Friday, July 28, 2017

Friday's Odds And Ends

Years ago, when my two children were teens, we lived in a New Englander house. Cellar, first floor, second floor then attic with steep stairs. They had rooms in the attic area. Little known factoid, I took jazz and modern dance classes when they were 7 and 5 😲 and for years after wore my ballet slippers. One day I was up there chatting with my son and started down the stairs. He said I switched gears half way down the steps and as a result, now my hip is starting to fall apart.


This is how I sometimes start my day. Sacral blocks to get my pelvis to drop on one side and stop hurting. That was this morning.  It works and saves me from going to the chiropractor every other day.
Took Lola out for her morning walk and as she pulls me up the hill, my gait gets a bit easier. My service girl.


Oh yes, this will be a painting. I'm having a love affair with those Queen Anne Laces I tell ya! Our plan for bathing and grooming Lola today was lost. Roger painted the bays and I prepared two 5" x 7" watercolor pieces for painting.


Over the years I have painted these beauties in oil and their Mum asked for smaller watercolor pieces for hanging in a room she is redecorating. I've been working with a new watercolor paint called Qor. (pronounced core) They are made by Golden Artists paints and have a binder that allows the paint to stay vibrant. Watercolors usually dry so much lighter so I am loving these. I did the small watercolor ACEO yesterday using these Qor watercolors.


So, this morning while I was having coffee and thinking of the large watercolor piece I need to dive into and possibly doing a bit larger pieces, yes, I ordered a larger set of Qor paints.


Oh just look at all those colors!!! My friend Lou has them and she is having so much fun with them! 


Hmm, what's this? It's dough rising for Roger"s pizza! Our Friday night feast. And yes, it's delicious. Pics tomorrow!!

Have a great night everyone...see you tomorrow and hopefully we will have a clean and groomed Lola.

Warmly,
Sheila


"What...I think I smell ok,,I think it's your issue guys!!"


Thursday, July 27, 2017

Just A Quick Hello

I had a rough nights sleep so today was what I call a fuzzy day. It was chilly and we had our windows open with the Fantastic fan drawing in the breeze. Sammy must have felt a bit chilly so he climbed up on the bed and put his head on my hip. I tried to turn over but he wouldn't budge. Oh well.

I waited like a little kid for the rain so I could wear my rain boots but, alas, just a sprinkle. I could have worn them, who would have known or cared? Silly me.


On our way to the field we walk up the main road past the office.  Ok Lola, pull me along girl! And she does! Near the top she walks beside me so we practice our loose lead walking and her staying close.  She does really well.

Tonight the light is beautiful up there but again, I didn't bring my phone. The image is in my memory though and I think I could do it justice in paint. Today I did do a small ACEO original and I think I surprised myself. Then ordered a 24 set of Qor watercolors from Amazon and I'm going to paint  larger. Very excited and I've found I have more patience being in a peaceful place.


3.5" x 2.5" ACEO watercolor on 300lb paper. I call it "Lola's Path" and is available on my artist page on facebook.


It is supposed to be warm and sunny tomorrow! Guess what we plan on doing! No not going to a stable to clean horses...we have our own "horse", (sorry Lola, you are petite) She so needs to be groomed so we will attempt to clean her up. I'll let you know!

So have a great night and see you tomorrow. 

Warmly,
Sheila

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Two Week Update


Now doesn't this say it all? I think finally after two weeks I'm starting to come out of the tiny room fog and I'm noticing Roger is too. Today he scrapped two areas that started to rust in preparation to paint it with rust preventative. Our battery bay and our front bay under the drivers area.  Me? After I took Lola for our walk I was determined to finish a commissioned box that I needed to do touch ups on and did it! Frustrated with the light inside, or lack of it, I took everything outside to the picnic table and worked in peace and quiet until it was done. I'm back!!



