When God sneezes, it is called straight line winds...

As in most midwestern states, tornadoes and straight line winds create havoc for everyone. We were hit last weekend with one of the worst storms in quite some time. It took down 50 foot trees and as you can see, our gazebo.
But the most amazing thing happened...the next day, our neighbors, chainsaws and tools in hand, descended on us and helped us with the clean up. (Which was substantial!) I have never felt such a warm rush of friendship and community as I did this day. It was god-awful hot that day, so when we were done, we all gathered at a neighbor's pool for a rousing game of pool baseball, brats on the grill and much needed margaritas. Words can not express how proud and blessed I feel being a part of this amazing place. Thank you so much for making my life so rich.
Thanks goes to, Paul, Hans, the Holbrook family, and the Christ family. Our lives are richer because you are all a part of it.

Holding On finished

This is when I put a piece away for a few days and then tweak it a bit before it goes to the scanner. By the way- next time I draw out fringe, stripes and rope...shoot me.

Keeping on "Holding On"

I have been down with a summer cold and no voice for the last four days, and today was my first day since my trip to WA to get back to work. This is today's effort. I hope to be done soon...

Home Run

Just another pencil to stretch my wings...Home Run pencil, 8x16

Babies, babies, babies...

We have raccoons at our feeder every day, sometimes all day. I thought this one was just fat! She brings her four little ones every day.

One of the MANY new kittens at the barn. John and this one had a bonding moment.

Finally, a fawn! All my neighbors have fawns in their yard all the time and not one here. I was so thrilled when I saw this little one yesterday.

Oh my goodness, the orioles. I count at least 20 plus at this point. It is such a thrill to see the parents bring the babies to the grape jelly I put out.

Wednesday's work...