For starters, there was this guy!
Nothing is better than a surprise visit from a Baby Grand -- especially on a nice day.
It wasn't long enough (are they ever?) but there was time for a story (OK, a paragraph or two because there is SO much to see at Grandpa's!)...
...and a walk in the yard.
There was time to bake (come back soon for a wonderful cookie recipe!)...
...and to set the table with another treasure from Rita's Purge, a wonderful tablecloth.
I can see why she chose this one for me!
It was a week with book club ("The Hare with Amber Eyes"). Those of us who read it, enjoyed it because we love art and art history.
The rest, not so much, but we ate well!
The coffee table was cleaned off and ready for them but even that filled up with more food!
This pretty table runner was part of the Rita Purge Collection as well!
The pansies and daffodils are out. The tulip heads are being munched by deer. Can't have it all!
A walk to the ditch brought a perfect day. The pussywillows are on the way out but those little specks aren't dust -- they are bees flying around!
Nothing is better than art time!
Especially when you are painting with a friend.
Monique of La Table du Nana told me about this wonderful watercolor book to help one better learn to paint flowers, so I did the tulip first (because it had instructions!)
Then I switched to an old friend to try out some new paper, also recommended by Monique called Yupo. I don't think it's great for watercolor -- hard to control (to the degree you can control watercolor!) but my old standby cat was OK. Not great. OK.
We had lunch before our ditch walk and painting. I thought the strawberries in my crocus bowl looked very springy!
Of course, there's always some humor to be had. Bumper photography!
And I leave you with a wave and a smile.
Gotta fly!
Till next time.
Sharing with: Let's Add Sprinkles / Pink Saturday
"This guy" is adorable!
ReplyDeleteGreat foodie pictures! The cookies made my mouth water.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful time. Love the photos of baby hand and of Harry, great shots. The food pics made me hungry! Yupo paper is hard to paint on, but your cat turned out well. Have a great week, hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteObviously I am enamoured of the picture of the Great Blue Heron. As for grandchildren, I have always enjoyed seeing them, but have always enjoyed turning them back over to their parents too!
ReplyDeleteI want to be your neighbor. You have so much more fun than I do with your art, photography cooking,decor and book club. Not to mention that cutie pie grandson.
ReplyDeleteYour grandson looks a lot like two of my cousins at that age- identical twins, both now in their forties.
ReplyDeleteYour little grandson is so adorable! I know y'all love having him spend the day with you. The heron photos are stunning! You have a great eye, My Friend!
ReplyDeletexo,
RJ
Great.
ReplyDeleteOh, that little grand is adorable. I love his hair!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry the deer are eating your flowers. Boo!
Art dates are fun, aren't they?
Have a joyful week, Jeanie!
I loved "The Hare with Amber Eyes" -- I also read it with a book club a few years ago. It's too bad that not all your members finish the selection, as it helps to have everyone ready to talk about the book. But the food looks as if it made up for it.
ReplyDeleteGreat that you had such a good week! And that you snapped such dramatic shots of Harry.
best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Your little grandson has many cute expressions, Jeanie. Glad you got to spend time with him. I just saw Francesca last weekend too. Being a Grandmother is the best, isn't it? Looks like a fun art project with your friend. And those cookies with yellow frosting look Yummy!
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Those are great photos of Harry. It is exciting that they are back and spring is really starting to show her face. And thanks for the book review. Coming back from Japan it sounds fascinating and gives me a little to read about the country. I get this way when I come home and am still living the trip for a while. You sound like life has been great Jeanie. That's what life should be. I'll be back to do some catching up. :) Hugs-Erika
ReplyDelete“Little” is adorable . . .
ReplyDeleteWhat fun times . . .
Painting with a friend . . .
Nothing better . . .
Harry . . . twice . . .
Buds, blooms . . .
Eats too . . .
Isn’t life grand . . .
It's nice to see your sweet little grandson. Those pictures of Harry are great, too. -Jenn
ReplyDeleteI can't believe Baby Grand is walking. Seems like he was just born a few months ago. Where does time go?
ReplyDeleteAre those home made croissants? And where did you pick up those napkins with the Arc de Triomphe? AWESOME. And a great spread, too.
Lizzie looks cute, but neglected (or is she bored?). Lovely photos and a great post today.
Baby Grand is absolutely adorable! I know how much you love his visits! I can’t wait for the madeleine?? recipe, they look delicious! When I saw the heron photo on your FB, I gasped! It should definitely be framed. I always love visiting with you my friend!
ReplyDeleteI feel like I was just invited (or maybe I just "dropped in", LOL) to your friendly and lovely home...and enjoyed a nice day with y'all! I especially enjoyed seeing all the good food, and getting to see y'all paint, something I AN NOT GIFTED WITH, so watching others do it is very interesting.
