Mini residency at Fair Oaks- December 7, 2014

Natalie, Jennifer, Myself and Joanne watched the guys pick oranges.

Our host holds the ladder for Jack.

Picking fun

Winter Trees

8x10 inches

oil on canvas panel

 

Notes From My Residency Journal

 

Yesterday was one of those chilly winter days, overcast but beautiful because it made all of the late fall color stand out against the smoky background colors. I love winter in Florida. I painted the above scene down near the pond. I could hear hawks hunting and see ducks, ibis and herons in the pond while I painted. It was a wonderful way to spend the day.

 

Today we had guests for lunch so it was served down at the pavilion on the little pond. We had grilled hamburgers, slaw, potato salad and delicious baked beans, all made and served by the Fair Oaks staff. I always feel like royalty at Fair Oaks. I am treated as an honored guest even after having been there for 8+ years. We always dine with real plates, and cloth napkins, no plastic or paper there.  We enjoyed cherry pie and Bluebell ice cream for dessert. Yummy!

 

After lunch the men picked fruit and I took off to explore back on the prairie. As I drove up to the woods between fields, I was treated to an awe inspiring site of Hickory tree leaves, turned to gold. It was splendid! I look forward to that every year. The site of those gold leaves against a backdrop of the mauve, deep green, and gray of winter is stunning!

 

Life is wonderful any time I can be at Fair Oaks. I'm so grateful to be there.

Wrap Up of My Vero Beach Residency

Notes From My Residency Journal

My last two days at Vero were great fun. I went back to the Pelican Island Reserve in better weather to take a few reference photos and wander down one of the trails a bit. There were lovely grasses in a variety of colors, turning rusts and grays for winter, and the cabbage palm hammocks looked so pretty. 

I enjoyed the condo so much. It is beautifully decorated and very comfortable. The Lemon Tree restaurant was a great place to eat and they made me feel right at home each morning. 

I saw a lot of trees that I was not familiar with and I will enjoy painting them from my reference photos. 

The town was really charming, with friendly welcoming residents. I headed home with fond memories of my residence and with thanks to Judy and Jim for their generosity.

Pelican Island Wildlife Reserve

Vero Beach Residency- Day 3

Banyan Tree

9x12 inches

Oil on panel

Notes From My Residency Journal

Today I visited Ft Pierce, FL just a few miles south of Vero Beach. Ft Pierce appears to be Vero Beach's shabby neighbor. I didn't see much of interest there. All of the art focus seems to be on Bean Backus and the Highwaymen.  There was a museum with his work. The Navy Seal museum was there as well. 

I went to the state park at the Ft Pierce Inlet and enjoyed the large Seagrape trees in the park. The wildlife preserve was closed and under construction, so I made my way back to Vero for breakfast at the Lemon Tree Restaurant. It was equally delicious today. I had poached eggs with grits, crisp bacon and an English muffin. The coffee is excellent there too. 

I took a walking tour of Ocean Drive, and found the Laughing Dog Gallery, very nice for glass and 3 D art. I decided to head over to the 14th St arts district. I found a sweet space run by 6 partners, called the Tiger Lily. The ladies were charming and friendly, making every effort to give me information about the art scene in Vero Beach. I enjoyed a short stroll around but it was chilly and overcast so I headed back to the beautiful condo, provided by my friend Judy, to do the above painting. I am enjoying these new trees I find here in South Florida. 

Vero Beach Residency- Day 2

Notes From My Residency Journal

I had a busy day. I started with breakfast at the Lemon Tree on Ocean Drive, a charming breakfast restaurant. It was warm and cozy, with lovely hand blown glass chandeliers in the dining room, decorated with greenery with tiny white lights and ceramic platters. It was painted a soft butter color. The service was first class, starting with a carafe of excellent coffee.  I chose the homemade hash with poached eggs, English muffin and grilled home fries, all good. A very pleasant breakfast, well served.

I headed north on A1A though the weather was dreadful, chilly, windy and misting rain. I only have a few days to explore this time so I was determined to get out to see what I could find. I checked out the Sebastian Inlet State Park first. Luckily, I have a state park pass. I was surprised at the fee of 8.00 for this park. Most of the state parks I have visited are 4.00-5.00. It is the perfect park for boaters and fishermen. Lots of access to the inlet. I saw white Pelicans and other shore birds. The camping area is very nice and right next to the water. It wasn't so good for nature lovers. It is definitely for water,boats and jetty painting lovers, none of which I have interest in. 

