Although the beautiful, spring weather outside has been calling us, we’ve been spending quite a bit of time painting. Part of my time this past week was spent painting my painted box for the “Out of the Box Show and Auction” to be held at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, WY. This fundraiser for the museum will be held on Friday, June 12th. It was a fun diversion from my usual board paintings. I wish the museum great success with it!
Wes’ painting above,of the Broad-headed Skink, was painted from a photo taken beside one of the cabins in the Great Smoky Mountains, a couple of years ago. Wes and I both love lizards of all types, and Wes was quite pleased to come in and announce to me one day this past week, that he had seen the first Skink of the season. The Skink had come out to enjoy the water spray from the garden hose, and had lain down with one arm propped backwards on his back, as they often do, and commenced to slowly drink the delicious treat of the fresh water. I so dislike missing these types of encounters, but remain happy for Wes to have experienced it and been able to share the story with me.
We had great fun with a lot of our neighbors at a local restaurant for St. Patrick’s Day. About twenty-five of us got together to enjoy great conversation and many laughs, as well as good food! This group always seems to have so much fun together and we feel so blessed to be a part of what we call our Chestnut Hill family. As you can see in the above photo, many of us got into the spirit of things sporting our green fashions around. Later that week on Saturday evening, we all got together once again, to enjoy the season’s first fire pit party, at our house. We all enjoyed yummy roasted (whatever of each ones choosing) and other delicious things brought to be shared and enjoyed by all. The evening came to a close with several of us enjoying the beautiful fire while sharing memories, spinning tall tales, and listening to the music of yesteryear! Indeed a great place to live!
Wes and I took advantage of the nicer weather today, enjoying a nice walk to the post office and going to Subway for a nice lunch. It’s really quite a blessing to be able to enjoy walking or riding our bikes to the P.O. and most other necessary amenities. It really saves on the gas as well. Our friends, Fred and Barb, have been kind enough to give
us all of their Bearded Irises, Cana Lilies and other smaller Irises, that they had to remove from an existing garden. Of course we took them with open arms, and in two evenings all have been planted in their new homes. I can hardly wait to enjoy their showy blooms that will come later on! We’ve been able to enjoy a couple of our dinners on the screen porch with the milder weather. It’s the best dinner show on earth with the two Shrews coming out to eat their pecans, along with the variety of birds eating at the feeder. The price of the show can’t be beat either! During the day, I’m painting a miniature of a Carolina Wren that is soaking wet and obviously enjoying a great bath. Wes just finished a miniature of a Seagull that was photographed during our recent trip to FL.
Well, I wish you all nicer, milder weather and the sure signs of spring. As for me regarding all of the beautiful blooming trees and shrubs, I shall enjoy them immensely, till alas the last petal has fallen from their branches!
Until next time ~ Rachelle 🙂
Under the Magnifying Glass 