Approaching the Six-Month Mark

Each week brings more of a sense of settling in, more and more quietude. It's been a lovely spring, as far as being able to get out and walk everywhere. The farmer's market on the courthouse square has begun for the season, the ice cream places are open, most of the restaurants have al fresco dining on the sidewalks, the trees have fully leafed out, and everyone's gardens are coming alive. This is a great neighborhood for gardens.

We broke our vow and succombed to buying three small birch trees, which Steve planted for me. My parents gave us a major housewarming present of a new garage door and opener, and it certainly is easier to use. The somewhat shabby and plain side of the house now looks as good as the front. There is nothing that makes me feel at home as much as planting a tree. It's like staking a claim.

Not entirely sure I am finished with The Green Sweater, the painting mentioned in the previous post, but I've put it up here. Currently working on a small piece featuring Tabby, my kitchen utensil jar, and my red dutch oven. She's a dark gray cat and a challenge for me to paint after years of painting my old ginger cat Tiger. Now that the local gardens are coming alive, I will be taking frequent "research" walks to observe and photograph the flora. So far there appear to be daylilies and irises coming up in my own yard, and peonies and black eyed susans along the back fence. Am also itching to paint some of the al fresco dining scenes; it will be an interesting challenge compositionally.

Tonight we will meet Nick and Amy at Maria Elena's for a pleasant dinner out. We've recently enjoyed brunches at Jimmy's Cafe, coffees at Espress Yourself, and the first ice cream cone of the season at Valpo Velvet. It's a bit like living in the middle of a smorgasboard.