THE REST OF SUMMER

I've surely got some catching up to do here.  As the summer is ending and I'm preparing to go on a trip to Spain next month, I'd better get something  here before another month passes. 

Its been a good summer despite the rain.  I had one of those decade marking birthdays last month which make for some celebration and deep thoughts on where I've been and where I'm going in this life, and evaluating priorities.  My blogs are on the list, but not at the top; still something I want to keep doing.   So time to get going again. 


                            
                                                         SUNROOM  watercolor  7x10

There still hasn't been much painting getting done.  Here is the latest one that is finished, done on my sun-porch. There are a few small things I'll put on my watercolor postcard blog.

                                                         
                                                        7 BLOOMS woodcut, 5"x3.75"

I did this woodcut in July for a Baren Forum exchange.   I used 4 blocks, not reduction this time.


                                        


I've been opening my little gallery most days of the summer for a couple of hours.  I added some old glass, china and other  things to hopefully sell that I've accumulated over many years, filling up unused space and making a more interesting place for people to come to.   I definitely have too much stuff and it feels good to get rid of some of it. 

 

 This has been one of the best berry years ever here, and there is a fantastic field of wild strawberries behind my gallery.  I, along with several friends, have picked gallons and there are still a few out there.  I've also been picking wild blueberries.  Most of the berries are going in the freezer, but we've been eating lots of them for the last few weeks.

The garden took a while to get going with lack of sun in June and July.  Having Van here to help keep the weeds down is a big help.  I'm keeping the slug population down by going out at least 2 times a day and picking them off.  I've gotten about 60 so far today.  I use a spoon and put them in a cup of ammonia water. 

I've made a couple of trips to Juneau.  In July, I went to a retirement party for a friend on a whale watching boat and enjoyed the most spectacular show of humpbacks I've ever seen..... a pod of about 15, bubble net after bubble net.  I wish I'd taken a good photo. 

 I've spent lots of time studying Spanish and planning my trip to Spain next month. I'm getting pretty excited; will be leaving home on the 8th, with a few days in Juneau before flying to Barcelona where I'll stay for a few days.  I'll be meeting friends there and then off to this place to relax and paint for a week.  After that I'll be on my own for a week, and plan to paint and/or sketch everyday.