Then, oh yes I am back, I started and finished the little ACEO. A friends dog that I fell in love with the photo and she allowed me to use it.  It also gave me the chance to experiment with the background. Another commission that I have is a 16" x 20" watercolor.  I recently purchased a Walter Foster book, The Art of Drawing and Painting Portraits. One of the chapters is by artist Peggi Habets, whose work I greatly admire and since the painting will include a person it has been a great help. Keep positive thoughts coming.


Look what came from Amazon!! I also got a box of doggie poop bags but that's not as exciting! Great price though by the way! I'm using these brushes for my oil painting. Short and easy to work with and travel with. Very similar to Simple Simmons.


The honey wagon cometh! At first I thought I'd have to go inside but not at all. New Hampshire living.

Last evening Lola and I took our nightly walk up to the field. The sun was starting to set and the sky behind the tree line was a pinkish orange glow. We just stood in the field watching it. Not a sound. Not a bird, no cars. One large bug flew by my eye but even that was in silence. Lola and I stood there for a good 15 minutes not moving. If anyone saw us they would have thought maybe something was wrong, but, it was all perfect.  I'm feeling my energy returning and even my walking is improving.

That's it for today so have a great night and I'll chat with you again tomorrow. (Just heard it's going to rain tomorrow so I get to wear my rainboots again...exciting! )

Warmly,
Sheila




Monday, July 24, 2017

Guess What I Got To Wear


Yup, it's raining! It has been since about 7: 30 A.M. this morning and so thankful I pulled in the passenger side awning last night. Rain has a tendency, no mater how I attach ties, to stay in the awning and the weight stretches the fabric. I even tucked our chairs under the slide out so they wouldn't get soaked.  Anyway, I got to wear my rain boots! Very comfy and actually easy to walk in and after jumping in puddles with Lola a little while ago, I do know, they don't leak!



Roger and the boys! When Lola and I walk in the rain and she spots a puddle of a good size, she lunges towards it. She then puts two paws in and with her nose, snuffs and pushes the water up, then wags her tail. It is a continuous motion. She then looks at me and off we go to the next puddle. Looking down at her wet muddy paws I start to cringe then think, well, we have solid vinyl flooring that can be washed and our bedroom rug is beyond saving at this point so what the heck. What Lola wants..yes, Lola gets! (hopefully you know that song)

Another Lola song is by the Kinks. L-O-L-A Lola. The other day she was in the bedroom and the song came on and she appeared in the living room.  Was it a coincidence? Did she hear her name? Today it started once again to play on the radio and I told Roger to watch to see what she will do. "La-la-la-la Lola, La-la-la-la Lola...." "My Lola..." Out she came and laid down by the radio.  Our other favorite sang to sing to her is the one by Barry Manilow. What..you don't sing to your pets??I know you do! 😍

Roger made macaroni and cheese with ham cubes last night and we have left overs tonight. Perfect for the rainy, chilly day. 58 degrees. Not complaining!!!!


My puddle splashing buddy!!! Always close! 💗

The macaroni and cheese is heating up and I'm getting ready to snug on the couch with a few kids so have a great night and see you tomorrow!!

Warmly,
Sheila

Sunday, July 23, 2017

A Little Bit Of New Hampshire

This weekend more people arrived and parked in sites along Lola and my regular route. Hmm, I need a different way so we don't run into their pups. I'm sure they all have their vaccines but then why chance it.


Just to the left of our site there is a road back with other units and it leads out to our field! Now it has become our favorite way to walk.


Maybe I didn't appreciate it when we lived here but now it's magical or it's how I see my life now. Simple. Quiet. Walking, which I couldn't do in Florida but now Lola leads the way up the hills and then walks beside me on flat ground.


The wind this morning is cool and the only thing I hear is a falling seed from one of the trees into the brush below, (they are a bit large) and the rustle of the tall grasses beside me as I walk. The campground must be still asleep and I'm loving the peacefulness.


Near the top of the hill there are remains of an old stone wall that one sees throughout New England.


