Pretty inside and out

There have been some unexpectedly nice things blooming in my yard. Here are some hydrangea flowers I picked earlier in the week that are still pretty. Much appreciation to the previous owner of the house.

Another Greenfield Lake photo

Lunch and art

I am thankful to be able to hang out with Margaret once in a while. Today we had lunch at the cute cafe inside the art museum. This pic shows what I had, veggie tacos of stuffed squash blossoms and a sprinkling of other goodies. That's my kind of food! Before we left, Margaret who had been an active docent several years ago, asked if someone she had worked was there. She was, and the lady at the desk went to get her. They were glad to see each other and shared good memories. I was proud of her.

It's raining. We need it.

Out my front door and all around, a wonderful rain is falling. The ground has been dry and the air hot, so it is welcome.

Weather is something to adapt to when moving to a new place. For the first few years after moving to Greenville, I was conscious of the odor and feel of the air there. It was pleasant but different from any other place I had lived. Here my main weather adjustment has been to the big and sunny, bright blue skies. Sometimes I feel like I need to double up on the sunglasses, but I guess that is how it is when you live near such a beautiful coast.

Yesterday

was National Refugee Day, and because I am part of a church that helps with the Burmese who have moved here, I attended the local "celebration." It was enlightening.

At Bradley Creek

What's going on at the lake today?

Rather than go directly to the studio today, I decided to stop by the always beautiful Greenfield Lake. What would I find, I wondered. Well...I saw a goose family consisting of three protective grown ups and two downy goslings out strolling. How cute! And then my attention was called to the resident alligator gliding close to shore that was letting the turtles play on and around him. I hope the alligator sighting is unrelated to the gosling outing.

 

A happy reminder

Fort Fisher trees

Live oaks whose branches are shaped by the wind.

this moment in time

After having the grandchildren here for a few days, we have settled into a comfortable groove. I have enjoyed being with them and hope they feel the same. Today we drove about fifteen miles to the aquarium at Fort Fisher, a decent attraction for all ages. John got to see some cool sharks in the big tank, and Ashley especially enjoyed petting the sea anemones. Tonight we went to a big picnic at Hugh MacRae park, and to prove I am a good Grandmommy, I gave John a pass on the four plates of food he got. It was a good day that included more of being out in the nice weather, running and playing, and less time playing games on a tablet. I will miss them when they leave.

Full Moon over Wrightsville

Ashley at eleven

Black Swallowtail

In this ninety something temperature, I took Ashley and John to Airlie to see the gardens, the marsh, the ancient oak, and the butterfly house. It was so pretty.

The kids enjoyed my studio

On Water Street after Church

I hope this is the beach sand dredging equipment rolling down the river and right out of town.

John at the fountain at the Alton Lennon Federal Building.  

Cactus Flower

Growing in the yard next to the studios. I think it is a type of prickly pear. Will try to photograph it again. 

At an Italian Restaurant

What to do when you arrive early but to bring out the camera.

Arched entrance

On my first trip to the pretty UNCW campus.

Ordinary is Good

Instead of posting a picture, I will just write about my ordinary day. Morning was nice as I slept well and got up leisurely, one of the perks of not working, or being retired as some call it. I so enjoy that time with my morning cup of coffee. Then I cleaned house a bit. Off and on I worked on painting a picture of a marsh that I am doing with some practically dried up water mixable oils. It is turning out OK. Then I took Margaret to the Dollar Store. I figured it would just be my good deed and I wouldn't buy much - if anything. Twenty-five dollars later I was driving Margaret back home with her purchase of a few cards. What was I thinking! My most fun buy was the little pouch of catnip that I sprinkled out for the cats enjoyment and my amusement. Later I drove up the road to my studio and got it clean enough for visitors if any should pop in, and they do, and stopped at the produce place for a zucchini. I have been making yummy zucchini fritters for supper. Before twilight I took a walk and met a new neighbor. Those were the highlights of my ordinary day.

pic for the day

Wilmington has many beautiful old houses downtown and in other areas, but I do not photograph them because I don't want to intrude on people's privacy. Yesterday however, there was what I thought was an interesting house, especially the window placement, across the street from where we were working. Nobody lived there I was told, except occasionally, so I took the liberty. In keeping my vow to post to this blog regularly....