Sigh. We wrapped up art camp last weekend, after 18 days of friendship and creativity. And a good 18 days it was, filled with lots of painting, walks, good summer food and some good nature sightings. And, I might add, some pretty nippy weather. Even Lizzie hunkered down by the heater!
Our weather turned cool (no, cold!) and we found painting on the porch was no longer a possibility -- well, at least till the last day or two. It didn't stop us but it's not nearly so much fun! Here's some of the stuff I did. These are some cards.
These are some of the others I didn't show before. If you click on them, you can make them bigger.
Someone asked if I'd show some of Kate's stuff too. I don't have great pix of my own but here's her accordion book.
And I loved this beast! Alligator? Crocodile?
And the sunflowers.
The fishing lures both part of our sketchbook scavenger hunt and a study for calendar page! Summer, of course! I can't wait to see the finished art, which is of my grapevine fishing lure wreath!
Yes, she's working on a new calendar. Hopefully the time was productive. I'm thinking, yes!
I mentioned the summer food. Oh my! What fabulous peaches we got from the fruit guy at the market. Other people have found out about him. We got there right after opening and there was already a line! Meanwhile, we finished off the last of my tomatoes with some sweet corn as our last dinner. Fresh peaches for dessert! Summer on a plate.
We did have one problem. The refrigerator died. I went to pull some meat to defrost and one opening of the freezer (and one sniff) told me defrosting wasn't necessary. That said, it looked like it had been defrosting for more than 24 hours (I wondered when I got something to drink the night before that it wasn't really very cold.)
So, off we went to Lowes and I found a fridge just the right size for $479 -- plus tax and hauling away the other. Still, for $550 total, we're set. Or will be when it is delivered in a couple of weeks. It just killed me, throwing out tons of meat and fish. Meanwhile, we ate from the top of the stove -- and one frozen pizza!
We had more than a few sightings of the skittish Harry North. Try as I might, I couldn't get anywhere near him!
And then it was home. A quiet Labor Day, then the doc for me. I headed back north on Wednesday for a few days before coming home to stay for a bit. Lizzie loves her porch up north but she'll be happy not to be in the box for that ride! (I took this pic during art camp, before the "deep freeze" hit.)
Since I'm always the photographer, I was glad Kate got a pic of me with Lizzie. It's a rare one!
Rick Update
Rick is back in the US and as I write, having visited his high school friend Eugene in New Hampshire. He is now at his brother's home in Massachusetts. His travels included a stop in the town of Knowlton, which fans of author Louise Penny will know as her home town and the inspiration for her Three Pines.
He visited the book store there where he saw a lot of women who looked like Louise Penny!
This was the view from the book store! Gorgeous, isn't it? Looks like Three Pines to me!
He crossed the border at Stanstead, Quebec and saw the famous Haskell Library, which is built on the border -- and when I say on the border, I mean ON the border. Half the library is in Canada and half in the US, a sign of goodwill between the neighboring countries.
Unfortunately, the goodwill appears a little thin these days. The library was closed on Labor Day when Rick came through so he couldn't ask all the questions I'd hoped he could. But now, you can't go from side to side as usual. "The Haskell Library has been there for over 100 years as a working symbol of international freedom," he wrote. "People passed freely from the US to the Canada side all those years. Predictably, the dumba$$ in chief put a stop to that nonsense and today there is a Mountie permanently stationed there to make sure nobody even steps across the border."
And the border guards weren't particularly friendly. In Rick's words: ""I made the mistake of asking a USA border goon where it was. She didn't pull out her gun but she made a colossal stink about entering the USA which I didn't even want to do. She finally let me go back to the Canada side and he told me how to get there (after I did the passport dance). Geez!!!..."
I think he'll be ready for a good, long rest. I know someone who's got a head start on him!
Sharing with: Share Your Style / Friday Face-Off / Saturday's Critters
64 comments:
I've heard about this library and it's so sad. How many years was it a wonderful shared venture? And one of these days I am going to visit Knowlton. Thanks for the heads up and that view from Rick. Glad he was safe after this weekend's storms. And you've been having fun too. So much cool art. I'm with you about the gator. Stay warm. It's chilly, no cold, here at night too. hugs-Erika
Hello Jeanie,
Our weather has turned a little chilly, especially the mornings.
I love all your art work, the cards are lovely. The fresh fruits and corn are yummy. Sorry to hear about the refrigerator dying.
Love seeing Harry the North and your cute Lizzie. Great shot of you and Lizzie. Rick's trip photos look great, love the view from the book store. Take care, have a great day and happy week ahead.
...Jeanie your art camp looks to be quite a success and I wish Rick a safe journey!
