Adios Alfred

It's been a Long 12 Days without power/water/heat for thousands in Connecticut since Alfred hit (a Nor'easter that dropped deep wet snow in late October) 870,000 without power at first count in our state alone. A long slow recovery in frigid temperatures. Luckily, we were spared- the shoreline was protected by the relatively warm ocean waters (only received 5" of heavy wet snow!!) The news finally reported All Power had been Restored Finally! As I left work, I noticed the golden glow of the Full Beaver Moon, in soft lavender twilight - through the power lines. We do love our power!

Everyday Paris

Another page from my Imaginary Trip to Paris with Laure Ferlita. Enjoying the sights, food and museums. Sure wish I was there!

IRENE - day 6

Sloppy mish/mash page as I strive to record some of what surrounds me from Irene remnants. the direct shoreline is so much worse with major devastation than we are. Power companies are struggling to get schools open (already eating up "snow" days). finally there are some gas stations open and a few restaurants and the grocery store. Thee are water refill stations and pot luck suppers here and there, many Good Neighbors. We are lucky Irene was only a TS at time of impact but enough is enough. AND rain and humidity are coming for the holiday weekend - Yipee!

Full Sturgeon Moon

Last Saturday, we were at the marina to check the boat and go to dinner. It was about 8 pm as we left and still twilight - and although storm clouds were moving in, the moon shone brightly above the harbor. A beautiful sight and I knew it would become a sketch. I finished it last night and just before going to bed I added the text using my new Lami Joy calligraphy pen - oops, did not realize I had loaded blue ink - and stupidly I just dove into the text. Certainly not what the page needed, I need to slow down and not hurry as I often do when I think I am late. Oh well live and learn -maybe.

On Songo

A quick sketch of a lovely little ground cover I found in Maine, Pretty much actual size here. Each stem appeared to be independent of the others which covered the soft wooded ground. Reminded me of holly. No idea what it is. The scene is our view of the huge pond, then my ramblings on the day. I never know how to finish such a page to give it a homogeneous look.

Hearts from Maine

Phantom of the Night

My 'newest' pot of Phantom Petunias -purchased from the nursery this spring. Still blooming profusely and still quite dramatic! The blossoms are almost black so I would have named them Phantom of the Night!

The pale green of the leaves sets off the blossoms perfectly.

Mystery Flowers

So lovely I had to sketch them. Not sure what they are - very Tall (some at least three feet) and bright colors. Several were staked but I choose not to include that. Imagine what a lovely dramatic bouquet they would make. Nature amazes me with the delicate variety of shape and color and each has such a fleeting presence - a gift from God.

Flora and Fauna

Early mornings the puppies are out and the new morning unfolds. This montage emerged. Of course the pups got into everything while I tried to sketch (color added later)

SaltMarsh Moon

OK it's not the Full Salt Marsh Moon, but it was for me. It was about 9;30 last Thursday night, I was on my way home from babysitting Colin, Cali and Ella - I had not noticed the moon until I passed over the salt marsh river - there it was, bright orange and casting lovely color across the grasses. Amazing it was still so light too. Had to paint from memory but it was worth remembering.

Creepy Crawlies

Inspired by Apple-Pine's beetle post, I ventured out to see what was currently crawling about in my New England yard. This only scratches the surface! Sorry this scan is a bit blurry and I mistakenly marked the Green June bug as Brown - late night texting error.

Magenta Magnolias

Magnificent magnolias, such a welcome sight after a Long winger. Spring is in full bloom now.

Colins Bouquet

Quite an ODD composition! I started with the tree and bench, and later decided to add in Colin's bouquet in this tiny cup - should have blocked it perhaps, oh well, it documents a Fun/Lovely day.

Javelina Anyone ?

Too dang cute - in photos anyway. I had never heard of a Javelina - Mark gave us the lowdown and a few photos so we were on the lookout all week. They often appear early evening in the back yard areas desert foliage. I am told they smell similar to a skunk (not so appealing) but alas none appeared. Agave on the other hand were prevalent, as were tequila drinks ;-) Wouldn't these make cute pets?? Not as big as pot belly pigs - and with a good bath ? ? ? ?

Arizona Blossoms

These 3-4" milky white blossoms crown the Saguaro cactus in late spring - they bloom at night and bats primarily do the pollinating. They close up during the daylight - The result in a bright red fruit that the birds love and there by spread the seeds. Both the flower and fruits are quite a site to behold. I had to do this sketch from pictures.

Arizona Desert

I felt like an old cowgirl on my trusty steed Bo as we headed out on the high dessert plain. Great way to see the desert's beauty - but my legs were asleep by trail ride end.

Rectory Red

Surrounded by giant mounds of snow, the Church Rectory's red door stood out as I drove through town. Lovely old building with architectural interest (Victorian?). I knew it would brighten my journal page.

Wolf Moon

Stunning view as I turned the corner, unprepared. I had to enter it in my journal.

Gathering

The ground is frozen and 2 feet of snow - so why are there hundreds of Canadian geese in the nearby farm field? It's a long time till spring! I am testing a new journal sketchbook so I sat and tried to sketch the scene from memory - not very accurate but the journal is fun to work on (not sure I can get used to the spiral binding but it is nice to not fight for flatness ;-) Stonehenge journal

Solitude

There is something about the clean, clear, quiet, cold, white of freshly fallen snow. It makes a person pause, and reflect . . .