Farmhouse Greetings

Lily Lake, Beaver Lodge

2012-02-16T17:17:00.000-08:00

Here's my beaver lodge illustration for my Lily Lake series. Yes, if you look very closely, you can spy the lodge in the large picture near the middle, toward the top. ( closer view in the lower right panel)

PIP- Picture in Progress - Beaver Lodge at Lily Lake

2012-02-11T07:07:00.000-08:00

This is what I'm working on now.

Lily LakeSeries, Drawing 2, Tween Lakes Picnic Pavilion

2012-02-11T06:17:00.000-08:00

Lately, I've been walking around one of my finest sources of scenic inspiration, Lily Lake, at Chenango Valley State Park. The lake is one of two kettle lakes formed when a glacier melted eons ago. I'm taking bazillions of reference photos,(thank God for digital cameras) hoping to collect enough reference photos to use as I design and draw a dozen new drawings for my 2013 Calendar- A Walk around Lily Lake. Here's my drawing of the Tween Lakes picnic pavilion that overlooks Lily Lake. It has electrical outlets if you ever decide on a whim to have a pancake breakfast picnic- just BYOB- bring your own batter, as well as an electric fry pan.

First (of a planned dozen) Lily Lake Drawing

2012-02-11T06:08:00.000-08:00

Reference photo

2012-01-06T13:32:00.001-08:00

101_0455, a photo by Farmhouse Greetings on Flickr.

This is the photo I'm working from for my first drawing for my 2013 calendar. It's of Lily lake at Chenango Valley State Park.

Merry Christmas, 2011 & Happy 2012!!

2011-12-24T05:50:00.000-08:00

This is the card I designed to send out to friends and family this year... (When folded, Baby Jesus is on the front, and the calendar is on the back)Have a blessed Christmas and a great 2012!

Home for the Holidays at Roberson Museum, Binghamton, NY

2011-12-08T17:23:00.000-08:00

Another annual Christmas tradition I've enjoyed for over fifty years is attending the Roberson Museum and Science center's Holiday display housed in one of Binghamton;s premier mansions on Front Street. It started out as a live display of evergreen trees, decorated from countries around the world.My parents would often stop by the museum after church, so we could check out the trees, which scented the whole room with their invigorating, outdoor odor.

Some years the museum's displays were static and stale, but this year's display is truly wonderful and well worth going! There are many parts to the museum featuring many different venues.. the international trees (now artificial) are but a small part of it. This year, the expanded train exhibit is a focal point, as well as a truly exceptional civil war display, which helps to show how the war pervaded everyday life. Another display pays tribute to Edwin Link's influence both locally and internationally,(which I enjoyed because both Link and my Dad were in the Army Air Corps and Dad taught students at North High how to fly in a Link flight simulator). Of course,the lavishly decorated mansion is over-the-top, beautiful and it's always a joy to see some familiar, favorite paintings and some new (to me) posters as well!

These photos only hint of the nice experience waiting for you, if you live close enough to visit!

The railroad display is better than ever and remains a work in progress!

There's a life-sized display of an flight instructor using the simulator's desk to follow a student's flight. Wish I could ask Dad questions about it!

A Civil war campsite set up...

The Civil War exhibit is enlightening and thoughtful

This shows a portion of the International Trees' exhibit...

I like this old poster...

Love this elegant staircase!

An old friend!

A room with a view!

Family fun!

Self portrait at Roberson Mansion 2011

Dear, would you pass the corn, please?

Christmas traditions, Stollen from my Dad

2011-12-08T16:51:00.000-08:00

One of our family's Christmas traditions is making stollen, a Christmas bread, loaded with currants, raisins, lemon and orange zest, almond flavoring, a spot of rum and citron (dried, chopped citrus rinds) as well as yeast, butter, sugar and flour. My Dad made it for years, and we always appreciated being on the receiving end. Well, since he died earlier this Autumn, one of the best ways we can honor him is to carry on with his annual tradition. Both my daughter and I are trying to honor the season and our beloved Dad/Grandpa by making his Stollen recipe.

Oh, my! Now I fully appreciate the love and effort that went into making stollen! (I've made two fairly successful batches, yielding 6 loaves so far, and four have been eaten already!) How I wish I could call Dad up with all my questions, like, "When do you add the quarter cup rum, Dad?"His hand-scrawled recipe doesn't mention exactly when, so I just soak the raisins, currents and citron in it before adding them to the dough. " How do you form the loaves? "I have been folding over the flattened loaf to make his signature, lopsided loaf...

I hope you can decipher his legendary script! I make a butter icing and glaze the loaves with it, and decorate the top with sliced almonds and/or candied cherries. (Dad often used both red and green ones). Good luck!

Tip Toad Through the Tulips...

2011-11-28T15:36:00.000-08:00

Lately, my motto seems to be, "Plant when the weather allows!" Imagine my surprise last week when I unearthed a lumpish toad when digging yet another row, preparing to plant more sale tulips! Mr. Toad seemed a little perturbed being aroused from his sluggish slumber. Perhaps he was dreaming of flashy motorcars when my shovel rudely disrupted him. After I planted my treasures, I tried covering him back up with a loose layer of dirt, when I received my second surprise. Toads chirp! At least this particular one did! Luckily I didn't understand his language, but it sounded like a succession of vile curses. I gently removed the dirt, and left him alone to recover at his own pace.

In other news, I'm delighted to announce my association with Art Farm on Prentice Road, just off of Kattelville Road, between Chenango Bridge and Chenango Forks, NY. (I dropped off some Farmhouse Greetings cards and calendars there for the holiday season). It looks to be a promising and happening art and produce place.The owner/artist is the grandson of a wonderful lady I worked with when I was a summer school crafts counselor in Chenango Bridge, dare I say 30 to 40 years ago? I've watched as he went to art school and announced his dreams of converting his grandparents' spacious barn into an art gallery and studio space. I hope to mention Art Farm often as it grows in the community and enriches us with fine produce and creative offerings!

Burying Treasure

2011-11-09T04:57:00.000-08:00

It's always very satisfying to spend time in Autumn planting bulbs for Spring blooms. The benefits are many: it's great to be outside, digging in the dirt, anticipating the welcome blooms after a long, bitter Winter. It's a way to ease my constant sense of grief after the deaths of my beloved parents and friends. The natural cycle of life is so well represented by bulbs- the seemingly lifeless bulbs hold the promise of beauty and joy to come. Knowing that they await, out-of-sight and unseen, for the right conditions to grow, brings a quiet comfort. Their glorious blooms signal the end of Winter, and the beginning of yet another growing season. They wither and return to the earth, but given the right conditions, return yet again the next season. All nature mimics this cycle- the returning leaves, seeds of all kinds, shapes and varieties. How reassuring!

Usually, I buy bulbs on sale (found a large variety of sale bulbs at Walmart last week) and plant them randomly, wherever I think I haven't planted some in previous years. This year, I've borrowed a technique from my friend, Becky,(check out her great blog stonewallgarden.blogspot.com) and tried making stone plant markers to remind me what's been planted, where. I painted some flat stones with white, latex, glossy paint, and wrote the bulb names on them with a permanent marker. My cats supervised my every move, and even jumped on my back and shoulders for a better vantage point as I worked in the garden..

My RAD and I

2011-11-03T14:39:00.001-07:00

GEDC3839, a photo by Farmhouse Greetings on Flickr.

Bridging Time

2011-11-03T08:29:00.000-07:00

My Farmhouse Calendar theme for this year pays tribute to covered bridges. My friend, Jan, provided me with shoeboxes full of reference photos she's taken while on her quest to visit as many of these architectural gems as her time and budget allows. It was difficult to choose just a dozen!( Some of the ones portrayed here have been damaged by recent flooding.)
Thank you so much, Jan! I've also reprinted about a dozen different of my past calendars with themes ranging from cats, flowers, children, horses, wildlife animals and barns to our precious water, vintage vehicles, tractors...

Another scene from Lily Lake...

2011-10-26T14:01:00.001-07:00

GEDC3974, a photo by Farmhouse Greetings on Flickr.

Tween Lakes, CV State Park

2011-10-26T04:54:00.001-07:00

GEDC3855, a photo by Farmhouse Greetings on Flickr.

One of my very favorite places!

Partridge berry

2011-10-26T04:52:00.001-07:00

GEDC3877, a photo by Farmhouse Greetings on Flickr.

Jeweled leaves

2011-10-26T04:49:00.001-07:00

GEDC3922, a photo by Farmhouse Greetings on Flickr.

Autumn leaves

2011-10-26T04:47:00.001-07:00

GEDC3967, a photo by Farmhouse Greetings on Flickr.

Autumn walk around Lily Lake

2011-10-26T04:43:00.001-07:00

GEDC4043, a photo by Farmhouse Greetings on Flickr.

Lily Lake

2011-10-26T04:40:00.001-07:00

GEDC4094, a photo by Farmhouse Greetings on Flickr.

An Autumn scene of Lily Lake.

GEDC3928

2011-10-25T17:37:00.001-07:00

GEDC3928, a photo by Farmhouse Greetings on Flickr.

Leaves & Lily Lake

2011-10-25T17:33:00.001-07:00

GEDC3923, a photo by Farmhouse Greetings on Flickr.

Took a nature walk around Lily Lake yesterday. The fall colors and textures were breathtaking yet subtle changes were noticeable each step of the way- from sun dappled brilliance to rich, somber tones of russet, dark green and weathered browns.

An Old Tree's Secrets

2011-09-10T13:50:00.000-07:00

Dan has been steadily working over the past two weeks, to clear the downed trees littering our yard, after winds from Hurricane Irene toppled them domino fashion, flattening his car, but miraculously missing our house.

The downed trunks resembled a type of Stonehenge monument. Before they fell, some of these century-plus trees formed the vaulted canopy of a leafy-ceilinged cathedral in the side yard. It was awesome to stand in the center of this sacred yard and stare up into the lacy network, glimpsing intricate mosaic of blue sky beyond layers of sunlit green.

Each Spring, these trees offered us gallons of sweet sap, which we boiled and boiled, sticky, sweet steam rising, into pancake syrup. They shaded our home from Summer's heat. In Autumn these majestic maples modeled stunning, glowing, golden cloaks which I tried to capture with my camera, then they'd fling them off and we'd rake and rake them into enormous piles destined for the compost pile.

