horse of a different color . . .

Today's harvest

2009-12-26T10:25:00.001-08:00

Tomatoes and hibiscus

Fair winds Suze

Merry fishmas!

2008-12-27T17:31:00.001-08:00

I thought the fish were for me but kiko seems to have become attached
to them. He tries to pet them through the glass.
Weather has been spectacular although I did come in after the second
mosquito landed on me .

Tomatoes and lettuce are planted.

A long way from chinook snow!

2008-12-26T10:46:00.001-08:00

Neighbors sure look different. . .

2008-06-14T13:21:00.000-07:00

Screamer saw his first deer. He is now wandering in and out, but it's pretty cold, so he doesn't stay out long. Quiet day today, no real plans which is a delight along with the sun.

Today the sun came out! Flowers are beautiful. Roses along the fence are starting to get blooms, the rock roses are mounds of flowers and the wild roses at the edge of the cliff smell wonderful. Mom, Marjorie and I went out for lunch yesterday, hit the nursery, then walked the yard to see what needs to be done. . .bought some cool grasses to try along the driveway.

painting like crazy.. .

2008-05-12T14:17:00.000-07:00

Green room is done, like the stripes a lot better in green than baby blue. It houses gator #1. The front bedroom is now yellow and blue. Started out yellow, changed my mind and went out in search of the perfect new colors. . .brought home a cool blue and a warm blue to be water and sky, but by the time I got the "water" on, I liked it with the yellow. The bathroom is lavendar which elicited an "oh, my gooooodddddd" from Jonathan on first view, but I think it is growing on him! He is such a good sport!..

In the midst of expecting company for mother's day, we elected to move the dining room table (with computers) to the glass sliding doors in the living room. We have been spending a lot of time working on the porch, but temps and winds sent us inside, might as well have the same view!!!!! Moved the little couch to the dining room which is now a sitting/napping room. . .never a dull moment.

Low tides brought us roseate spoonbills, warmer water is bringing us manatees, don't know why we have been blessed with mallards in the pool.

Chamber of Commerce weather makes it hard to . . .

2008-04-26T13:34:00.000-07:00

stay in and work on the computer, or for that matter, anything else. Lizards are running around, have my laptop plugged in and taking the time out here (have to get used to the laptop, I forget sometimes that it is moveable!)

Have painted the upstairs bedroom and bath. One more bedroom to go (the studio just has too much stuff to move to bother painting. . . Middle bedroom had blue stripes. . .they are now green. Bill's cutout alligator got painted and hung, and I like it. Bold and fun. Shell mirror reflect the room.

Put up curtains in the master bedroom and brought in some tropical bedding to go with the Hawaiian wall-hanging. Love the bright and cheery feel, makes me smile when I walk in the room

Have been working on my website, a few glitches still, but http://suzestewart.com should work. It wont work right now with the www in front. Next trip to 1-to-1 apple class should get it finished up right!!! The pearls are background for the "pearls and wisdom jewelry" site.

newsy

2008-04-17T19:30:00.000-07:00

Hotel Huie is in full season swing. . .the Peabody has nothing on us!!!!

Spent 4 days at Investment U last week. Lots of interesting information, but my brain is so full it seems to be oozing out my ears. . .they fed us well, too and the brain isn't the only thing that got full. Was great to have Brenda and Rock added to the Hotel Huie guest list.

Hannah and Emily came down to visit, so we met in Sarasota with Gary. Turtle Beach was "chamber of commerce" beautiful, dinner at Gary's new digs was delightful.

Bill and Martha came over for Bill's birthday and he brought his new toy and cleaned our deck. . .what a deal! To top that off, he also cut our 2 giant alligators and primed them for painting. Can't wait to get to those. We also took a trip (actually 2) to Tarpon Springs and the sponge docks. . .the best part is the food, although I got turned on to Japanese eggplant from a veggie guy on the street. . .it has spoiled me for eggplant. Have put in the "mom's garden request". . .just a reminder, mom!!! love you all

storm coming in!

2008-04-17T18:17:00.000-07:00

This time of year in Florida is wonderful. Weather still cool at night, warm in the day, but mother nature reminds us fairly often that she has a wild streak. One day she gives us a pot of gold on the skyway bridge and another time, her fury is released. . . This storm took about 15 minutes to cross from the skyway to here. The striations in the clouds were awesome. . .pink to rain to light again. Just a spat!

he stretched his wings and flew. . .

2008-03-30T07:13:00.000-07:00

Good morning all,

It has been a crazy week. Our bird, Yacky, flew the coop. Something to do with spring and freedom and probably just sheer butt-headedness (it was one of his charms. . .) Couldn't believe we were so close and yet so far from getting him back. He left on thursday, we saw him friday (a short ladder reach away until wings took to the wind) and again saturday morning when he thumbed his nose from the top of a 40' palm tree, resisting even potato chips. . .The neighborhood really pulled together, close neighbors, dog walkers, joggers, everyone kept an eye out for him. Jonathan put signs up and walked several times a day and kayaked in hopes of catching a glimpse or a meoooooow.

Saturday night was a hard rain and little did we know he had found shelter and a soul mate in a young man, son of some neighbors across the pond in east shores (we didn't look there, thinking he would stay on our island), but he found their oak trees and walked onto their porch) yet another family to love him. Yacky traveled around on his shoulders, took a tub bath (he would never do that for me), peeled bananas on their kitchen table and made himself at home. The next day while the young man was building a cage for him (until they located his owners), since he didnt like staying in the bathroom by himself, he had yet another opportunity to spread those wings and headed for the trees. Unfortunately, sunday night it got down into the 40's and the family found him the next morning in a permanent sleep. They were heartbroken, as were many of the people who came into contact with him and tried to will him back alive, but no luck. We are grateful for their giving him a great last weekend, but in truth, Yacky had a strong will and made choices that came from his bird nature, he just didn't explain them to us. We probably would have understood.

He touched lives more deeply than I had imagined. Jonathan is really missing him, it is so quiet. Others, family and strangers have called and expressed sorrow and sadness mixed with great stories of his influence.

From Maryanne, my great friend said. . . " that bird stole my heart...instantly. remember the first time i met him? after it got through to me that i didn't need to be fussy* or afraid of him ... i sat by his cage for hours talking with him...touching his sternum through his cage. and finally - when i had to get up and stretch he was SO annoyed with me. how DARE i entertain the thought of being anywhere but adoring him. he is a lifetime model of self possession and personal esteem".

