Lots of rain and thunder yesterday and more expected today.
The rooster and chickens have discovered the opening at the end of the fence, which is just beyond the maple on the far side of the house, so for the last few days, my neighbors have been over here trying to herd them out of the brambles and wild growth that is the upper boundary of our two properties. They keep apologizing and believe me, I feel for them. It’s not fun and those critters are smart! I think my neighbors are going to extend the chicken wire fence down to the street end of the property and I know the chickens’ mom (the daughter of the house) is building a run for them but that will take some time.
Those little scamps make me laugh.
Mr. Pickins is the ringleader, of course.
The painting isn’t finished yet, but this is what I added yesterday. I didn’t like the handles I initially painted so I painted over them. They’re more realistic now – or will be when I finish them. More details yet to add, some fine tuning, and then the background.
I’ve ordered a tabletop easel. It just seemed like the sensible thing to do. When I first started, I had no idea whether this new adventure would stick, but now I know it will. I really fallen in love with painting in oils. So why not invest in something that will make my work easier, especially when I move on to larger pieces? This particular easel got great reviews and it folds up for storage. It will arrive tomorrow.
Thanks so much for all your input about the way in which you access the blog. I’m still pondering the whole thing. Truth be told, I’ve got lots on my plate this week so I probably won’t make a decision until sometime next week. Someone has a big birthday next week, as well. Two someones, actually, because one of them is Little Z – he and Don share a birthday.
I’m going to finish the painting today and ponder what piece I’ll focus on next.
Stay safe.
Happy Tuesday.
rascally wabbits and clever chickens…
xoxo
Thanks, Nora!
Stay safe.
Another lovely painting in the series! I love the blue.
Gearing up early for another hot day; we are in excessive heat warning (not watch) and this will be us for 7 days straight in Southern California. We’ve already had a wildfire about a half hour from us that the firefighters got a handle on PDQ. It’s sad, but we have so much ‘burn scar’ from past fires that at least the areas of scar (where there’s nothing left to burn) can sometimes work as a fire break. I was up early yesterday at 4:30 am and today at 6 to get outdoor chores done early before temps rise. I just pray they don’t start messing with the grid such that we have periods of ‘flex’ to where there’s no power for the a/c. Seems like it’ll be okay so far and we try to adhere to the requests of not having on extra appliances, for example, from like 4pm to 10pm. We just get very ‘quiet’ around here in those hours.
We squeezed in a trip to the ocean yesterday and, ohmygosh, the calm sea was the bluest, a gorgeous turquoise/teal-blue you’d want to paint, Claudia! This is when the cool Pacific is so much fun to wade & swim, in contrast to the heat off the sand as you sit on your beach towel.
I’m a little nervous today because this is California Reopen Day and, by sheer coincidence, my husband is meeting former co-workers for a lunch INside/indoor setting of a restaurant because with 105-degree temps OUTside, it’s just too darn hot. Cal-OSHA isn’t making their own ruling til Thurs so I think restaurant workers/servers still have to mask up. I just hope my husband is not elbow-to-elbow with his friends as they unmask to eat. The person who arranged this get-together claims all present are vaccinated. Still, for me, it’s a nailbiter. The virus/variants are respiratory and my husband will be swapping air. This would be a first for us, to be dining in public in an indoor setting. I’m just not ready for it. I don’t want the hubs bringing home anything that would get at my 20 percent susceptibility with the vaccine although my primary-care doctor told me yesterday that the vaccines are amazingly vigorous and effective. It’ll just take a long time for some of us, as previously discussed, to come off the vigilance. The variants here in the U.S. are of course most dangerous for the UNvaccinated. Like my cousin who refused the vaccination and who recently, needlessly DIED.
prayers for safety, comfort and peace of mind for you, your husband and everyone else out there. and everywhere else!
kathy in iowa
…thanks, kathy; it seems a whole-big-lot of the U.S. is getting summer early!
I hope your heat wave doesn’t last long. It seems to be happening in a lot of sections of the country. Stay safe and cool, Vicki. We’re thinking of driving to a beach next week for Don’s birthday. We really need a dose of ocean air and my California boy needs it a lot!
Stay safe.
glad you’re getting more rain and your neighbors are extending their fence, building a run for the chickens’ and mr. pickens’ safety and to keep them off your property.
and that you ordered an easel more to your liking, to help your shoulders. the right tools make things easier and more enjoyable, for sure.
and your latest painting is beautiful.
i saw nothing “wrong” with yesterday’s vase handles and was marveling at your attention to detail … the number of leaves, the directions they pointed, etc., just like on the vase … glad to hear you will keep painting … you paint beautifully!
good luck with all you have to do, including plans for someone’s extra-special day ahead.
another hot (90 degrees or more) and dry day here. along with the plants and animals, lakes, etc., i feel crabby and need rain!
happy tuesday.
kathy in iowa
Hot weather everywhere! Or so it seems. We’re fine, but that could change.
I don’t like it when it’s that hot, either, Kathy.
Stay safe and cool!
I really do love the blue vase and the painting is lovely. I don’t remember your original handles but these look good. I’m glad you ordered the tabletop easel. I think it will be worth it.
Three cheers to both birthday boys in case I can’t check in. We’re visiting Toddlers and leave shortly. I hope both celebrate happily!
Have a good time on your visit, Jeanie.
The boys have their birthday a week from tomorrow on the 24th.
Stay safe!
I’m curious. I read the blog on email and then usually follow the link over to the site. Do I need to spend time on the site to give you credit or does just going to the site do it?
Just going to the site does it, Jane!
Thanks so much.
Stay safe!
Clever chickens! I’m sure it’s no fun chasing chickens.
When I saw the photo on the post today I had to look twice to be sure it wasn’t a painting. I think it would make a good painting. I know you are on a roll with the vases right now though.
I have a sick kid with me today. Her mom did a rapid covid test and it was negative. I am not sure how reliable the test is so we may be putting our vaccines to the test.
My gut says its not covid though.
How fun that Don and little Z share a birthday!
I usually read your blog on Bloglovin but I can’t comment unless I use a link from there to go to your website. I would think that gives you income when I do that but not sure. Do you have any idea?
Take care
Yes, it gives me income when you come to the blog itself.
Thanks for asking and caring, Marilyn.
Stay safe!
I am So impressed with your painting skills…hard to believe you are just beginning. They are lovely.
Thank you for your kind words, Lynn!
Stay safe.
I love your clouds photo and another beautiful effort in your oil series. Just a bit devastated by news of passing previous co-worker. So sudden. Totally missed the news she had been hit my a motor scooter while crossing the street. She was so talented and had such a wonderful voice. When I worked with her, I would have sworn she was older than me, she had such a presence. Turns she was much younger. Terrible news.
You’re speaking of Lisa Banes? It’s heartbreaking. I was saddened to hear that news. I never worked with her, but I really admired her talent. I didn’t hear the initial news either, just that several days later she died. Rest in peace.
Stay safe, Martha.
Claudia I am enjoying your paintings and love the subject matter of course! Two big birthdays coming up. So much fun! Hugs to all.
Thank you so much, Linda. I’m glad you’re enjoying them!
Stay safe.