In their transition from lofty trees into into firewood, they will warm us during Winter's chill. From beauty, function and partial decline due to natural age, they are transformed into a new energy that will continue to sustain us. Even though portions of the old trees were quite hollow or rotted, their tops were surprisingly dense and solid, yielding many stacks of wood.

They've revealed some of their hidden secrets as Dan continues to saw, roll, split and stack this wood that shaded my Mom at play when she was a youngster in the 1920s. These trees that were part of our daily lives for the past thirty years, also stood guard over my Grandfather, whom I never knew, as he passed beneath them daily to do barn chores from 1915 (when he bought our home) until his death in 1944. (These trees even provided cover for all the visitors to the outhouse, too, before indoor plumbing was installed in the mid 1930s).

Joe and I responded quickly to Dan's whistles of surprise, as another secret of the big trees' was exposed. Earlier this week, he uncovered an abandoned egg, snugly nestled in the rotted, earthy decay of old wood, perhaps an unhatched Screech Owl's egg leftover from their nest many years ago?

Yesterday, deep within the big log he was sawing from an upper section of the maple's trunk, a succession of tiny, dark frogs or toads jumped out, like miniature clowns exiting a trick car. Again, we were summoned to witness this neat revelation, before he scooped them up and deposited them in a similar decaying cavity of another Sugar Maple.

I'm sure that we are not the only ones who will miss the shelter of these maples. They provided homes to legions of insects, songbirds, squirrels, chipmunks, wood ducks and more (once, a woodchuck even claimed a space under the roots of one of them), long before we arrived.

Old trees, thank you for the memories: your beauty, shade,sweet sap, morning song and more. Thanks for the warmth to come. Thanks for your connection to our present world, our future warmth and our past memories. We won't forget you!

Flood 2011

2011-09-08T07:59:00.000-07:00

Well, we're in the midst of yet another flood in the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers' region. Schools, roads and bridges remain closed, and travelling is restricted. I thought the '06 flood was touted as a once-in-five-hundred-year flood, but obviously it's more like an every 5 year occurrence. I guess Mother Nature doesn't keep tabs on zero placement.

I'm learning not to be complacent about anything. Normal, boring days seem like a wonderful daydream .A couple weeks ago Hurricane Irene toppled several trees in our yard, thankfully missing our house (a miracle ) but landing squarely on our cars. My car gained some character wrinkles but Dan's Impala was impaled. We are still recovering from that incident!

Our priorities became very basic. Do we have food and water? Is our house staying relatively dry? Many have been evacuated and displaced from jobs, homes and comfortable routines. We are practicing patience, gratitude and resilience. We know the sun is shining somewhere!

We've had a long, mostly delightful summer. We've had some park picnics, family gatherings, a short jaunt to Maine, and a quick trip to the State Fair! So despite these current conditions, we have many images to remind us that life is good!

This is our neighboring creek that dumped 150 truckloads of rock on our yard five years ago. Thankfully, it's staying in its banks but is undercutting the state highway.

Above, my son enjoying the Footsie-Wootsie at the State Fair.

Impaled Impala :-(

How did this tree miss our house?

Maine men

Playing with my food!

Beach boy!

Wedding at Blue Spruce Manor

Took Dad to church...where he was fondly welcomed...

I'm enjoying being a vendor at the Hamilton Farmer's market!

Breathtaking clouds!

My gang

Grandma D's SIX grands!

Happy Fourth of July!

2011-07-04T15:25:00.000-07:00

Front Border Butterfly

2011-06-21T18:38:00.001-07:00

GEDC2029, a photo by Farmhouse Greetings on Flickr.

Summer solstice

2011-06-21T12:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Summer!

Rabbit's Home Journal

2011-06-08T17:54:00.000-07:00

According to the latest roving rabbit reporter, Mr. MacGregor (aka DDD) has finally been spotted in his veggie patch, bravely encountering mosqitos to get his garden planted. Our camera bunny captured said fellow planting potatoes recently. Keep an eye out for carrots in the east end, fellow munchers!

Lupines recently framed by our border patrol.

Our linespotters surmise the end of modified baseball season. This appears to be the last time uniform # 2 was hung out to dry before being turned in at end of a very successful season. (Our long-earred spies have heard numerous reports of great plays, runs earned and games won- 5&3).

And our roving photographer captured these parting shots of frilly columbines, pretty poppies and delightful iris to satify your soul. However, she will not share her delectable photos of tender young lettuce or tasty strawberry leaves. Her twitching nose seems to indicate a recent picnic in the posey patch.

Seasonal updates (mostly flowers!)

2011-06-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

It's been baseball season, but the recent rainy weather has wreaked havoc on our schedule. Looks promising for tonight and Saturday's double header!

Spent much of the Spring working on an anniversary drawing for a neighbor's Silver celebration. Other projects I've been working on lately include a hunting dog illustration, artwork for GreenPrints' eletter editions, a notecard design for a Bed and Breakfast, and a logo for Bruno's Dog House, as well as covered bridge illustrations for my 2012 Farmhouse Greetings calendar (they have been on the back burner, but hope to get back to that soon)! Recently bought a small drawing table for the front porch, where I hope to spend some idle moments just doing some fun stuff (watercolor flower sketches- something that doesn't demand intense concentration).

My daughter's visiting Israel and I hope she's safe and healthy and having a wonderful time. Looking forward to sharing her stories.

Seasonal flowers from my garden and from a recent day trip to Cooperstown.......

Memorial Day Parade 2011, Afton, NY

2011-05-30T18:22:00.000-07:00

Some people might laugh at our small parade and joke, "Blink, and you'll miss it!" but over the years, I've came to appreciate and enjoy it. It combines tradition and community, ceremony, patriotism and homage to the many who have served our community and country and sacrificed their lives. It is also a time that the community can gather to participate or merely watch, remember, and enjoy.

Gloria H. and her husband do a wonderful job making sure everyone along the parade route get a program:

Here's a copy for you to look over.

People start gathering along Main Street to wait for the procession. We had a preview of the marching band as its members filed up the sidewalk single-file toward the staring point. The parade starts with the flashing lights of the Afton police patrol car, followed by Dolly T., the minister leading the prayers at Foster park. Oh! Here comes the band!

There's our boy!

The Veterans march next with the flags.

Followed by many community groups:

After the horses pass, we cut through the Great American parking lot and scurry over the tracks to catch up with the activities at the bridge.

Speeches are followed by placing of the wreaths on white crosses of fallen soldiers from our area.

The band plays. Echoing trumpets play Taps. Proper method of flag folding (and each fold's symbolism) ends the ceremony.

Memorial Day, 2011

2011-05-30T06:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day, 2011! Let us pause to honor the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives in service of our country. Our small town always takes the time to honor our veterans with a parade that ends at the bridge over the Susquehanna River, where speeches and memorial ceremonies take place. Trumpeters play "Taps" and it's always eerily beautiful.

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-11T12:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day, Mom D, from your boys!

I think my Mother-in-law enjoyed having her boys visit her this past Sunday!

May Flowers

2011-05-10T17:07:00.000-07:00

Despite the rain, it's been a lovely Spring for flowers!

These creek side trees remind me of rippled reflections, or perhaps a Charles Birchfield watercolor.

Sometimes the shadows rival the flowers for attention.

A bit of sunlight adds extra joy.

Trout lily in bloom.

It's modified baseball season, too! (Our team had their first win at their home field today, and our player had some great hits, catches and runs)!

Besides admiring flowers, I finally finished this quilt I made for my brother's birthday and gave it to him on Mother's day.

Speakiing of Mother's day, last year, I planted the tulips we gave my Mom when she was at the Willowpoint nursing home after they were past their prime. This past week, their lemon yellow blooms greet us daily by our driveway. Happy Mother's Day, Mom! I'm glad you were my Mom. Your love and memory continues in all who knew you.

Newly divided primroses find a home in my back garden.

I've noticed the barn that Dan built serves as backdrop for many of our pictures, adding a touch of red.

Sunlight transforms petals into stained glass beauty.

You can actually eat violets, but I just enjoy looking at them!

These sunlit tulips just make me smile!

Easter Greetings!

2011-04-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

The sweet smell of hyacinths and trumpet lilies transport me to childhood Easter Sunday sanctuaries, scented with an overpowering fragrance that symbolized joy and redemption! Flowers symbolize this redemptive holiday more to me than mythical Easter bunnies that deliver candy and eggs to good Christian children all over the land on Easter morn.

I admit, I'm a daffodil addict! One cannot have enough of these sunny, joy filled flowers. The sight of them offer proof of making it through yet another long Winter! They can also symbolize victory over death or symbolize the amazing life cycle all living creatures experience. The bulb (or any seed for that matter- wrinkled pea, kale, tiny poppy seed or whatever) looks lifeless and inert when buried in the ground, unseen but not forgotten. Given moisture and nutrients, this buried bulb develops roots. Warmth produces more growth. It emerges, grows, blooms beautifully, passes its peak, withers and apparently dies, but simple observation shows that the cycle repeats over and over again!

("Hi!")

Another scent of Easter is the good smell of bread baking. My Dad always made hot cross buns. I made some egg bread this morning. Above, is "BEFORE" and below is "AFTER!"

Easter Greetings to all and enjoy all the renewed promises this season and its flowers offers!

Ground breaking news-Focus on Crocus!

2011-04-09T19:40:00.000-07:00

SPRING IS HERE!

Crocus season doesn't last long, but it speaks directly to my soul in the language of sunlight and beesong. Feast your eyes on these beautiful goblets filled with Spring's joy!

Flash!

2011-04-09T19:25:00.000-07:00

Participated in two line dance flash mobs at the mall today! Several area line dance classes converged at center court and danced two dances then went on shopping as if nothing happened.

Spring shadows, more flowers, front yard pitches and pictures

2011-03-18T16:08:00.000-07:00

Today, more Spring flowers emerged, long afternoon shadows stretched the length of the side yard, sunshine and milder temperatures caused village girls to wear less as they pranced down sidewalks and I drove home from Binghamton with my car windows down and music turned up- rocking, raw, country alt music.

Spring seems to foster hope and new beginnings. A positive oncologist visit with Dad, (not to mention a nurse whispering"Adorable!" as she watched Dad slowly make his way down a long hall) buoyed our spirits. Soup and salad at the bustling Olive Garden filled our tummies. Mom's memorial service remain on target after several phone calls to the funeral home and newspaper. A new GreenPrints' Summer assignment waited for me in my email. My youngest winged baseballs in the front yard, at his new pitch back net. Sproing!

See the busy bee entering the top of the crocus?