I think spring probably did have something to do with it. . .Annie, the dog walker, lost hers 2 weeks before ours and Pat and Herb lost theirs a year ago at this time (they were lucky and got theirs back the next day), mating seasons affect even ones that aren't around others. . .Quite a community of animal/bird lovers. John, the mailman, even carried potato chips in the mail truck. Thanks to all who helped and supported. Yacky would have just considered it his due. . .being the center of the universe and all. May you blow your siren at the boats going by from your resting place near the sea wall where you can keep tabs on the world. . .. .we miss you.

Good morning

2008-03-22T02:55:00.000-07:00

Weather has been really windy. Not able to get out on the deck, much less the dock. Has brought the water levels to the highest I've seen. Veggie garden in pots has taken a beating. Time to trim the bushes and trees in the yard.

Back to the computer. Have been transitioning to a laptop and still haven't quite gotten the hang of it. I'm taking "one to one" classes every week at the mac store thanks to Sandra and have been learning to do without a mouse, change camera videos to ones I can edit in my movie program, set up a website, and the more I learn, the less I know. . .

Yacky, our african gray, has made an escape. He left thursday night, but we saw him yesterday and last night (he didn't end up in the bay!) and almost got him to come for a potato chip, but not quite. Hopefully he will still be around today and be hungrier! Keep your fingers crossed!

Violets have been going crazy. They are so spectacular right now. Hard to resist taking pictures.

Have been painting again. It has triggered a push for a real website, have been playing with domain names. The whole website thing is new territory, thankfully Jonathan has been a wealth of information and patience! Will keep you posted with news!!! Screamer keeps my feet warm while I work.

Empty nest, again!

2008-03-05T03:53:00.000-08:00

Click here to create your own painting. This was a fun thing that LeeAnna sent to me, try your own personality painting. . .

Sandra was here for a great week. Gasparilla Art Show, dock time, Momix at the Performing Arts Center, dolphin visits, but mostly just quiet time. Martha and I left Sandra and Jonathan to go to a Angela's bridal shower in Bradenton while they went to the aquarium. Their new best friend is the puffer fish!

Went to retirement party for Judy and the ESE Department from Monroe. Of the dozen of us there, only 2 still at Monroe. Good to see everyone, glad to be retired!!!!!

Click here to create your own painting.

Halloween in february!!!

2008-02-25T17:11:00.000-08:00

LeeAnna, my longtime friend and part of our "bitchery" group, made a halloween quilt (10?) years ago and I expressed an interest in one for me. Gave her fabrics and drove her crazy. Lo, these many years later, what should appear on my doorstep but. . . a manifestation. My totally unreasonable request for a king-size quilt produced an incredible work of art!!!! I am so excited. The kitty face with green button eyes, candy corn and the skeleton are amazing.

First pic shows process and the next the finished front. Will send to Kyra in Austin to do the quilting. Wheeeee. So much fun.
THANK YOU, SISTER LEEANNA!!! I LOVE YOU. The pic appears right-side up in my view. . .guess the spirits are having their fun!

2/25/08

2008-02-25T07:50:00.000-08:00

This is not my photo, but was trying out the new mac.
I am at the Apple store getting my new laptop set up. The new operating system is going to make working on the blog easier because it will give me easier access to my photos. The new keyboard however will take some getting used to!!! Computer still has 2+ hours to finish the transfer so I can't access it yet, but since I was here, I will try to catch up with written stuff and add photos later. Jonathan has been in denver for a workshop and I have been home sick. I have a bit of a voice today, last night none and the day before. . . ifffy. So things have basically been pretty quiet.

Cindy came friday night for girls night in and went out saturday looking for houses. Nothing is ever easy. Snag on selling their house and she is missing Mike.

Dock getting cleaned and sealed tomorrow and wednesday. Life is good.

Wind finally settled down and water is smooth for a change.

3 weeks away from the computer. . .

2008-02-17T09:29:00.000-08:00

janet, miss you already, left your coffee cup on the table until way past dinner. . .in case you might come back for more. . .your gladiolas were beautiful, thanks. . .

exciting 3 weeks. jannie has been here and we have been exploring. (in no particular order of events) went to see the "full monty" at hudson dinner theater with rock and bren, better than the movie, easier to understand the dialog and lots of cute butts. food was good as was the company

tried out waverunners, jannie and I went by ourselves one day and just puttered around the canals. . .water was pretty choppy and it was my first time to drive one in the last 20 yrs! Rock and Bren came down and we had a picture perfect day, water was glassy, not too hot or cold, so we scooted out from pass-a-grille pass out along the beaches, past ft. desoto park all the way to egmont key then the skyway was looming in the distance so we actually went under and around the bridge.

went to see the "jersey boys" at the performing arts center. was the story of frankie valli and the 4 seasons. music was delightful and had side balcony seats that were chairs instead of theater seats, much more flexible arrangement.

superbowl party (with superbowl sundaes!), Got some great dolphin videos that weekend (thanks jake, yours were terrific). party was great fun and lots of food, jannie set up a board and we all picked squares, jake and lindsay were the big winners. got to see long missed friends!

the floating dock went in, have been looking at them since Christmas time, Quite a procedure to get them from truck to water and it was a windy day. Cliff and helper used a water jet to dig hole to sink 4-21'steel poles to anchor it. Now we can sit and stick our feet in the water or swim without having to get in on the channel side. Easy to launch kayaks or sit with a book!

but the biggest news is probably that the tampa house is sold!!!!!

new owner excited about moving in. may put in french doors to replace the awful sliders!

started my 1 on 1 apple training, learning lots, go once a week. . .finally figured out how to get the video from the new camera past iphoto (it's an mpeg and had to change to dv with downloaded software called VLC player) to work on my movie software.

apple store

2008-02-12T06:38:00.000-08:00

busy week!

2008-01-28T16:23:00.000-08:00

On the go! Don't know where all the time goes!

Went to Orlando to a computer conference. Learned a lot about photoshop and had a great time with Susan. We don't get enough talk time usually. Was like old times, we couldn't tell which pile of money,change and cards came out of whose pockets and were not surprised to be wearing the same brand and style of shoe (different color, though). The hotel had great patterns in their rugs.