Even this has beauty. Probably trees cut right from our site at one time. Lola wanted to go sniff but we declined. I'm always thinking snakes but there are probably quite a few ticks from the pathway to the logs. We have found three so far, not on them but on us. All three kids are on Trifexis and it seems to be working. Ticks get a free ride in then try us out.


At the end of our walk back to our site we find this.  It's what happens when you forget to weed wack.
Not really, it just never made it into the campground.

So, lazy quiet day here. Lola is at my feet napping, Sammy on the couch and Ozzie is outside with Roger. After our walk Roger and I had our coffee outside and actually got a chill. 66 degrees this morning. Heaven.



Outside our dinning room window and just beyond the flag is the entrance to our "field". 

Well, time to paint or read maybe.  Since we have good Internet here I was able to buy a book on my paperwhite. Erik Larson's Isaac's Storm. I had read another book by this author about the Lusitania and really enjoyed his style of writing.  Isaac's Storm is about the deadliest hurricane in history in Galveston, TX in the 1900's.  If you are fascinated by weather you will love reading this book. Sometimes a bit technical but important to see how Isaac Cline, who worked for the Weather Bureau, foretold and tried to warn the people of Galveston of the impending storm.  A little eerie as I am reading that heat conditions in America at that time and throughout the world were similar to what they are today. Thankfully we have a great weather bureau to give us advanced notice. 

Ok, have a great day everyone and see you tomorrow!

Warmly,
Sheila

Friday, July 21, 2017

Look In The Laundry Basket

Isn't that where everyone keeps their Chromebook cord? On one of our traveling days I must have put in there for safe keeping thinking of course I'd find it...but then, one must do the laundry!

Oh well, found and now on to other things. Yesterday we actually did quite a bit. Look what CiCiBlue has on!! Her wheel covers! We are in more shade here then in Florida but still we need to protect the tires. Roger started her up then raised the coach so we could fit them over the tire. Lord, they are large tires. You can also see I have put my states onto our travel map on the slide out by our front door. Maine ,Vermont and Delaware are the only states we didn't get to.



The other accomplishment was this!


Getting my bike off the back ladder. Today Roger is taking it to his old stomping grounds and the bike shop he would frequent to get it into ship shape condition for me. It's a 12 speed or was a 12 speed until the gear shift decided to break. I'm also hoping they can clean off some of the rust and make her a bit prettier. I've had her for 15 years and I'd hate to part with her.


So for the first couple of days that we arrived, it rained! Buckets. The roads became flooded with water and mud and my sneakers became slogged down with said muck. I did have a pair of rubber boots but the slice on the toe area just didn't cut it and Duct Tape just wasn't in the fashion statement. So hello Amazon my friend, and voila', new boots! They will look great with tights and my jeans. Shorter and comfy. The one thing I need now is rain and no rain in sight! (Not complaining, just want to try out my new boots!)


Yesterday was one of those days that everything seemed to go south for me. I was dropping tubes of paint, brushes and just felt that the talent was out the window. I had paint left over on my palette from one of my commissions that I was working on so I grabbed an 8" x 8" linen panel and started splashing paint around. "It doesn't look like the reference photo" I was thinking. Then heard, "Sheila, how did you feel about that area". This was the result. "Queen Anne Maybe" Today is a new day and I'm feeling hopeful.


This is what's behind me. We haven't bought wood for the fire pit as yet but the chairs are ready. For $10.00 you get a really large pile. Maybe this weekend! It's Friday and we are hearing the weekenders coming in. They will be noisy and party into the night until it's "quiet time" but one does hear a hoot every so often after that time. All and all, not bad.


Roger, Sammy and Ozzie coming in from their morning walk. Lola and I do a different route up to the field then back down and around, passing the boys, then back up a hill as I tell Lola, "Time for Mumma's coffee". She starts to pull me up the hill, bless her, and we get home. Florida was flat and my hip/leg seemed to hurt more. I also saw that I was loosing muscle mass on my right leg. Excited to report I'm rebuilding!

