading, and contemplating the universe.  This will be all you get from me today!

Finished this one!

Have a great weekend everyone!

The Weekend

Yes, I spent a lot of time in front of this...

It was toasty and inviting and encouraged me to finish my 4th book of the year... 

Clayton was pretty happy too...spotted dog on a spotted blanket... 

Playing a bit with my camera because I didn't want to venture outside. 

Shadows

Weekend of Errors

This weekend we opted to stay in town and enjoy just being home.  The weather has finally settled down to tolerable temperatures and made it a nice weekend to hang out in our backyard.  The Hubby first had me take some snapshots of his hair that he has been growing to send to our girls.  When I met him he had long beautiful hair I LOVED and for awhile he was having it buzz cut, like a Marine.  I HATED it.  So now he's growing it. 

Wasn't he a cutie!  Oh my bad, Isn't he a cutie!!!!!

Saturday morning we both got up with the thought of visiting the local flea market.  Walking around I saw this little guy taking a nap in a box of scarves while his owner sold wares.

Back home, the weather good I was bound and determined to make use of the new air chairs that The Hubby got for me.  I sat, drank a glass of iced tea and finished a book while The Hubby did a little cleanup.  I LOVE to watch him piddle around and he does it so well.  Keep it up my dear!

The book finished and getting a bit sleepy I didn't want to go inside so I got the in-town hammock (no picture) out.  I'm not as fond of it as the one at the lake (see below).   I just can't seem to break it in.  The fabric is slick and has absolutely no give.  That also explains my twittering yesterday. 

I ended up on the ground not once but twice in that stupid hammock.  Not the green one above but the orange one I hate.  I actually slid off onto the ground and my glasses flew off in the yard which I didn't realize until I got situated back in the damn thing.  I had to get up again which I slid out again and look around to find my glasses.  Good grief, there is no give in the thing.  I wiped off the mud from my backside and knees and finally got settled yet again to read and try and doze.  All this probably explains the crick in my neck this morning.

Last night The Hubby took me to dinner at a place called Campus Grill across from the University of Tulsa.  You know there will be students and there were.  It was not busy at all so we sat in a booth by the window.  Shortly after we sat down a couple of guys, students walked in.  The first guy walked up the steps where we were sitting to the booth behind us.  While he walked up he, very loudly, read the blackboard special of beer for $1.50.  They sat down, my back to them and the loud guy just got louder.  My first observation was he looked like "Where's Waldo.  He had wild hair, very skinny and a strange striped t-shirt with black rimmed glasses.  He was going on and on about his girlfriend, or ex-girlfriend.  She apparently cheated on him.  He couldn't understand why.  I could, Mr. Waldo Loud-Mouth.  This guy COULD NOT whisper or talk softly for nothing and everyone in the place could hear him.  Then he started talking about some teacher and how weird the guy was with no social or people skills.  Really.  Must say his conversation was very interesting but obnoxious, and made my meal the fastest I've eaten because I couldn't wait to leave, as did a few others. 

Monday, The Day After

I hope everyone had a wonderful Father's Day yesterday.  I went to see Daddy and just hung out with him yesterday.  We chatted and I fixed something on his computer.  I assessed his food in the freezer and decided that a run to the store wasn't necessary until about Wednesday.  I took his trash out and cleaned his toilet.  That was my time with Daddy yesterday.  I feel so bad that he is really stuck in that house.  He sits in his front doorway, with it open, just taking in what fresh air he can.  I have toyed with the idea of a ramp so he could go outside, but he only has a month left before the surgery and I HOPE that he will not need it after.  We take him to the doctor every two weeks and that is a trial in itself, especially since the last ordeal of me dropping him.  I really wish the doctor would get it together and push him up on the surgery list.  This waiting is agonizing for Daddy and us.  I want him mobile again so he can get out and do stuff.  I want to take him to restaurants and to the cabin and fishing.  It's just sad and depressing. 