I headed back to Pelican Island Wildlife preserve, much more to my liking. It is quite pretty with lots of natural vegetation and fields of big palms. It reminded me of a small version of Merritt Island Wildlife Preserve. I want to go back there on Thursday if the weather improves by then.  The painting today is of the Pelican Preserve. 

Tomorrow I'm off to ft Pierce to see some of the nature parks there. 

Vero Beach Residency - Day 1

View From My Residency Patio. 

I arrived late this afternoon and settled into the condo. It is a lovely, quiet place with it's own covered paking space in front of the door. That is really nice! It is beautifully decorated and has parque floors. I love those! This is paradise! Thank you so very much, Judy and Jim for sponsoring this project.

Tomorrow I plan to get out and about the town to see some art galleries and start looking for nature preserves in the area. I'll check out the waves too.  I passed ranches and citrus groves on SR. 60 which I am very interested in for reference photos. Hopefully I can find a good spot at one of the ranches to paint a bit too. 

The drive down was lovely once I got past the Orlando concrete and traffic.  More to come tomorrow.

Royal Poinciana Tree

20x24

Oil on canvas

Getting Ready for Vero Beach

Notes From My Residency Journal

Monday I'll be off to my painting residency in Vero Beach, FL for 5 days. Thank you so much Judyth Dawson for sponsoring this residency. I am lucky indeed to have such a generous friend. I will be exploring the nature parks, taking reference photos, checking out the art galleries and painting every afternoon. Yay! I can't wait!

http://www.lindablondheim.com

 

Big Talbot Island Residency- Day 6

Notes From My Residency Journal

Big Talbot is a happy memory now. I am very grateful to North Florida Land Trust for their generous gift to me for two years. They are saving thousands of acres of wetlands for birds,artists,  naturalists, wild animals and recreational boaters and fishermen. Please support your Florida Land Trusts to save what is left of our wild lands.

My favorite places were Big and Little Talbot Islands, Ft Clinch State Park , and the Kingsley Plantation, a national monument. 

I really liked the Marche Burrette restaurant in the Omni Resort for breakfast and the 29 Bistro in Fernandina Beach. 

The views from the back yard at the house were spectacular.  The best time to go the Rebault Club Road is morning, and the best time at Little Talbot Island is late afternoon for the color and light. 

I hope to find a residency in that part of Florida again.

Residency at Big Talbot Island- day 5

Afternoon Palms

Ft Clinch Boardwalk

Fishermen with their catch at Ft Clinch State Pa

Notes From My Residency Journal

For some bizarre reason we were up at 5:30 AM today. It is not an hour of the day I am fond of😫 After a cup a Joe, we were off the Ft Clinch State Park. We enjoyed taking some photos and exploring the park. We ran into these two fishermen who asked us to take some photos of them. We gladly obliged. They went through an elaborate staging for their photos. They are evidently in the fishing business, so wanted publicity shots. They were a lot of fun.

After the park, we headed for Fernandina Beach, to check out this quaint town. We toured two art galleries and enjoyed lunch at the 29 Bistro. They had service out on the porch and it was a cool day so we opted for that seating. The service was very good and so was the food. They serve an upscale version of Southern cuisine. I had the roasted pulled pork Cobb salad. It came with fried green tomatoes stuffed with goat cheese, delicious, and corn bread croutons, with a nutty flavored shredded cheese over greens. It was called BBQ pork, but it was roasted pork with a tangy sauce. Very tasty but not true BBQ. True BBQ must be smoked.  Mary Jane had a pork sandwich with napa cabbage slaw. She said it was good. A very good lunch, well served. 

We headed back to the Big Talbot where I did today's painting, while Mary Jane watched the critters on the marshes. We left for our late afternoon drive to study the light and take photos of Little Talbot Iland. The light was glorious indeed. My last day in paradise. I must get back to my town studio tomorrow and will go with gratitude to North Florida Land Trust for a fine week of painting.

Residency at Big Talbot Island - Day 4

Palms at Big Talbot House

8x 10 inches

Oil on canvas panel

Notes From My Residency Journal

My guest Mary Jane and I had a full day of exploration at Little Talbot Island and Big Talbot and Ft George Islands, all the small and large nooks and crannies. The dune walks and beach boardwalks are especially lovely this year. All of the pink grasses are in full bloom now. I got to spend some time watching th waves roll in on the white sand beach at Little Talbot State Park. I have a great love for the large Red Cedar trees that grow prolifically in the dunes there. 