This is the photo that will accompany Mom's memorial celebration notice.

This is a drawing I did of Mom, holding one of us, probably my brother Jack or Jim in the 40s in the front yard at Afton.

This is Mom, as a toddler holding a ball in the same front yard where she later held the baby from the previous picture (also the same front yard in which my son was pitching a baseball today!)

Springing Forward & Looking Back

2011-03-17T16:21:00.000-07:00

Today I spied the first crocus of the season in the front border! When I fed the cats on the porch, a robin serenaded us from the satety of an overhead branch. The air smells milder! I dried some sheets out on the clothesline and raked a few old leaves and twigs from the front yard. A friend gave me some pussywillow branches that I may take to Mom's Memorial service next week. We are hoping to make it more of a celebration in honor of her full and beautiful life, instead of a funeral, mourning her death.

This is a copy of Mom and Dad's wedding photo from July 1942.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Mom certainly had beautiful Irish eyes!

Philadelphia Flower Show

2011-03-11T17:16:00.000-08:00

Here's some rose photos for you to enjoy from the Phildelphia Flower show! (Ignore the printed dates on the images, need to correct my setting)! I always treat myself to flowers! This year's theme was Paris.

Hmmm... inspired to plant sunflowers around my son's classic car.

This sink was supposed to look like a scene from long ago, but it's just like the one in my kitchen!

How can you resist smiling at these rudbeckias?

And a happy Good Morning to you!

There are almost as many cameras at the flower show as there are flowers!

One of the most striking exhibits- shadows of can lids, strategically placed cutouts and bric-a-brac that created alluring shadows!

Happy feet!

Perhaps I could do this, too! These gals attracted a crowd of onlookers as they painted floral scenes "en plein air"

This photo shows fellow bus passengers riding the escalators to the show's entrance. Over the course of several years, some of these ladies have become welcome faces and friends.

This shows our snowfall earlier this week!

Any weather is perfect for grilling!

After heavy rains, our snow's nearly gone,

..the creek's rising...

and best of all, the snowdrops are visible again!

Snow drop!

2011-03-07T08:27:00.000-08:00

The weekend's warm temperatures melted the dingy remains of past snows, revealing a forgotten bag of hyacinths atop my garden but never planted, and clusters of white snowdrops, bravely blooming, heralding Spring. Well, the brief taste of Spring has been quashed by an overnight snow storm, dropping over 14 inches on us! Goodbye, snow drops! I know you're down there and look forward to seeing you again!

A Cat in the Hat Day

2011-03-06T09:31:00.000-08:00

Today is definitely a Cat in the Hat Day- too wet to go out and play, so I'm sitting inside, downing a few cups of tea and devouring the Sunday paper.

The warmer temps have melted most of February's snow (more is predicted tonight)! Before the rain got too heavy, I relocated more cat litter from the yard and front border and took a quick walk around the back garden to see if any Spring shoots were emerging. To my surprise, I found a bag of 25 hyacinths that spent most of the Winter beneath the snow in a back corner of my garden! Last Fall, I must've been in a planting frenzy and gotten sidetracked, forgetting all about them! Anyway, I brought the bag inside, opened it and arranged the contents on a dinner plate. They looked like earthy appetizers ready to be served at a troll's garden party. They seemed solid. Some had green sprouts emerging from the tips, but none had much root growth. I only tossed two mushy ones into the trash. Hmm. Decided to try planting them in my porch boxes! Nothing to lose by trying! I cleared out the ragged remains of white pine branches, found my trusty trowel, and planted 23 bulbs among the three boxes! Now it's time to sit back and wait and see what happens!

Signs of Spring!

2011-03-05T10:38:00.000-08:00

Today's wind swirls around the house in brisk gusts! The snow's receding quickly! The season's first snowdrops emerge! Ten gallons of maple sap simmered on top of our wood stove, enough to fill a clear quart-sized jar. (We had pancakes, bacon and fresh syrup for breakfast)! Our winter wood supply is dwindling: time to scrounge for enough to keep us warm throughout Spring. It will be harder to stay inside and draw or quilt, now that Spring whispers, "Come out and see what's new in the world!"

Under the Wire

2011-02-26T10:17:00.000-08:00

February's almost over, but thanks to Winter's relentless snow and a lingering cold, I'll manage to post a blog for this month. Dad continues to sift through letters, photos, and recently gave me this jubilant one of him and Mom after they received the news he wouldn't be shipped overseas, even though his bags were already on a ship to Italy.

We went down to Warren Center, PA, in Mid February to celebrate my cousins', Sherry and John's, fiftieth anniversary. Dad and Sherry's mom, May, were the eldest ones there. Many people came over to pay their regards. Sherry presented a crocheted throw she made from scrap yarn to Dad (shown here) which he will use in his napping chair. In turn, I gave Sherry and John a small lap quilt made from scraps leftover from other quilting projects, interspersed with plain muslin squares. It's neat we had similar gifts in mind! It was a lovely party, lots of good food and folks, in a lovely setting.

I've been working on a commissioned cabin drawing to combat cabin fever- almost done. Ready for Spring!

Whenever money allows or we feel like getting away from the usual routine, chances are we can be found enjoying the atmosphere of Autumn Cafe in Oneonta, NY.

But more often than not, you'll find us at the local Afton diner, Henry's, which is a great place to meet and greet and eat. Pictured here are Dad and I at home at Henrys.

Here's a picture of a baby quilt I sent to Oregon to celebrate the recent birth of a cousin's newest grandchild.

And here's a baby quilt that I made for baby Josepine in Washington state, the newest grandbaby of our friends, Elaine and Jim.

It's funny how things often fall into place as if planned (I think it's called serendipity)- my friend, Marilyn, gifted me with the perfect fabric for backing Josephine's quilt, just in time for me to use it! She didn't even know I was making a baby quilt or what colors I needed!

I guess I've been doing a lot of sewing lately. My machine purrs smoothly after being oiled, too! It was literally gasping and grinding before I thought to try oiling it! Results are easier on our ears and less broken thread!

New Beginnings

2011-01-19T15:31:00.000-08:00

Its a New Year already! My Mom died December 14th. What can I say? She will be with me always. I realize it's impossible to write a sufficient eulogy that encompasses all she did and meant for me and others as well. Some remembrances are best to keep close to my heart, others, I'll gladly share. Earlier today, I was thinking about her weekly ritual of ironing in the kitchen on Saturday or Sunday afternoons with the radio on in the background. I'll be grateful for each memory as it bubbles to the surface, sometimes unexpectedly, sometimes encouraged by thoughtfullness.

My Dad has the laborious task of sifting througn nearly seven decades of accumulated memories. When I talk with him, he'll mention finding a letter or stash of photos he doesn't recall (this man has the mind of a computer) so I believe him when he says he hasn't seen a snapshot of me when I was nine months old, held by my brother, Gary, another brother holding a cat, and another one, staring at the camera, empty-handed. When I visit, I'm overwhelmed- every single letter I ever wrote them has been kept, every photo. too- boxes and boxes! We tackle stuff at random, one day it may be sorting candle stubs from decades of bridge parties and entertaining dinner guests.Another day, we might sort through socks and sandals. It's nice he's able to sort through old memories; I hope they don't overpower him.

Do I have any resolutions for the New Year? Not really- just to continue being mindful of each day's uniqueness and grateful for each day we get to experience, whether it holds wonders (a pretty sunset), small blessings (cups of tea) or aggravations (carpenter ants encountered unexpectantly).

Here are some pictures from the past few months-

These flowers were at an art show my daughter exhibited at in New Paltz.

Dad visited me at the CV Craft show in November.

A blurry picture of a nice memory, celebrating Mom's 94th birthday

A memorable sunset over the valley

Prepaing apple pie for Thanksgiving

Grandma D and grandkids (my 3 on right)

Saw the Canadian Pacific Holiday train enroute to Binghamton!

One of my last photos of my Mom

Joe tkaing a foul shot at Deposit

Getting our tree at Zs Trees

Willowpoint hung some pictures from Mom's room near where she sat in South tower 2, a nice tribute

Portrait of my childhood home done my our neighbor's father in the early 60s

I love this picture of my Dad at his home, watching Sunday afternoon football

Shaun and Rachel

Fresh Off the Drawing Board!

2010-10-21T17:12:00.000-07:00

Today I had planned to visit Mom and Dad, but a dull, nagging headache kept me at home. I played a little Words Free (a virtual Scrabble-type game), made moussaka for the first time, baked apples and made dinner, etc., and FINALLY signed my name to a drawing I've been working on forever, it seems!

(Please don't ask how long it took- I honestly don't know since I don't keep track. It'd kill the joy of drawing, if I marked down time spent with pen in hand. I do know, if I charged for my time, no one could afford my artwork, even if I charged minimum wage!)

Anyway,Jan, a friend from the diner next door, (my country club), has been documenting covered bridges as she and her friend travel around the region, on a quest to visit as many of these man made wonders as possible. They are becoming quite knowledgeable about them and have travelled extensively in NY, PA, WV, and some New England states.She provides me with a wealth of reference photos and I'll give her prints and calendars in return. So far, I've completed three drawings that will probably be in my covered bridge calendar for 2012. So keep posted, and I'll show you previews from time to time!

Whitney Point Meet / What We Had to Eat

2010-10-21T15:48:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, J placed 12th at the Whitney Point Cross Country meet. The top 25 runners all earned Golden Eagles' ear-warmer hatbands. (More practical than trophies or ribbons). Yes, that's Afton's mascot, The Crimson Knight, in the distance!His presence fit right in because the general atmosphere of these meets is similar to medieval fairs:

hundreds of people milling around in no perceived order, colorful tents boasting team colors

scattered about, a three-ring circus of activities such as runners running and doggedly finishing, proud spectators and focused parents, busy coaches and stopwatch-and-clipboard toting officials, all enveloped in the enticing aroma of food wafting high overhead on the breeze, emanating from booster club grills

and a nearby McDonald's.

These meets allow new friendships and respect to develop and continue

between competitors and a chance to catch up and compare times after each event.

Meanwhile, back at the farmhouse....

...as the weather grows chillier, I spend more time baking and cooking.

Today, I baked an old time favorite- apples (drizzled with honey, filled

with brown sugar, cranberries and cinnamon).

I also made moussaka for the first time- it simmered on the wood stove all morning.

