Yes, I had to extend my patience to capture these Painted Ladies! A tripod and remote shutter-release were mostly useless with these fluttering beauties. The colours were worthy of my efforts even though the sharpness was compromised.
Painted Lady – Pure Delight
Who hasn’t seen dozens of these this September?
We can help track butterflies at this site: http://www.e-butterfly.org/
Intellectual Property Rules — Just Sayin’
When I design a card for a young boy who loves trucks, I like to use the photo of a truck as the main attraction. It makes sense, right?
And because I like old classics, I might lean toward modifying the photo of an old truck, like the beauty above.
Well, not so fast.
A Summer Evening in the Backyard
Although the mosquitos tried to spoil our fun, . . . 
it was a perfect evening for using up some of our flood-damaged wood that had been accumulating in the fire pit, and, . . . for finishing a bottle of wine.
The Franklin had been feeling neglected, so we made her happy too.
Beautiful, Organic, Delicious Eggs!
I bought these in Ontario on Easter weekend, but alas! they are long gone.
Audrey, I look forward to my next visit so I can buy more!
Marie Antoinette’s Painter — Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun
Although I am not a painter, I feel inspired by the life of this woman.
Born in 1755, I would guess this prolific artist must have been quite happy and fulfilled — she painted 660 portraits and 200 landscapes in her lifetime, and died just before her 87th birthday. Perhaps it was the exposure to intrigue and nobility. Alas, I don’t have much of that in my life.
Alas, too, I missed seeing this exhibit in New York last year. I’m sure I would’ve enjoyed it.
Six Years Ago Today I Retired
Back to Healthy Habits
My sleeplessness in Terrasse was a wake-up call. 🙂 But now I’m getting back on track.
Unfortunately, all my good routines and well-developed habits, got lost when I was taken off the rails by recent stressful events. (Yes, priorities have a way of taking control.) Read more
What a Gorgeous Summer Day!
Windy, warm and wonderful!
Embrace it!
A Cautionary Tale of Self-Medication
These days, with the setting of the sun, I start to look forward to bed-time, ever hopeful of a good eight hours.
Since the flood, though, this has been harder and harder to achieve. Read more
This Old House Has Seen Better Days
And so has mine.
Happy Birthday, Ms President!
Looking back on her 75 years,
overcome with emotion, she might shed some tears,
but she still runs the Thrift Shops with beauty and grace,
and continues forward with no change in pace,
and always wears a smile on her face.
That’s our Lizzie!
Gone Fishing
Metaphors abound with this expression, . . .
but, I’m using it today to mean taking a break–today I will visit my friend.
Here’s a fun little song by Taj Mahal with a hint at another meaning. 🙂
Colouring Cards?
Why not? I’ve heard colouring is very therapeutic.
If you have sharp crayons, and time, and patience, and you like this kind of detailed play, then this will be right up your alley.
I may even try it myself.
Flooded Foundations Need Fixing
Yes, cement block foundations like mine suffer from floods, so like many other home-owners, I too am looking at a “repair or replace” solution.
Luckily, though, my home is not leaning like this church.
I wonder if it’s still standing. It’s time to go back for a visit.
The Waters Have Receded, But, . . .
Wall? What Wall?
Marathon Number Five
twenty-eight degrees outside;
much warmer inside this suit,
and behind this mask on her face;
shortness of breath;
sopping-wet tentest insulation board
up and out the window;
dripping-wet electronics
up the stairs and out;
weakness in her legs and arms and back and neck and fingers;
physical and mental exhaustion;
hitting the wall and continuing;
determination in her every step;
a smile on her face;
twenty-six miles is nothing compared to this!
Flirty and Fashionable Flood-Scene Attire
Haz Mat will travel . . .
. . . down to the basement.
How They Spoiled Us!
Mother’s Day came and went with little fanfare this year. And that’s okay–it was a busy day in the flood zone.
But it started out beautifully with our mayor delivering breakfast along with a rose, generously donated by our local pharmacy. Oh, how lovely! Thank you!
What Continues to Stick in My Craw
To stick in one’s craw: to be difficult to swallow; to cause lasting annoyance, irritation or hard feelings.
It was early days, relatively speaking, in the drama of the flood of my home. Read more
La Vie En Rose
After more than ten days of not giving up and not giving in, . . .
. . . and choosing to go without certain creatures comforts, and putting so much energy into pumping out water, we can now sleep much easier: there is heat coming from the furnace and hot water coming from the tank! Yeah!
Now I plan to have a hot bath!
We Have Been Blessed
Recently we’ve struggled through difficult times here in our community, . . .
. . . but Boy, Oh Boy! Do we feel lucky!
No Words Necessary
When the Going Gets Tough . . .
. . . the tough get tougher and . . . sometimes have to pick up a paddle. AND, women stand taller!
And, of course, we try to dress appropriately for the occasion.
A Furious Tango
The Known and the Unknown
Locked in embrace, they dance furiously to a tempo controlled by the music;
Panic percolates just below the surface;
Hope tries to squeeze her way in;
Tears well up and eventually flow;
The tango continues.
Our Lovely and Lively Resort
It’s amazing how a landscape can change its appearance in such a short span of time.
Our small community has recently had a facelift–now we sport an exceptional collection of noisy equipment; relatively quieter watercraft; and impressive, multi-wheeled vehicles.
. . . that can haul 1 1/4 tons of sand bags and ford 3 feet of water!
. . . that impresses by its sheer size.
And to help me shore up my basement pool, I have this personal little 7 HP companion, which I’ve now learned how to keep primed.
So, I’m all set–for now.
Yes, we’re still managing–with a lot of much-appreciated help from our friends–old and new! Thank you, dear volunteers for all you do.
But, even though I try to make light of it all, I’m still worried. This is not a fun experience.
Afraid, and Frayed at the Edges
We are not experts at water management but still, as the levels rise higher and higher from the Baie de Vaudreuil, we’re all pitching in and trying to keep the water out of our homes.
Alas, it’s not working perfectly; and we’re struggling; and we’re trying our best not to come apart at the seams.
But, we’re doing okay.
Water, Water, Everywhere…
… and we’re almost on the brink.
We are lucky, though, to live on an avenue where we all pull together and help each other cope: we slug around sand bags and drain hoses; we deliver sandwiches and coffee; we offer our driveways and extra sump-pumps; we share tears and hugs of support. And we manage.
Gift Idea for Golfing Grandma
We hear it often, “No, thank you; I really don’t need anything for Mother’s Day. I have everything I could wish for.”
Beauty in Black and White
A greeting card featuring this Marcella Walker illustration from The Girls Own Paper is sure to please any romantic–especially when the paper she is printed on has a textured linen finish.
Indeed, I find it truly delightful to the eye, the touch and the heart; though she doesn’t utter a word, she speaks volumes.
Note that, for the time being, she is available in my physical inventory only, and comes with a blank interior so you can write a personalized greeting for any occasion, to Show You Care.
Audities' Cards 