We toured the Kingsley Plantation, which is beautiful but sobering with the history of slavery there. The tabby slave houses are all still intact. I learned that Kingsley plantation was a major destination for slave boats coming from Africa. It is such a beautiful place to have produced such horror in our past.  The front yard has tall stately palms with a vast view of the marshes. 

After my lunch of tuna fish on potato chips, I settled in to do the above small painting of a view from the Big Talbot House, provided by my friends at North Florida Land Trust.  This house is large and very comfortable, with a lovely view of tall cabbage palms and the distant marsh. There is a fine long dock out on the water with spectacular marsh views. I could paint here forever and not grow tired of it. This chain of pristine barrier islands beats the heck out of St Simons further north. This is a truly splendid part of Florida. 

Tomorrow we are to explore Amelia Island, Ft Clinch, and Fernandina Beach. More from paradise tomorrow.

Marsh Palms

Mary Jane

Salt Marsh

Residency at Big Talbot Island- Day 3

Notes From My Residency Journal

Today was quite busy. I started my day at the Ft George Inlet with about 20 painters from the First CoastPlein Air Painters group. I knew two of the painters. I enjoyed meeting several people and enjoyed doing a painting up in the parking lot. It gave me an excellent view of the marshes and palms of the inlet. A most enjoyable morning.

I finished up and headed for the little French cafe again for bacon and eggs with herb potatoes and good coffee. It is the nearest restaurant to my abode, so I will probably eat there for the rest of the week for breakfast. 

Marsh Palms

After breakfast it was beginning to heat up so I opted for another painting back at the house. Luckily, the back yard is shady, and full of lovely tall palms. It is a swell place to paint. I'm waiting for my guest Mary Jane, to arrive tonight. 

Ft George Inlet

Hanging around the parking lot

First Coast painters

Residency at Big Talbot Island

Days 1 and 2

Day 1 was about arriving and getting settled into the house around noon. Not being aware, I set the house alarm off, which was "alarming!" I had to call the land trust director to turn it off. After I settled in I had some time to do a small painting before supper time. The view is spectacular of the back yard. As the sun went down over the marsh, I felt so lucky to have this opportunity. 

Day 2 started with a surprise in finding about 20 people on my doorstep at 8:30. Yikes! It turned out to be a class of naturalists who meet there regularly. I let them in and headed out the door. I stopped at the little deli/restaurant with the French name in the Omni resort shoppes on Amelia Island. It has a nice small menu for breakfast and the food is very good and the service excellent. 

 I headed out for a pleasant drive to Ft Clinch State Park. I ran out of time last year and I really wanted to explore there, so that was my planned destination for today. It was well worth the drive. It is a large park with great diversities of habitats, flora and scenery. It is pristine and well designed. I saw a nice bird exhibit by the fishing pier and the pier walk is lovely. It is the longest pier I've seen in a long time, with benches along the way.  The Fort is nice too, but mostly I enjoyed the scenery. The marsh and dune views are wonderful. Lots of shady walking space. 

I returned home to have lunch and then paint again, sharing the space with the class for their afternoon session. I learned some things about Florida mammals while I enjoyed painting. One of the group bought a painting, so that was quite nice. Now I will enjoy a peaceful evening and watch the sun go down again.  Tomorrow my friend Mary Jane arrives, so there will be much adventuring for the rest of the week. 

Pier at Ft Clinch State Park. 

Palms 2

10x8

Oil on panel

Ft Clinch

Fair Oaks Mini Residency - October 19

Palms 1

 

The Bell Tower

 

Notes From My Residency Journal

 

 

I had a short day at Fair Oaks, due to my once a month teaching schedule at Oak Hammock Art Studio after lunch.  The morning was beautiful out but I opted to paint in the studio to save time. I enjoyed doing a small study of palms. After I cleaned up my painting mess and stored my paintings in the car, I enjoyed a little walk around the yard. The weather was beautiful but not cold enough yet to chase away the pesky mosquitos who were waiting to pounce.

 

 

The lunch bell rang and I was off like Pavlov's dogs to the cottage. We had marvelous chili dogs, green salad, homemade potato salad and apple pie. What a feast! Shamefully I ate two chili dogs. I just couldn't help myself. They were too good to turn down.