I have been following Rick. If I am reading correctly the actual cycling part is done or close to it. It has been a remarkable trip. As much as I admire it, I am only envious of you in your cottage.
Too bad about the Trump mandated border issue. How stupid! But, just look at your art, Jeanie. I am so impressed with you. Gigi Hawaii
It's no secret how much I love your life up at the cottage. What you produced at art camp is always impressive. Sorry about the refrigerator going out but even that could ruin your vacation time. Rick looks so happy in his element.
yep, your head guy has a lot to answer for. It's such a shame about the library. I will say we crossed the border into the States a couple of months ago and it was a breeze. However past dealings with the US Border guards has made me wonder if they have a stick up their butts to make them miserable!!!
My favorite two paintings are the little bowl and the sunflowers. I do love your Art Camp.
Here's an idea for an inventors out there: a warning buzzer when your fridge or freezer stops getting cold.
You are well ahead with Christmas cards!
The half and half library is a story that hopefully in a few years time will be like it never happened.
What fun is Art Camp!!!! I am so sorry the United States has turned into an armed camp.
Hi Jeanie, I absolutely love ❤️ all your photos. You look radiant, dear friend, the photo with you and Lizzie is precious. I really appreciate and enjoy your artistic talent. Your paintings are gorgeous and captivating.
It's more than a sad thing that the idiots in charge are doing. That aside your art camp seems to be a happy place for 18 days. The art is so good. How can you not have fun being by the lake, enjoying arty friends and creating? Wow a fridg for $550.00 that is crazy cheap and good for you.
Loving the artwork, especially Kate's alligator! (It's the Floridian in me.) I'm glad Rick managed to avoid any confrontations with ICE while going to the library. What a ridiculous situation.
The peaches and tomatoes and corn look super good, Jeanie. There's nothing like fruit and veggies from the market. Sorry to hear about your freezer, but I'm glad you got a new one. New appliances are always fun to get. A cute picture of you and Lizzie. Your friend's art is delightful. and I like that gator piece. That is a beautiful photo of the view from the book store. Sounds like Rick is having a good journey cycling from here to there. Fall is here in the mountains, and I'l loving every minute of it.
~Sheri
How sad about the library, and the stupid border guards. Good grief. And sad about the fridge too!
Art camp sounds just delightful, and you two were certainly productive despite the chilly weather.
Hoping you have good news at the doc!
It truly does look like you had a marvelous art camp! Was fun seeing some of her art, too. Too bad about the frig, though. Glad you have a new one coming.
Safe travels for Rick. So sad about the library. Things seem to get crazier and crazier!
Hope your doctor visit went well. Enjoy the days at the lake while you can. Seems we could have an early winter again. :)
Your art camp looks fun and very productive.
The border crossing has been so hard and I am so sad about it.
I hope Rick makes the rest of the trip safely
Cathy
I've read about that border library, of course orange man ruins everything, what a jerk. It's too bad your fridge died and ruined the food but the new one will be great once you get it. Nice art, I love the cats in the photo looking at the snow covered tree. Best to Rick as he journeys on.
Looks like you had a wonderful time and I loved all the artwork, everything sounded lovely! As for the library, I read about this when it happened. I'm sorry Rick had to deal with that. Lately I seem to be shaking my head and my eyeballs are getting their exercise as I roll them to the ceiling every flipping day!
Stone fruit has been spectacular this year, wonderful plums lately. Your art output is lovely. I did pick a fave -- the winter tree and cat! There's an atmosphere about it that really appeals to me.
I love seeing all of your art photos! I am sorry about the refrigerator, it happened to us a couple of years ago. I hope you are feeling better, Jeanie!
What a busy life with good company both you and Rick live. I almost added Lizzie, but it looks like she slept through most of it. All the paintings are beautiful, as is the precious photo of you and Lizzie. Best wishes for a nice week.
That is very wonderful art, the black cat especially!
Bummer with the fridge, though!
Love the pic of you and Lizzie 🧡
Sad when people fail to be friendly. I´d love to join a long rest... But all in all... a GREAT time you had!
I love the cards you made! Are you going to send them to friends and family?
It's a bit of a scary story: Rick's encounter with the border guards. They sound very unfriendly! It makes me think of The Handmaid's Tale. I've been watching this recently.
I thought that interfering with the interaction between nations, the camaraderie and the spirit of friendship built up over so many years at that historic little library, was the pettiest action one might possibly imagine. Sad, sad, sad.
