In, Out and Round About

Spring is doing its best to enter my world. It's still colder and less sunny than I wish but the daffs have buds (please, please -- no more ice!) and on occasion, a sunny day! The gloomy ones have their charms -- they give me time to paint!

On a recent bright, blue-sky day I went to the nearby town of Owosso to see the art show my friend Kate's lino group. 

There was a tremendous amount of really fabulous art and I could never salute it all. Each piece was printed but using a variety of backgrounds -- cloth, paper of all kinds. Artist Cindy Lounsbury did a series of dreses -- this one was on pattern paper.

There was a bit of other art there too (these were from local artist and one of my former instructors, Barb Hranilovich.)

Needless to say, I left with something. Well, I didn't leave with it -- but come summer, this will be at the cottage!

Owosso is a charming small town and its biggest claim to fame is that it was the home of author James Oliver Curwood, whose home, Curwood Castle, is open to the public. I didn't go in today but will make a return visit.

That evening Rick and I enjoyed the season opening episode of "Call the Midwife." It's one of the most beautifully written programs on television (PBS -- and if you have the PBS app or Passport you can catch up and even work ahead on episodes!)

I was up early the next morning to deliver Rick to the dentist for a wisdom tooth removal. Fortunately, it was neither impacted nor complicated. The patient is fully recovered, back on the bike and doing well.

I've been working on a puzzle for a couple of weeks, off and on. What do you think was the subject?

Got it yet?

Yes! The world of Agatha Christie! I finished it up, finding all the clues that represent her various books, travels and interests. (Did you know that she liked to surf?) It's a terrific puzzle.

I may have found all the clues but I'm still missing one piece. Right now the main suspect is Lizzie. 

I went down to Brighton to University of Michigan's back clinic to see if they can figure out why I can't walk up steps without pain and have trouble walking. They think it's a tendon-related issue in the leg so when I finish shoulder PT next week it will be back to work on the legs. I feel like they should invite me to next year's staff Christmas party, I've been there so often. (Not complaining. Grateful.) And, did I mention, spring is here. Doubly grateful.

The dreaded tree butchers have been working on neighborhood trees, clearing them from power lines and usually doing an abysmal job in the "beautifying the neighborhood" category. 

The other day there were seven huge trucks on my street and yes, guys in my yard and in those of all the neighbors. They took down a dead tree in my yard and we had some "discussions" about what NOT to do. All is well, at least so far.

I've been doing Sketchbook Revival this week (there is still time to join in if you want to get some free online tutorial/workshops that will be available till mid-April). I'll have more to share on that and another class I'm doing online soon but here's my first project.

And in the evenings? Enjoying some fun TV -- "Beyond Paradise," "Shetland," "Vera" and "Cunk on Britain," among other things. Right now, nothing on Kanopy is working, which is a pity because I have a great watchlist and if I have to re-sign up, I fear losing it.

And, coming up in the next post -- an adventure in lemons with good friends!

Oh yes, And Easter is coming!

The bunnies have begun to appear!