The Gypsy Caravan 2023

Saturday, June 11, 2022

Hanging Around but Not Together

We're really ready for a good bounce around here. The most recent news (which is slightly old by now) is that Rick got Covid. We don't know where as we've both been very careful. It was the nasty-cold/bug version and he felt pretty lousy but is on the mend. As for me, so far, so good. I've just dropped off things since he was sick and laying low, just in case.

Its origin is a mystery. Possibly it was at a bike ride. Possibly at the open house to view our friend Dick Hill's art. That was a masked occasion, except when we were outdoors, eating. I think that's less likely, as we were both there. The walls were filled with paintings -- it was a glorious sight.

The open house was great. Dick disappeared (too many people) but we saw all his lovely art and more besides. He had asked us to take a photo in front of our favorite of his paintings or in the garden -- this is mine! (If you didn't read my earlier post about how this remarkable man is dying with extraordinary dignity and grace, you can find it here.)


(They even had little cookies with the design of this painting on them!)


Since my gardening skills (and let's be honest, desire) are close to nil, I've been buying flowers at the market!


And on occasion, I do something right. Or rather, nature does. I had nothing to do with these glorious irises except to say "thank you" for the blooms!


Fortunately, if I'm in need of garden color, I have to do no more than look outside the window and spot neighbor Rosie's garden!

 

I cannot grow poppies to save my soul, but her bright orange poppies make me smile every day. I treasure them, knowing they are short-lived blooms.

 

I think I missed the fledging of the chickadees -- I've not seen the feeding frenzy between the two adults in several days and I am surprised to realize how much I depended on watching their daily visits to brighten the days. Meanwhile, my oddly-marked squirrel has been keeping us entertained.


There also a new critter -- this horrid photo was taken from inside, through the window as it was nearly dark, then cropped, so it's pretty fuzzy. Mr. Possum!


And then there's this one. She's always good for cheer!

 

 I leave you with a few blooms pulled from Rick's yard. I love pretty weeds!

I've been painting, too -- and will share those soon. Meanwhile, I'll leave you with another shameless photo of me with the painting that supplies me with some inspiration!


Inspiration is always a plus!

Sharing with:   Saturday's Critters    Pink Saturday   /   Share Your Style   /   All About Home   

63 comments:

  1. Hello Jeanie,
    Sorry to hear that Rick tested positive for Covid. Pretty photo of you posing in front of the painting. The squirrel does have weird markings, I have seen the possums here. Lizzie is a cutie! Beautiful flowers, love the tulips and vase. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, enjoy your weekend.

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  2. I hope that Rick recovers quickly from COVID and I hope equally that you don't get it, Jeanie. At least when fully vaccinated the symptoms are generally quite mild. Ontario is set to remove all mask requirements.

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  3. Sorry to read about Rick getting infected. Thank goodness for vaccines or things could be worse. Wishing him to get well soon. That squirrel is quite entertaining, and I always love seeing Lizzie.

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  4. Lots of wonderful art, flowers and critters! Have a great weekend, hugs, Valerie

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  5. I went scouting for rises yesterday bt discovered that I was too late, at least in areas where i wa looking. Glad you missed the Covid. Hopefully, Rick will be all better soon.

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  6. ...Jeanie, your world looks so colorful. Take care and stay well.

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  7. Oh dear. I'm so sorry that Rick got Covid. I'm glad that he is on the mend. It seems almost inevitable that we will all eventually get it, despite our vaccines, despite our masking, despite our social distancing, but I hope that these measures will at least hold off the most horrid symptoms.

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  8. We have what is called Darom Adom (Red South) festival, when following the rainy season, the landscape of the northern south (Negev) is covered with a red carpet of poppies (anemones). The red carpet is a stunning sight!

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  9. Just goes to show that even vaxed people like Rick can get the Covid. But he is on the mend, which is good. Love your flowers and all the art. What a prolific artist your friend was! Gigi Hawaii

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  10. Sorry to hear about Rick's covid. I love the painting you stood next to as well.

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  11. So many people are covid-infected even after 2 boosters -- like my very cautious sister. There's no way to predict who will get it, and who will seemingly remain protected. Fortunately, the danger seems less in the vaccinated. I hope Rick has a speedy recovery and that you continue to be safe and healthy.

    best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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  12. DANG! Covid !! I hope that it does not leave Rick with the sometimes after effects that seem to be long term. Bummer, Stay well, you are doing a good job so far! Poppies are my favorite flower my favorite sap to eat! They are pretty no matter what stage they are in and the seeds on bagels - perfect little bit of wild flavor.