All of the cards are just wonderful. Getting across the border is not like it use to be here either...but it started years ago. ..not just recently. The bridge to Canada here takes hours without the pass because of the truckers. Unfortunately too many think they can get away with smuggling drugs over into Canada. Just last month we had to Ontario lads try to get cocaine over from the USA into Canada with a street value of over $500 million. Its a shame but the cartel use Michigan as a point of entry to Canada for their drugs. We have border patrol here everywhere because of it...and am glad we do. Janice
Wonderful. What wonderful pictures you created on the art course.
It must have been pure joy to be able to paint and craft in peace and quiet.
And you're prepared for Christmas.
I'm thrilled with the Haskell Free Library with its two addresses... There's a marker running right through the library that shows whether you're in Canada or the USA...
And the highlight is the opera house on the second and third floors. At least, I've read that the stage is in Canada... There are always small, beautiful wonders in our world - this one was created in 1904.
Thank you and hugs from Viola
The library.Unimaginable.Of course I am aware..:(One million kudos to Rick..Rick's wonderful adventures..Courage he has.And you girls and your art ..Amazing.Happiness in paper and brushes and colors and water.Happy for you.
It's a crocodile! Alligators top teeth show when their mouth is closed, but it's the crocodiles whose bottom teeth are visible while they're lounging around. Although the cool weather didn't suit you especially well, we actually dropped below 70 degrees for a low last night (68 here) and rejoicing can be heard throughout the land. It won't last, and we'll be back to the 90/75 routine for a while longer, but a hint of fall can be enough -- and those wonderful cards helped me remember that winter and Christmas will be here soon enough (or maybe even too soon!).
Oh so lovely a post Jeanie. of course the art camp is a fav of mine and you and Kate sure so work up a lovely collection of cards. I am also working on holiday cards; the time passes so quickly for sure. Sorry about the fridge. Once it happened to me as well -- ugh!!!! The lovely fresh dinner looked yummy.
The adventures of Rick are always so interesting; glad you share his love of riding that bike! Our weather in southern New Mexico has cooled off and it seems more like FALL is on the way; it has been a hot summer. take care.
What a great way to wrap up summer! Loved the paintings. Also, I’m so enjoying reading Rick’s posts from the road.
Oh, Jeanie, how lovely. Such a fun idea to do just art camp...but of course with all the 'at the lake' benefits. gorgeous photos, so glad you had a great tiime, Sandi
our weather here has been all over the place. hot, cold, storms and finally we got some measurable rain. your artwork is so beautiful, so special...it all has an aura of fun, i am sure you are sad to see art camp ending, such a fun idea!! i am also enjoying rick's journey!!
It's all the MAGA nuts drunk on power.
You art camp sounds delightful.. and you created so many beautiful pieces. Sorry to hear about the refrigerator.. throwing out food makes me so sad.
Hello Jeanie :)
What a fun packed time you had at art camp, and your paintings are super. I like the pretty purple and blue flowers ones and the black cat looking at the Christmas tree.
Shame you had to throw away spoilt food, but you got a great deal on your new fridge. It's also gone cold here now in the mornings, but after lunch we get some sunshine.
Those peaches look delicious, and your photo with Lizzie is lovely. I didn't know about the library, but now it's unfriendly policy has turned what once united two countries into a shameful act of pettiness. What next I wonder! I hope you got good news from your visit to the doctor, and I wish Rick a safe journey home and good health for you.
All the best
Sonjia.
Your cards are fabulous! It's feeling a bit autumnal here. I'm thrilled. It's such a shame about the library-- a disgraceful and disgusting era in the history of the country.
I guess the library is anti-America as is the rest of the world thru no fault of ours..Sad..
Love your cards...so cute
Glad Rick will be home soon..Loving this cool weather..
OMG, all this beautiful art work! Wonderful. I easpecially like your cards with the little cat - of course I do. The photo of you and Lizzie is such a nice one! Those 18 days together must have been wonderful, especially since Rick was away and you were hopefully too distrcted to worry too much.
I have read about the Haskell Library - so ridiculous and petty what has happened now. Every day I despair over the complete craziness of this administration. Will we ever recover from this?
Art camp looks fun..and productive!
That is a nicely fit looking Rick...he is getting some good riding in there
A wonderful lot of art work there! And 18 days is a good long time to settle in to it. It's a wonderful idea, which I think you've certainly been doing since I started reading your blog, but I don't know how it started. Maybe explain it sometime to those who were not there at the start of it all. I like how you have regular get togethers with friends. It's very sad about the library. And, my goodness, the border guard. Oh dear. But that little village with its reflected clouds, is beautiful!
A lovely post catching up with both you and Rick.
You got a lot done at art camp and he did some good riding.