 

 It was soon time to go but I was allowed to ring the bell in the new bell tower before I left. The bell was housed in an ancient country church and the steward of Fair Oaks purchased it for the estate. It was restored to its original glory and the tower was built to house the bell. The project was officially completed early this week. How wonderfully satisfying to see it now. It has a rich deep tone that can be heard for some distance. I am hoping we can have a dedication party in 2015. That is one of the lovely and special elements of Fair Oaks. All projects are done with great skill and finesse leaving a wonderful legacy for those who will come in the future. What an extraordinary place! I am so grateful for my time there. 

Mini Residency at Fair Oaks- October 12, 2014

 

Seascape Paintings

 

Notes From My Residency Journal

 

 

Today was pretty hot again, so Henry and I decided to paint in the Fair Oaks Studio this morning. First we worked on the display for the porch of the old house, refreshing it with some fall color.

 

 

 I am working on a rotation of wave and ocean paintings for a few days so I did two small wave paintings. Henry is very content at Fair Oaks, as am I. It is a magical place for us, far from the stress of everyday living. Every Sunday I feel such joy at spending the day there. Definitely something to look forward to each week.

 

 

The lunch bell rang and we were off to join the staff for a feast of grilled chicken with smoked sausage, yellow rice(my favorite), and broccoli cooked to perfection. My kind host topped it off with a lovely cup of coffee, always a treat after a meal.

 

 

Today I used the dog bed in the golf cart for Henry. It is a swell wooden bed that fits on the seat and reaches all the way to the dash board. There is a piece of foam for the mattress and an old towel for a cover. It makes the cart much safer and cozier for dogs. It was Buddy's bed an we feel honored to use it. Henry loves it. He rides in comfort and safety, sitting up high so he can see everywhere. I've always loved having the dogs ride in the cart with me. Sometimes Shaney comes, but most often he enjoys staying very close to his Daddy.

 

 

The fields are tall with weeds and grasses at the end of the hot season. They are amazingly diverse in plants. Today I noticed in the pine tree field a delicate lavender flower growing on razor type leaves, very green. That field tends to be a bog much of a time and I wonder if the plants are semi-aquatic? They definitely are different from the grasses growing in other fields on the estate. Field three is getting full of those pesky Sweetgum trees that grow up in the fields, so it will probably be mowed soon to get rid of them.

 

 

When Henry ran out of steam, we boarded our steed and headed for home after a splendid day in paradise. 

Mini Residency at Fair Oaks- October 5, 2014

Landscape Painting

Landscape Art

East Hay Field

Notes From My residency Journal

Today was the kind of day we Floridians wait 5 months for. It was cool, with low humidity and beautiful. A day that makes all of the heat and bugs worth enduring for five months.  The fields are beautiful and lush with flowers blooming. I gathered several of the lovely purple ones to press and dry in two weeks. I'll be making note cards with them. 

I restored the old fairie house and put it back on the picnic bench. It looks sweet and colorful. It should last about a year.  I first painted an 8x10 in Holy Ground Field. It was so pleasant in the shade, cool and beautiful!

I had time before lunch to do a second painting of the big pond, beginning to show fall color in one area. What a glorious view! As I cleaned up and headed for the studio to pick up paintings, our friend Kate Barnes arrived for lunch. We enjoyed her many stories. She has been everywhere and done many interesting things in her long career as writer, painter, politician and world traveler. 

We enjoyed grilled sandwiches, potato salad and yellow squash for lunch, and a rice pudding brought by Kate to share. It was all delicious. I couldn't resist the urge to start a third painting for the day after lunch. I'll finish it one day in my studio. 

I headed for home about 4 PM after another day in paradise!

Fair Oaks Mini Residency- September 28, 2014

Landscape Art

Field Three Winter

18x24 inches

oil on canvas

 

Fairie House

Notes From My Residency Journal

Henry and I had a swell day at lovely Fair Oaks today. We arrived to a cool and comfy studio thanks to our thoughtful host. Today I finished up the painting at the top of this post. Last week I forgot to bring back my brushes that I took home to wash, so I used a couple of palette knives to do most of the painting. Today, I finished it up with a tweak here and there. I enjoyed the process, though it is a bit different from the way I usually paint. It is good to shake up my routine now and then.

I noticed that the dried flower and grasses arrangement that I keep on the porch of the old house are getting kind of worn out and faded, so I will make it a mission in the next week or two to get some nice replacements and rearrange that corner of the porch. My assistant Carolyn will help me. She is better at choosing something pretty than I am.

