Good morning!
I had another sweet, quiet week. Kind of in hibernation mode and can't seem to snap out of it--lol! I suppose there's no need to, really. I have no particular plans, after all--lol!
We had freezing drizzle topped with a thin layer of snow twice this week. I do love the snow, as you know, but ice! No thanks! Falling gets more dangerous the older I get. I'm grateful I don't have to be anywhere and can just have sweet, quiet days all warm inside with Miss Allie. She keeps an eye on me--lol! :)
And we are both loving having all the birds out there every day.
Can't tell but there's ice out there on that sidewalk. Whenever we can't see it we call it black ice. Not sure where that saying came from, but it is a dreaded one.
I bought myself an electric skillet to maybe replace my stove when I move. Haven't tried it out yet. It had very high ratings on Amazon, is ceramic non-stick, and can go in the dishwasher! Since I have only been using cast iron for several years, I needed some utensils for a non-stick pan, right?
When I saw these bamboo utensils--OMGosh!! These are so ME.
Besides the usual daily & weekly stuff I have to do around here and along with the Critter Cafe duties...
...I finally made it into the studio to snoop around for something new to try. I had saved this new book out when I packed because I love wildflowers.
Decided to set up in the kitchen instead of at the studio table (so I can see the partridges when they come by, to be honest).Playing with some of the new QOR paints (best of the lot that I purchased recently so I wanted to try first). They wet really well and are quite vibrant. Ignore my actual artwork--lol!
You can see where I get some use out of my crazy expensive book holders. That is the rose gold bee.
I am so out of practice I can't even remember which brushes work well for which effects or which sizes to use. They vary so much from brand and type. And then I have new paints I am not familiar with, too. But it is so much fun to play! It's like being a newbie all over again. Would take a lot of practice for me to be able to paint wildflowers anywhere close to what she does, but it is fun trying.
Christmas cards have been arriving. This one is the most unusual card I've ever gotten...even spins and plays "Oh, Christmas Tree"! Thanks, Janie!
I decided to cover my refrigerator this year. :) :)
Leah had to stop in at Joann's last week for some ribbon. We haven't been there for quite a while, but I was flabbergasted at the pictures she sent me! Joann's was always such a nice store--always so neat and clean. You can skim through the photos (there were even more than this). The entire store looked like this.
Absolutely shocking! No signs about them closing or going out of business or anything. Have any of you gone into an old familiar store and found it to be such a disaster? Is all the online shopping putting the brick-and-mortar stores out of business or causing them to be so understaffed that they can't keep their stores clean and organized? Such a shame. We are still really shocked.
The following photos of the rugs are taken by Ian! Gramma wanted a picture of the boxes Dagan took home...and they are being used right now to help flatten the rugs--lol!
Ian did a really great job with the pictures!
Leah got the new shower caddy and my coffee shelves put together and ready to hang.
She got the custom automatic blinds ordered for my two windows, too. Next weekend she plans to see about ordering the appliances from a place in town that will deliver and set them up for us. Such a busy time of year right now. Things always settle down after the holidays. But it is a time for being bundled up and making snowmen. I tried to get a picture at dusk of my lights around my studio window and the patio door...my year-round decorations. The studio lights twinkle, so it is hard to get them all lit up at the same time. But they are what I see at the kitchen table...all year round. *big smile*
Next newsletter it will be almost Christmas! And then the next one will be the last one for this year and almost New Year's Eve! Have a really good week and I'll see you again before Santa does. :)
Ian did a really great job with the pictures! 
She got the custom automatic blinds ordered for my two windows, too. Next weekend she plans to see about ordering the appliances from a place in town that will deliver and set them up for us. Such a busy time of year right now. Things always settle down after the holidays. But it is a time for being bundled up and making snowmen.
13 comments:
There seems to be little doubt that bricks and mortar stores are set to become relics of the past, or close to it, with perhaps a few specialty shops still able to survive. We have only ourselves to blame. And Mr Bezos thanks us again for his latest mega yacht and his ability to exert censorship on the election process. Oh, and treat his employees badly too.
That Christmas card is incredible! And I love your artwork, you have more talent in your left pinky than I do in my entire body!
I love to see those partridges, too. It sounds like you are doing quite well, considering. Sending you lots of virtual hugs, dear friend.
I took art classes from Jr High through college. Then I seem to forget about it as life moved on. I wouldn't have a clue! We also have ice, but it is now melting. I really like the rugs and the bamboo utensils! Moving is getting close, at least it looks that way.
I have not been in Joannes since last Winter, not my favorite store but Jen likes going there. There is a Dollar General store that looks like they never unpack boxes and the ones the do are into aisles that make you claustrophobic! Nice snowman that the boys built. Sounds like things are moving along at your new apartment.
That is sad about Joann's. I hope that brick and mortar stores can stay in business. There are many things I don't like to buy on-line because I'm often unpleasantly surprised when they arrive. I love your paintings and the bamboo utensils. I'm pathologically afraid of ice; fortunately, we don't get it frequently here in WA.
Hi Rita. Did you get my Christmas card? I didn't see it there on your fridge. So glad you had a good week and that things are going well. I love the bamboo utinsels. I hope the coming week is a good one for you. See you again soon!
I have days when it feels like everything is an effort and I can't really be bothered, today is one such day and as it is going to be a stinking hot day with a temp of 36 degrees Celsius or 97 degrees Fahrenheit. Having Allie there to keep you company must be good and having the birds come around would be nice, I just put birdseed out for the birds that come around here.
I agree that snow is beautiful but ice is detrimental. Falling on the ice (long ago) is one of the main reasons my spine is destroyed and I now rely on a wheelchair.
It's a good idea to have an electric skillet to replace a stove. I have an airfryer/electric oven to replace my regular oven.
Luv those Monet rugs.
Stay safe and warm!
I'm so glad it was a good week, Rita! And I'm extra thrilled that you are watercolor painting again. I've seen that book, and it looks like a good one. I have to finish my Christmas cards today and get them in the mail. (A few people -- you're one of them -- get cards I make; the rest get the family photo card and a few, the regular cards!) You are wise not to venture on the ice. Our Joanne's looked pretty good yesterday but I think at this time of year in craft stores, things are pretty picked over and no point in ordering when it will all be on sale on the 26th!
I'm so sorry I have missed some of your posts. Ya know my life is full of, well crap. LOL I do love your post and hibernating is OK. Many years ago when we were remolding our house. We didn't have a stove for many months. I cooked just about everything in an electric skillet. It saved on my electric bill and it was easy and quite nice. I love your art. Very nice. Oh, I have to drive about 50 miles to get to the nearest Jo Anne's. It is like yours. Not sure if they are closing or not. Well my friend, I wish you the very best Christmas.
Here I am at last. You're probably preparing your post for tomorrow, or already have it completed. Joann Fabrics filed for bankruptcy; they've closed a lot of stores. I haven't been in one for years. My mother sewed a lot of our clothes, including ugly matching outfits, but I don't think many people sew like that these days. It's sad to see a store in such disarray, though. Your painting looks lovely. Electric frying pans are so handy. Yours looks great. See you tomorrow.
Love,
Janie
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