Went from Orlando to Gainesville to see a documentary that her daughter-in-law was involved with. Her grandson, Bo, is adorable and so grown up at 3.

Home saturday in time to do some stuff with the tampa house (keep fingers crossed) and then home to switch cars and go get Jannie at the airport. Her plane got in 45 minutes early!!! Pilot must have had a hot date or something. We've been busy catching up since then.

Quiet times here. Weather nice enough for some dock time. Lindsay came by sunday and we cracked open two coconuts and made pina coladas with fresh coconut and the milk. Coconuts looked like they had faces! Jonathan cooked us a fabulous dinner.

Monday was quiet, painted this morning. Finally rousted us out for dinner at the Hurricane and to the grocery store. Planning a super bowl party!

Garden gave us a bunch of arugula yesterday, tomatoes will be awhile.

wild weather week

2008-01-23T18:06:00.000-08:00

we've had fog and no wind, we've had cold and wind, we've had thunderstorms, and that was just one day! Yesterday we started in sweaters and ended up in shorts before putting on fleece jammies! Today was sunny and warm, but cold front due tomorrow. Gotta love florida weather, like a teenager going out on the first date and having to try on every outfit in the closet and still not being happy! I am just happy to not be up in the cold north anywhere! Speaking of up north, MA and David found a great place for our new turkish rugs!

Planted flowers today and transplanted a bunch of stuff. Our new veggie garden in pots (with the help of several chairs to block the wind) survived. Added chives to the mix of basil, 2 kinds of lettuce, tomatoes (5), parsley, and strawberries. Lindsay got me going when I helped her plant some cool stuff on her extra day off!

Off to Orlando tomorrow with Susan to go to a computer conference. Hoping to get some new apple and adobe scoops on software and hardware.

Have been painting again. Nice to spend time in my new and improved studio space!!!!
Brenda and Rock came for dinner. . .we had dancing beer butt chicken!!! A fun time was had by all. . . except the chicken!

how did it get to be a week later already. . .

2008-01-18T18:56:00.000-08:00

so here it is, friday again. calendar is finished and according to apple, already shipped, i have a new 500 gb backup drive (can't believe how low the prices have gotten now that terrabytes are out!) that is currently trying to remember all the things in my computer's brain so I can free up some disk space and go fasterrrrrrrr. 15000 pictures take a long time to load! went to kayak class tonight and learned how to fall out and get back in. weather has been too cold and windy to be out in the kayaks. cold and calm is ok, warm and windy is ok, cold and windy sucks!

got paints out to work on finishing 3 paintings.

wind has still been blowing, my poor staghorn ferns are holding up mostly, but this one lost a leaf. as the days went by, it became more interesting. . .

Jewelry class!!!!

2008-01-11T17:15:00.000-08:00

Fun, frustrating, challenging and productive. I took casting, Cathy took repousee and chasing, Nancy was in charge of the workshops. Met some great people, had fun and learned a lot. Loved the wax shavings.

Used the wax to carve or build pieces, add stones,

invest the wax, cook in the kiln, melt and pour the silver and hopefully have a piece left.

These pieces have been cleaned, but not finished!
Still, it is fun. Had lots of help (thanks, Jim. . .see you at Mainsail Art show in St Pete!)

saturday jan 5

2008-01-11T16:43:00.000-08:00

Cathy and I took off for the east coast for a jewelry class. On the way, we stopped at the gem show in Kissimmee (accent on the second syllable. . .)and then spent a challenging time with the gps and lots of toll booths to get to where we were supposed to go. We arrive at ACA about 2 hours late (sorry, Nancy) and unloaded tools into the room. Later we went to Nancy's to settle in there. Beautiful spot. Foggy the first morning along the intercoastal waterway. Other days were still and reflective,

Rammie kept us company!

friday jan 4. . . .full moon party!!

2008-01-11T16:26:00.000-08:00

First time for the "bitchery" group in a very long time. Had a great bunch of people and lots of food, laughs and conversation. Need to do it more often. Cathy came up from Punta Gorda to join the party before we left for the east coast saturday.

BRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

2008-01-03T08:15:00.001-08:00

Wow it got cold. Grass was crunchy, and dots of water on the kayak were frozen. The wind has been roaring since yesterday out of the NE. Low tide was at 430ish this morning and at 11:15 there is still no water out there, tide has come up a bit, although high ground is still visible under the water. Thought Christmas morning was the lowest I had ever seen, not even close. . .
The bridge is the sunshine skyway and it's usually water all the way!

Did some after-the-holidays shopping yesterday and went to Crab Shak for dinner. Returned some unneeded stuff from Sweetwater Kayak, and replaced with other stuff. Dry bags for the phones, FL kayak guide, a paddle leash and new pfd's (life jackets for us old folks). They had a cool kayak with a "glass bottom", would be great fun, but would probably take forever to get anywhere.

Caught the end of the year 50% off calendars. Bill, I found yours!!!!! Got a couple, but most didn't appeal. Keeping appointments on phone and journal here, so. . .

Speaking of calendars, I'm working on a 2008 for us. With photos and birthdays. Challenge to get things from address books to calendar to i-photo calendar program, but it is coming. . .next year wont take so long I hope.

Screamer on the carpet and looked like the cat calendar from Leslie someone. . .

Stay warm!

happy new year!

2008-01-01T18:26:00.000-08:00

Weather is getting colder, windy(20-30 mph) and freeze warnings in effect for wednesday through thursday, waves are up, too. Have closed upstairs windows for the first time since we've been home here and the room is chilly. Can hear the wind howling. We did get a visit from the elusive white pelicans again. They were not as close as before, but many more of them.

Process of cleaning out continues. . .5 boxes of hard copy pictures was reduced to 2, lots of duplicates and I figured if I didn't know where some of them were from, I didn't need them!!!!

Talked to Mike and Cindy, will get to see them thursday. Full moon party (either early or late, not sure which. . . ) on friday, leave for east coast with Cathy for a jewelry making class for 5 days. Hate to lose the clean out momentum, but. . .

Stay warm!

happy new year's eve!!!!

2007-12-31T18:41:00.000-08:00

Cleaning out continues, tree and ornaments and assorted holiday stuff have been put away (at least as far as the garage. . .), cookies are gone, refrigerator is empty of leftovers, studio is getting emptier (although it might be hard for someone else to tell), bookshelves are getting emptier, knick knacks and "decorator pieces" that we don't "love" are going to find new homes, upstairs is transformed and it feels great.