After I cleaned up my painting station the lunch bell rang, so I was off to my favorite part of the day, some time with my friends who make all things possible at Fair Oaks. Todays lunch was splendid. We had boxed lunches from Blue Highway in Micanopy. I got ham and cheese on flatbread with salad and there were chicken sandwiches too. They came with crispy peppery potato chips and a huge brownie, topped with yummy chocolate frosting and whipped cream.

The best part of lunch is always our interesting conversations about the world. Today we talked about planets and the difficulty of colonization, which led to a bunch of stupid questions from me. That followed by talk of UFO's and weird happenings in life. They all laughed at my story about a little white car that I see frequently and Tommy's story about wild turkeys he sees at the same time and place frequently. We always have a great time discussing the world of weirdness.

After lunch, Henry and I took a ride around the fields. I noticed that the fairie house was looking sad and dilapidated. The roof had come off and the paint was fading. I made it about two years ago, so it was time for a redo. I brought it home and painted it, so it is as good as new. I'll take it back next week and put it back in it's home place for the wee friends who live there.

As I cruised the fields, I managed to get the pedal stuck on the golf cart AGAIN!! I freely admit that I am the worse golf cart driver ever! I am constantly breaking it, getting sticks stuck in it or getting it stuck in mud.  I dreaded telling my host as he always laughs at me, but I finally had to fess up after the staff could not fix it.

I knew it was time to hit the road, so Henry and I headed for my studio. Naturally, I forgot my Ipad, left in the gold cart! Gee Whiz!

Another day in Paradise!

Fair Oaks Mini Residency-September 14,2014

Marsh Clouds

8x10 inches

Oil on linen

Henry takes a drink

The late summer pond

Notes From My Residency Journal

Today was clear and sunny with spectacular clouds sailing  over the fields and the pond at Fair Oaks. Henry and I arrived to our blessedly cool studio, thanks to our thoughtful host. Leroy is not air conditioned, so walking into a cool studio is glorious after that long drive. 

Today I worked on a small oil painting on linen first and then started a larger oil on canvas, which I will work on for a few weeks. 

Lunch was really delicious today. We had a fabulous salad with blueberries, kiwi, tomatoes, lettuce and hard boiled eggs. It was full of beautiful color and texture and the blue cheese dressing was perfect! We also enjoyed steamed broccoli, and grilled chicken with toast and lemon marmalade. Our meal was topped off with key lime pie and a fine cup of coffee. Is it any wonder that I am so spoiled.

After lunch, Henry and Shane played ball for awhile and then we hopped into our golf cart to tour the fields. I wanted to take a look at Field Three today so we threaded our way through the tall summer weeds in the woods to see it. There is a new bird house in the field. The weeds are tall in the field and they will soon turn to gray and bronze as the season changes. That will be my favorite place in the cold months as well as Fish Prairie. 

It was so hot that Henry needed a water break again, so we headed back to the bucket. Our host found a step for Henry so he can reach the bucket. I decided to let him rest in the shade while I cleaned up our cart. It is so nice that I try to keep it spiffed up when I have free time. It is the nicest cart I have ever used. I'm so grateful for all of the privileges extended to me and Henry by the host and staff at Fair Oaks. 

We headed for my studio after a wonderful day in paradise.  

Fair Oaks Mini Residency- September 7, 2014

Landscape Paintings

 

 

Notes From My Residency Journal

 

 

Henry and I arrived at a quiet Fair Oaks this morning. We headed up to the studio to get right to work on the above painting. I enjoyed painting through the morning while Henry explored the studio and snoozed on his little bed under the air conditioner. We listen to Bob Edwards on NPR each week and enjoy his guests and interesting stories.

 

 I let Henry explore the upstairs porch, which he loved. It is a charming porch with a view of the old trees and pond at the end of the vast lawn. There are nice wooden rocking chairs inviting me to sit and watch the birds as I rock.

 

 

The staff returned from work in town and we enjoyed a special treat for lunch, my very favorite meal. Steak, baked potatoes with butter and sour cream, and a fresh salad. No meal is better than that. We also had nice toasted and buttered rolls, Yummy! Naturally it was all served with Fair Oaks tea. Our host saved steak for Shaney and Henry as is their due as Fair Oaks dogs. Henry is very proud of that honorary position.