It's very easy to make- peeled and cubed eggplant, diced onion, a can of diced tomatoes and spices. (I used garlic, oregano, salt and pepper). Eggplant's like a sponge- it absorbed all the liquid and flavor. Maybe I should keep an extra eggplant slice or two handy to serve as a sponge the next time I wash my car?

Winning Fall Colors

2010-10-16T13:20:00.000-07:00

Joe ran at the Bob Greene Invitational at Newark Valley on a cold, rainy Friday and placed 16th out of nearly 100 runners.

I'm glad I wore Winter mittens!

Dad made the trip up to eat at Henry's Drive In with me.

J's project car makes a good model.

The colors were peak at the Deposit cross country mixer on Tuesday!

Racing toward the finish line.

An Autumn winner!

Samples of reflected beauty near Homer, NY.

Sunrise, captured enroute to Walton's Harvest Festival.

Cancer, Friends and Family, Fall's Bounty and Photos

2010-10-06T11:12:00.000-07:00

Our Summer slid into Fall quite fast! We've had lots of family gatherings and several day trips- to a county fair in Walton and the State Fair,and the Adirondacks, and the Munson Williams proctor Institute, an art museum in Utica.Many visits with our kids' friends enriched us (including Shaun's wonderful grilled burgers,a touching private concert by Christina who bravely sung to us as a gift in our living room before she returned home to Germany, and renewing ties with J's college buddies who stopped by on a bike trip).

My Dad's been diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer and I accompany him to doctor's offices to help process the onslaught of incoming information. We've been weighing options of the myriad treatments and realize there's no singular right way to deal with this condition.We have to figure out what treatment he can deal with. He's a man attached to his normal daily routine (which comprises a daily visit to see my Mom in a nursing home). We are trying to choose a course of action that allows him to adhere to his routine as long as he's able. It means we are standing up to standard recommendations of radiation and an IV treatment called Avastin (which seems to have devastating side effects that would not benefit Dad's quality of life). He does seem to be able to tolerate a chemo pill, Xeloda, at this point. The plus side of his diagnosis is recent visits from his Texas grandchildren and daughter-in-law. Love he has invested in us all is being returned many times from all over.

School has started once again and my youngest is thoroughly enjoying modified cross country events. He's very competitive and runs hard and fast, often often leading the pack. I enjoy seeing not only the field of runners scattered along the course, but also the dramatic shadows they cast, the contrast of Autumn's colors, a vivid, yellow tree against a backdrop of green, and fast, roiling clouds overhead. Sometimes I'm aiming my camera away from the sporting action to capture a lovely view or unique play of light.

I've also gone on a couple day trips of my own, mostly in search of apples and pumpkins After last Saturdays Unatego meet, I stopped by the Gilbertsville Quilt show at the Major's Inn, where my friend, Marilyn's, portrait quilt of another mutual friend, Alice, was on display near the entrance. The show was lovely as always. Lots of colorful and inspired creations! (The lunch was great, too!) It's a bountiful time of year! Enjoy!

Look up! Look up!

2010-07-24T17:43:00.000-07:00

Occasionally, after supper, we head into Vestal, about thirty miles away, to go shopping or browsing or in my case, sky-watching! We see a very narrow slice of sky from our front porch due to our valley location and the leafy trees. Last night, I felt like running into Pier One and shouting, "Hurry! Come! Look at the sunset!" It seems that the skies over the expansive parking lots are always stunning. As we drove home, the clouds were awesome, no matter what direction I looked!

July memories

2010-07-23T11:49:00.000-07:00

Baseball consumes our Summer hours (J's team won the Harpursville tournament)...

As do day trips like this one to scenic Skaneateles...

Sprucing up rooms...

A newly made quilt to honor my parents' 68th anniversary...

...new uniforms for the team...

Homer Art Show..

...birthday breakfast in Syracuse diner, followed by

..another day trip to Cooperstown. We checked out a new totem pole in front of the Fenimore Museum...

We will call this "The Summer of the Cats" (one of our neutered cats had four kittens!)

Went to Norwich for calling hours on the opening day of the local fair.The daughter of one of our line dancer friend's died after battling cancer. Words fail to express my sympathy for the family and friends this courageous young woman touched. When those we love die, we can only go forward, keeping their memory alive in our hearts, with a renewed determination to seek the goodness in each day. Got back just in time to see J march in the fireman's parade and a rainbow arch over the fairgrounds.

In memory of our dear blogger friend, Bobbie, whose daily words inspired so many of us, and also in memory of my friend's daughter, Joni Fuller, who meant so much to so many.

June

2010-06-01T13:42:00.000-07:00

Here are some recent pictures from the past two weeks:

I love this picture of poppies from my back garden. They've already "popped" and have shed their crepe-paper petals, but always add a burst of color to the garden. See you next year, poppies!

Mom was thrilled when R visited her!

I made and sent another baby quilt to my cousin's newest grand baby in Texas!

My oldest racks up the miles on his bike.

Starting to garden like my Dad- if there's a bit of space around the base of a tree...use it! (Don't look at the weeds!)

My three about to go on a camping adventure...

...down to the river!

Yellow flags in bloom!

I'm hoping this large river resident is an otter!His entrance to his (or her) home is shown below:

The past few weeks have been busy! The garden is a happening place! When I filled planters from our compost pile last Friday night, heard an unusual bird amid the racket of evening birdsong, and discovered a pair of small screech owls calling to one another from nearby trees. It was nearly dusk, and I wanted to savor the moment so ran and got my family instead of trying to capture the sighting with a camera.

Feeding incoming and outgoing family occupies a lot of time, as well as keeping tabs on aging parents. We've renewed friendships when Montana pals dropped by (has it really been 20 years since they moved?), visited Farmers' markets with D and B, attended an art show with a college classmate that featured work by a former art professor (D was in his class -gulp- 30 years ago?!), and attended the annual Memorial Day parade and service honoring local war dead. Our daughter came home for about a week and just returned downstate for awhile. Our youngest has been going to baseball practices, games, a first time NYSMA solo, a birthday party and plain old hanging out at a friend's house- Summer's not even officially here, but Summer activities have been in full swing and we're trying to keep up!

My 2011 Calendar - Ready to print!

2010-05-25T17:57:00.001-07:00

101_0391
Originally uploaded by Farmhouse Greetings

Today, I printed my first sample batch of my 2011 Water-themed Farmhouse Greetings' calendar! Next step- give one to Warren at line dancing to proof it for mistakes!

Now it's May

2010-05-05T07:05:00.000-07:00

We went to Gettysburg and Washington, DC, on a recent Spring break. The massive rocks comprising the area of "Devil's Den" at Gettysburg are a humbling reminder of the many lives lost during the Civil War. It's a good thing that people still experience this area as hallowed ground.

Of course the beautiful flowering plants and trees remind us, too, that the cycle of life continues and beauty is still a part of the world.

One of our first stops in Washington was Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum. I love these murals depicting man's walk on the moon,,,,,

...and America's beautiful, spacious skies. This great mural's by Eric Sloan.

We saw the new WWII memorial. It has many components and is huge(much bigger than pictured here), probably to reflect the huge worldwide involvement. All I could think of were the many committees that must've had to reach compromise after compromise to design and implement this complex memorial.

The Korean Monument allowed you to feel like you were part of a scouting patrol.

The sheer amount of names of dead Viet Nam men or women who gave their lives or were missing in action remind us of the staggering cost of war to those who lost their lives and the countless people still affected by these losses. We found Kenneth Keith's name, a serviceman from our home place we always honor at the local Memorial Day ceremony.

We took time to read the words carved in stone at the Lincoln Memorial. The 2nd Inaugural address, chiseled in stone, is powerful even today. It reminded us that both sides prayed for their cause during the Civil War. and it took years to resolve. It encourages tolerance, humility, patience and to aspire to beliefs and wisdom greater than our own.

We always try to keep Mom supplied with flowers in the nursing home. This is the bouquet picked from around her "home place" that Dad and I gave her on Dad's recent birthday.

My Dwarf Gray Sugar Peas are up! I'm letting more flowers have reign in my backyard garden this year since it's too shady for the vegetables I 've tried to grow there in recent years. I've been transplanting any stray rudbeckia I find into one general area.

The tulips have been especially nice this year!

Our small cat is ready to enjoy the big world beyond her window!

Here's my Mother's day picture my kids granted me. I've been a Mom for nearly 27 years now!

I just finished this drawing recently of the barn near the Sapsucker Woods Bird Sanctuary near Ithaca.(I added the reflection after photo was taken) Ready to start my last calendar drawing for 2011- which will be of Taugannock Falls, also near Ithaca).

The last picture shown below is of me flanked by poet and author, Marilyn Nelson, and my all-time favorite illustrator, Jerry Pinkney! I've been reading his books and admiring the gorgeous illustrations (for over 20 years) to my kids. I chanced to spot these collaborators at a book-signing table at the Smithsonian's American History Museum. We had already exited, but came back, bought the book, Sweethearts of Rhythm (The Story of the Greatest All-girl Swing Band in the World). A flash flood of tears took hold of me once it set in the I met one of my artistic idols. (One's never too old to have heroes) I tell my youngest son, a die hard baseball fan, it'd be like if he had a surprise encounter with his all-time favorite, Derek Jeter!

Current Drawing

2010-04-14T14:25:00.000-07:00

Just put down my pen on the current water-themed drawing I'm working on. I won't say "finished" because often an illustration is never "done" but one has to decide when to pause for awhile... This is a photo I drew from and another one of my "start" -

And here's what I've done so far-(I've added geese to help offset the heavy detail on the left side, should probably add a sapling or overhanging branch to the right side, too, but don't want to clutter it excessively or make it perfectly balanced)

Springtime Sensations!

2010-04-12T17:35:00.000-07:00

Spring's arrival is a delight as always and one's senses shift into over drive. So much to notice, do, smell, feel!. The daffodils blooming shout to me that Winter is OVER! The daily changes outside are hard to keep up with, but so very welcome.After the first few days of noticing incremental growth, suddenly the whole landscape changes overnight from hints of misty pink and pale green buds to a well defined cloak of green and russet leaves and scattered blooms of yellow, blue, pink, red and white flowers. We had a good taste of Summer, too, when temperatures reached the eighties last week, but now they are moderating into a more normal Springtime range.

We've been busy celebrating the promise of Spring during Easter gatherings with family and decorating eggs, visiting my Mom in the hospital and nursing home, lunching with friends, visiting Sapsucker Woods, a fantastic bird sanctuary, in Ithaca, NY, and several waterfalls there, too.