I do like the photographs of you with Lizzie.
Wishing you happy September days.
All the best Jan
Wow, you had a very productive 18 days and also a fun visit with your friend. I'm sorry about your refrigerator but happy you found a good bargain on a new one! I like the photo of you and Lizzie and I just love seeing photos of her (and other cats) and how they relax. They can teach me a thing or two, lol.
Sorry about the refrigerator and loss of food. Ugh! And hoping Lizzie is warm and cuddly now. Loved seeing the artwork. Loved your black cats in the snow. Glad Rick is having a good biking adventure. It sounds amazing. So extremely sad that you know who has even put up obstacles at the library border. So disgusting!!!!
I just love seeing all your beautiful artwork and can imagine how wonderful it is spending all that time with your friend and being so creative It's a shame the weather turned cold so quickly and interfered with your outdoor's time.
oh so much end of the summer goodness here, Jeanie - art camp! sweet corn and peaches and tomatos! a new fridge! and the kitty, of course.
Wow, so many days full with interesting activities. You really painted a lot of things for this course. They are beautiful. And ... the view from the bookshop is absolutely gorgeous. I am happy to hear all is well with Rick. That is a long biking trip, but he seems to enjoy the landscape and visiting friends and family.
What an amazing way to say goodbye to summer and I so enjoyed all your artwork. Stay warm!
Amalia
xo
A dead refrigerator is an awful thing to discover, especially on vacation, but it looks like you were able to deal with it efficiently and pretty economically, and it sure doesn't look like it interfered much with the art camp fun going on at the cottage. So much beautiful art!!!
Glad to hear that Rick is safe and getting ready to make his way home -- he sure looks happy! Hope he gets to follow Lizzie's example very soon!
That is a huge bummer about the fridge dying! Our died in the spring of 2020. We were able to get a replacement pretty quickly thank goodness, but first we had service people out 3 times to try to fix it which was super frustrating! It's painful to throw out all of that food.
I love the art you made! Especially the Christmas cards with the kitties!!!
Your art work is beautiful! It sounds like you had a wonderful time creating. I'm so sorry to hear about the fridge though; I hate having to throw away all that food when one dies!
I am so happy that you shared this post for FFO. The art is so good and it may encourage others to have an art camp. Thank you and have the best weekend.
You have such a busy and creative life! I love to read your adventures as well as Rick's. I can never forgive the Prez for causing a stink in our relationship with Canada. They have always been good neighbors. When 9/11 happened and multiple flights to NYC were re-routed to Canada, the residents took in people to stay in their homes. You can't do better than that!
Art Camp for 18 days!!! That is truly amazing. What a wonderful immersion in your friendship and creativity.
Hello and happy Friday! Your artwork is absolutely wonderful! Sorry to hear about your fridge! Have a lovely weekend!
lovely art Jeanie!
I love that beautiful art work, and the cat. So sorry to hear about the refrigerator not working and losing that food. I hope you have a new one now. Take care and thanks for the blog visits.
What an amazing art camp! Sorry that the fridge died with all contents - nothing worse. I say its an alligator due to the rounding of the snout, as the crocs (at least around here) have more pointed noses - but it could be a bull. I am not going to ask it though, are you? And whatever you do, don't smile at it :D
All kinds of wonders in this post. Love the pic of you and Lizzie, the fresh produce looks divine and love the kitty and xmas tree cards.
Hope you're well. Have a glorious weekend.
Your cards are a delight. I also like the crocodile (crocodiles have a V-shaped snout, alligators are a wider U shape.)
Sorry to be late visiting. I had a project that had to be sent on Friday and I put it off till the very last minute.
I always love seeing what you and Kate make at Art Camp. You have to know my favorites are the cats in the snow. Love the photo of you and Lizzie.
Too bad about the fridge. Mine went out last year and I got a new one over the Labor Day weekend. Not what I wanted, but got one I could afford. Like you, I hated throwing out food.
What a pain Rick experienced at the border. We all know who to blame there. Maybe things will change one of these days. I really love all your art and photos, dear friend.
Hello Jeanie,
Lizzie is so darn cute, adorable photos. I love that you see Harry North at the lake. Your art camp looks like it went well, I see so many pretty paintings. I hope Rick stay safe on his travels.
Thank you for linking up and sharing your critter post. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
Have a beautiful day my friend.
I love hearing the news from Rick's travels. I know he's met a lot of nice people...and some others too! lol Love the art, especially the sunflowers! We are getting a new refrigerator Monday. Tomorrow we will transfer everything into Ice chests and I hope I don't lose anything. I hope...I hope! Hugs, Diane
A happy cat
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