Bits 'n Pieces

A little bit of color, a little bit of snow and pieces of roast are the topics of today, plus some tiny critters.

The geese in the foreground of the painting I created seemed to fit in here. I just discovered how to create my own backgrounds in the ArtRage Lite program. I often forget about this simple old application that doesn't need internet to function.

The first snow fell yesterday afternoon. Schools had two hour delays this morning in this area. My neighbor captured the calm scene this morning. Her shots save me from going out into the cold. I do not like to be cold!

A two pound beef roast has been lingering in the freezer waiting to be pulled out and cooked. These days the crock pot is a bit heavy for me but I got 'er done. Then the electric knife went to work. Now what? It really is tasty and juicy. Of course I taste tested after all day waiting to clean up and put my kitchen back together. Perhaps I'll freeze a couple of slices in each of several single serving packets. Tomorrow.......

A granddaughter raises these little critters and I think they are cute! Too much work for me, but she has tons of knowledge and does well with her nature projects. She is an artist and talented photographer as well.

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Sitting....

I sure am sitting a lot while waiting for my foot to totally heal but I also have creative juices flowing, so.......

YESTERDAY (Too many steps and adjustments to display the process.) I'm still not too happy with this final result. I took these rose images in SC in 2015. 

Today is another story...One image sent to me by a granddaughter to show her frog pond hyacinth gave me ideas....

Did I go too far? Well, maybe but was tuned in to a far-out place!

Back to Thimbleberries

Surprise! My granddaughter had this shipped to me and what a surprise gift! I didn't know it was available! Just today I took pictures of the 3 cuttings I made last week from the large bushes here and now I shall have a taste!

Product Details

The Copper Country of Upper Michigan is well-known for our beloved thimbleberries that only grow in the woods along the old railroad grades and logging roads of the northern parts of the U.P. Thimbleberry jam has a robust, rich flavor that is a old-time family favorite on toast or muffins. Try it drizzled on top of your favorite baked bars or as a topping on some fresh vanilla ice cream. You'll love it! This Wild Thimbleberry Jam does not have any added Pectin, additives or fillers.

• Brand: UP Foods
• Measurement: 9 ounces (255 grams)
• Country: Sourced in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Made in U.P. of Michigan
  
  

Another Birthday!

This little darlin' just celebrated her first birthday. She's a great granddaughter. The family doesn't live nearby and photos are a joy for me to see. Her older sister is now 5. She's our great grandaughter #3. There are 9 great-kids (six boys) altogether, besides the 2 great-great boys! I also recently got word that there will be another great baby in the family soon. 

I wonder which family member she's imitating here!

Bewitched

A ravishing raven is a family member. This creative granddaughter creates costumes throughout the year but this one, is to me, special! She calls herself a raven witch. I can feel the work that the 'feathered friend' did! 

I sure wish she had sent me a full length picture. I'd love to see the dress bottom and the hat's top! Makes me wonder about her shoes! Fingernails? 

Pumpkin Players

Every year our grandson grows large pumpkins. Every year they are larger than the year before. This one will be weighed October 3 and he thinks it might go to 800 lbs. His partner is the yard art decorator and she really has a good eye for autumn beautification at their home. She is also the photographer for his sister's family this time. The twin boys posed last year as well.

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Green Thumb Granddaughter

Eclipse Fever

A granddaughter from the state of NY and a great granddaughter who lives in CO each sent me their phone photos of the Great Eclipse and I interpreted them - my way.

I remembered seeing an image that Jennifer sent me of her newly painted nails. I took it and placed it on her eclipse shots. I wasn't satisfied with the first two so I went into deep water and really expressed my feelings. She was a bit dismayed because I made her hands look so old! Sorry sweet, it is only your off-the- wall grandmother playing again.

The CO picture came first to her mother and then to me. I immediately saw hers as an eye pupil and proceeded to wild it up a bit. Getting carried away like this is very relaxing for me. Sometimes I think I'm not in the here and now.

    My process...    

   Finished   

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I'm glad all of the hoopla is over.

Family Visit

Our two granddaughters came for a visit from NY Saturday. What a thrill it was to see them in person!  Their mother lived with us in 1976-77 and our first granddaughter was born at our local hospital. I was the birthing coach when our son was in the Navy at the time and his pregnant wife came to live with us for a while. The mother and child stayed for a few months and then our son moved his family South. They returned a year later for a short visit along with with a second baby daughter.

After 40 years we were pleased to share stories and photos and just enjoyed being together. Our daughter, their Aunt who lives nearby came and visited when they were here, and took them to see their Great Uncle who lives close. He remembers their father, who died after a car accident in 1994 at the age of 37. Our firstborn granddaughter has 4 children, ages 23, 22, 19, and 14. She is already a grandmother. The other has two daughters, ages 23 and 19.

They love it here at the lake and one of them is even considering the purchase of a home in the area.

Of course photos were taken. The first two are mine.

These are their cell phone images.

I didn't remember that the sun shining in the windows would not be a good thing for automatic eye on the phones.

We hope to have another visit soon! 

The Visit

A nice visit happened today. Our son, his girlfriend and his daughter came for the day. After a simple lunch of grilled cheese sandwiches, homemade pickled beets and homemade applesauce and cookies, they rested. Who knew it would be such a nice visit, sharing photos and stories. After lunch, the girls took a walk and they tell me there are many little fishes near the edge of the dam.

Meanwhile, back in the cabin the zzzz's were prevalent.

Then more visiting and our son and his girlfriend took a walk and our granddaughter took her nap.

It's because the cabin brings comfort and love to all who visit. 

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