I continue to plug away on my drawings toward next years calendar, as well as keep food on the table and clothes washed for my family. Sometimes I even vacuum! I've submitted my Summer illustration assignment to Pat Stone, editor of GreenPrints, a gardening quarterly. Today the Masonville General Store requested more cards, so will have to print and package more this week.

It's been a real pleasure to play in the yard, raking, weeding, planting and pulling grass and feeling the dirt through my fingers once again. My radishes, lettuce, and peas are starting to poke up through the soil (and, knock on wood! the bunnies haven't discovered them yet)!

Spring Greetings!

2010-03-27T15:34:00.000-07:00

This season bombards one's senses with the constant daily, noticeable changes. Our local fruit stand, Frog Pond, reopened Friday and I loaded up on fresh fruits and vegetables, a few frilly pansies and a hyacinth (the sure smell of Easter and Spring!) for my Mom.

Soon, my daffodils will bloom a Springtime greeting!

Fabric choices for quilt to welcome baby Blaire.

A nice surprise Spring porch bouquet of pussy willows, cattails, ferns, hemlock & lilac buds...

The Hudson River Bridge as seen from the newly opened Walkway over the Hudson...

The freight train looked like a model when seen from the walkway.

I think I'll draw this lake scene from Chenango Valley State Park to include in my 2011 Water themed calendar.

My friend, Warren, from line dancing loaned me his Yosemite park photos to use as reference photos for my water drawings.

Bees!Crocus!Action!

2010-03-17T15:44:00.000-07:00

Spring's skipping into town, trailing sunshine, blue skies and a breath of fresh air! Yesterday I noticed our first clump of crocus in the front border!

Today, a line of crocus greeted me, complete with welcome soundtrack of busy, buzzing bees!

Seeds for Dad's Garden

2010-03-13T11:12:00.000-08:00

Another sure sign of Spring is my Father's thoughts of gardening! He used to send extensive mail orders to various seed catalogs, but due to his advancing age (he's in his nineties) he's allowed me to purchase his seeds from KMart. (I like buying seeds there because they don't charge shipping fees and the seed packs are 40% discounted. The store I shop at carries Burpees and Ferry Morse brands.) Dad presented me with two copies of his handwritten wish list and I had fun selecting the seeds Thursday night before line dancing. I found everything except for the curly kale he likes.It's a big honor to be able to help him with this Spring ritual.

Nursing Homes=Nurturing Homes

2010-03-12T15:25:00.000-08:00

Earlier this year, due to compounding physical problems, my Mom became a resident of a nursing home. Frankly, she's often scheming about how she can return to her longtime home and that's understandable. It's hardest on my Dad, who theoretically knows he's not equipped to care for her but continues to talk as if it's a possibility. Mom's congestive heart condition, declining mental acuity and appetite, limited mobility and propensity to fall make it doubtful she will be "rehabilitated" enough to go home. I can't totally diminish Mom's hope that returning home is an option or she may lose the drive to keep going, but I try to help Dad see that all her needs are met and she's actually thriving.

Her roommate is a peach of a lady who keeps busy, folding laundry; her daughter-in-law graduated a year ahead of me at the school where Mom and Dad taught and she often chats with Mom when she visits. The caregivers administer Mom's daily medicine and see that she's showered, dressed, fed, participates in physical therapy, given snacks, receives appropriate medical attention and exposed to a diverse amount of activities such as weekly church services, celebrations, karaoke, etc. Dad visits nearly everyday and they hold hands, exchange family news, review old photos. Sometimes she demands that he sit with her until she's discharged, and then he calls me, frustration in his voice. (Often, the next day, she never mentions it). I try to visit every week, bringing fresh flowers, or photos or pictures to post by her bedside. My brother's wife has come armed with piano books and plays the piano in the dining room. The staff seems friendly, even though there is always someone to attend. People who knew Mom from school stop by to say "Hi" and she receives cards and letters. She has more contact with society than she did a year ago.

This cat is also a resident!

Mom is lucky to be in a place where smiles and touching kindnesses are not rare. I'm trying to convince Dad (and perhaps myself) that it's the place Mom needs to be right now. Her around-the-clock care is worth the expense-it justifies all their scrimping and saving and working so hard.

Robins!

2010-03-10T09:56:00.000-08:00

Sure signs of Spring! Robins returning as the snow recedes! Reports of Red wing Blackbirds! More snowdrops!

GreenPrints #81, Spring 2010, 20th Anniversary edition

2010-03-09T17:14:00.000-08:00

Received my complimentary Spring GreenPrints Issues yesterday and feel honored to be included in the editor's, Pat Stone's, list of regular illustrators. I really enjoy drawing for this quarterly! I wish it twenty more years of success!

Snow Drops!

2010-03-09T16:46:00.000-08:00

Snowdrops poking through the snow bring welcome signs of Spring!

We took a walk at a nearby park on Sunday and passed numerous others soaking up the sun's rays and walking their dogs, too. It's such a relief to see blue skies and sunshine! We are indeed ready for Spring!

The sunny weather calls for us to have a pre-Spring picnic!

Spring Sneak Preview

2010-03-06T15:31:00.000-08:00

Went to the Philadelphia Flower Show on Tuesday! I love going by myself- can scurry arround at my own pace, if someone tried to track me they'd see a convoluted trail kinda like the kids' trails in Family Circus. As always, it was breathtaking, dazzling, too crowded, and tiring, and I hope to return next year!

Self portrait inside a decorated, mirrored RR container car.

Eagles

2010-02-09T15:14:00.000-08:00

This past weekend D and J noticed several big, frozen carp carcasses on the ice, near the juncture of our creek and the river, surrounded by coyote tracks. They also glimpsed two Bald Eagles and an immature eagle (without the white, head feathers ) hovering about. Our theory is that the eagles catch the large fish, and flip them on the ice for a winters' picnic. When I walked down yesterday, I spied about six magnificent eagles of both types (young and old) soaring overhead when I disturbed their feast. Couldn't capture all of them in one frame, or the wonder and excitement. I think this photo shows the mottled markings of an immature eagle.

These photos posted below show wing marks on the ice and sites of the winter feast.

Flowers. Fabric Goodies for Friends and February's Drawing

2010-02-06T15:29:00.000-08:00

February is for Flowers,which always provide welcome relief from Winter's icy grip. Aldis is one of my favorite florists because for a few dollars I can improve my mood immensely. I try to bring Mom flowers whenever I visit her to perk up her spirits.

These orange and white roses lasted a long time on our kitchen table.

They never really opened into larger blooms, but provided a lovely greeting every time we entered the cool kitchen.

I've been drawing watery pictures for my 2011 calendar. This is the beginning of my creek drawing.

This is the photo I used as reference, taken behind our house.

Shhh! I made this fabric cupcake for my friend, Sheila, who celebrates her big day Monday.

My blog pal, Lisa, had her beautiful baby last week, and I sent her this quilt made especially for sweet Megan Anna.

January's Rushing Past

2010-01-27T07:38:00.000-08:00

January's rushing past as fast as the swollen creek after Monday's heavy rains! I'm considering using this top picture for reference for one of my water illustrations for my 2011 calendar. Finally finished one of J skating on the river, in a month or two, may go back and add some finishing touches, like scruff marks from skates.

J,D and I took a walk a little ways up the creek beyond our home yesterday, and I was reminded how lovely it is. The sound of water erases any nagging thoughts filling one's mind. I should try and make an effort to take a little time out now and then to go sit by the creek! Now is a great time of year because it's not buggy or muggy!

Last week, my Dad, brother and I attended an evaluation of my Mom's progress in a nursing home facility. She's receiving excellent care, but it's so hard to realize that she may not become strong enough to return home any time soon. It's especially hard on my Dad, who visits her faithfully, everyday. The hardest part is dealing with her repeated pleas and demands for a ride home. I plan on visiting her today. I've boxed up some portions of soup and spaghetti to drop off at Dad's place, too.

We took R back to New Paltz on Saturday. On our return trip, we stopped briefly to sample the mountain air overlooking the town. Invigorating! D and J are toying with the idea of rock climbing someday! Not me! I like standing on solid ground!

Hung twenty of my calendar Quilts at General Hospital last week, too, but had to take down seven, due to fire regulations (Only one quilt allowed per panel) They are on exhibit through the end of February. Then they will be folded and stashed away in my sewing room, until another gust of gumption sweeps over me to get them on display somewhere!

I always liked this scene. Mom took this photo of one of our kittens near a porch step, teapot filled with hens and chicks. To complete the image, I just added the butterfly.

January's Greetings

2010-01-15T17:26:00.000-08:00

New Year's greetings to all! I hope everyone's year contains bountiful blessings! We've experienced cold temperatures recently, great for skating on the river, which my youngest took advantage of while the ice was clear of snow. My kids also enjoyed their Christmas quilts, and we've finally got them tied and back on their beds.Our computer/piano/dining area looks huge without the Christmas tree dominating most of the room!

We attended a family party at Charles Decker's home, where my Grandma was born (as well as Charlie).

My Mom suffered a mild heart attack recently, although we didn't know it until she'd been hospitalized for a series of falls. She's in rehabilitation at a nursing home now and receiving excellent care, but the transition's been hard for all of us to adjust to, especially my father, who talks of when she returns home. Right now, we are truly abiding by the motto, "One day at a time".

I celebrated my birthday with friends and family.

Last Friday, I had a one night art show at the JAC gallery, sharing the night with one of my all-time favorite bands, The Susquehanna String Band, who put on an excellent performance in the Town Hall Theater. I was able to squeeze all twenty of my calendar quilts into the gallery! Each quilt represented one calendar year, containing a dozen of my Farmhouse greetings' illustrations per wallhanging.My best friend, Raurie, surprised me by showing up!

Stay warm!

Glad Tidings

2009-12-20T08:31:00.000-08:00

Today's the fourth Sunday in Advent! This month's flown past us like "leaves in a wild hurricane fly". I've been busy with a couple drawing commissions, and piecing together quilts, decorating, baking (mostly cinnamon rolls) etc, etc. My niece, Kathy, from Texas, spent two nights with us last week, between business meetings in the state. We crammed a lot into her short stay, including a visit to my parents' home, making gingerbread cookies and dinner with the whole family at the Whole in the Wall in Binghamton.
Best wishes for a Great Christmas Season and a Healthy New Year to all, filled with many daily blessings!

Aunt May's wheelbarrow.

Aunt Sherry's wheelbarrow.