Went to Brenda and Rockey's for their annual new years party, food was great, fireworks were beautiful, house full of happy people. Great drive and home by 9pm to beat the celebrating crazies on the road. Fog rolled in again tonight. Made for some interesting lighting effects with the fireworks!

Played with the fireworks setting on the camera and wiggled it around the lights on the trees. Was fun!!!!

It has been a wonderful year for us. Lots of travel, visiting wonderful, caring friends and family, lots of growth, lots of love, and not so many of those hard lessons that hurt so much. For all your parts, thank you. We wish you all a healthy, happy, peaceful new year. love you all.

David is washing off the new boat after an exciting test ride!

turkey day

2007-12-30T03:08:00.000-08:00

Saturday was another thanksgiving dinner. Martha has ferreted out a fabulous recipe for turkey and stuffing, gravy and an amazing salad (grapefruit, dates, olives,broccoli with a citrus dressing. It was a replay of a very successful meal in november. Bill was great company despite the plague of allergies.

Jonathan stayed home to welcome/supervise the landing of David's fishing boat in it's vacation home. Means we will see David and Denise more often! David started off in beautiful skies and took the outside route to get here. Unfortunately, before he got here, the fog (????) rolled in and cut his visibility drastically and there was a downpour. Adventures to be had. Both boat and David arrived safe and sound.

pics are from another foggy/rainy day, the ocean spray (white flowers) clung to the horses like snow.

New year's "word" (not resolution) will be "release". Letting go of things, ideas and situations that are no longer necessary, viable options, or are just plan clutter. Have made a good dent even before the "word"", but plan to continue for the next year. One of the projects already started is rearranging upstairs rooms. Office will become reading/meditation/guest room, studio gets the office computer desk and studio table goes outside to take its real job in life, patio furniture. . . All zip drives now on cd's (thank you jonathan) so the old computer will go to a new happy home somewhere. Of course, that mean filtering through all of studio "stuff". . . The horse pics are from one of the re(disk)covered zip drives!

yay 2008

friday kayak test day

2007-12-29T04:23:00.000-08:00

Brenda and Rock came down with Kelly to test out the 2-person kayak. They did well, considering there was quite a bit of wind and it went happily into the back of their truck. Traded for a sewing machine! We all went to the Hurricane for lunch. Had flounder fish and chips, it was wonderful. Hurricane has been around since the 1930's although they did extensive renovation awhile back. 4 floors of inside and outside eating and drinking! Pass A Grille is my favorite beach, town is cute, still hasn't become condo city like St. Pete beach (think the limit is 3 or 4 stories). Should make it another 20 years before. . .

Had huge fish ball under the dock. The shrimpers are out in the bay at night. . .tearing up the grass beds, think all those little fish ran for cover. The shrimpers boats are loud rumble. Was afraid they were the mullet stealers, but guess they are legal. The surface fish activity that we have had for last couple weeks is down substantially. Not happy with them in here, but according to sheriff's department, they can be there.

Christmas morning treat

2007-12-27T10:52:00.000-08:00

Snow came in the form of white pelicans. . .quite rare here.
Actually it was a complicated choreography. . .anhingas, diving and popping up, led the dance, followed by the white pelicans, relaxed and regal, dipping their beaks in the water while the browns launched and wheeled and dive-bombed the surface in small and large groups, highlighted by gulls above and the audience of herons and storks (hadn't seen them behind the house before. . .)and egrets completed the tableau. It was an amazing gift.

Almost full moon, solstice and wind brought us really low early morning tides to tempt this party in for the feast.

happy christmas eve. . .

2007-12-24T19:41:00.000-08:00

finally found the cable to download the last few batches of pictures!

busy week. great company with sandra and alex here. tons of fun doing not much of anything.

Spontaneous generation in the back yard pool, a new yellow kayak appeared to keep the first company. Took them out on a windy, rough day and they worked admirably. 4 hour trek around tierra verde!!!

Tide was really low with the full moon and wind blowing the water out of the bay. Even the crab traps were high and dry. Mullet are schooling like crazy, jumping and making the water boil.
There were about a dozen sheephead under the dock (they are usually there, but not as easy to see. If you look closely at the piling shadow, one is lurking there! The stripey one!

Plants have been fun, The giant philodendron stalk looks like eyes with lashes

, the orchid (through no fault of my own) is blooming profusely.

violets just being happy

the aftermath of "a mighty wind did blow"!!!!! trees inside and out went down. . .

patio furniture bowling at its finest! gives new meaning to clear the decks!!!

left the "10" chair standing, now we have a spare (lol)

absence of sound is disturbing

2007-12-16T02:41:00.000-08:00

After all the howling, the wind noise just stopped, no gradual fade, just stopped. Weird. Just checked Louie's blog and the tree looks so wonderful. Aimee, a friend from school, helped decorate ours, but at the moment, the lights, like old baggy nylon stockings are pooled around it's little tree ankles.

Never thought would need to attach to the ceiling (not that I could, but it's a great idea).
This is view down from second floor, so ceiling is 10 more feet higher. . .don't have a ladder that talll!!!!!

Here is tree from last year, decorations are basically the same, just collected in containers at the moment until Sandra gets here, she decorated with us last year so knows the drill and we shall get it dressed again!

storm is here!!!!

2007-12-16T02:12:00.000-08:00

We lost both christmas trees to the wind , one on the porch, the other in the house, not even next to a window!!!!! (and my glasses, they were on the table outside and blew across the porch and down the steps. . .now I know how they disappear all the time. . .) Wind started about 2p on saturday and it has really howled. Had to close all the windows and doors. No 'possum visitor last night. Boys went to the beach for a walk.

Thunderboomers through the night and the rain is finally hitting this morning (5am), I'm upstairs in the studio and it sounds like a train coming through!

The water is so changeable here. Sometimes it doesn't look real. The wind patterns were around the mangrove island like rings around saturn. Took these a couple days ago when it wasn't quite as windy as the last 24 hours!. . .