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  13. Really a lovely post with the exception of covid. Hope all is well by now. A very nice photo of you by the art. Your garden looks full and green. Poppies kind of do their own thing. Nice shots of the animals too. Have a very nice day today.

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  14. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I like the flowers you published
    and your fluffy cat is simply lovely. 🐈

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  15. So sorry to hear about the Covid! THAT's no fun. Love your colorful photos, as always -- even Mr. Possum! (Who I recognized right away.) That really IS a curious-looking squirrel.

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  16. Our covid numbers are going up once again The hospital has an increase in patients. Hope Rick recovers quickly. I like the painting that you picked as one of your favorites. Stay safe and have a great weekend.

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  17. They have been reporting that our Covid numbers are on the rise ...
    I do hope that Rick recovers quickly and that you don't get it.

    Lovely colourful photographs on your post, I enjoyed them.
    Take care Jeanie.

    All the best Jan

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  18. You forgot to mention Charlie in your animal visits. He deserves a picture I think.

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  19. I hope Rick will soon recover from his covid…poor man…beautiful flowers and that painting is wowwww!…love from me happy Sunday Ria and Leaf ofcourse 🍀🌸🐾🍀🌺🍀💗

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  20. Hoping Rick feels a bit better every day. I have often wondered if I got Covid would I know where I caught it. That can be tricky as we begin carefully venturing out.
    Love that artwork piece that you are standing by. Trying to imagine cookies that look painterly. I bet they were very pretty. Dick was wise to step away and let people just enjoy.
    Oh those critters. Dear Lizzie is the sweetest.

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  21. Stay well, friend! I hope Rick is feeling better (and testing negative) soon. Beautiful paintings, though... and it looks like a lovely outing. Beautiful flowers, too. I am always grateful for the talents of gardeners. Much love, and hugs to you & Lizzie...

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  22. I'm glad to hear Rick is feeling better. Almost everyone I know who's caught covid don't know where they got it. And I know my daughter does know she got it at a cluster at work, but her fiance never caught it.I love seeing all the art on the walls and you look wonderful in the photo of you also. And I can't grow a poppy either. Hope Rick and you can be together soon, if you aren't already. Happy weekend. Hugs-Erika

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  23. Sorry to hear about Rick getting Covid. I know how careful the two of you have been. Have you had your 4th vaccine shot yet? Did Rick get his? That's a good preventive measure at least that's all we can do to attempt at some normal living. Love those market-bought flowers on the table. Would be a good inspiration for another painting. :)

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  24. I am very sorry "Corinna" caught your Rick, glad he is better! Yikes, we will need to accept we´ll live with that virus, like with any other. Let us be clever!

    Love the "shameless" pics :-) And the art.
    Poppies are my favs and I really have planted some (sadly my thumb is rather... black...).
    Let´s hope for the best!

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  25. So sorry Rick has covid. I hope he recovers quickly and you don't catch it.
    That is such a lovely bright painting! Be safe! :)

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  26. Jeanie,
    So sorry to hear that Rick contracted Co Vid...Praying that you do not test positive as you just finished your antibiotics for your lung condition....It was probably contracted while eating in public with people around...Still considered to be one of the main super spreaders.....Thanks so much for stopping by!! I appreciate you always taking the time to do so!!
    Take Care and i hope Rick starts to feel better soon...
    Hugs,
    Deb

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  27. Wow, Covid, paintings and a striped squirrel. We live in a lake community, and there are black squirrels on the other side of the lake, but I have never seen one like that before!!! Hugs, fun post! Sandi

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  28. Of course I loved seeing your possum! My baby's been back a couple of times, and now has learned to shimmy up the pole holding the platform feeders. It's clear he's proud of himself! I love that last photo of you by the painting. Your hair is especially attractive in that one -- I can't quite decide if you've had a cut or color, but you look great!

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  29. Poor Rick…
    I guess one woukd wonder where one got it..glad he’s feeling better.
    That last pic of you is wonderful!