We are close to The Lee Speedway and tonight, since it's so clear out, we will be hearing the race.  It should be fun.


And..breakfast is served yet once again. A Frittata! Spinach, egg and potato, oh and my favorite, cheese!! Fresh coffee and, sorry guys, no dogs. I did save a small morsel for Lola and Sammy.

Off to finish my second cup of coffee then inside to paint. I can feel it heating up out here now, nothing like Florida but it's getting warm. So, have a great day and I'll see you tomorrow!!!

Warmly,
Sheila

P.S. Just got a message that one of my books sold and I'm getting a royalty. $4.27 but ,hey, I'm thrilled!!!

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

It's Been One Week

It has been!! One week today that we arrived at the campground and settled it.  We needed to celebrate so this morning after walking the dogs we took our coffee and breakfast and sat outside and enjoyed!


No dogs asking for a handout but we did have Ozzie's nose poke through the bathroom window screen. Ugh. Roger repaired it in no time and all is well again. How dare we eat something without their help.

After breakfast I took my paints outside and worked a bit on commissions until it got too sunny and...hot. Nothing like Florida but with no shade at my table it was a bit much. Hmm, umbrella?
Tonight we are going over to our daughters for dinner. What a treat to be able to say that. It's been a long time since we were close enough to do that so I'm really looking forward to it.

Last night on Lola and my walk I took some photos of my favorite "weed" for future reference.



Please no stealing the photos are copyrighted.  

Another fun thing happened too, 3 of my new ACEO's sold and today are off to their new home. Thank you!! I'll be doing more!

Well that's it for today. Time to snug with dogs for a bit and go over stuff for tomorrow!
Have a great night!!

Warmly,
Sheila




Tuesday, July 18, 2017

One Magical Moment

When we were in Florida, Jeopardy came on at 7:00 P.M. and when the kids heard the theme song for Wheel, they knew it was time to go out for their nightly walk.  In N.H. Wheel comes on first and we go out then.


Lola and I walk up the hill sniffing every stick and every tuft of grass until we get to this field.  There's a small rise and we go up and start our walk. It's peaceful with some birds over head and you may see a car away in the distance but it's not heard.


We walked out further than usual then I looked down into the left hand corner of the field. Past the log pile line of trees to the very edge of that tree line in the distance. Since I have had cataract surgery Roger calls me eagle eyes because I see clearer and further than ever, but the brown image I saw I wasn't sure what I was truly looking at. Was it a box in the trees with some kind of tree branch on top? I think I told myself that so I wouldn't be disappointed but I knew right away what we were looking at and what was looking back at us. A deer. My "tree branch" was indeed a head with ears and my "box" was the body. With the amount of distance she had to be a good size.

Lola and I walked out a bit more to see if she would move but she stayed firm. Unfortunately I didn't bring my phone to take a photo, of all times. We had a staring match for about 5 minutes then Lola and I started to return to the place we first came up onto the filed and that's when she shook her head, turned and gracefully lept into the woods.  The tell tale white tail bouncing along with her. Call me crazy but I just said, "Thank you Dad".  My Dad loved driving up through N.H. and Vermont looking at the scenery and trying to find deer so I took it as a loving gift from him. (I also thanked all the saints and Heavens just to cover all!)


Across from the field are the Queen Anne Lace I took pictures of the other day. 

We still haven't finished set up for the coach. Wheel covers need to be put on and our tire monitors taken off. We are finishing up our eggs so we can use the carton to place them in and keep track of which one goes on which wheel.


Getting back into the rhythm...an ACEO. 3.5" x 2'5" 
watercolor and gouache on 300 lb paper
"I Think He's Got It"

Eventually I will be doing this in oils. I love Lab backs especially with their dangling tails!

Humid today with a bit of rain but oh so much cooler than Florida. I'm happy.

Have a great night everyone and see you tomorrow!