ReplyDeleteHarry! There HE is... and isn't he magnificent??!! Oh, Little C!! He is just TOO CUTE!! I just love that pic of Rick in goggle, reading to C!! :) Oooo.... looks like you're been baking French Madeleines??!! I've not baked those in ages... looking forward to yor recipe! That vintage tablecloth is YOU in cloth form, Jeanie... LOL! ;) LOVE that cloth! Such good food served at up your book club--YUM! Fun to see your art time and paint play. Your red tulip practice is beautiful!! You know, your pics of Harry could be good paintings. :) haha... bumper photography! I think that's one way of taking photos I've not tried yet! Happy Week, my friend ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures of Harry and Grand is such a cutie pie! You're always busy doing some fun things, Jeanie. The madeleines look deliciious!
ReplyDeleteLady, do you ever stop and relax? You are always up to or into something! Looks like a great time.
ReplyDeleteGreat shot of Harry and his reflection!
ReplyDeleteAwww, what a cutie pie you had as visitor :-)
Yes, that tablecloth must be for you! Question: How long do you "store" wine? We brought a bottle from Italy in 2015 - time to open it?
Hmmm croissants!
Oh, I need some bees here, too - otherwise no strawberries .... again!
Love that pic of the cat - reminds me of Bob.
You seem to have such a wonderful time, even when no major 'events' are planned! Your book club looks like a good one - when I was involved with a book club (it was a short run for me - about 8 months) it was dry as dust. And certainly no Roman banquets! LOL We were lucky to get a glass of cheap rose and a triscuit. LOL. Love that your husband has a costume to wear while reading (not to mention, I love that piece of headgear!).
ReplyDeleteI love Yupo! But I can see why you wouldn't care of it. I like it for exactly the reasons you don't. Because I do alot of mixed media and serendipity work, the smooth substrate works marvelously for extemporaneous blendings and accidental patterns...something I'm sure you wouldn't find ideal for painting representational images!
Thanks, again, for sharing your week. And for sharing Harry!
That looks like a WONDERFUL week to me! Terrific photos of Harry, and that Baby Grand's blue eyes are killer! It's so fun to see my vintage treasures being used. It's really inspiring for me, Jeanie.
ReplyDeleteI hope this week is just as great for you.
Looks like fun times! Your grand is adorable!
ReplyDeleteJenna
He's adorable♥
ReplyDeleteSo fair..
me thinks harry needs a Meaghan:)(sp?)..
So sorry you didn't like the YUpo:( I like how watercolor flows in it..but I like lots of stuff:)
And how nice was Rita to do al that? I read her post and saw someone on IG sharing a cute california hankie she made a cushion out of..Rita spurred creativity:)Love it..and I love how your friends' palette is set up..loks like Mijello(sp..? again)..Have a good week!
What a marvellous painting of Harry! Did you do that? A lovely post. Love all your pics shown here. You're living in bountiful blessings, Jeanie. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI get very happy "participating in" and witnessing your happy life! Full of joyful birds, people, activities...Reading and walking with the little one, touches my heart! You are indeed blessed...
ReplyDeleteWhat a great week. Grands, friends, books, food and art! Perfect!
ReplyDeleteHow grand indeed...All the fabulous blues in your life...the Blue Heron and your beautiful Baby Grand. Lovely. :)
ReplyDeleteI can't decide what looks like more fun...story reading with a little one, art time, food arranged on a beautiful tablecloth or photography with Mr. Heron! You lead a fun and interesting life, don't you? Can I come over? Hugs!
ReplyDeleteSo many wonders at your house, including and especially the little man:)
ReplyDeleteThe photos of Harry would make beautiful paintings.
A Grandchild visit always brightens the day! I will have to look up that book your book club read--it sounds interesting! I'm also in a book club and usually like the books we decide on ahead of time, but historical fiction books are among my favorite.
ReplyDeleteLove that you have art time! My art is limited to grandchildren crafts these days. That bumper photo made me laugh!! :)
OH, sweet! I have one about that size too, except I am the great-aunt, my sister gets to be the grandma. :)
ReplyDeleteIn response to your comment, I did not know that about Benjamin Franklin, William Penn, and Germany. Wow. Well, it is hard to understand the past through modern eyes. I am sure he had his reasons, just like us today, and I am a thousand percent certain that everybody argued about it then, just like us today! ;-) A thousand percent...yes, that sounds right.
Hi, Jeanie. OMG the photos of Harry are wonderful. Looks like a page out of an antique book of wild birds. He really is magnificent and so is the precious grand. Love Grandpa reading in his head gear! You two are lucky people..Happy Tuesday..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteHARRY IS BACK!! Spring is finally there for you, and here for us! The forsythia here is bright and bold and Mrs. Robinson is out there looking for worms and building supplies to get this nesting going!!!!