Celebrating Mom's Birthday

Thanksgiving Football!

Feast

BU Quilt Show

Afton Christmas parade

First SNOW Day

Mom and Dad's tree

D cutting our tree

E and me

K with Grandparents

Mid November

2009-11-12T11:40:00.000-08:00

Well, it's almost mid November already! Finished planting a few bulbs for Spring, mainly crocus and tulips. (I'm hoping squirrels, chipmunks and mice don't read my blog so they won't go searching for a tasty treat). J was elated Yankees added another Series' win to their record. D, J and I enjoyed a walk around the lake at Cole park last Sunday. We are enjoying a relatively sunny week and a pause in the chilly temperatures. Tomorrow, I'm delivering train calendars to four of my Pennsylvania Aunts. I think it will be a nice day for a mini road trip!

This is Starbuck, my grandkitty.

NaMoWriMo November

2009-11-02T06:07:00.000-08:00

Hope you have a sunny November! I signed up for NAMOWRIMO again this year (to help you write on a daily basis the great novel that lurks in each of us) but haven't participated yet. We are supposed to write about 1,700 words a day in order to reach the goal of 50,000 words by month's end. Maybe I should concentrate my efforts on blogging more? I wonder if it'd be within the rules to rewrite a previous attempt? Just checked-rules state it must be all new writing! NaMoNoNo! I do enjoy receiving NaMoWriMo's encouraging emails by published writers!

Pumpkins and Posies

2009-10-28T15:45:00.000-07:00

Halloween is almost here! My favorite part of Halloween is porch pumpkins! My kids gathered on the porch Sunday to carve a few faces. J even used a power saw to carve through the thick skin of his pumpkin.

It's also the season for tabletop bouquets!

Cousins

2009-10-23T06:05:00.000-07:00

Had a nice visit with cousins from Alaska this week!They are retired now and do a great deal of traveling. Their last visit was in 2005. My brother, Gary, came down to visit for a few hours, too.

Last week we had our first dusting of snow.

Quilts and Quotes

2009-10-14T18:19:00.000-07:00

Went to a nice quilt show in Oxford with three friends on Monday. We enjoyed seeing all the creations, and had a fine lunch, too! I really liked this quilt of golden autumn leaves someone made for their college bound son!

Yesterday had my first oil change for my Elantra. The dealership also quoted me a price of $340 to replace my shattered rear view mirror, which I accidentally broke two weeks ago on a tree in my own driveway (which I've successfully navigated around for thirty years, but crunched in my haste to provide the local convenience store with $5 of needed nickels. Don't worry, the tree is fine!). I really just wanted the glass replaced and not the whole unit, but evidently big business is out to make as much profit as possible and operates under the motto, "Replace, not fix". Of course, these days power-adjustable rear view mirrors aren't simply bolted on with three screws... to make a long story short, I decided to see if I could find a mirror at an auto store to superglue over the old one.

Imagine my delight when I passed a family-owned plate glass business as I was wending my way through town from one side of the river to the other and saw two homemade signs out front that advertised, "We repair rear view mirrors!" Saleeby and Son- what a great place! They made a pattern on cardboard, traced it onto a thick, copper-backed mirror, deftly cut it out by scribing the glass and knocking away the excess, ground down the sharp edges, applied adhesive and attached it to my car! All this, plus lively chatter in a genuine workshop environment, with every inch covered with tools, old calendars, frames, etc. for a modest $30.24- 10% of what the dealership asked for, plus I got to watch and be amazed by real craftsmanship.(They have been in business since 1923). I'm tempted to smash the passenger side mirror so I can go back again!(Just kidding).

Tonight I finished making an Autumn-inspired quilt to spruce up the bed upstairs, since my Alaskan cousins may be visiting next week. That's more fun than dusting cobwebs and changing sheets, what I really should be doing!

Sneak Peek Preview

2009-10-06T14:24:00.000-07:00

Pat Stone, editor of GreenPrints, a gardener's quarterly filled with illustrations and stories, approved my Winter assignment, shown here. Whew! Now if you want to find out what this illustrates, you'll have to wait until the Winter issue hits the shelves!

Peeking at Autumn's Peak

2009-10-06T13:10:00.000-07:00

Today may be the peak for Autumn colors! Took a walk outside with my camera this afternoon.

This is Jazz looking statuesque.

And this is one of the last marigolds in bloom in my garden.

The sunflowers have been exuding cheer atop our kitchen table.

I cut strips for a new quilt this morning. The colors ring of Summer yielding to Autumn.

Little porch pumpkin nestled near pansies.

Our home is dwarfed by the old, golden, maple sentries.

October Light

2009-10-05T15:02:00.000-07:00

We took a day trip on Saturday to visit R at New Paltz and took plenty of snapshots to document the day. The morning light looks different to me, especially when the sun's shining. It says, "Autumn is here in all its fullness and glory. Don't miss out! Look! Look at the textures of the colored leaves on the hills! Look at the way the sun shines through the leaves and makes patterns on the ground! Look at the clouds!"

R looked happy and great, and we enjoyed seeing her projects! I had fun looking at the art studios, the still lifes, the sculptural space, the random painted patterns on the floor, even the labeled pipes overhead. It's exciting to be around a place where creativity is encouraged.

We picked apples in an orchard, trees barely supporting the weight of ripened fruit. They were overly abundant. It bordered on overwhelming!

Flowers,Rainbows and Honoring Loved Ones

2009-09-29T15:34:00.000-07:00

The windowboxes are still giving us pleasure as September gives way to October. I didn't have very showy boxes this year, but still enjoyed them anyway, even the stray tomato plants that grew from the compost soil.

Participated in Rec Park's annual Lung Cancer Awareness Walk/Run (helped make the pink T-shirts to honor the memory of a recent lung cancer victim, Wendy Howie, the daughter of my line dancing friend, Dot).

I've actually finished this drawing, since this photo was taken. I gave a copy to my folks, and it's already hanging near their front door. Eventually, I'll tint it. This picture is the way I like to remember my oldest brother, Jack, who died in 1989.

We went to Norwich after school yesterday and watched a rainbow grace the sky nearly all the way home. At times, saw portions of a double rainbow. Stopped to marvel at the complete arch as we neared Afton. It's always magical and memorable!

Mom and Dad came up today and we had a tea party next to the woodstove with freshly made brownies, Afterwards, i trimmed Mom's hair, an added service that many diners don't offer!

A few weeks ago went the wedding of a friend's daughter and just completed this small log cabin quilt for her (appropriate since her new last name is Plank). I always know a quilt is a success when someone in my family would like to keep it (in this case,my youngest son, and okay! okay! I confess- I'd like to keep it, too).

September Songs

2009-09-11T13:15:00.000-07:00

Its September again (almost mid month by now)! Many mothers and others might be humming the happy back-to-school song. The first day of school is like my new year- I have more control over my own schedule again! I'm celebrating my new year by starting the first of my 2011 calendar drawings, which will all have water in common. (My 2010 calendar is done and features trains). The first drawing I'm doing for '11 may take awhile- it's been taped to the side of my dresser for years, and is of my oldest brother, Jack, fishing in the Gunnison River on a Colorado family vacation. I'm not sure what year it's from, but it doesn't really matter. He's in the river of time, doing one of the things he loved doing most in the world. It predates 1989, the year he died. He's wearing a windbreaker (are nylon jackets still called windbreakers?) that Mom and Dad brought us back from Hawaii as souvenirs. I showed Mom and Dad my start this morning and they recognized the place instantly. We have all been at that spot- I remember playing with a red balloon and some carnations with my niece, Kathy, on one of the rocks there, when Jack was trying to fish.

My youngest son, J, starts middle school this year and catches a ride to school with his Dad now. Thus my morning ritual of standing by the side of the road with one of my three children is over after 21 years of early morning fog, occasional rain showers, swirling leaves, snow pants, boots, windchill, small talk and waving to passing cars (if we waved to at least two people, we were assured of having a good day- my declaration) is over. I'm ready for the next chapter.

J and I enjoyed a reunion bluegrass show at the Bainbridge Town Hall Opry this past Saturday night when the Lockwood Family returned to the stage after a 25 year hiatus. We saw them perform back in the early '80s. The original brothers have grown and had families. Brother Tim was visiting from his home in Panama, so a reunion show was held and enjoyed by the audience. Mother, Mary, manned the bass as she did in the old days, as well as sister, Mary, and Jonathon's wife. The children all got to sing on stage with their parents- I especially like the fishing song written and performed by young Mary and her two kids.

My Mom always heads for the family piano in our dining room, and plays the same song her Dad used to play- Redbird, followed by the scales. It's part of her weekly ritual along with petting, Jazz, our cat, and having pie and cocoa at Henry's the diner next door.

And nothing puts a song in my heart like the image of sunlit flowers.

More Summer Snapshots

2009-08-27T12:01:00.000-07:00

This gorgeous evening cloud, whose image I captured from my front yard, reminds me a little of a Maxfield Parrish scene. Who's M.P.? He did lovely illustrative paintings many decades ago.

Bumper rides at the Delaware Co. Fair.

Another bumpy ride!

This photo shows a really cool, impromptu grotto of stacked beach pebbles on the Maine beach near Perkin's Cove. I don't know if it's the efforts of one person or many, but I appreciated the mystical results!

Most dune roses are pink, but spotted this pretty white one.

Off to the beach!

Tradition continues.

The ocean beckons.

Summer Snapshots

2009-08-24T07:26:00.000-07:00

We've had a full Summer occupied with family and baseball and occasional day trips. It's been very wet and muggy lately! The mosquitoes forced me inside- a good time to post some snapshots.

A bouquet to celebrate J's eleventh birthday.

R and I enjoyed Binghamton's August Art walk. (I would've enjoyed it more if I wore comfortable shoes!)

R helped celebrate Grandma D's birthday.

A flower among flowers.

We love going to this barbecue joint- great food, every time! Just horsing around above.

My parents, out standing in their yard.

Dad's corner garden.

J playing second base, last Summer game, 2009, Sidney.

My oldest kids, en route to Sidney to see J's game.

A peaceful place in my friend M's garden.

I like this brick alley in Hamilton, NY.

We line danced at the Deposit Lumberjack Festival, the Afton Fair and Sidney's sidewalk festival this summer.

A favorite nook at Cornell's Plantation Garden, Ithaca, NY.

Recent pictures

2009-07-21T07:16:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy Summer, despite the rain. D's getting some household projects done, like replacing the water tank and corroded pipes in our cellar, J's been busy with baseball practice and games, and I've been printing my calendar and cards when time allows and enjoying flowers in my own garden and others.