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  30. The article you posted on FB about the repeat of Covid was interesting. It's weird how it's contracted, and leaves us guessing, guessing. My great grand niece (15 mos old) got it, and we surmise it was from her mama who, although tested negative, still had cold symptoms prior. We received additional rapid tests offered through USPS yesterday - 4 kits with 2 tests per, x 2 in household - a total of 16 tests. That's the good news. THe bad news is they ALL expire July 2022. We're going to share with family, several who will be vacationing together in coming weeks.
    I do hope you can keep from getting it, and that Rick gets well without any residual side effects.

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  31. So glad Rick is feeling better. I know it is a great pleasure to be able to,enjoy your neighbor’s garden, especially poppies. Your iris is stunning. Take care, Jeanie!

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  32. I just got back online a few minutes ago after losing power yesterday. Sorry to read about Rick. I will remove my mask when there are no more signs of Covid. That may be never. I hope he is better now.

    Loved seeing you in front of the beautiful painting. You look good with it.

    I have never tried to grow poppies, but will be trying this month because I bought some seeds. LOVE your irises.

    Stay safe, dear friend.

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  33. Poor Rick! I am happy for you that you didn't get it. It is a mystery, isn't it?
    Love the squirrel, and I've never seen a possum.
    Kitty looks like our Hooper (RIP), a Harlequin Tabby. I loved him so much. What a lovely temperament.
    (ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!

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  34. Good morning, Jeanie. So sorry to hear about Rick. Hope he will be over dreadful COVID soon. Will it ever go away?

    The painting you chose is wonderful. To me, it is such a happy painting with all the colors.

    Wishing you a great day and week ahead. Take care and be well.

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  35. Hope Rick is on the mend and you don't get Covid. At the clinic where I work, two of the Doctors and one of the receptionists have caught Covid, so it's all been quite stressful with staff shortages. We received our 4th dose this week in preparation for our upcoming trip to Europe.
    I love poppies :) A couple of years ago a friend gave us seeds, and they grew that year but never again.
    The painting is beautiful and you look lovely in front of it Jeanie.

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  36. Jeanie, I’m so sorry to hear that Rick caught Covid. Miles went to our cottage on Friday and came home Saturday, but he found out that a number of our cottage neighbors have caught Covid several times and that one neighbor was home with it now, for her 2nd or 3rd time, while her husband was at their cottage. I hope you and I both can stay safe from getting it. BTW, I love the painting you’ve standing next to!

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  37. Wow! That squirrel is truly odd and beautiful. Enjoy your summer.

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  38. What great colors in the paintings.....very nice. Sorry about Rick, crap is still with us and still going to jump up and say hi whenever it can. Pretty sure that is what I had in Dec., the 3rd version. Not even sure what or how many versions there are these days. I plan on wearing a mask when I fly to be on the safe side. And when in Calif and out and about, just cause I think they still have more going on than we do. Loving the arrangement you did. Pretty. Iris, wow, are have been long gone for weeks. I have day lilies in bloom now and my Hydrangea.....pretty much it. Hoping Rick is COVID free soon.

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  39. Sorry to hear Rick has Covid. Hope you don't get it.
    Your pictures are lovely. I especially love the one with you in it.
    The possum was a surprise picture and the coloring on the squirrel tail is interesting.
    Love your iris and how fun to enjoy your neighbor's poppies.
    Take care.

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  40. Jeanie, I'm so sorry that Rick got the virus. I hope he is feeling better as I write this. Please be careful yourself. Your friend's art is bright and cheerful, and I really like that picture of you next to the art. I've been wanting to buy flowers from the store, but they are always expensive. So glad you treated yourself to some Tulips. I always enjoy seeing Rosie's garden. She has so many wonderful things in it. Yikes, that possum - how in the world did he manage to roam around your yard? That last picture of you is cute, and your smile is radiant.

    ~Sheri

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  41. The paintings are beautiful!
    I wish Rick a speedy recovery.
    Your feline is a ♥

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  42. you never know where you get COVID according to my doctor - saying a prayer that Rick's case is mild and he has a fast recovery. Enjoying art is always fun. I hope you stay healthy and well - saying prayers for you too!

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  43. Hope Rick is recovering and that you don't get it.

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  44. Well I hate to say this but I believe those pretty white weeds are poison hemlock. If so, touching them will be very harmful. Please read up on it and see for sure. So sorry to hear Rick got covid. Hope he is feeling better. Janice

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  45. I'm sorry that Rick got COVID, nasty stuff. It seems that more and more people get it, no matter how careful you are. I hope that he will recover fully and feel much much better soon.
    The colors of the paintings of your friend Dick are amazing! That first picture with Rick standing in front of them is gorgeous. I can see quite a few desert scenes.
    Your neighbor's garden is wonderful!