Have had some amazing sunrises. . .one with the moon still up, reflections of island and skyway bridge, better than the postcards. . .

cookies galore

2007-12-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

Brenda came down and we teamed up for 2 days and baked cookies:peanutbutter, choc chip, choc-choc chip, cakemix choc chip, black pepper (a new favorite), pumpkin raisin, oatmeal date, fruit , ginger, sugar, cherry winks, 2kinds of shortbread, nut balls, candied fresh cranberries and molasses. I think that was the whole list. We were tired and happy.

went out and test drove kayaks again. found a sit-on-top ocean kayak on sale. Made sense to use the one we have and just get a second one for now. The "good" ie fast and expensive kayaks were awesome, but the one we got is stable (so camera comfortable) and easy to get in and out of if we wanted to swim or just dink around the island. it's yellow!!! At some point, we might think about the other ones (they were made in WA) if we decide we want to do longer trips or surf, but as of now. . .it's play time.

you can see that we have to watch the tides to kayak. go out with water, stay out too long and it's a long way around to get home. Charts say there is a foot of water out there!!!!! now that winter (?) is here, water is really clear.

packages are wrapped and mailed. great accomplishment.

http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/

2007-12-05T05:40:00.000-08:00

What a great website. . .lots of cookies and holiday stuff. . .at your fingertips. The scottish shortbread recipe is just like GG's (great-gramma) except for the cooking temp. . . wonder how they regulated the temps on these ovens!!!!! Bren and Rock are coming mon and tues and we are having a cookie baking frenzy. If you have a favorite recipe, send it on!

Pompeii was amazing for a lot of reasons, but one was just the sheer magnitude of the area. Rooms after rooms after rooms. . .it was a large city! Beautifully painted and mosaic-ed.

Plans for the holiday here involve lots of pre-christmas company. A perfect time to visit, although the temp today will only reach 72, it's 60 now, sunshine, blue skies, sparkly water and wish I could send some to my NW family who are cold and very wet. Love you all.

i'mmmmm back

2007-12-03T16:48:00.000-08:00

Well, it was a grand tour. Had a great time in the Mediterranean. Really glad to be home. We take so much for granted here in the states. The pollution was awful, especially in Cairo, big gap between the "haves" and the "have nots" over a lot of the countries, the dollar was low against the euro and not unusual to spend 12 eu on a cup of coffee (about $18 and we think Starbuck's is bad. . .) Favorite thing of all was the "smart car" coming to US this coming year. . . mercedes. . .and you don't have to parallel park, it will fit in a parking space the other way!!!!!

Have seen a pod of 7 manatees go by the dock, weather has been cool and wonderful, we are tearing into the house to clean and sort and pitch. His, mine and ours, minus our house guests means a reorganization. I spent Jonathan's Egypt time (he went back for 10 days) going through storage bins from the Cameron house, rearranging cupboards, making jewelry and painting. It was a really good renewal time.

We took over 5000 pics while we were gone. The new sony worked great and we took the little nikon, too. Beautiful spots, historic places, temples and cathedrals, mosques and lots of bus rides. My favorites were Venice and (of all the places I wouldn't have thought. . .)Dubrovnik, Croatia. Downloaded the 30 day trial of Adobe cs3 and only have about 10 days left and all I have managed to do is get the pics onto my computer. . .no play yet!!!

the day we leave

2007-09-25T04:55:00.000-07:00

will be back to the blog late oct, see you then!

new hair cut and color!!!!

our first stop out of athens is Alexandria egypt, here's our excursion. . . .Day 1: Depart from the pier for a journey through desert scenery and reclaimed, cultivated land, reaching the outskirts of Africa's largest city, the legendary Al Qahira, internationally known as the teeming metropolis of Cairo. Sit back, relax and listen as your guide tells you about the history and culture of a timeless land on a journey lasting approximately three hours. Your first stop brings you to the Citadel of Saladin; where you'll see panoramic views of the city of Cairo. Driving through the 'City of the Dead' towards the Citadel, the architectural and the surreal surroundings will capture your imagination. Visit the spectacular Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali and continue to Liberty Square, the heart of downtown, where the National Archaeological Museum is situated. Here acquaint yourself with Egypt's ancient history spanning a period of 50 centuries.The museum houses the richest collection of Egyptian Antiquities, including the magnificent Tutankhamun collection. Proceed to a leading hotel in Cairo for check-in formalities, lunch and a short siesta. In the early evening depart to the Papyrus Institute where the procedure of manufacturing the oldest paper in the world will be demonstrated for you. You'll have some time to shop for your favorite souvenirs before proceeding to the Giza Plateau to attend the English version of the 'Son et Lumiere'. Here seated in front of the Sphinx under a star studded sky, the Sound and Light performance brings the magnificent history and achievements of the ancient Egyptians to life as the illuminated Pyramids and the mysterious Sphinx dominate the surrounding darkness. To end the night, sail on the River Nile, the same timeless waterway traversed by Pharaohs, Queens and Nobles thousands of years ago. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet dinner in elaborate interiors as you glide past Cairo's waterfront landmarks, while a folkloric presentation and belly dancing take place for your entertainment. You'll then drive back to your hotel for a well-earned night's sleep. Day 2: After breakfast and check-out drive southto Egypt's first capital, Memphis. Here visit the ruins of the temple of Ptah, the fallen colossal statue of King Ramses the 2nd and the Alabaster Sphinx of King Amenophis the 2nd. Drive to the oldest, ancient cemetery of Sakkara and see the Step Pyramid of King Zoser. Continue to one of the Mastabas (tombs) built nearby, and visit ones such as those of Ptah-Hotep, Mereruca, Idut or Ti. Then proceed to the Giza Plateau, where the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World is found, the imposing Pyramids of Giza. You'll have some free time at the Pyramids to explore and enjoy this magnificent site as well as having unique photo opportunities. Continue down the valley where the Mighty Sphinx bears witness to the passage of time. Let your imagination reflect on the golden days of the Pharaohs as you gaze at this mighty monument. Lunch will be served afterwards at a leading hotel nearby the Pyramids before the return journey to port. Bring back with you wonderful memories to reflect upon for a very long time to come. Note: Shoulders and knees must be covered and shoes must be removed while visiting the Mosque. Visitors must go two security check points before visiting the Cairo Museum. During the Sound and Light show, use of video cameras requires a fee of approximately $6.00. All meals and overnight accommodations are included. The drive to Cairo takes approximately 3 hours each way.  

the day before the day before we leave.. .