ReplyDeleteNothing better than the pitter patter of children's feet in the garden, blue skies, good food, and another year to celebrate the gift of living!
It really does sound like it was a nice week... Glad to hear it!
ReplyDeleteGreat photo of Harry!
ReplyDeleteYour grandson is adorable, they are just so cute at that age. My grandson is 17 months now and starting to "chat".
Your tulip watercolor is wonderful Jeanie.
Those cookies look delish!
ReplyDeleteI'm envious of your painting time. Looks like a blast! I need to just take some time and break out the art supplies.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, a good week indeed! Little grand is so sweet. Always great to get hugs and kisses from those little ones. Somehow, I missed Rita's purge. What a sweet thing to do! I have a large bowl that matches your cute bowls. I found it at a thrift a few years ago.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
Your week seems grand. Love that cute little boy (gosh, walking already!) and I know you love your cuddle time with him. Friends, food, art and Harry. Great pic of Harry. Enjoy the rest of the week Jeanie........
ReplyDeleteIt all looks kinda wonderful! Oh Harry, cookies, babygrand, the funny picture of you and Rick, the table cloth, table runner, book club - WOW! so much fun to be had. Love that your little guy is beginning to walk hand in hand and enjoy a page or two in a book.
ReplyDeleteThe cookies look yummy! I think your tulips looks really good, and I love the cat painting.
ReplyDeleteI love that y'all spend so much time with the Baby Grand. It's so sweet to see the pictures.
What a delightful post! I absolutely love to see the face of that boy and then when I see your face or Grandpa’s face with that boy I am all the more thrilled with those happy faces.
ReplyDeleteThe tulip is spectacular!
Always great to see Henry.
Sounds like a wonderful week! A visit from an adorable little grand, friends with delicious food, books, beautiful art, gardens and a wild visitor.....Perfect! Happy May! xx Karen
ReplyDeleteA great week...the cutest little grand...food looks amazing...and friend time...all wonderful...
ReplyDeleteYour week was filled with fun and I enjoyed every photo - but I am in love with your grandchild and heron.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I'm hungry now... all of the food looks so very delicious.
ReplyDeleteI love the pictures of Harry (great shots!) and the watercolor cat is sweet, no matter whether you think it's great or not. I like it. Which one is that watercolor book? It looks like something I might consider (maybe when I retire...).
Bumper photography! That was the best. But I loved your cat too. Artists are always hard on themselves it seems - they think, "that was just a scribble!" while a non-artist looks at it in awe.
ReplyDeleteJeanie, I'm glad you had a good week. It was filled with great things. I did see many birds but not Blue Heron. I understand there was one last year at the wetlands so I will have to keep an eye out. Thanks for sharing and have a great week. Sylvia D.
ReplyDeleteDon't you love pussy willows?
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend.
Jeanie, This sounds like a perfect week. Your grandson is gorgeous. Harry is quite handsome. I do like your tulip. Your flowers are gorgeous. I love spring with a ll the beautiful flowers. My garden has been looking lovely. Today was 80 degrees and some of the flowers have started withering. You are fortunate to have pussy willows . We never get pussy willows here. Have a great weekend. Enjoy your strawberries.
ReplyDeleteYour little is adorable, and the photo of Harry is breath taking!
ReplyDeleteJoy! I read and see so much joy in your post. I love it. Thanks for sharing. Your photo of that bird, wowza!
ReplyDeleteThe View from the Top of the Ladder
There's a lot of goodness in this post, Jeanie. Cookies, nature, babies, loved ones, friends, art...you have a good life. :)
ReplyDeleteAlways I remember how much color and texture
ReplyDeletelife holds
every time I come:)
Thank you for sharing the beauty of your lens.
I always look harder for it
after I leave here:)
-Jennifer
Those are wonderful photos of Harry. And the pussy willows were a real treat. They always were a first sign of spring for us in Iowa, and I still remember the excitement of cutting the first ones and bringing them into the house.
ReplyDeleteSo cute. It looks like good week. Thanks for sharing at Keep In Touch.
ReplyDeleteThe photos of Harry are spectacular! And I love course always love seeing pictures of Baby Grand. He is such a cute little boy and he's at such a fun age. All the ages are great, of course, but I really love it when they are walking and able to express more of their personality. I'm appreciating the stage Paul is in (except the super fussy periods - no one could enjoy those!) but I look forward to when he is more interactive!
ReplyDeleteThe book club spread looks delicious!!
A lovely post. Your grandson is delightful. Stunning shots of Harry, well done x
ReplyDelete