Dogs (especially Zing!) rule!

Written last night:

Today Zing! and I and Tony and Darrius (two of his neighbor-fans) went to the Doggie Dash at Land Park, a big green space not far from here — we went not to  participate in the run/walk, but afterward, to stroll the booths.  This  wasn’t celebrating purebreds; it was for dogs like Zing! who were adopted from a pound.  We arrived just in time to see the “I’m so Ugly I’m Cute” competition. Tony thinks Zing! will be a star next year. Zing! and I have been to this park many times, and never have we seen such a crowd. Traffic was a challenge — we had to park on a side street several blocks away. Dogs rule!

Later today I checked my email and got this from my high school friend Susan, who will be visiting us in May. She said:

"I'm looking forward to it.  Cannot wait to meet Zing.  And, oh, it will be nice to see you, too.”

Zing! rules.

Zing is getting a manicure

The meeting I didn't attend

Written last night:
Dear Friends,

Yesterday I walked to a meeting about efforts to promote the arts in Sacramento. It was near where I live and I am interested in the subject. But I walked in and saw all these booths set up, and people in suits and with tired faces — it was 5:30 p.m., and they must have been working all day. This was a great meeting on a great topic  — and I didn’t have to be there. So I left. On the way home I walked through the rose garden, fully abloom in Capitol Park, and almost home I got a text inviting me to join my neighbor for a hamburger, and I said yes. That’s what being retired is.

Love,

k

This is the meeting I didn't attend

Don't forget to fly

I did like this bird I painted. It’s part of a piece inspired by a line in a poem by Al Young.

Love,

k

Don’t forget to fly

Magic photos

Rodney, Keith’s talented photographer-cousin, just sent me these great shots from Keith and Judy’s wedding. Dave and Rebecca at top, and Patrick and Steph at bottom. I have no idea what is going on in that dramatic moment!  Now, Rodney, can you please take my driver's license photo? 

Searching for wine in wine country

While Mary, Gretchen and I were in Napa last week my goal was to find a bottle that I like for $20 or less. Here’s a drawing of the winner (actually, the only $20 bottle we came across!), plus a practical skill that I learned from Gretchen. Thanks, Gretchen!

Love,

k

Life behind us ... mystery before us

Written last night:
Dear Friends,

It’s Patrick’s 33rd birthday, and I enjoyed it as thoroughly as a mother might — how great to make a chocolate cake and dinner of mac and cheese for him and Steph! And then to talk and laugh together — one simple day to stop and celebrate the life behind us and the mystery before us.

Love,

k

Abuzz with love

Written last night:

Dear Friends,

It’s been a whirlwind week or two — Last week we said goodbye to Rebecca and Dave, who stayed with us for the wedding, and they felt at home here, I am sure. Zing! and I could feel it. Keith and Judy are off to their honeymoon, and this morning Zing! and I hugged Mary and Gretchen goodbye, after their short visit from Ohio. Zing! warmed up to them immediately, and he even jumped into Mary’s lap instead of mine as soon as they met. (That’s OK, Zing! I love her too!) We spent two days in Napa, following Gretchen’s elegant tour guide. I’ll tell more later, but for now this is it. My head is happily abuzz from all the love we’ve shared. 

Love,

k

Zing! misses everyone

There's a wedding today

Dear Friends,

There’s a wedding today  (Keith and Judy!), and these flowers suit the mood.

Love,

k

Flowers

Acrylic on board

12" x 12" 

Flowers for now

There's a wedding coming up (my step-son Keith and Judy), and these flowers suit the mood.

Flowers
acrylic on board
12" x 12"