Notes From My Residency Journal
Henry and I set out eagerly for Fair Oaks at 9 AM this morning. I've been traveling a lot lately and was not aware that Gator Nationals, the huge car race, is this weekend. My usual route to Fair Oaks goes right past the race track. Before I knew it, we were in bumper to bumper traffic for miles along this road. When I finally reached the end, I was rerouted into Gainesville, so it took some time to arrive.
We enjoyed a morning of exploring and painting. The red topped grasses are starting to bloom now and they create a sea of rusty red across the fields. I always look forward to seeing this beauty. It only lasts about two weeks. There are lots of tiny wildflowers in the fields now, delicate and lovely. There are still winter colors mixed into the bright greens in this transitional time of the year. I wore a light jacket to paint today. Our winter has been very late. The pond has been gradually shrinking, since my residency a few weeks ago.
We had Blue Highway sandwiches for lunch. Yummy!! Blue Highway is my favorite restaurant near Fair Oaks. The fresh fruit salad with a hint of cinnamon was a delicious way to finish our meal. Today's conversation was quite interesting. I learned more about the Rosetta Stone, housed in the British Museum, and we talked about culture and history, while eating, always a topic I love to learn about.
After lunch, Henry and I headed back out to work on the painting and after packing up, we enjoyed a drive around the fields in the golf cart. I am so delighted that the lane behind field two is clear enough to drive through. That is the lane with the Hackberry trees and graceful Live Oaks. it is like a secret hideaway and I love driving along. At the end there is a slight hill that takes me back into the field and I laugh out loud every time I go up that hill. I'm never quite sure the cart will make it but it always does. It is so fun!!
Henry and I always hate to leave this wonderful place. There are never enough hours at Fair Oaks.