2007-09-16T20:30:00.000-07:00

Trying to get ready to change states is always difficult physically and emotionally. It's hard to leave family and friends and the house we have worked so hard on this summer. Pipe is mostly in, plants are in the ground, still have mulch to move and deck to finish, laundry and packing to do, but the rest of the house stuff will fall to our winter caretakers, David and MA. It will be in good hands, but it's still hard to go. Florida is so welcoming this time of year!!!

Todd, Dave and Blue have worked hard. A snarl of pipes going in over roots (we know the stumps are gone), a mess untangled graciously, and uncommonly heavy work. . .the excavator works great on the big stuff, but lots of hand shoveling!
The long ditch goes to the edge of the bluff where a really long pipe will go to the bottom to prevent water erosion. Glad I don't have to watch Todd hang by his toes next week to put that part on!!!

Cody, nephew, is leaving next week to go to San Diego to live with friends for awhile, didnt work out for Jon, but hopefully will for Cody. He's going to ride his (motor)cycle down the Pacific Coast Hwy, should be a great trip!

Louie and I went overseas (to the mainland) yesterday for a stack of errands and another battle at the apple store (they have been great, just don't know how to reinstall backed up data and don't want to lose it. Has been frustrating, but think finally I may be ok. Needed to get it all backed up before I take it in the i-lugger through the airport. If I lose pics one more time. . .they will stay lost!. Had dinner at pf chang's and it was great, but we ate too much. . .

Looking forward to seeing friends and family (and pets) in florida. Miss screamer, the cat and Yacqui the bird. Wonder if they remember who I am?

tree line dance

2007-09-10T20:56:00.000-07:00

Difficult night with the photos on the blog, wouldn't upload. . .

2007-09-10T20:51:00.001-07:00

Here is the tree crew!

Here is mom in Barbara's backpack!!!

so we go with daily pics, but weekly blogs?

2007-09-10T20:23:00.000-07:00

It has been a hectic week. We filled up a 20' trailer with yard debris, had 6 trees cut down (they chipped those), birthdays (David, my brother), more yard work, Jon off for a job interview in San Diego, niece Barbara visiting which included a trip to the pottery place to do some artwork, nephew Cody getting ready to move to San Diego, a visit to Mike and Cindy to see all the work they have done to their house, the deck started (waterproofing) in hopes that it will last awhile longer, I even read a book, finished my gourd, did some beading and spent a ton of time on my computer and iphone.

Barbara is extremely creative and talented. She made a pattern and built this backpack (that mom is wearing). Wont show the other creation until next month!!

The tree stuff was fascinating to watch. Has opened up the north side of the house to lots more light, and I loved the stump grinder!!!!! It was radio controlled and to see something the size of a small tractor running around on its own was something else! Chipper ate those stumps like a champion sweet corn eater!!!

Mike and Cindy's house looks great, Mike finishing tile, Cindy and Susan working on the yard. They are ready to go back to florida so the house is up for sale.

Have been playing with the new sony camera. Love it!! Caught a rainbow on the wall 30' from the kitchen window where the light was coming in.

catch-up time

2007-09-03T20:04:00.000-07:00

Jon, nephew, has been here working on the yard and living in my studio, so I havent gotten much computer time in, so I will endeavor to catch up by working backwards. . .

Today, Monday, louie and I went bean picking at a friend's house. They don't want to see another green been, so we got 4 plastic grocery bags full and another bag of beets. Louie will can some with dill. We saw cool puff balls and made them shot off spores, then they puffed back up! Check Louie's blog for pics also. I got a good movie clip, but not sure if I can get it on this site. From there, we met Dave and Russ and went out on the boat to pick up the last crab pots of the season. Last round got us lots of females (not keepers) and 2 good sized males, Will let you make your own joke from there. . .

Yesterday, Sunday Sept. 2, was a yard day. Marked irrigation system for the pipe guy, mowed the yard, loaded a 20' trailer 6' high with yard debris, took 21 plexi panels off the deck to get it ready to weather proof it, and. . . whew was tired out! Jon also got the concrete mixer put together and we went for turkey dinner at mom's. A week's worth of stuff in a day!

Saturday, Sept. 1, Worked in the yard. Cindy and Louie came over for dinner, crafting and talking. We did a lot of the latter and not much work on our gourds. The sunset was incredible and we just couldn't tear ourselves away. Jon came home and fixed us dinner plates from leftovers and Jonathan returned from his walk in time to join us. Louie and I were both practicing with our new cameras.

Friday, Aug 31, Jonathan and I met with the "pipe guy". His crew will be here next week sometime to put in the drain that goes off of the back bluff. It has taken a year to get engineering and approvals from neighborhood association up through the state. It involves trenching and maybe cutting the driveway concrete. The sweetgum tree on the corner will come out first, we think, but we were going to do that anyway because it has lifted the concrete in the driveway up about 1 1/2" and cracked the slab!. After the meeting we went to Oak Harbor. . .the big city. Got a Honda mower from home depot. Yay!!!! We even made it past the wonderful chinese buffet restaurant without stopping (no will power if I go in so best just to stay out!). Errands at office max, shoe store and walmart. home by 10:15p, had a late start. Jon didnt get home til saturday, his job interview in Portland went fine, he just didnt want the job!!!!

Spent some time learning my new camera. Macro works well. Also silly pic of Iphone taken with camera which is reflected in the glass front of the phone.

Aug 30, Thursday, we had the barbeque we were supposed to have had last week, before Woody took his tumble on the beach, David brought "brand new, 2 hrs fresh out of the water" salmon and we had steaks. Was quite a feast. Potatos and onions from the garden (and guessing the eggs from their chickens) came with Mom and Marjorie in the form of potato salad). Woody was up and moving, but still in a lot of pain from his fall. Eggplant would be the color of his bruise and size would be gigundous. David cooked steaks on the grill, Cory climbed the apple tree, and a good time was had by all. Too chilly to sit outside so we moved extra chairs to the dining room table.

ps

2007-08-29T03:00:00.000-07:00

Be sure to click on Louie's Blog on the right hand side bar of mine. She got really cool eclipse pics. . .and David is catching lots of fish. Woody still in hospital, but due to come home wed. am. Missed his flight home, so we get to have him here awhile longer.

a night i can't sleep. . .

2007-08-29T02:36:00.000-07:00

working on trying to retrieve my photo library. not much luck so far, but have gotten some things straightened out and found some things I thought were lost. yippee, my music is back. . .I-phone is great fun, but a steep learning curve. . .have had a few panic-y moments. Company again today, invited next-door neighbors over for dessert and to meet MA and David. Good evening.