Warmly,
Sheila

Monday, July 17, 2017

New Hampshire And Internet

Ahh, the little things in life that make one happy. Internet! Though I'm sure there are some who say boo to that, but not us. So here we are!! Finally settled into our space at Wellington Camping Park in Lee, NH.

When my children were 7 and 5 we moved north from Boston to Dover, N.H. It was a new life awaiting for us and eventually take us in different directions. Coming "home" was exciting and CiCiBlue did fantastic getting us here. 


On Saturday nights we would pile into the car with a huge shopping bag of popcorn and go to Lee Raceway. The person I was with then had a race car and would be in the stock car division. As we passed it the other day it brought back memories. The races have been cancelled so far due to weather but we were told we will be able to hear them on Friday nights if they go on. Who knows, maybe we will go over to one.



And there is the sign. We made it.


A long drive down into the actual camp and at 5 miles an hour it seemed like eternity. 


Our site. A camp host came down and gave us a hand in backing in. When Roger and I first started to go places I used crazy hand gestures to tell him to turn left or right. He would go insane. We finally saw great hand signals at our stay at Cummins in Orlando so I'm using those but the camp host used my old ones. 😨 Quick correction..I stood behind the flailing armed host and did the correct signals that made the difference. We got into our spot and started to set up our home.


It even looks more homey now with a few more chairs and my plant. Dog ties are out by the fire pit and close to the shade and the picnic table is ready for all and anything.


First morning coffee. From here we are looking up to where the camp hosts park their rigs and the office. Tiger Lilies line all areas and it just makes everything so pretty.


Granddaughters Kelsey and Morgan and her friend Mike.

Friday evening our family came for dinner. We had steak tips, veggies, wraps and sangria. The decision was to eat outside so we wouldn't have to wrestle three large dogs for our food and thankfully it was perfect weather. Yummy desert was had inside when the mosquitoes decided to appear.


I think in Scotland these are called Hog Weed but to me they are Queen Anne's Lace or I thought they were. There is the huge field on the entry road and Lola helps me up the hill to get there. So not accustomed to walking up hills but it's good. Anyway, I have been taking photos up there as reference. I'm in love!


Lola doing her good sit stay. She is so in need of a good grooming and a bath so please forgive her appearance. She's had a stressful few weeks between a tiny room and riding in CiciBlue. Next week we will go in search of and she'll be looking smart! When we all go out Lola and I go a different way then Roger and the boys.  The boys will stop and sniff then Lola wants to rush right in and pulls me with her to the sacred spot. Adventuring with just me we can sniff to our hearts content and I can stay standing.

It did take a few days to figure we weren't it Florida anymore. We went down to the river and Lola went right in as I started to panic that there were gators in there or snakes and her favorite spot to do her business is somewhat wooded and I searched for poisonous snakes there too. I am ok now. LOL.  The other thing that made me laugh was at dinner the other evening the man in the site behind us came over to tell us they would probably be noisy and to apologize beforehand. He said he came up here on weekends and lived in Dover. My first thought was, wow...he came a long way. My mindset was still Florida. Thankfully I have overcome that. Saturday I drove to my daughter's house. 18 years since I drove around here and had to use a gps, but it came back quickly. Just trying to get used to hills and curves. Ahh Florida, home to straight flat roads. (Not missing it..but miss my friends)

So here we are. I really like this campground. Large roomy sites and nice tree coverage. A lot of updates are happening with more to come. A lot of the people are seasonal and keep their trailers here year round so they seem to be making spots for monthly or weekly drop ins. Quiet during the week as people go off to work or back home to their homes until the weekend. Nights are quiet and their are no street lamps so it's really dark. I love it. Sleeping with the windows open and the Fantastic fan on keeps the house nice and cool.

Tomorrow back to painting. Really!!! Updates on that soon! Off to finish laundry and get a P&J sammie so I'll see you tomorrow. Nice to be back!

Have a great night,
Warmly,
Sheila