Recently, we took a day trip to Fort Ticonderoga at the top of Lake George. I really enjoyed the neighboring King's Garden. It felt like we were in France. The reason my garden doesn't look like that garden is that they employ 5 full time, four part time and many volunteer gardeners!

These wheels caught my eye as we drove past on the way to Lake George.

This garden transports me to France!

New recruits at the Fort.

2010 Train Calendar!

2009-07-15T12:46:00.000-07:00

I finally printed a trial run of my 2010 train calendar, and I think it looks good! I won a book from Lisa, a Flickr friend and blogger, who had a random drawing from her commenters. The first person selected declined the book, so I was lucky. When it arrives, I'll send her a calendar as a thank you!

It's Summer. and we've been busy with family, baseball practices, day trips, etc. Last week, we went to Fort Ticonderoga at the top of Lake George, and the neighboring King's Garden, which I really enjoyed.We played Miniature golf in Lake George and spent the night in a cottage.The next day, we hiked up Blue Mountain a ways. Actually, J nimbly scrambled ahead of us as we picked our way through the mud and rocks, lagging behind a good twenty paces.

Yesterday, we drove to Ithaca in order to watch the All Star game on a real TV in a hotel. Most everyone else had booked rooms in nearby hotels for college orientation visits.We also visited the Ithaca Bakery for lunch and breakfast, and visited a couple bookstores.

Our infrastructure is being repaired, little by little. D replaced a corroded pipe that lead into our washing machine- no more laundromat trips! He also replaced our water tank and more corroded pipes in the cellar, no more stuttering on/off of the water pump. I even negotiated a deal for a new satellite radio complete with car attached. I think I'll like my Hyundai Elantra!

Off to another baseball game.

Creative Options

2009-06-20T07:36:00.000-07:00

It's a rainy morning. Last week my car died when my husband and I went to Oneonta on a dessert date. The engine seized up after losing antifreeze and clattered to a grinding halt, spewing oily smoke. Luckily my kids had D's car and were less than a mile down the road at a drive-in theater, and the first movie "Up" had been seen. They got us at 11 PM. My son drove me back to my car the next day so I could get my junk out. We eventually had it towed to a salvage garage and I received $75 for it. I miss my wheels.

However, the forced time at home has given me the opportunity to draw more. I've almost completed my train drawings for my 2010 calendar. I've also almost done making two small quilts for graduating seniors this year. I have to stop blogging and go tie Logan's quilt- the party is this afternoon!

Poppies and a few photos from recent trip to TX

2009-06-11T18:44:00.000-07:00

A profusion of poppies populated the back garden patch, a welcome sight.

I enjoyed seeing gorgeous cloudscapes on my flight to and from Texas last week.

I loved visiting my niece in Austin for a day and a half.

Ranger is my niece's BIG 130-pound Newfoundland dog. When we walked down the hip SoCo area of Austin (South Congress Avenue) everyone commented, "Wow! What a BIG dog! What kind is it? How much does it weigh? What's it eat?" My niece should get a preprinted T-shirt with answers to the most often asked questions.

I also attended the wedding of my cousin's son and made these table runners as gifts for the newlyweds. The marriage was held at the beautiful Highland Park Methodist Church in Dallas. It was indeed wonderful to see so many cousins and their childrens' children!

Mid May

2009-05-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

May brings many celebrations! Spring's in full bloom in upstate New York and the air is filled with birdsong and the heady scent of lilacs balanced by the delicate fragrance of pale pink apple blossoms. The lilacs overwhelm the senses from any distance, whereas the apple blossoms invite you closer to detect their faint, pure scent, nose directly in blossom. (Watch out for bees!) Lilacs remind me of older ladies who trail an overpowering scent in their wake, and apple blossoms are like newborn babies whose powdered scent is barely noticeable until you nuzzle close to kiss their soft spot on the tops of their heads.

May is our family's birthday month (father, daughter, longtime friend, brother,oldest son) and also Mother's Day. It seems like we are celebrating everyday! This year, I'll be adding a cousin's wedding to continue the celebrations until month's end.

R's animation project

2009-05-09T17:40:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed seeing an end-of-semester, end-of-year art show yesterday. It's nice to continue to be inspired by the work of others, and it's especially gratifying when that inspiration comes from younger people! We saw hallways filled with student drawings and paintings, cardboard chairs that really held us, uniquely constructed instruments that made sounds, historical Hudson River floating constructions (R's group reconstructed the jet that landed in the river out of soda can sheet metal rectangles- it floated!) and many, many more projects.It was fun seeing R's friends, too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOn7Uxib8HA&feature=channel_page

This is a link to my daughter's recent college animation project titled, "From Where She Stood". It seems like she has done more drawings to complete this project in the span of one semester than I've done in over thirty years of drawing; we are all proud of her creativity and long hours of work. Keep it up!

May Flowers

2009-05-03T12:46:00.000-07:00

Wake Robin Trillium (I think)

Trailing Arbutus

Bluets

Daffodils and Tulip along stone wall

Pink Hyacinth

Daffodil Audrey gave me Last Fall, a nice surprise, since I forgot it!

Shad Blossoms and Moon (looks very oriental to me)

Crabapple blossoms (I really like this photo!)

Spring Photos

2009-04-22T06:02:00.000-07:00

Posting a few photos from the last two weeks...of flowers,a walk among Mohonk rocks, Easter basket cat, garden dreams, parents, more flowers!

Ahhh, Spring at Last!

2009-04-06T16:51:00.000-07:00

Crocus grace our borders and random spots in our lawn, heralding the arrival of long-awaited Spring. They look like ragged-shelled, pastel Easter eggs tossed like a flower girls' petals in handfuls. They catch the sun's shine and the attention of drowsy bees. They are small, gentle reminders that life remains good, despite recent horrific, senseless shootings of thirteen innocent souls in nearby Binghamton.The gunman, also took his life making the total fourteen. The only way I can make sense of this incident is to not give up belief in the goodness of mankind, to actively seek its existence even in the minute details of everyday life and actions. Maybe it's a Pollyanna outlook on life, but it's how I cope for now.

Our cat, Jazz, copes by sneaking catnaps where he shouldn't (on top of our bed).

Recent Quilts

2009-03-25T16:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I finally sent baby quilts off to twin Scottish boys born before Christmas. I finished this watercolor one earlier this week. It has lots of blues and greens, colors which I'm partial to- maybe I'm trying to influence the color preferences of wee Cormac or Lorcan?

The quilt displayed by Ray (below) was made in a hurry when we found out a regular customer at Henry's Diner had cancer. The lighter squares represent the diner's tables and we had patrons sign them. The long strips between the tables represent the rug or aisles. The quilt was given to Sheila Brown (even before the quilting was completed) and we heard that she put it right on her bed. Within days, she died, and the quilt was passed on to Margaret, the lady she always sat with at the diner. Hopefully, Sheila left this world, knowing that she had a family of friends at the diner, people who cared about her. Her daily presence will be missed.We miss your colorful hats and your running commentary and your daily witty exchanges with our favorite waitress.

Snowdrops! Crocus! Spring! Oh, my!

2009-03-18T13:11:00.000-07:00

It's nearly Spring according to the calendar, but it's showing up in my front border already as long awaited first blooms are popping open. What a sigh of relief! Winter is over! Hurray! Hurray!

Show time

2009-03-09T17:22:00.000-07:00

My Saturday reception went well! A nice mix of friends, quilters, line dancers, gardeners, family and even a few strangers showed up to see what I've been quietly doing for the last twenty years. The cookies and punch are gone, but the show remains in the community room of the Sidney Library through the end of March. The most commonly asked question at the show was, "What will you do with them next?" and the answer is, "Fold them up, and store them in trash bags in my sewing room." (Unless I get ambitious and try to show them at an Art walk venue in Binghamton later this summer, or unless the loft gallery at the Farmer's Museum in Cooperstown is interested... but that's more work).

I even found out who sent the beautiful mystery flowers- thank you, Janet W!

Back from Philly

2009-03-04T14:53:00.000-08:00

Made my annual trek to the Philadelphia Flower Show yesterday. Three packed buses organized by Cornell Cooperative Extension in Binghamton shuttled us safely to Philly and back, leaving at 7 AM and returning about 11:30 PM. The show was dazzling, themed Bella Italia (Beautiful Italy),dripping with a profusion of colors and teaming with flower admirers of all ages, mostly women, mostly older, like myself. It's impossible to see everything, but I ran around, snapping pictures, getting a feel for the overall displays, some of which were beyond my wildest imagination. I really liked the Botanical illustrations and pressed flower pictures and window boxes, and overblown, jaw dropping flower arrangements. I also enjoyed seeing the people admiring the displays, the older couples, pointing out every nuanced detail to each other, the small groups of Amish women traveling in tight little flocks,and friends, snapping each others' photos against gorgeous backdrops of flowers. I always enjoy going alone and setting my own pace, sometimes dashing around quickly to get an overall impression of the show and theme, sometimes limping along as my feet start hurting from wearing the wrong shoes. I spent a couple hours, resting my feet, listening to two flower arranging lectures in the afternoon.

When I returned to the show area to take one last look around before boarding the bus at six, I spotted Lisa, a fellow blogger and Flickr contact, zeroing in with her camera on the magnificent floral arrangement at the entrance. I'd seen her pictures on the web, (I discovered her when I searched for Philadelphia Flower show photos last year, and I've been a faithful reader of her great blog ever since). I thought it might be her, it kinda looked like her, she was toting a camera and wearing comfy looking boots (her trademark), but I wasn't positive. Hmmm. I knew she'd be going to the show, but thought she'd be going Wed instead of Tuesday. Finally, asked if she was Lisa; she was! We snapped photos, I was excited and nervous, so didn't do very well holding out the camera for a quick pic of both of us, but it made my day! She's just as genuine and warm as her blog, a very real, cool, talented person and inspiration. Sending out good wishes for her and Mark and extended friends and family.

My new camera batteries died shortly after that, so I just walked around again, absorbing the sights, smelling the heavy, damp, scent of flowers and picked out one more bouquet of inexpensive roses to add to the other two I had in my bag.

Each picture tells a story

2009-03-02T16:01:00.000-08:00

Spring is beginning! Last week, during a momentary snow melt, I glimpsed snowdrops in my front border!