Up in studio at the computer so makes sense to share improvements up here, have plants 2 new bookcases, and the craft storage unit is amazing. . .I may get organized after all!!!!!. Painting is one that started with a can of "oops" paint from home depot. . .the bathroom is the darker blue, wall on south side became a lighter shade of the bathroom color and I did 3 paintings in a style I fell in love with from peru. Love the symbols, simplicity and whimsey. Of course, the colors are not peru, but my twist on the style. Handicrafts were wonderful there. A beautiful and spiritual place reflected in their art.

new photo editing technique. . .

2007-08-27T18:55:00.000-07:00

Sunday was a slow start day, Louie came to retrieve packages, David and Maryanne are on their way, off to mom's to pick up a computer table that she had replaced, and I stopped at Louie's. Ended up taking friend Woody who had been at the emergency room saturday due to a fall on the beach while fishing (3 ribs, one broken, 2 fractured) back to the hospital again with breathing problems. He was admitted and hopefully found some respite.

The gourd ended up on the glass table in the studio, even unfinished, it looks nice.

just gourd-eous

2007-08-27T18:53:00.001-07:00

sat aug 25th

Got up at o"dark thirty to catch the ferry for a seattle class on preparing and decorating gourds. I had bought some in TX during the "road trip" phase to make "jellyfish", an artistic gourd confection that I saw in Mexico when we were there for the Adam/Marlee wedding. Not really knowing how, the class through Louie's basket guild was just the ticket. Coldish and rainy-ish, we settled in with a great group to play.

it's been awhile. . .

2007-08-24T22:51:00.000-07:00

my computer for some reason no one is able to figure out decided to lose all of its memory. . . for things I needed like passwords and my whole itunes and iphoto libraries! while at the apple store today losing my mind since they couldnt find my lost or hidden stuff, I headed out with 2 new iphones. wow, I mean WOW. will get some photos and more news out tomorrow after Louie and I get back from our "gourd" class!

mishmash day

2007-08-19T22:48:00.001-07:00

worked on computer, (research on how to fix my dead ipod), bought rosa rugosa roses in pink (5)and white (4) for the back fenceline, went to mom's and unveiled the concrete leaf pieces (they worked great!) for the birdbaths, then went to Bush Point Restaurant with Dave, Louie and FL friend, Woody. Good dinner, too much food. . .the day like the sentence is a run-on, didnt stop, but good all the same. The Woodman and Cowboy. . .Dave and Louie, view from restaurant window down the beach and kayak at sunset. . .

Catching up!

2007-08-17T20:10:00.000-07:00

Wednesday the stove was delivered and set up. Should keep us warm this winter. Our installer was too much fun. He had that "skirt" to walk on the carpet so he didnt get it dirty. Got a bit of grief from us and the crew! People are so nice and friendly here! What a great bunch they were.

Yesterday went to Mom's and she and Marjorie helped me make a rhubarb leaf-shaped concrete bird bath, actually 2, and 2 stepping stones. Quite a project mixing all that sand and cement. . . covered it with plastic wrap and should be hardened in 7 days, but I'm sure I will peek before then. Mom hauled the stuff to the garden in her new used mower complete with trailer!! How much fun is that? Her blue mophead hydrangeas are turning green, they are about 10" across!

Today was grand central station. Started with the irrigation guy, Paul, bringing a new valve cover at 8am, propane people came and set 2 tanks for the stove (we froze last year when the power went out for days at a time. . .this will guarantee a mild winter), sears dropped off a refrigerator, the mulch truck came with 15 more yds, and my brother and Woody, a friend from Florida, finished the parade. . .A grand day. Lots of things to check off my list. Jonathan did the hard work, sorting and unloading from the old to the new!

Watching the shooting stars. . .

2007-08-14T21:38:00.001-07:00

Spent two nights camping out on the deck to watch the meteor showers. Pretty fantastic and the sky was so clear. No moon, the milky way was so milky it was hard to diferentiate the constellations. Body schedule sure out of wack. Tired today.

MA and David picked Sandra up, they headed for Salem and then Eugene. Was a good, if short, visit.

Spent this evening reorganizing my picture files had gotten so tangles up that I had to start over completely, no names or categories saved. . . Found some good photos I had forgotten about. . . One of the things I collect is patterns.

. . . will add them later, it's late and I'm tired and the internet is not cooperating. . .so
Sleep well!

Coopville Art Show

2007-08-12T21:33:00.001-07:00

and lunch. Not too hot, not too cold, rain held off. . . Lots of wonderful stuff. Had lunch at someplace with crab in the name on front street, it was good and the view pretty spectacular. Got some christmas shopping done. Sandra and I got Jonathan a late birthday present, beautiful wooden double flute. Stopped at mom's on the way home and picked green beans, beets, basil and dug the rest of her potatoes for her.

When we arrived home, Jon had made "pork normandy" with the cider from last years' apple tree (and that was another story, it was a cold and stormy day. . .). Dinner was outstanding. I got the recipe.

Family unit tonight. . .parental unit and baby units.

there and back again!

2007-08-11T20:56:00.001-07:00

Took a cruise with lunch (mukilteo ferry, hot dog and coffee), all in 20 min! Went to the airport to pick up Sandra.

Seattle airport is wonderful in its support of the arts, always something cool to see. There was a metal sculpture (small) and jewelry display this time. Enjoyed that while waiting for the plane to find a gate!.

Also play of light from ceiling was reflected in the tabletop. . .

Had dinner with brother Gary at Lanna Thai. Food was wonderful and decor was tasteful also. Caught the 8p ferry back to the island. Other ferry is visible in background of this odd unintentionally blurred photo.

One inside one out!

2007-08-10T20:40:00.000-07:00

Jonathan worked inside, I worked outside. Planted all the flowers in pots or the ground. Dug out blackberry bushes and wild roses out of theLavendar bed. Steady all day. Irrigation guy, Paul came and put in new valves and fixed directions on the sprinkler heads. Yay! The boys got sidetracked today, so didn't get to the 15 yds of mulch or the edging. There's always tomorrow. Speaking of tomorrow , we are zipping overseas to see brother Gary and pick friend Sandra up at the airport. The lavendar Pi pic is from Friday Harbor lavendar farm and sculpture garden, not my backyard. . .