Last week I did yoga on Monday and Friday really enjoying it.  Today I was going to get up and go but I don't have to leave this house for anything today and that is what I plan on doing.  I don't have to be at work or workout or the store or appointments or anything!  I'm staying put.  If I don't want to get dressed, then I won't.  If I don't want to brush my teeth, then I won't (not really).  I am washing the sheets from the bed because Clayton got sick last night on them.  I am going to blog, read blogs and paint.  Time to myself with no workers and no place to go.  Now that is a Monday. 

It's A Wonderful Life

My life is wonderful, yes it is wonderful but sometimes I am sad, I am there today.  Can't help it, just am.  Daddy will have another (minor) surgery next Tuesday and the planets almost aligned to allow me to go to art class then head to the hospital just in time but alas a glitch happened and that won't happen.  Will make it up on Thursday, I hope. 

This morning I was excited to go to my massage and facial since I missed the last month one because of the winter blizzard we had.   I skipped running, makeup and the blow dryer to make it on time, ready to have the knots worked out.  Ouch, a new massage therapist and this was agonizingly painful.  I am not sure that I like that.  We will see tomorrow if I'm bruised.  That is NOT what I want for a relaxing massage.  The massage done I put on the tiny robe and house shoes for the move to the facial room but was told that my girl was delayed at her doctors office.  She told them to offer a mini facial when and IF she could get there or reschedule.  She was upset because she knew that I had been through the ringer with the previous massage therapist that kept flaking out on my every month for 4 months straight.  I was very nice and said that was no problem and that we could just reschedule for next week but inside I was very upset and wanted to cry right then and there.  I was already upset by an incident from last night so my tears were on the verge. 

Last night a bunch of my friends met a good 30 minutes (in rush hour) from my house for dinner.  Five of us live in the same area of town, yet there I drove there all by myself while they shared rides.  Hmmm, this is my problem but I was a bit, a lot left out.  Just saying. 

This and That Weekend

This weekend has been kind of a blur.  Saturday was the Alpha Rho Tau luncheon, my art group.  You know it is kind of weird that I was the youngest "member" at the meal.  There were two others, students from TU (University of Tulsa), who joined us because we gave them scholarship money to further their education, but basically I think I'm the youngest in the group.  I seem to have that happen a lot in things I get involved in.  Sometimes I can be the oldest but that doesn't happen often.  After the chit chat and yum yum we, my neighbor and paint friend (75 years old) Sheila and I headed home.  I rushed into comfy clothes to meet my dear friend C at the movie theater.  We wanted to see Burlesque.  Good movie, not great but good.  I absolutely cannot figure out how in the world Christine Aquilera has that HUGE voice.  Amazing!  Cher sang a bit too and was really good although not the best too look at anymore.  I love Stanley Tucci, her sidekick.  As C and I sat watching the previews, my favorite part of the theater experience, we noticed people, women coming in.  There were probably not less that 15 women at least over the age of 70 parading in that darkened room.  Some were even struggling the stairs but they made it and settled in for the show.  We had them above us, beside us and below us so we could hear some of the comments!  One part where the object of Miss Aquilera's affection was down to his backside showing we heard, "Oh My!"  C and I giggled and then, "That's hot!"  Oh my goodness.  That was so funny and cute too.  Definitely a people watcher kind of experience wouldn't you say. 

Yesteday, daughter B and had the open house of handmade gifts at our home.  She invited a few other crafters and for 4 hours the house was a buzz of holiday buying and selling.  She wasn't as pleased with the turnout but several of the people I invited came and bought.  I had my paintings of which none sold but I did sell many of the note cards that are made from the paintings.  It was fun but my legs and feet were in such pain from standing and milling around that I could hardly sleep last night.  Throbbing!  They are a bit better now. 

This week will be another round of hosting a dinner party with the same menu as last week.  We also have a cocktail party at a neighbors and hopefully I will get my massage and facial.  My massage therapist has been very, very ill for the past three months and so no massage for me.  Sad and achy. 