Neighbors passing by this weekend probably commented that we've emerged from hibernation as we sat on our sunny (but chilly) porch steps Saturday with steaming bowls of chicken gumbo.

Today, I finally hung my show I've been working on for 20 years to draw and 3 years to convert into wall hangings. All twenty quilts just fit into the Fred and Irene Smart Community Room at the Sidney Pubic Memorial Library. I took the liberty of rearranging some library coat rack units and moving some chairs and large speakers. My homemade hanging wires worked perfectly, as did the shower curtain rings attached to furring strips that I inserted into hanging sleeves on the top of each quilt. I never saw all my calendar drawings (240 total over 20 years) all in one place, and it's neat to see the results of plugging away everyday, drawing one line at a time. They add up! My quilting friend, Karen, popped in just as I finished "installing" the show, and I enjoyed mentioning the stories some of the images brought to mind. I look at them and remember when I took the photos, which child was riding shotgun with me on our "looking" rides, sitting in the corner of the living room at a TV tray or table, drawing, taking the finished product to Printer Dave, or more recently, printing each calendar on my laser printer and assembling it by hand. A good many of them are passed out at family reunions- They are truly a labor of love.

Mid February

2009-02-16T12:54:00.000-08:00

February's chugging right along! My youngest endured a bout of dehydration and pneumonia last week and spent a night and day in the hospital. He lay on the couch listless and had no interest whatsoever in video games, our biggest clue that he needed medical attention. The school nurse checked him over and his temperature registered 104.5F. The next day our local doctor ordered chest x-rays: after another listless day, we took him to the hospital in the early evening. Our wonderful doctor Paula met us in the ER and ushered us into the pediatrics ward, where IV fluids were started immediately. We felt fortunate to receive prompt attention and to be home the following night. We've been recovering at home this past week, staying away from school and a possible relapse at the doctor's and school nurse's recommendation. D brought J a model to construct and he enjoyed gluing it together, proof that some old-fashioned fun still captures the interest of today's youth. However, I'm happy to report that he's back to playing WWll xbox games, and the annoying sound of machine guns is music to my ears (this week)!

I treated myself to a dozen Valentine roses from Aldis.

Another positive result of our enforced time at home, is the completion of my series of wallhangings featuring twenty years of my Farmhouse greetings' calendar art (1990-2009) I've been designing calendars since I drew individual ones in high school (in the early seventies) for friends and acquaintances, using steel tipped pens, repeatedly dipped into smelly India ink. I 've even hand carved the designs and dates (reversed) for a very limited edition linoleum block calendar back in 1983. Each year, since 1989, I've drawn a calendar, mainly of whatever strikes my fancy during a particular year- cats, gardens, horses, barns, wildlife, birds and my children. 2010 will feature trains, and I'm plugging away at my drawings, a little each day. I'm a believer in persistence, practice and patience. These days I use a .01 technical pen, Staedtler, made in Germany.

Anyway, I've been using our printer/copier/scanner to copy and reverse my original drawings and print them onto a special heat transfer paper. I then press them with hot iron onto muslin panels, which I've sewn into calendar quilts, a dozen panels per quilt. I've machined pieced them together and hand quilted around each of my 240 images. (Have I mentioned I'm persistent?) I started this project early in 2006, and completed sewing labels on two days ago. I still have to work on cutting, sanding and drilling holes in the firring strips I bought to hang each panel. I install them on March 2 at the Sidney library for a month long exhibit. It will be fun to see all my drawings in one place, since I keep them hidden away in black binders.

Morning Routine

2009-02-04T06:05:00.000-08:00

Our cat, Jazz, lives in our attached woodshed, and slips in mornings as D carries in an armload of wood to stoke the stove. Jazz usually patrols the house, which includes checking sink and counters, tabletops, perimeters, unmade beds and upstairs. He loves slipping through the quilts that portion off the upstairs because he knows it's harder for us to find him- too many good hiding places, under beds, etc. After he's ponced on us unexpectedly a few too many times and satisfies his morning thirst and hunger from his feeding bowls by the wood stove, he starts phase two of his morning rounds, monitoring the bird feeders from the back of the couch. Then he'll spend what seems like hours, frozen, on guard, watching by a seam in our woodwork, for cellar mice, nimbly scaling the interior walls on their daily rounds.

Red Roses

2009-01-31T12:56:00.000-08:00

Got another bouquet for my kitchen tables today, and tossed the old mini-carnations that lasted about three weeks! How can I resist treating myself to a $3.49 bouquet of 6 deep, red roses? My paperwhites were flopping over , so I snipped them off and added them to the vase!

Speaking of Red Rose, I always buy Red Rose tea because of the free little porcelain figurine inside! Yes, it's kind of like getting a freebie in the cereal box! I added a little duck to my windowsill collection. I have quite a collection now.

Even though I do enjoy a morning mug of tea, I inherited most of my Red Rose figurines from Esther Brooks, my longtime friend and mentor. She taught English at Chenango Valley Schools and took up painting after she retired. Her devotion, energy and spirit survive to this day. (She died several years ago in her mid-nineties).After I got my license, I used to drive over to her home on the edge of a woods, and she treated me like her dearest friend. She treated everyone that way.

For years, she hosted an informal art group, composed of mostly older women. She'd usher everyone downstairs where each would work on an oil painting. Esther would offer tips and comments. My Mom belonged to this very loose knit group of artistic friends, and it was great for her to let her guard down somewhat. If I was in town, I'd often accompany her, and I relished hearing the others talk and socialize so easily, discussing not only their paintings, but their families and health concerns, etc. Then, we'd go upstairs to have potluck lunches,(Wanda was famous for her crustless pies!) often accompanied by freshly made iced tea, with mint leaves from their garden. Esther's sister, Ruth, shared the home with Esther and her husband, Cliff. Ruth often played piano upstairs, while we were in the basement. It was wonderful!

Ruth was artistic, too. She created small, clay figurines, usually of birds or wildlife. She perfectly captured the essence of polar bears and penguins. I have an ox and a koala bear she did. Esther preferred watercolors, especially portraits. She wasn't shy about asking striking looking people to model for her. One of her best oil portraits featured an African American woman in a richly patterned, golden caftan and matching headscarf. Her portrait looked serene and proud, and it seemed life-sized in my memory. Esther loved people, birds, flowers, gardening and was always creating something! Whenever I visited, it was like show-and-tell, as she eagerly showed me recently done watercolors she'd been working on- of an old, weathered barn,or a stone aqueduct or blazing, red poppies.

Even when she moved into assisted living, she'd show me sketches of the van's driver, or relate amusing senior citizen stories, mimicking table manners of her dining room companions. I really miss Esther. I hadn't intended to write about her, but the Red Rose figurines along my windowsill loosened my memory. I think I also feel guilty that her obituary made no mention of her artistic influence on many in our community, and I didn't have the gumption at her memorial service to stand up and say how much she meant to me.(I've always regretted it) Although those who knew her, know what a great gal she was.

I finally broke down and bought a 50 pound bag of black, oil sunflower seeds for $20 at the local feed store. I was paying $4 for five pounds every two days. Our two feeders are busier than the local diner. (There are often 50-70 small birds in our yard at one time along with three sets of cardinals)

I've been plugging away at my train drawings; started another one this week. I'm also nearing completion of my quilt series, 20 wall hangings- each one featuring a dozen illustrations from my annual calendar. I can't remember when I got the idea to transfer all my illustrations onto muslin panels. I hope to have a show in the community room of the Sidney library. Maybe in March?

Monday,Monday

2009-01-26T14:38:00.000-08:00

It's been a cold, cold weekend. Went to a bluegrass concert Saturday night at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater and sat with a couple line dancing friends. Creek Bend warmed us up with some great traditional and original tunes. I especially enjoyed their original instrumental piece called Lake Effect. They hail from the Buffalo area, a must-see group if they ever perform near you (and no they didn't pay me to say that!).

Train of Thought

2009-01-24T11:22:00.000-08:00

I'm so happy that President Obama is in charge of our nation's destiny now. This thing called HOPE is positively palpable and infectious. It's a joy to hear him speak.

Before I do anymore drawing (which I'd rather do than a lot of things) I'm going to force myself to enter last year's receipts into a spreadsheet on the computer, so my husband can eventually do our taxes, etc. But here are a couple things I've been working on. A friend from the diner gave me the reference photo of the old Erie passenger engine to draw for my 2010 Train calendar, as well as the trestle photo with the Canadian Pacific engines on it. I'll finish the trestle drawing as a reward for getting my receipts logged.

Our home smells very sweet lately, thanks to the paper whites blooming in the coldest corner of our kitchen. Our cactus lets us daydream of hot, dry dessert climates. We can pretend, anyway. Temperatures reached forty degrees F yesterday, and the outdoors felt positively balmy. It's getting chillier again, but we enjoyed the brief respite.

After a Long Winter's Break

2009-01-19T15:28:00.000-08:00

We just returned from taking our daughter back to college after a LONG Winter's break. We were caught off guard by slick road conditions and spent an unexpected night in a Day's Inn in Liberty. My youngest loved having the chance to see The Steelers win a football game on TV. It was an unplanned mini vacation. Route 17 E hadn't been plowed, nor were the other roads attended to yet. We kept thinking the snow would dissipate the further South we travelled, but it didn't.I asked one man near a grocery store when the snow was supposed to end, and he replied, "Two hours and 3 1/2 inches ago". The best road we encountered was the one over the mountain near New Paltz which had been plowed, although we noticed a plow spinning its wheels on the turnoff by the hairpin curve. We're glad to be home again.

Perhaps pedal power would've been a wiser alternative.

Garden Dreams Continued

2009-01-17T12:53:00.000-08:00

The cold continues but is starting to lose its tight grip on our region. Stopped by the local variety store this morning and they had new seeds on display, too! (4 packs/$1.00) Bought radishes, cucumbers, spinach, nasturtiums, sunflowers (can't have too many sunflowers), cornflowers,sweet peas and cosmos. I also bought zucchini and zinnias last night at Kmart when looking for thermal pants for J. (Didn't find any in kids' sizes, but drifted past the seeds on my way out, and the 2 Z's yelled at me to grab them on the run). Received a new catalog in the mail from Fredericksburg, TX, called Wildseed Farms. It's very informative and has a nice layout. I look forward to looking through it and daydreaming some more!

J had his first basketball game this morning. It was nice that the whole family was there to see his first game ever. The opponents looked huge and won, (they must've been college kids!) but our guys had a good time trying, and they played with heart.