Baby birds now have sortof feathers, the mom yells alot whenever anyone comes near. . . Bunnies are out and chippy munk came into the house again 3 times. Hope he found his way out again!

Yesterday, 8/9 was a shopping adventure with mom and jonathan to oak harbor. . .chinese buffet, home depot (tools), office max and wally world. More plants, potting mix, blades for the edger, all that fun stuff. Even saw some sunshine. When we got back, Jon had finished mulching the middle bed and it looked fabulous! photo of Jon at computer.

Hard work day!!!!

2007-08-08T22:15:00.000-07:00

Exciting yard day. . .lots done. Jon used new edger, Jonathan pulled dead bushes and roots, M. pruned bushes and trees, it was a grand day and the pile gets bigger. . .
Had an interesting visitor. Guess I need to watch open doors. . .the resident chipmunk came in to explore the kitchen. . .climbed into the sunflower seed container and was ready to kick back with the tv remote and watch animal planet, but I had to remind him that he had other obligations tonight. They are so darn cute!
MA said I should share the birthday pictures, but I will be kind, the photos were not. . .lol

2007-08-07T20:54:00.000-07:00

We had a hard work day today and made at least eleventy-seven trips to the hardware store for tools, got 10 yds of mulch, borrowed a sawdust shovel (thanks, David)and a wheelbarrow (thanks, Mom) and went to town!!!! The pile is what well-dressed yards don't wear, 20 yr old k-nik k-nik which came out, the other pic is where it used to live and is happy without it!!! Still much more to go and the 10 yds may make it through half of what needs to be done. . . Was good to be really physically tired. Will sleep well tonight!

THE MISSING DAY!

2007-08-07T20:11:00.001-07:00

Nephew Jon who is doing a yard make-over (what not to wear said no k-nic k-nic) was sleeping in the computer room, so I skipped last night. I did get the baby bird pics though, so we'll just pretend this one is yesterday! Worked in the yard, visited mom, did a bunch of framing, was a productive day!!!!! Gray and chilly makes fit easier to work in the yard! Top photo is what came out, next is the dent we made in the mulch!

2007-08-05T22:48:00.000-07:00

Gotta love a gorgeous redhead. . .

2007-08-05T22:10:00.001-07:00

Company left this morning and Louie and I went to Anacortes for the art show. On my way to pick her up I pulled off the road in front of some blackberry bushes to finish a phone call and was gifted by a visitor. . .a pileated woodpecker. He was quite cooperative. The art show was enlightening and as is most always true with a show, it is amazing what the human mind can think up and produce. Lots of things I would have loved to take home or for that matter be able to do! Gathered great ideas, saw some old friends and Jack the puppy was so tired he didn't even open his eyes when I petted him! Louie and I rounded out the trip with dinner and a trip to Wally's world for more bird seed and other treasures we couldn't leave behind! Will check the baby birds tomorrow, it was after dark when we made it home!

2007-08-04T23:13:00.000-07:00

And then there were three. . .

2007-08-04T22:32:00.001-07:00

The day has been delightful. Lunch in Langley at the Braeburn restaurant, some shopping, to the nursery for new plants, solved the problem (thank you, Mike!) of how deal with my photo library going crazy so that my thumbnails did NOT match my 4000 photos or titles. . . It's a bit unnerving to click on a picture of a painting only to find that it is actually a glacier in Chile! Must have been some gremlins, maybe the same ones that came through and bit only the flowers off the new plants . . .good thing I got some pictures . They now have cages. . .Nephew Jon did a fabulous job in the yard and beds weeding and such. AND we now have 3 babies. . . all eye spots and mouths. . . Sweet dreams.

new life

2007-08-03T16:37:00.000-07:00

Gray, rainy start to a now bright day. Picked lavender and daisies. In my search for flowers, found this tiny baby in a nest Rockey discovered some time ago. . .congrats, proud papa.!!! Computer working as it should today despite its tantrum last night. Housecleaning day. Company tonite!

double double bluff

2007-08-02T22:38:00.000-07:00

A sight not seen very often in these parts, between winds and tides, not usually clear enough for reflection. To add to this glorious start to the day, a strange buzzing sound produced a crazy person in an acrobatic plane skywriting (and just playing). Must have had a strong stomach. Birds continue to be great entertainment and flowers like this gotta make you smile! Nephew Jon and friend Colin dropped by and fedex after 4 stops over 2 weeks, finally arrived with the last of the desk parts, The desk is now a whole entity with multitudes of drawers instead of misc, pieces!!!! To top off the wonderful day, the all in one printer refused to send photos to the computer. After an hour or so of %$#@%^^&,, Jonathan finally came to the rescue, took him awhile, but he has more patience than I and didn't get angry with itt. (Like it did me alot of good. . .) Anyway, pictures are now ready for view! Happy trails!

Full moon!!

2007-07-31T17:43:00.000-07:00

Tides are very low and very high. Could have walked out almost forever, but enjoyed the beautiful sunny day from the bluff. The energy beings were out in full force. They show up as sparkles and their sole purpose is to make people smile. Hard to resist. Crab cakes and crab shaped cookies for dinner at mom's. YUMMY

Sun and it's fiery chariot left a glow in the fog creeping out from behind the island. Then came sleep, but not for long. That moon called and kept me with her until after sunrise. . .

A bird in the hand. . .

2007-07-30T05:54:00.000-07:00

garden

2007-07-30T04:59:00.001-07:00

monday monday

2007-07-30T04:38:00.000-07:00

Planted hydrangeas are looking good. So exciting to be able to do northern flowers!! Have also planted lilacs, coneflowers,basil, tomatoes,and chives. The yard is great fun. Have been cleaning out beds, moving plants, shifting volunteers, trimming hedges and started a mulch pile. Guess that's called sweat equity! Even in this cool weather. Irrigation is fixed so done't have to shuffle hoses. Roses were here when we moved in.

july 29 '07

2007-07-29T23:02:00.000-07:00

Gray and cloudy, high of 68 on the island today. Great day for getting things done. List is long and worked all morning on things i couldn't check off, stlll, it has been a productive day. Got to hold a goldfinch that thought it could fly through glass. Kept her warm until she got her senses back. So tiny. The finch feeders are a big hit. Have counted up to 8 on at one time on the "sock" with others waiting in the wings (no pun intended!). So bright and cheery.