Signing off for now but don't forget the giveaway which will end on Wednesday at midnight.  Comment (with email or way of contact) and maybe post a link on your blog to enter.  This is to celebrate my 1,000 post so you have to post on it please!!!!!  HERE!!!!!

Rejuvenation

The question on NaBloPoMo on Monday was, "Do you get more rejuvenation from being alone or from being with other people? How much alone (or social) time do you need to stay sane?"  That is a very thought provoking idea for me.  I think both being alone and socializing with other people is something all people need at different times in their lives, I know it is true for me.  After Momma died I needed to be alone a lot to deal with the emotions I was feeling.  I even went to Lake Austin Spa the summer after her death, alone and enjoyed every single moment I was there.  There are times when sitting in my hammock at the cabin or on the screened porch I savor alone time.  All that being said I also desire the company of my friends so bad sometimes that my heart hurts when they are not around me.  Probably explains why I miss Gail so much.  She so filled that space.  Answering that question could go either way with me depending on my mood.  How much time needed just depends on my mood.  This week, given that I'm doing the "woman" thing I kind of need the alone time.  As The Hubby often observes, I get in my invisible box.  The weekend I'm going to be surrounded by some old friends as it is the annual Hanging of the Bras weekend.  There will be laughter, talking, singing, dancing, games, eating and lots of wine drinking.  That will so fill the need of company and socializing and by Sunday afternoon I will need some quiet time to reflect and take a breath.  How would you answer this question? 

The Weekend

What a beautiful weekend.  Clayton surely loved laying out in the sun and soaking up the rays.  He was waiting for The Hubby to take him for his golf cart ride and a run in the meadow. 

Me, well I just lounged around in my hammock all day long reading.  I finished a book and started to finish another one I had started.

We, the community, are in the process of repairing the levee and so they had to drain the lake.  Sad really but it will fill up when we close up the sluice gate soon.

Even though the gate is open and the lake has pretty much drained there are still two springs that have rushing water running through.  It's kind of cool.

Sluice Gate

Pretty flowers...

The Hubby also smoked some ribs for dinner...yummy!

Fishing.  The Hubby caught this one Saturday morning early.  He did release it though.  What a beauty.

A Fine Saturday Morning...But Wait

It is a fine Saturday morning.  I was up at 7 this morning because my hands and the carpel tunnel thing would not let me sleep.  That is okay though as I didn't want to miss the cool part of the day.  They are of course predicting 100+ degrees today and many more days but hey, that is Oklahoma summer.  (Check out the photo...the moon is still in the sky and it is 8:39 AM.)  I plan on doing absolutely nothing this weekend but sit in my chair on my porch with a fan blowing directly on me and finishing Eat, Pray, Love just in time for the movie.  A little journaling will be in store but basically, nothing!  This past week I know I didn't say anything, but Monday was 4 years since we lost Momma.  I decided not to recoginze that day.  It should not be an anniversary of her passing but I need to celebrate every day that she was with us.  Celebrate all the things that she taught me in my life and my girls.  Okay, now that is all on the subject.  On the other side is that on Wednesday my sweet Daddy will be 75 years old.  He is still rocking along and will celebrate the day with having all of his sisters and probably their hubby's over for dinner, which he will cook. 

He was stressing a bit about what to cook and I suggested he buy some of the frozen lasagnas and a salad and french bread and that would be easy and good.  He loved the idea and has purchased the lasagnas but wants my help on suggestions on the bread and salad, again.  No problem.  The problem is that according to him the duct work under his house has fallen and he's losing all of his cool air under the house.  That his electric bills are $20 higher and he is burning up.  Ummm, well, Daddy the temperature for the past month has been hovering close to and touching 100 degrees...If he is correct then heating up the house with the oven is not going to be a very good idea.  We'll get it figured out somehow.  Maybe can cook the stuff at my sister's and have her daughter bring it over.  Yeah that might work...Hey Sis!!!