Happy New Year 2012

I spent the last day of 2011 doing what is dear to my heart ... outside and sketching. Here are yesterday's journal pages. Picture me in the back seat of the car, my little box of paint on one knee, my journal on the other knee, water in one hand and pen or brush in the other .... too damp and chilly to sit outside while I was sketching. I wanted our friend, Eleanor, who is 90 years old now, to have the front row seat with my husband, Dale, while we sat and watched.

Plat I: December 31, 2011 --
.... a fitting way to end the year. We picked up Eleanor in the late morning; then picked up sandwiches at 'Subway' and drove to Plat I (procounced "eye"). A promise of sun triggered this little expedition, but it was well hidden by the time we reached the reservoir. No matter. Spent the afternoon watching and sketching and talking. Two adult bald eagles were taking offense at the presence of an immature bald eagle. Even the kingfishers were chasing each other. Mist rising out of the distant hills, nearby robins feeding on the wet lawn. Closest of all was a black phoebe flitting from one perch to another searching for little insects. Eleanor love being out with us. We are kindred spirits savoring the damp day, the birds, and each other's company.

May the New Year be a good one for you all.