 

 

After lunch, we got back to work on a different painting in the studio and then cleaned up our mess, heading out for an adventure in the golf cart. Henry loves riding in the cart. he sits right beside me like a big dog and enjoys the ride. In the winter, when I paint in the cart, he snoozes while I work.

 

 

Today was wild life day at Fair Oaks. I saw a deer, a water moccasin, 3 Sandhill cranes, 2 wild turkeys and the best part, three red foxes, 2 adults and one kit who was young but not newborn. Then there were a variety of herons and egrets at the back pond. Such an exciting afternoon! Is it any wonder that I love Fair Oaks better than any other place!

 

 

We headed for home with fond memories of another day in paradise.

 

Fair Oaks Mini Residency - August 24,2014

A Chestnut in the grove

Today's Painting

20x24 inches

Oil on canvas

Notes From My Residency Journal

I enjoyed a long and busy day at Fair Oaks.  I arrived to paint all morning. I brought a small cake to share with guests. I knew there would be some big dogs visiting today so I left Henry at home. I finished this painting and one of a poppy field, and started a new one. 

We enjoyed lasagna, a lovely salad and bread with dipping oil for lunch. It was delicious! A full crew was working and I enjoyed talking to the kids about school starting at college tomorrow. They are all such kind young people, always welcoming to me. 

I headed back upstairs to clean the studio and bathroom and put away my paints. By the time I got to the cottage, some of the company had arrived. I got to meet some of my host's family and then friends from Poland arrived. We enjoyed cake and coffee and toured the estate. A lovely day in paradise. 

Fair Oaks Mini Residency- August 11, 2014

Notes From My Residency Journal

I brought Henry with me today. I will be bringing him with me again most of the time for awhile. He was so happy to come back to Fair Oaks. He loves Buddy, Shane, the staff and his friend who can speak French with him. The drive from my studio was really hot for him, so I got the idea to bring back a bag of ice for the trip home. It would keep his seat cool. I brought a little pad for him to lay on up in the studio. I am thinking I will get one of those small pad dog beds to leave up in the Fair Oaks studio. He likes to sleep on a little bed. 

We walked into the blessedly cool studio, thanks to the staff who spoils me. While he snoozed, I worked on the painting of the week. I'm just about done after today's session. I'll take one more look at it next week when I get back. The second painting I'm working on is not working very well, so I will have to see what I need to do with it next week. 

When the lunch bell rang, I left Henry in the studio and headed over to the cottage for our wonderful weekly lunch together. I look forward to it each time. We had a special treat today, Pearl Country Store BBQ. I dearly love BBQ and never tire of it. We had pulled pork sandwiches, French fries,baked beans and cole slaw. Dessert was Blue Bell Vanilla Ice Cream with chocolate syrup, whipped cream and strawberries. Wow! Good eats!  Our topic of discussion was how intelligence relates to success. I love our lunch topics. I always learn so much from these wise friends. 

After lunch we finished up in the studio and headed out in the cart for a quick ride in the golf cart. Henry loves to ride around the fields.

We reluctantly headed for home in Leroy after another marvelous day in paradise.

Henry poses in the studio.

Chris pays a visit to see Henry in the studio. Mark stopped in too. 

East Hay Field

18 x 24 inches

Oil on canvas

Buddy's Birthday!! August 3, 2014

Buddy and Shane with their Daddy

I love Sweet Buddy

Chris with Buddy

Cloud Beauty

The new generator

Mark moving dirt

 

Linda's Art

 

Notes From My Residency Journal

Today was a special event. We celebrated Buddy's 15th birthday. Buddy is the gentleman of Fair Oaks.  He is incredibly sweet and kind. I haved learned a lot about good character being around Buddy and Shane, the Border Collies who own Fair Oaks. Buddy shared his party with Shane. They got to have balloons, birthday cards, doggie treats, hot dogs and cake with ice cream. There was even a Happy Birthday banner around the room. 

We all had a wonderful party and after lunch we got into the golf carts for a ride around the beautiful fields. It was a day of fun and celebration, one I won't forget. One of the perks of being an artist in residence is that I often get to be a part of the celebrations and parties at Fair Oaks. The people and dogs there are family to me and I treasure them.

I noticed how beautiful the clouds were as we rode along. When we returned, I grabbed my camera and made another round through the fields to take lots of cloud photos. Great fun, but really hot! August has arrived.

I headed for my studio with happy memories of a swell day at beloved Fair Oaks.