I Love Wrinkles!

Or I should say, I like to draw them.   They give a face such character and I just finished this one of a Native American.   It's so hard to know when a drawing is finished but I am really enjoying drawing again and I can tell it helps a lot now that I have a bit more sensation in my index finger (following my wrist fracture last year).  It helps to be able to feel pressure differences when using the pencils.   Since we are home this winter I hope to work on a few more but need to search for that next wrinkled face!  Any volunteers???  Just kidding!!

What's A Viking To Do...

...when there is no family around to keep them civilized!  Well, off they go into the hinterland to check for invaders with their trusty dog, Hank.  And, oh yes, stop for a bit of glogg to warm the old bones. 

So You CAN Teach An Old Dog

I think the only opera I have seen live is "Phantom of the Opera".   I have a history of always saying I don't care for opera.   Well, we can change our opinions.   Orcas Center, our performing arts center here on the island has started something new.  It's called Met Live and it is streaming live video of an actual Metropolitan opera performance on the big screen, in HD and with subtitles.   Sort of a "dummies for opera" experience.  We went to Orcas Center today at 1:00 and left at 5:30 for a performance of Handel's "Rodelinda".   I enjoyed it all.   It was like having a $500 seat for $13.   (non members pay $15)  And during the intermission, we were treated to interviews with the performers, set designers and even the maestro.   It was hugely educational but I really felt like I learned something new and had a whole new appreciation for the opera voice.   'Course, having the subtitles was extremely helpful, at least until I learn Italian  :-), as well as having a summary of the story beforehand.  There are 6 more performances like this in early 2012 and we plan to attend all.  

How Sweet It Is

For a very long time I have been using Splenda on my oatmeal in the morning.  Then I read an article about Splenda and that I'm basically eating chemicals so thought I would go back to honey, but honey can have a very strong taste.   Then a friend mentioned agave...I had never heard of this but low and behold, even our market here on the island had it.   It's a nectar from the heart of the blue agave plant and I LOVE it.  The flavor is like honey only milder and I feel better that I have given up the chemicals for something natural...and organic, no less.   Costco sells it in a double pack, even better!

Second Tree

This our second tree in 11 years on the island.  We had forgotten how much work it is to put up but it is so pretty and festive and well worth it...but we can see why some people invest in an artificial tree, especially as we get older, however, the scent is hard to beat.

It was fun to bring out all the old ornaments, some of which we have had for such a long time.   This one was given to us by our neighbors in Minnesota the first Christmas after our dog, Swede, died.  It's special.  I hope you are having fun reliving all your Christmas memories.

So Civilized

Even though we live in the woods on a mountain, we have never had any identifying "street" address to identify our house.  For years BJ has had these post ideas in his head and even had the copper tops created when he had the business.  We just got lighting on the driveway this past year and thus it was time to get the posts built.  I have watched this progress with awe because, other than having help with the concrete foundation, he has built them himself.   They will be so nice to have for guests coming down the road at night on what has previously been a very dark driveway.   All that's left to do is add some more soil to help conceal the concrete and, as usual, Deere John helps with that.



You Mean Talk??

Yesterday our main TV died.  It had been acting "squirrely" for sometime...sometimes shutting off on its own with only the sound remaining.   Then the picture would not come back at all but we could still get sound for the news...then that died also.  So last night during our normal evening routine of me cooking and us watching the news while we eat, it was quiet.   Yes, even Hank realized something was amiss as he likes to watch TV also.   So, what's a couple to do??  Especially after 41 years together...talk????   So we tried it and it wasn't bad...we talked about the books we are reading, we talked about current events instead of listening about them, we talked about projects..well, we just talked.   It was rather nice.  But today the TV guy is coming to help get rid of the current TV and replace it with the one in the bedroom.   Good timing as I think we are talked out anyway.