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  46. Hope Rick is better now.
    Nice post

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  47. Sorry Rick got Covid. Hope the two of you feel better soon. In the meantime, I'm glad you have nature and art to make you smile.

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  48. I think I got it from a brief interaction with an unpleasant person at work I've taken to refer to as the Leper.

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  49. Sorry to hear that Rick tested positive for covid.

    Wishing him to get well soon.

    Loved your gorgeous and colorful photos.

    Happy Monday, Jeanie.

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  50. Sorry to hear that he tested positive for COVID. Luckily with the vaccine the symptoms were milder.
    The squirrel was very peculiar markings indeed.

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  51. Hope Rick is better. Sending you hugs.

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  52. Sorry to hear that Rick tested positive. It seems like it's more and more inevitable that most of us will get it. I am glad that he's recovering and doing ok overall. I felt really rough, too, but wasn't dangerously ill. Most people I know have had extremely mild cases and Phil somehow didn't get it! Or he had it and wasn't symptomatic? Who knows.

    Love the photos of the art, though!!

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  53. I am happy Rick is okey again. It is difficult these days to know where it comes from, I think.
    I am enjoying looking at your beautiful photos.

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  54. Oh Jeanie, I'm so sorry Rick got Covid, thank goodness you didn't! Love the photos of your dear friend's artwork and your pretty flowers!
    Jenna

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  55. Oh geez, sorry to hear about Rick, and hope he's feeling better by now. It seems that everyone I know is getting Covid. Most are friends who have dined indoors, or went to an indoor, un-masked event, like a wedding. I love the bright colors of your friend's artwork. Just the photo of that possum gives me the creeps! Stay well, Jeanie!

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  56. Oh geez, sorry to hear about Rick, and hope he's feeling better by now. It seems that everyone I know is getting Covid. Most are friends who have dined indoors, or went to an indoor, un-masked event, like a wedding. I love the bright colors of your friend's artwork. Just the photo of that possum gives me the creeps! Stay well, Jeanie!

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  57. I replied to your other post, but ugh poor Rick!!

    Those paintings in that brightly painted room - I love it. It made me smile to see, so colorful and happy.

    And all the flowers!!! One day we will have to visit some garden together Jeanie. :)

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  58. It's wonderful that you were able to attend this show by your artist friend, Dick, who paints in such vibrant colors. It's sad that he will not be doing so in the future, but seeing these has been wonderful as well as seeing yourself, jeanie. Hope Rick is feeling better. I think there is no sure way to pinpoint where and when any illness is contracted...it happens despite best efforts.

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  59. So sorry to hear that Rick has Covid but sounds like he is on the mend. We know many who have had it with mild to no symptoms. Hopefully, this is the result of vaccines doing their jobs that even if the current mutation is not covered, the symptoms will be mild, like a cold. Similar to how the flu shot works.
    The pic of you in front of the painting is very nice. Sorry to hear your artist friend is terminal. God Bless him. 😥🙏

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  60. Jeanie, what a beautiful art show! I'm sorry Rick caught Covid but it's nice to hear that he is feeling much better. <3 Sending chicken soup and yogurt hugs to him!!! And it is nice to hear that you are back painting. I've been looking in my craft room thinking about what I want to create this summer, while I still have lots of free time. ;)

    Happy to have featured your post at tonight's Share Your Style #35o for you, <3
    Big hugs,
    Barb :)

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  61. Ok, Jeanie, this is as far back and I can go for now. I really didn't think I had been away from the computer for so long. I will just mention a few things that I forgot to say in past comments. Your hair looks so cute on you. I love the soft color and the length. You look so cute with it either up or down. Mine, on the other hand, is almost down to the middle of my back but seems to be getting thinner by the day. If I wear it down I really do look like the "Cottage Witch". Up is OK, well, at least better. Haven't got the energy to want to go to the hairdresser. I don't expect you to answer each and everyone of my visits. Evidently, I know how hard it is to keep up..Hope you are both feeling better and having a great time at the lake..xxoJudy

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  62. You are as pretty as a picture Jeanie! I am so sorry to read that Rick got Covid but as I am very late getting to this I am sure he has already recovered. I haven't gotten it yet, thank goodness, but I think it is only a matter of time before we all get it. (((hugs)))) What a wonderful exhibition! xoxo

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