Jeanie, Caroline, Alley and I, looking for something interesting on our boat ride.

        We returned home Tuesday afternoon from our trip to Indiana , to visit Wes’ family. We had a nice time filled with many activities. We arrived on Thursday and enjoyed a lovely meal that evening with most of the family. Friday, we returned once again to the Speed Art Museum in Louisville. As always, we enjoyed viewing the splendid paintings they had on display. They have a couple of small works done in the Netherlandish style, dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. It was quite wonderful to see. I also enjoyed admiring the still life paintings by some of the Dutch Masters. They’re always so very inspiring to me, as I love the use of strong lighting in their paintings. That evening, the family all enjoyed a wonderful boat ride on Wes’ brother Greg’s beautiful boat. We enjoyed watching the baby ducks and geese as we went down the Ohio River to our destination for dinner, Captain’s Quarters. After enjoying a nice dinner, surrounded by a lively crowd, we retired once again to the boat. The ride home was beautiful and peaceful as we went along and we’re treated to a gorgeous sunset, just before returning to the dock.

Lisa, Jim, me and Wes, while their five year old daughter, Brianna, takes our photo.

Wes and Jim in the back-middle, along with several of their classmates.

        Saturday, we enjoyed a quick lunch with the family and then headed to Elizabeth, IN, where Wes spent most of his time growing up. Wes had his 25th high school reunion at a country club there, and enjoyed spending time with about twenty (roughly 1/3) of his classmates. The afternoon was filled with reminiscing, conversation and laughter. That evening we enjoyed a lovely treat of being invited to Wes best friend, Jimmy and his wife Lisa’s beautiful home for dinner. We enjoyed a delicious meal, but mostly enjoyed the catching up, telling of childhood adventures and laughing . . . . laughing . . . laughing, until my sides hurt! We always have great fun with Jimmy!

Our nephew Will, trying his hand at sculpting and really enjoying it.

        Sunday, was spent entertaining our nephew Will and niece Caroline. Along with the two of them and Wes’ parents, we headed to White Castle for lunch, and then back to the Speed Art Museum, as an exhibit of President Lincoln was opening that day, and Will loves Lincoln. Everyone enjoyed the afternoon, and we finished off the day with a pleasant walk in Wes’ parents neighborhood. It was nice walk, mostly shaded by tall trees, as we headed down to where a couple of horses live. There much of the remaining time was spent, as we fed, and the horses gratefully accepted, the tall fresh grass that they couldn’t reach.

"Rachelle in hand", I thought this would make a great bench and conversation piece in our yard.

Wes shows off his miniature hand at Yew Dell Gardens.

        Sunday afternoon was spent at the beautiful Yew Dell Gardens. The weather was perfect with sunny skies and a most pleasant breeze, as we enjoyed walking around the meandering trails that ran through the gardens. There was an assortment of flowers in bloom, complemented by a temporary sculpture show that was carefully scattered throughout. Two of my favorites where of extremely large hands, which one couldn’t resist sitting in, at least I couldn’t. The other favorite was one in which it looked as if your were peering into a hidden area, that had been cut in half, exposing dinosaur eggs carefully placed inside. At least this was my interpretation. Upon the trip home we stopped by Cave Hill Cemetery, with the highlight there being Wes and I watching and photographing four beautiful swans. These will result in future miniature paintings I’m sure!

Wes taking photos of butterflies, his mom Jeanie, brother Tony and dad George at the gardens.

        We returned home to quiet Townsend, Tuesday afternoon. Now that we’re almost caught up with everything, it’s time to get back to painting again, which I eagerly look forward to.

Until next time ~ Rachelle